The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has recently expressed concerns over what it calls "unfunded mandates" contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), NVFC Chairman Phillip C. Stittleburg sent a letter to FEMA Director R. David Paulison asking that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide funding for annual firefighter physical examinations if they are required as part of NIMS.

The NVFC is concerned that DHS is considering adopting a revised version of NFPA 1582: "Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments", which specifies that firefighters must undergo a physical examination every year, as a requirement for NIMS compliance.

The NVFC supports improving mechanisms for monitoring the health of emergency services personnel. However, without federal funding, implementation of revised NFPA 1582 will prove cost prohibitive for many fire departments, and virtually all of the volunteer fire service.

Ideally, the NVFC would like to see federal funding cover the costs of implementation of NFPA 1582. At the very least, provisions should be made so that fire departments that are unable to afford annual physical examinations for their firefighters can still participate in NIMS.