903.1 RESNET Oversight of Rating Quality Assurance Providers (QA Providers)
RESNET will be responsible for oversight of the work performed under these Standards by approved Rating Quality Assurance Providers.
903.1.1 RESNET General Oversight of Rating Quality Assurance Providers
903.1.1.1 RESNET shall accredit all Rating Quality Assurance Providers and maintain a national registry of accredited Rating Quality Assurance Providers;
903.1.1.2 RESNET shall review Rating Quality Assurance Providers’ applications to become accredited RESNET Rating Quality Assurance Providers and respond within 10 business days.
903.1.2 Ongoing Review of Rating Quality Assurance Provider QA Activities and Enhanced Quality Assurance REVIEWS Monitoring of QA Providers
903.1.2.1 RESNET is responsible for the implementation of the QA Review Checklist. RESNET shall review and approve any alternative formats in the current version of the QA Review Checklist before a Rating Provider is allowed to use any alternative formats for QA Reviews.
903.1.2.1.1 Alternative QA Review Checklist formats approved by RESNET shall meet the following requirements:
- All calculation formats match the most current version
- All applicable review items match the most current version
- All data fields are mapped correctly for transmission and storage to RESNET Buildings Registry
903.1.2.1.2 RESNET must maintain a data archive of all QA Reviews.
903.1.2.1.3 In the case of new required records retention or tracking item deemed by RESNET to be required which has not previously been communicated, notice of the new requirement shall be delivered to Rating Quality Assurance Providers at least 30 days prior to the quarter in which this tracking will be initiated. RESNET shall not require the item for the time frame prior to this notification.
903.1.2.2 Quality Assurance File Review. RESNET will centrally administer quality assurance review of ratings using data in the National RESNET Registry.
903.1.2.2.1 RESNET shall select a minimum of 25% of accredited QA Providers on an annual basis and conduct a more detailed review of their Quality Assurance process.
903.1.2.2.2 This QA review may be enhanced monitoring of QA Provider files and quality assurance process done remotely, an on-site field review, or any combination of these.
903.1.2.3 RESNET Staff shall conduct enhanced review of newly accredited Rating Quality Assurance Providers within twelve months of accreditation.
903.1.2.4 Every active accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider shall receive an enhanced review by RESNET staff no less than once every four years.
903.1.2.4.1 Records reviewed by RESNET either during a virtual meeting or following an infield visit may include, but are not limited to the following:
903.1.2.4.1.1 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s file review reports of findings submitted to Raters using the RESNET QA Review Checklist;
903.1.2.4.1.2 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s field review of rating results submitted to Raters using the RESNET QA Review Checklist;
903.1.2.4.1.3 Disclosure reporting;
903.1.2.4.1.4 Rating electronic files;
903.1.2.4.1.5 Photo and/or video documentation associated with rating files;
903.1.2.4.1.6 Rating quality assurance records including, but not limited to the following:
903.1.2.4.1.6.1 Photo and/or video documentation from on-site field reviews;
903.1.2.4.1.6.2 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s file review reports of findings submitted to Raters;
903.1.2.4.1.6.3 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s field review of rating results that show a comparison with original ratings selected for on-site QA review;
903.1.2.4.1.6.4 If remedial action is required, the Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s plan of action to correct for non-compliance with the RESNET Standards and results of any action taken;
903.1.2.4.1.6.5 Complaint files;
903.1.2.4.1.6.6 Rater agreements;
903.1.2.4.1.6.7 Rater registry;
903.1.2.4.1.6.8 Disclosure files;
903.1.2.4.1.6.9 Certification and Training documents.
903.1.2.5 Significant inconsistencies or errors in electronic records reviewed, including but not limited to those defined below, may result in an on-site review by RESNET.
903.1.2.5.1 Missing photo and/or video documentation
903.1.2.5.2 Inconsistencies or errors in file review reports
903.1.2.5.3 Incomplete or missing complaint files
903.1.2.5.4 Incomplete or missing disclosure files
903.1.2.5.5 Incomplete, inaccurate, or missing certification and training documents
903.1.2.5.6 To the extent RESNET makes any requested information public; it will do so only in an aggregated form
903.1.3 RESNET Disciplinary Actions Against a Rating Quality Assurance Provider
RESNET shall comply with the following due process procedures in considering any probation, suspension or revocation actions against an accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider.
903.1.3.1 Notification of Non-Compliance and Proposed Disciplinary Action
If RESNET determines at any time that a Rating Quality Assurance Provider has failed to adhere to the requirements set forth in these Standards, RESNET shall notify by email, or other method which provides evidence of delivery, the Rating Quality Assurance Provider and Primary Quality Assurance Designee of the non-compliance and decisions under this section. Notification shall include:
903.1.3.1.1 Entire basis and justification for the disciplinary action;
903.1.3.1.2 Applicable Corrective Action. Any applicable corrective action required to be taken no later than twenty (20) business days after the date set forth in such notification;
903.1.3.1.3. Proposed disciplinary action and its effective date, which shall be no less than fifteen (15) business days after the notification is delivered, no less than five (5) business days after any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures, and in any event no later than any corrective action required pursuant to Section 903.1.3.1.2 – Applicable Corrective Action; and
903.1.3.1.4 Clarification of the procedures as stipulated in this Standard and the Quality Assurance Provider’s right to a hearing under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures including the deadline and process for submitting a written challenge to the finding of non-compliance, proposed corrective action, and/or proposed disciplinary action pursuant to Section 911 – Hearing Procedures.
903.1.3.2 Disciplinary Action Options for Rating Quality Assurance Providers
Failure of a Rating Quality Assurance Provider to properly fulfill their responsibilities or an outcome of RESNET’s annual report, online review, on-site visit or complaint review as specified in these Standards may include one or more of the following actions by RESNET after satisfaction of the due process procedures set forth in Section 903.1.3 – RESNET Disciplinary Actions Against A Rating Quality Assurance Provider and Section 911 – Hearing Procedures of this chapter:
903.1.3.2.1 The QA Provider being placed in the disciplinary status of probation as set forth in Section 903.1.3.3 – Probation of Rating Quality Assurance Providers or suspension as set forth in Section 903.1.3.5 – Suspension or Revocation of Rating Quality Assurance Providers.
903.1.3.2.2 Revocation of the Accreditation of a Rating Quality Assurance Provider as set forth in Section 903.1.3.5 – Suspension or Revocation of Rating Quality Assurance Providers.
903.1.3.2.3 Removal of the QA Provider from the RESNET Directory of accredited Providers as set forth in Section 903.1.3.5 – Suspension or Revocation of Rating Quality Assurance providers;
903.1.3.2.4 At the Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s expense, further oversight by RESNET.
903.1.3.3 Probation of Rating Quality Assurance Providers
903.1.3.3.1 Administrative probation resulting from violations found through a QA Provider quality assurance process, RESNET quality assurance monitoring or through the RESNET complaint resolution process shall remain confidential between the Rating Quality Assurance Provider, the Provider's Primary QAD, and RESNET. These violations may include but are not limited to:
903.1.3.3.1.1 Failure to submit to RESNET any material information required to be submitted by the Rating Quality Assurance Provider, in
accordance with obtaining or maintaining accreditation;
903.1.3.3.1.2 Failure to make changes/updates to a Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s Policies and Procedures;
903.1.3.3.1.3 Failure to follow a Provider’s own Policies and Procedures
903.1.3.3.1.4 Failure to report a change in the status of any QAD to RESNET;
903.1.3.3.1.5 Failure to adhere to requirements for quality assurance of HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and RFIs, per RESNET Standards;
903.1.3.3.1.6 Failure to adhere to requirements for HERS Rater, HERS Modeler, and RFI certification and recertification;
903.1.3.3.1.7 Failure to enforce disciplinary action requirements for HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and RFIs having non-conforming QA results.
903.1.3.3.1.8 Failure to meet the requirements of RESNET programs, such as RESNET approved EEPs, for which the Rating Quality Assurance Provider submits rating files.
903.1.3.3.1.9 Failure to adhere to one or more administrative and documentation/reporting provisions of the RESNET Standards.
903.1.3.3.2 More serious compliance violations found through a Rating Quality Assurance Provider QA process, RESNET quality assurance monitoring or through the RESNET complaint resolution process shall result in disciplinary compliance probation. These violations may include but are not limited to:
903.1.3.3.2.1 Failure to correct the terms of a confidential administrative probation during the time period defined in the issuance of probation;
903.1.3.3.2.2 Failure to notify RESNET and/or replace a Primary QAD within the time frame required by these Standards;
903.1.3.3.2.3 Ethics or compliance complaint(s) investigated and validated by RESNET against a Rating Quality Assurance Provider;
903.1.3.3.2.4 Failure to follow Rating Quality Assurance Provider complaint resolution process and/or disciplinary procedures;
903.1.3.3.2.5 Allowing individuals who are not certified as Quality Assurance Designees by RESNET to perform Quality Assurance reviews;
903.1.3.3.2.6 Allowing QADs to conduct Quality Assurance on ratings for which the QAD performed any portion of the rating.
903.1.3.3.3 RESNET shall, at its discretion, make a final determination regarding the necessity of posting a disciplinary probation on the RESNET web site.
903.1.3.3.4 RESNET shall determine the length of administrative or disciplinary probation resulting from violations defined in this chapter not to exceed 12 months.
903.1.3.4 Right to Hearing
An accredited Rating Quality Assurance Provider has the right to challenge the finding of non-compliance, proposed corrective action, and/or proposed disciplinary action under this section pursuant to the Hearing Procedures in Section 911 – Hearing Procedures.
903.1.3.4.1 The effective date of a proposed disciplinary action under this Section shall be no less than fifteen (15) business days after the notification is delivered to the Quality Assurance Designee, no less than five (5) business days after any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures, and in any event no later than any corrective action required pursuant to Section 903.1.3.2 – Disciplinary Action Options for Rating Quality Assurance Providers. The Quality Assurance Designee shall be notified in writing of the result of any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures prior to the effective date of the disciplinary action.
903.1.3.4.2 Failure to maintain adequate knowledge of the RESNET Standards will not be considered a defense in the hearing process.
903.1.3.5 Suspension or Revocation of Rating Quality Assurance Providers
903.1.3.5.1 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider may have their accreditation suspended. RESNET shall determine the length of suspension not to exceed 12 months. These violations may include, but are not limited to:
903.1.3.5.1.1 A Provider has had more than one (1) Disciplinary Probation violation within a three-year period;
903.1.3.5.1.2 Failure to correct the terms of a Disciplinary Probation during the time period defined in the notice of probation:
903.1.3.5.1.3 Submission of false information to RESNET in accordance with obtaining or maintaining accreditation or certification;
903.1.3.5.1.4 Misrepresentation of any accreditation status in marketing materials, or services offered or provided, for which the Rating Quality Assurance Provider organization does not possess the appropriate RESNET accreditation or affiliated individuals do not possess the appropriate RESNET certification;
903.1.3.5.1.5 Knowingly registering fraudulent ratings to the RESNET Registry;
903.1.3.5.1.6 Willful Misconduct by Rating Quality Assurance Provider, defined as an intentional disregard of any provision of the RESNET Standards, which a Party knew or should have known if it was acting as a reasonable person, but shall not include any error of judgment or mistake made in good faith.
903.1.3.5.1.7 Violation of RESNET’s Whistle Blower Protection Policy as specified in Section 910 – RESNET Whistle Blower Protection Policy.
903.1.3.5.2 The Rating Quality Assurance Provider may have their accreditation revoked in any of the following circumstances:
903.1.3.5.2.1 A Rating Quality Assurance Provider has had more than one (1) suspension within a five-year period;
903.1.3.5.2.2 In the event that deficiencies stipulated in a notice of suspension have not been remedied within the period set forth in such notice;
903.1.3.5.2.3 Accredited Rating Quality Assurance Providers that elect not to renew or fail to meet renewal requirements;
903.1.3.5.2.4 Rating Quality Assurance Provider goes out of business;
903.1.3.5.2.5 Fraudulent Activity involving RESNET, including but not limited to:
903.1.3.5.2.5.1 Falsifying inspections;
903.1.3.5.2.5.2 Falsifying data, files reports, and any other documents;
903.1.3.5.2.5.3 Registering other program ratings, knowing that inspections were not completed as required by the program. For example: program required inspection(s) and/or checklist(s) were not completed, but the address was registered as ENERGY STAR qualified";
903.1.3.5.2.5.4 Knowingly allowing “non-certified” persons to perform inspections, testing, quality assurance, or ratings;
903.1.3.5.2.5.5 Knowingly allowing HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, or RFI’s to perform inspections, testing and/or ratings while on any RESNET disciplinary actions barring them from doing so;
903.1.3.5.2.5.6 Colluding with any Provider(s), such as other QA providers, software providers, etc. to by-pass RESNET requirements;
903.1.3.5.2.5.7 Colluding with other QA Provider(s) to fix pricing;
903.1.3.5.2.6 Non-payment per RESNET’s Fee Payment Policy for QA Providers;
903.1.3.5.2.7 Severe violation of the Code of Ethics;
903.1.3.5.3 RESNET shall remove the Rating Quality Assurance Provider from the appropriate RESNET Directory when accreditation is suspended or revoked.
903.1.3.5.4 RESNET shall prohibit the provider from uploading rating files to the RESNET Building Registry until the Provider successfully complies with the terms of the suspension or revocation. Any rating files uploaded by the Provider after it received the notification of non-compliance shall be removed from the RESNET Building Registry until the Provider successfully complies with the terms of the suspension or revocation.
903.1.3.5.5 RESNET shall post on its website Rating Quality Assurance Providers whose accreditation has been suspended or revoked. The Rating Quality Assurance Provider suspension or revocation listing shall be removed when they have successfully complied with the terms of the suspension or revocation, within five (5) business days of successfully resolving the issue.
903.1.3.5.6 RESNET shall electronically inform a Rating Quality Assurance Provider's known client(s), other accredited Providers, program administrators, rating software suppliers, Quality Assurance Designees, HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, Rating Field Inspectors, and any affected EEPs of the Rating Quality Assurance Provider's suspended or revoked status. To the extent feasible, the Rating Quality Assurance Provider and Quality Assurance Designees shall assist RESNET with notifications.
903.1.3.5.7 Prior to reinstatement, the Rating Quality Assurance Provider shall successfully resolve the issue(s) that resulted in the Rating Quality Assurance Provider being suspended or revoked and inform RESNET in writing as follows:
903.1.3.5.7.1 That the issue(s) has (have) been successfully resolved:
903.1.3.5.7.2 State the steps taken to resolve the issue(s);
903.1.3.5.7.3 State the steps that will be taken to prevent the issue(s) from occurring again in the future.
903.2 RESNET Oversight of Quality Assurance Designees (QADs)
RESNET will be responsible for oversight of the work performed under these Standards by certified approved Quality Assurance Designees.
903.2.1 RESNET GENERAL OVERSIGHT OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES
903.2.1.1 RESNET shall certify all Quality Assurance Designees and maintain a national registry of certified Quality Assurance Designees;
903.2.1.2 RESNET shall review QAD applications to become a certified QAD and respond within 10 business days.
903.2.2 RESNET DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST A QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEE
RESNET shall comply with the following due process procedures in considering any probation, suspension or revocation actions against a certified Quality Assurance Designee.
903.2.2.1 NOTIFICATION OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND PROPOSED DISCIPLINARY ACTION
If RESNET determines at any time that a Quality Assurance Designee has failed to adhere to the requirements set forth in these Standards, RESNET shall notify the Quality Assurance Designee and the Rating Quality Assurance Provider by email, or other method which provides evidence of delivery, of the non-compliance and proposed disciplinary action under this section. Notification shall include:
903.2.2.1.1 Entire basis and justification for the disciplinary action;
903.2.2.1.2 Corrective Action. Any applicable corrective action required to be taken no later than twenty (20) business days after the date set forth in such notification;
903.2.2.1.3 Proposed disciplinary action and its effective date, which shall be no less than fifteen (15) business days after the notification is delivered, no less than five (5) business days after any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures, and in any event no later than any corrective action required pursuant to Section 903.2.2.1.2 – Corrective Action; and
903.2.2.1.4 Clarification of the procedures as stipulated in this Standard and the Quality Assurance Designee’s right to a hearing under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures of this chapter, including the deadline and process for submitting a written challenge to the finding of non-compliance, proposed corrective action, and/or proposed disciplinary action pursuant to Section 911 – Hearing Procedures.
903.2.2.2 DISCIPLINARY ACTION OPTIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES
Failure of a Quality Assurance Designee to properly fulfill their responsibilities as specified in these Standards may include one or more of the following actions by RESNET after satisfaction of the due process procedures set forth in Section 903.2.2 – RESNET DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST A QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEE and Section 911 – Hearing Procedures of this chapter:
903.2.2.2.1 The QAD being placed on probation as set forth in Section 903.2.2.3 – PROBATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES or suspension as set forth in Section 903.2.2.4 – SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES;
903.2.2.2.2 Revocation of QAD certification as set forth in Section 903.2.2.4 – SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES;
903.2.2.2.3 Removal of the QAD from the RESNET Directory of certified QADs as set forth in Section 903.2.2.4 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES;
903.2.2.2.4 RESNET no longer recognizing the QAD as a HERS Rater;
903.2.2.2.5 At the Rating Quality Assurance Provider’s expense, further oversight by RESNET of the QAD and the Provider’s processes and procedures;
903.2.2.3 PROBATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES
903.2.2.3.1 Administrative probation resulting from violations defined in this chapter shall remain confidential between the QAD, Rating Quality Assurance Provider, and RESNET. RESNET shall determine the length of administrative probation not to exceed 12 months. These violations may include, but are not limited to:
903.2.2.3.1.1 Failure to submit to RESNET any material information required to be submitted by the Quality Assurance Designee, in accordance with obtaining and maintaining accreditation;
903.2.2.3.1.2 Failure to comply with a QA Provider’s Policies and Procedures as they pertain to Rater Quality Assurance outcomes and disciplinary tracking;
903.2.2.3.1.3 Failure by the Primary QAD to report a change in status of any QAD to RESNET;
903.2.2.3.1.4 Failure to adhere to requirements for quality assurance of HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and RFIs, such as RESNET Quality Assurance checklist, that causes a deficiency in the QA of one or more HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, or RFIs;
903.2.2.3.1.5 Failure to adhere to requirements to oversee HERS Rater, HERS Modeler, and RFI certification and recertification;
903.2.2.3.1.6 Failure to provide timely notification to RESNET regarding a Rating Quality Assurance Provider who fails to enforce corrective action requirements for HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, or RFIs having non-conforming QA results;
903.2.2.3.1.7 Failure to use the most recent version of RESNET Accredited Software within the prescribed time frame;
903.2.2.3.1.8 Failure to adhere to one or more administrative and documentation/reporting provisions of the RESNET Standards;
903.2.2.3.1.9 Failure of the Primary QAD to ensure the accuracy of a QA Provider’s Annual Report pertaining to the Field and File Quality Assurance reports and the records of QA findings, corrective action and discipline.
903.2.2.3.2 More serious compliance violations found through a Quality Assurance Designee’s QA process, RESNET quality assurance monitoring, or through the RESNET complaint resolution process shall result in disciplinary compliance probation. These violations may include but are not limited to:
903.2.2.3.2.1 Failure to correct the terms of a confidential administrative probation during the time period defined in the issuance of probation;
903.2.2.3.2.2 Intentional failure to report non-compliance of QA Providers, HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and/or RFIs to RESNET;
903.2.2.3.2.3 Ethics or compliance complaint(s) investigated and validated by RESNET against a Quality Assurance Designee;
903.2.2.3.2.4 Failure to follow complaint resolution process and/or disciplinary procedures;
903.2.2.3.2.5 Intentional failure to follow a Provider’s HERS Rater, HERS Modeler, and/or RFI Disciplinary procedures; or
903.2.2.3.2.6 Intentional failure to apply the appropriate RESNET Standards while performing QAD responsibilities.
903.2.2.3.3 RESNET shall, at its discretion, make a final determination regarding the necessity of posting a disciplinary probation resulting from violations on the RESNET web site.
903.2.2.3.4 RESNET shall determine the length of administrative or disciplinary probation resulting from violations defined in this chapter not to exceed 12 months.
903.2.2.4 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES
903.2.2.4.1 The Quality Assurance Designee may have their certification suspended. RESNET shall determine the length of suspension not to exceed 12 months. These violations may include, but are not limited to:
903.2.2.4.1.1 Quality Assurance Designee has had more than one (1) Disciplinary Probation violation within a three-year period;
903.2.2.4.1.2 Intentional failure to report significant non-compliance of QA Providers; QADs, HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and/or RFIs to RESNET;
903.2.2.4.1.3 Failure to correct the terms of a Disciplinary Probation during the time period defined in the notice of probation;
903.2.2.4.1.4 Failure to adhere to requirements for quality assurance of HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and/or RFIs that causes a major deficiency in the QA of one or more HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, and/or RFIs, such as falsifying records, or misrepresentation of qualifications for RESNET approved programs;
903.2.2.4.1.5 Submission of false information to RESNET in accordance with obtaining or maintaining certification of QADs, HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, or RFIs and/or accreditation of QA Providers;
903.2.2.4.1.6 Misrepresentation of any certification status in marketing materials, or services offered or provided, for which the QAD does not possess the appropriate RESNET accreditation or certification;
903.2.2.4.1.7 Knowingly registering fraudulent ratings to the RESNET Registry;
903.2.2.4.1.8 Willful misconduct by QAD, defined as an intentional disregard of any provision of the RESNET Standards, which a Party knew or should have known if it was acting as a reasonable person, but shall not include any error of judgement or mistake made in good faith; or
903.2.2.4.1.9 Violation of RESNET’s Whistle Blower Protection Policy as specified in Section 911 – RESNET Whistle Blower Protection Policy.
903.2.2.4.2 The Quality Assurance Designee may have their certification revoked in any of the following circumstances:
903.2.2.4.2.1 The Quality Assurance Designee has had more than one (1) Disciplinary Probation violation within a three year period;
903.2.2.4.2.2 In the event that deficiencies stipulated in a notice of suspension have not been remedied within the period set forth in such notice;
903.2.2.4.2.3 Quality Assurance Designee that elects not to renew or fail to meet renewal requirements;
903.2.2.4.2.4 Fraudulent Activity, including but not limited to:
903.2.2.4.2.4.1 Falsifying inspections;
903.2.2.4.2.4.2 Falsifying data, files reports, and any other documents;
903.2.2.4.2.4.3 Registering other program ratings, knowing that inspections were not completed as required by the program. For example: program required inspection(s) and/or checklist(s) were not completed, but the address was registered as ENERGY STAR qualified;
903.2.2.4.2.4.4 Intentionally allowing “non-certified” persons to perform modeling, inspections, testing, quality assurance, and/or ratings;
903.2.2.4.2.4.5 Intentionally allowing suspended or revoked HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, or RFI’s to perform modeling, inspections, testing and/or ratings while on any RESNET disciplinary actions barring them from doing so;
903.2.2.4.2.4.6 Colluding with any Provider(s), such as other QA providers, software providers, etc. to by-pass RESNET requirements;
903.2.2.4.2.4.7 Colluding with Provider(s) or other QAD(s) to price fix;
903.2.2.4.2.4.8 Severe violation of the Code of Ethics;
903.2.2.4.3 RESNET shall remove the Quality Assurance Designee from the appropriate RESNET Directory when certification is suspended or revoked.
903.2.2.4.4 RESNET shall post on its website, pending the results of any appeal, Quality Assurance Designees whose certification has been suspended or revoked. The Quality Assurance Designee’s suspension or revocation listing shall be removed when they have successfully complied with the terms of the suspension or revocation, within five (5) business days of successfully resolving the issue.
903.2.2.4.5 RESNET shall inform a Quality Assurance Designee’s known client(s), QA Providers, HERS Raters, HERS Modelers, Rating Field Inspectors, program administrators, rating software suppliers and any affected EEPs of a Quality Assurance Designee’s suspended or revoked status. To the extent feasible, the Quality Assurance Designee and QA Provider shall assist RESNET with notifications.
903.2.2.4.6 Revoked Quality Assurance Designees are eligible to re-apply to RESNET for certification after a period of 180 days unless their certification was revoked for fraud. Prior to reinstatement after suspension or revocation, the Quality Assurance Designee shall successfully resolve the issue(s) that resulted in the Quality Assurance Designee being suspended or revoked and inform RESNET in writing as follows:
903.2.2.4.6.1 That the issue(s) has(have) been successfully resolved;
903.2.2.4.6.2 State the steps taken to resolve the issue(s);
903.2.2.4.6.3 State the steps that will be taken to prevent the issue(s) from occurring again in the future.
903.2.2.5 RIGHT TO HEARING
A certified Quality Assurance Designee has the right to challenge the findings of non-compliance, proposed corrective action, and/or proposed disciplinary action under this Section pursuant to the Hearing Procedures in Section 911 – Hearing Procedures.
903.2.2.5.1 The effective date of a proposed disciplinary action under this Section shall be no less than fifteen (15) business days after the notification is delivered to the Quality Assurance Designee, no less than five (5) business days after any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures, and in any event no later than any corrective action required pursuant to Section 903.2.2.2 – DISCIPLINARY ACTION OPTIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE DESIGNEES. The Quality Assurance Designee shall be notified in writing of the result of any hearing on the proposed disciplinary action under Section 911 – Hearing Procedures prior to the effective date of the disciplinary action.
903.2.2.5.2 Failure to maintain adequate knowledge of the RESNET Standards will not be considered a defense in the hearing process.