Reducing Public Health Risk The Need for Certification and Licensing

For the Purposes of This Talk Terms: Radon Certification and Licensure are similar and related… Certification – is usually done by a third party, non-profit organization, according to a set of consensus standards. Licensure – is a function of government, certifying a profession according to regulatory authority granted by a state’s legislature

Professional Certification and Certificate Program Professional certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition and use of a credential to an individual after verifying that he or she has attained requirement for proficiency A certificate is the result of a training or education event on a specialized topic for which participants receive a certificate after completing the course. Note: This is not to be confused with the commonly used "certificate of attendance" given at the completion of many continuing education courses to validate attendance.

1986: USEPA Started the Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) In 1989, EPA added the Radon Contractor Proficiency (RCP) Program, which had the required training and EPA examination. Shortly thereafter, they opened the Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program for Individuals. The entry requirement was the EPA Measurement Exam. 1995 – One Handbook For The Entire RPP

RPP Set Requirements Basic Requirements for: Entry Level Requirements for Mitigation and Measurement Demonstrated Proficiency In person proficiency – Measurement Hand On Components – Mitigation QA/QC – Calibration of Equipment

1998: US EPA discontinued RPP US EPA Established criteria to evaluate private certification. CRCPD Evaluated 2 Programs Deemed NRSB and NRPP equivalent to RPP Since then, no programs have been evaluated Today 14 – 17 States Have Licensing Programs HUD requires NRSP or NRPP for MF FHA Financing ____ States rely on NRSB or NRPP for examinations

Why Certification/Licensing Needed Uniform Requirements Protect U.S. Citizens from Radioactivity Known Training and Standards of Practice Third Party Examinations and Assessments Proof of Calibration to a known radon reference Ongoing Demonstrations of Proficiency

Certification vs. Certificate Results from Education Program Awarded by educators Indicates completion of course or series of courses Content may vary by instructor Usually listed on resume Snapshot in time No Further Requirements Is Not Revocable Certification Results from Assessment Process Awarded by 3rd party Indicates proficiency via known Assessment or examinations Designation Consensus standards or regulations Ongoing requirements – C.E. – Other Compliance/Oversight Is Revocable for Failure to Adhere Standards/Rules QuickBooks Certificate NRPP/NRSB/State Programs

Why Should Everyone Care On Line Courses and Stand Alone Courses Take the Course Pass our Quiz Become Certified Are being promoted as Equal to Original RPP Criteria No Formal Independent Assessment No Demonstrated Proficiency No Requirements for Continuing Education No Renewal Requirements No Revocation Provision 34 States are Non-regulated

Every Radon Measurement Tied To a Known National Reference Ongoing Certification QA requirements (whether Licensed or Agency based) Require Annual Device Calibration Tied to a National Reference Non-standard, fly by night certification programs devalue the profession’s reputation.

Credibility Tied To One Picture

Policy Vacuum No one is policing certification Needs list/Wish list: Current radon proficiency program criteria Definitive federal recognition of private proficiency programs consistent with the criteria (with authority to shut down rogue programs) State licensing inclusive of proficiency criteria All states require licensing/proficiency EPA oversight of proficiency in non-regulatory states Warning to the public about unqualified providers

Are We Serious About Radioactivity ? Devaluing Radon Credentialing/Licensure Is A Serious Threat to Professional Standing Public Health & Safety The Risk Reduction Brand Remember This Fact: A Majority of Radon related Lung Cancers Occur Between 2 and 4 pCi/L