Bulletins 02/19/12

Imaging group recognized

The American College of Radiology has designated Imaging Associates of Providence’s Mat-Su Trunk Road location as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.” Nationwide, less than 10 percent of certified breast imaging centers have this distinction. IAP is one of only two imaging centers in Alaska to have it. IAP underwent a rigorous review of personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance, and quality control procedures to qualify. The designation also confirms that IAP’s facility is fully accredited in mammography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.

Made in Alaska survey open

The state Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development invites Alaska retail businesses to complete the 2012 Made in Alaska survey of permit holders, retailers and wholesalers. The purpose of the survey is to determine the program’s impact on Alaska businesses, gain insights into the challenges faced by permit holders and to improve the program. Established in 1993, the program identifies and promotes products manufactured or crafted in Alaska, ranging from small gift items to large industrial goods. Products meeting program criteria are eligible to use the logo. Links to the survey are located at www.madeinalaska.org. Surveys are open through March 2.

Alaska settles with NCO Financial

The state of Alaska has joined 18 other states in reaching a settlement with debt collector NCO Financial Systems Inc., resolving allegations of deceptive and unfair debt collection practices. NCOF has agreed to pay $575,000 to the states for consumer protection enforcement and education efforts. Alaska’s share is $26,562. Additionally, consumer restitution will be available for three years following the effective date of the agreement. NCOF will set aside a total of $950,000, or $50,000 for each of the 19 participating states, to refund consumers who have valid claims that meet certain criteria. Alaska consumers who believe they have a valid claim for restitution should file a consumer complaint form with the Consumer Protection Unit of the Alaska Attorney General’s Office before February 2015. Consumers can contact the Consumer Protection Unit by calling (907) 269-5200, or outside of Anchorage, 1-888-576-2529, or by email to consumerprotection@alaska.gov.

Camp Fire partners with Thrive Foundation

As part of Camp Fire USA’s new partnership with the Thrive Foundation for Youth, the Alaska Council has been selected to be one of 10 pilot councils nationwide to initially implement the Step-It-Up-2-Thrive theory of youth change. The program offers research-based techniques to help young people learn strategies to discover their inner motivational passions that catalyze personal growth. Over the next four years, Camp Fire plans to implement the program into 100 percent of its councils. Camp Fire USA Alaska Council will use the grant funding to provide all program staff with special training in the theory of change, to embed the theory of change model in all its programs and to create and maintain new opportunities for children who have aged out of Camp Fire’s before and after school programs. That will include efforts to increase and retain participation of youth and opportunities for middle school children to volunteer with Camp Fire programs and to work as program aides. The hope is to close the gap of service that currently exists for these age groups and to provide training and mentoring to youth who may eventually become Camp Fire program delivery staff.

BP Alaska’s facilities OK’d for AKOSH

Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Click Bishop approved BP Exploration Alaska Inc. Central Gas Facility and Central Compression Plant for the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Voluntary Protection Program at the Star level to signify a tremendous achievement in occupational safety and health. As a VPP Star recipient, these two BP gas plants won’t be subject to random enforcement inspections for two years. Enforcement regulations remain in effect, however, and cases of employee complaints, accident investigations or other significant incidents will result in an enforcement inspection. The VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management through a cooperative program between a company’s management, employees and AKOSH. There are 13 sites in Alaska with the AKOSH VPP designation.

Spruce Park receives achievement award

Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Click Bishop approved Spruce Park Auto Body Inc. for the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program renewal as a result of outstanding employee safety and health programs. SHARP is a federal recognition program, administered by the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Section in the department’s Labor Standards and Safety Division. Participating employers are excused from programmed AKOSH enforcement inspections during the recognition period. However, employee complaints, accident investigations or other significant incidents will result in enforcement action.