RadonReporter-Autumn 2019

The radon reporter / Autumn 2019 11 We l c ome t o A A R S T ! New Members Since July 2019 Angela Kay Gallus (MN) Brian Connolly (RI) Dave Helsel (OH) Denise Winder (MO) Gregory Miller (ME) Jordan Bryson (MO) Joseph L Broome (MD) Justin DeBoer (CO) Matthew Andrews (NY) Owen David (NH) Robert Richter (IL) Ronald Nowicki (CO) Sharon Odom (MO) Sheldwin Yazzie (NM) Alexey Alimov (KS) Ashley Dodson (MI) Brad Arthur (NY) Bryan Garrity (MA) Dan Steele (PA) Darren Verber (PA) Dennis P. Bird (MI) Deryle Holder (PA) Dominic Romagnoli (PA) Douglas Clark (AL) Edward A. Beauregard (MA) Jeff Davidson (WI) Joseph Bednarek (WI) Joshua Sayre (MI) Jowhar Shaffer (MI) Karen Froberg (NJ) Kelly Lehto (MI) Lynn Kaerwer (MD) Maria Moore (CO) Michael Stender (PA) Rhadshee Rowland (PA) Ryan Carver (PA) Steve Nokleby (KS) Tomas Persson (Sweden) Brian Scott Turner (VA) Deb Madsen (MN) Jacob Williams (ID) Jaryn McKnight (ID) Jeffery James (IL) Justin August Anlauf (VA) Michael Zitek (MN) Paul Pinkans (NY) Shelly Filliben (KS) Bret McLelland (CO) Dustin A. Enus (FL) Matthew David Gray (OH) Paige April Maples (FL) Understand the Rules First, NRPP does not process complaints from business associations or competitors and will not process complaints related to pricing or market activities. Second, NRPP will not review business or contractual disputes. If the infraction clearly involves contractual issues rather than a violation of protocols or NRPP policies, the aggrieved party is advised to seek legal remedies on a local basis. Third, in all cases, it is NRPP’s intent to resolve issues through a clear and concise exchange of information and discussion. It is hoped that this process allows the certified individual or facility to resolve the dispute and to learn from any infraction. Fourth, ethical considerations include, but are not limited to: • Any act of fraud, deception or dishonesty in connection with any activity related to NRPP; • Misrepresentation of credential status (including stating or implying that the individual certification covers the company); • Accepting payment for services but failing to reasonably provide those services in a timely manner; • Any other material and intentional misconduct, not otherwise listed above, which is detrimental to the image or reputation of NRPP. Finally, based on the severity of the Compliance Office findings, disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to suspension, revocation and restitution of listings or credentials, and sanctions such as additional education requirements and required quality assurance plans with audits for quality. Common Situations Perhaps you’ve been called on by a homeowner to look at a competitor’s substandard installation. While the client may be willing to pay you to fix the deficiencies, remember, if the homeowner wishes to file a complaint, the original installer must be given an opportunity to take corrective actions. In other words, once another mitigator corrects the deficiencies, the NRPP compliance office has no enforcement ability. An all-to-common issue occurs when a mitigator cuts corners and violates the standards in order to provide the cheapest price for a seller. In these cases, the mitigator may have the seller sign a “waiver” or “variance” from standard practice. Once the homebuyer can realize the standards weren’t followed, they file a complaint against the mitigator. Don’t forget - each NRPP Certified Professional signs the NRPP Code of Ethics document that includes the statement, “I agree to conduct business in accordance with the protocols and the quality assurance and quality control guidelines prescribed by the NRPP Certification Council. The list of standards currently approved by the Certification Council is available at https://nrpp.info/standards/. ” Having the seller sign a waiver does not relieve the mitigator of the requirement to adhere to the standards. The fact that the installation contract was with the seller, not the buyer, is no excuse. A complaint can be filed by an “aggrieved party,” and that includes the buyer. One can often avoid formal complaints to NRPP by making sure responses to customer concerns are promptly addressed. Clients get perturbed enough to file complaints when contractors are not responsive to their concerns. It is good practice for radon professionals to always make customer satisfaction their top priority. Remember, every NRPP Certified Individual agrees to the following: “As part of this ethics agreement for certification as a radon professional, I shall respond to complaint inquiries in a timely manner with professional courtesy to clients and for NRPP staff and committee members who have initiated the inquiry. I understand that non-responsive and abusive behavior and inappropriate language are not acceptable for complaint resolution.” Current State Licenses IMPORTANT: If you hold a current radon license in your state, as well as a current NRPP certification, NRPP must have a copy of your state radon license on file in order for you to have your listing displayed on the NRPP certified professionals website. When your license is renewed, log into the NRPP certification portal to upload a current copy, so that you continue to be listed on the NRPP website.