Appraiser qualifications; conflicts of interest

A. To qualify as an appraiser, a person shall meet all of the following criteria: (1) Have at least three years of experience in the profession in which the person is licensed. (2) Have experience or training in estimating property damage. (3) Be any one of the following with an active license: (a) A professional engineer licensed pursuant to R.S. 37:681 et seq. or the laws of another state. (b) An architect licensed pursuant to R.S. 37:141 et seq. (c) An adjuster licensed pursuant to R.S. 22:1661 et seq. (d) A public adjuster licensed pursuant to R.S. 22:1691 et seq. (e) A general contractor licensed pursuant to R.S. 37:2150 et seq. B. A potential conflict of interest exists if any of the following apply to an appraiser: (1) The appraiser is a party to a lawsuit against the insurer. (2) The appraiser has any other direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, of any nature that substantially conflicts with the appraiser's duties. C. A disqualifying conflict of interest for an appraiser exists if any of the following apply: (1) The appraiser or a member of his immediate family is any of the following: (a) A party to the claim. (b) A current employee or contractor of a party. (c) A current employee of the adjuster or public adjuster, including business entity licensees, who adjusted the loss. (2) The appraiser is a party to a lawsuit against the insurer that is a party to the appraisal.