[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6696769,"mediaKeyId","5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1","parentId",5402453,"title","Subcommittee presses commission staff to clarify live-fire prerequisites and SCBA fit-test documentation","audioSeconds",462,"startMs",4002000,"endMs",4464000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1&start=4002&end=4464","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1/thumbnail_4002000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6696769/Tennessee/Subcommittee-presses-commission-staff-to-clarify-live-fire-prerequisites-and-SCBA-fit-test-documentation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696769-047761c7fb191fa3be8d64735e3e4ac4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775471764&Signature=bAmhuVXDmppb8ypRkk-tkXndBIhQ-ub2McIxFQfCH652O8lBlM07IgYUWjNwQGmduH5GtYTPY1AVx9GE~FFEa9Tws7SQqEe~esl~b~IfSiJ3r59iBJVU1WPOejwwSW0hVJ7mL0hGksFvSrOro7dOQfQL-94udUXl0Wwi3zBT4z5z669HPj97MjcGWae4lyLO8vtTaiVbFT-d73z3ljVJIAf~4ftL4wH1NfXTRWm6VV8qFVk7784mBHT4i9biXT-eReUIw4FkdT4l63gMvr4~OH28SS8opiDF3S7nuW8S~xt8O2FTHlYZeJzuxkhdHaJNyquy9gImpDp7tNC5WOXvoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Commerce & Insurance","date","2025-07-16T14:19:51Z","article","Subcommittee discussion turned to live-fire training events and what documentation hosts must maintain. Members emphasized that before permitting a student to participate in live-burn evolutions, hosts must have evidence that the student has completed prerequisite topics identified in NFPA 1403 (referred to in the transcript as \"14 o 3\") and that SCBA fit testing has been completed in accordance with OSHA 1910.134.

Regional coordinators reported the commission's current application instructions reference NFPA 1403 and OSHA 1910.134, but the form departments mail in for live-burn approval did not list all required documentation. David (regional coordinator) and others suggested adding a checklist or an attestation item to the Live Burn Training Request form so the host chief certifies that required prerequisites (for example: safety, fire behavior, PPE, ladders, hose/nozzle operations, ventilation, forcible entry, building construction) have been covered and that fit testing documentation exists.

Members discussed enforcement: the rule requires that certain documentation be maintained on site but does not require all items to be submitted to the commission office. Multiple attendees urged keeping attestation and roster requirements as part of the event approval process, and suggested the commission ask hosts to maintain records and add a signature block attesting compliance; staff agreed to add line items to the application and attestation forms. The subcommittee also discussed whether the commission should approve specific individuals as fit-testing entities or simply rely on host documentation.

Staff will update the live-burn application and attestation forms to include explicit references to NFPA 1403 topics and OSHA 1910.134 fit-testing verification and will circulate the changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","FFC Rules Subcommittee Meeting 7/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Members urged clearer documentation and attestation for live-burn events, including evidence that students met NFPA 1403 topics and OSHA 1910.134 fit testing; staff said the current attestation form and event application can be adjusted to add required items.","taxTitle","Commerce & Insurance, Deparments in Office of the Governor, Organizations, Executive, Tennessee","taxId",17379,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6696773,"Subcommittee debates 'two-week' application rule; staff told to draft flexible \"prior to examination\" language",604,1237000,1841000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1&start=1237&end=1841","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1/thumbnail_1237000.jpg","/articles/6696773/Tennessee/Subcommittee-debates-two-week-application-rule-staff-told-to-draft-flexible-prior-to-examination-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696773-eb3c3e454b7e0911d5d34faad3bddadf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775471764&Signature=RUn-bYUsKnVKnx-w~QI1jjkeT~FdSg-cjN3whInqg2rebdE~enFeGSl4PAQI1YoZTrtTPZ1hrEjx-E6RJ3zTLwHHbKfm9~bymmne9ViFHFNyvXiYuzNLds5Mhfe9xii3Go4XHYQ3NsMkAoCRdNAU36xOm1Laqd20GmnKdvcQTDlUpAhGmpSUJ85X-gMRk5hAoL~PLNIzl9Ysljd0z~eo4jnf1gXFPF-ob4xzTrxIU9VRBFg1Jp~SjLy9HZilEF6UfQ5PIm9QTRJpwwPN3bLypHjNymgQDOL6hqwW8xr~U2UtHiRxfSdc~9RKubJBxZEt0lK6l8s1qxZ7sPIGcFhdTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Subcommittee members debated a standing rule that requires applications for off-campus certification courses to be submitted a minimum of two weeks before the examination date. Training officers and regional coordinators urged removal of the fixed two-week rule, saying course rosters and course-completion documents frequently are not available until the week a class concludes.

A member proposed changing the rule phrase \"at the time of examination\" to \"prior to the time of examination\" and deleting the minimum two-week requirement. Supporters argued that this change would permit the commission office to set internal policy (for example a 48- or 72-hour cutoff or noon-on-Monday roster deadline) and provide flexibility when the office is understaffed, while still requiring that all supporting documentation be submitted before the test event. Staff said they could implement an internal policy that distinguishes between open testing events (which could retain a week or two notice) and end-of-class testing events (which frequently require same-week verification).

Members discussed specific operational exceptions, such as accreditation visits that reduce staff capacity, and considered a formal policy allowing the director to grant exceptions. The subcommittee directed staff to change the draft wording to use \"prior to the time of examination,\" remove the mandatory two-week phrasing, and return with a proposed internal policy describing reasonable cutoffs and exception processes.","Members considered removing a strict two-week submission deadline for off-campus course applications and replacing it with a 'prior to examination' standard to give staff policy flexibility; discussion included possible 48–72 hour operational cutoffs and exceptions for accreditation weeks.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6696777,"Subcommittee proposes swapping 'practical' tests for 'project' submissions in several certifications",198,2847000,3045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1&start=2847&end=3045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1/thumbnail_2847000.jpg","/articles/6696777/Tennessee/Subcommittee-proposes-swapping-practical-tests-for-project-submissions-in-several-certifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696777-60be8249718438dfd3da3bfa2b61ad1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775471764&Signature=HIcO5fuGhPsRK9dk8Tn8EkOAUYfDXfFS3Zm4J6T0rigfhTk--gJSegwuBk7Yo5d6gqGxeZw45nMSFBco8QaHhseiqva4QWp2YAANHo1P3W2GG1OWz0zefBVk1jo9eheYnow-MgA5nxvqQ6R-Kkr~8gRLxmPu9LWB013YUrWWu6pxS49EtLjrHHHnEDQN0cqOxvCwoQPL8EcHz3T4W96VLA8rK~3xBNZ7w1I-eousne-4bsK4~RT6X9RRuDYhlAtZibNAAoTH--CVuT6a5VJGy8MfFR1OSUKw~et0VNRgH~tRDdmoe3Ru6MhLaiX90jEZq6uAigEuvM3uaWTJC6MPQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee discussed replacing language that currently requires on-site, proctored \"practical\" examinations with the word \"project\" for a list of certifications, including the officer series, fire inspector, firefighter instructor and several technical certificates.

Staff and regional coordinators explained the operational difference: a \"practical\" is an in-person, proctored skills test evaluated live; a \"project\" or task-book is completed by the candidate off-site (often at the workplace) and then submitted for review. Todd (regional coordinator) said converting certain assessments to projects would relieve scheduling pressure and allow candidates to complete 100 percent of required skills in a single project submission rather than random, proctored skill evolutions.

Several commissioners and attendees stressed accreditation risks. Subcommittee members noted that accrediting bodies and Pro Board expectations require validation and positive control of the testing environment for some practical skills. The subcommittee discussed two implementation options: (1) require candidates doing projects to submit through a standardized course-approval process and limit who may grade projects (approved evaluators/proctors), or (2) centralize practical administration at commission testing events. Members asked staff to draft a policy that defines which certifications may use projects, what constitutes an acceptable project submission, and what additional proctor/evaluator approvals are required.

The subcommittee instructed staff to add \"project\" language wherever credential descriptions currently mention \"practical\" and to specify in the redlines that projects will be evaluated according to adopted performance standards and accreditor requirements. Staff will circulate updated language for the full packet.","Members agreed to add the term \"project\" alongside or in place of \"practical\" for certain certifications, a change that would allow coordinators to issue project-style assessments (task books/portfolios) rather than on-site proctored practicals in some cases; members flagged accreditation and validity implications.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6696782,"Fire commission subcommittee moves to remove enumerated NFPA citations from chapters 3 and 4",5591,47000,5638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1&start=47&end=5638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1/thumbnail_47000.jpg","/articles/6696782/Tennessee/Fire-commission-subcommittee-moves-to-remove-enumerated-NFPA-citations-from-chapters-3-and-4","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696782-5fe55f99e2392f6ee39df0e6439df512/orig.mp4?Expires=1775471764&Signature=Zt1UEC3llN6fSzuDUKfcmHKphwzYMW1wEI1LhsIwpr4UkQEsjJjBYVS~-Iqo98pYJQlreJ6QmRO8TD2r2-SfTKzEwzZB3Yjws3TgaKHF6HM4ixFNBS-sXtXE~KeTM2F9K91Tv2r2eo7XRqcl~NwLVXi5XOKFZ-aQEyzbIGKWJ5rfwPzDPFbmQ9eIqe6nzkATyrXEoqpQbikPQamiZpUMreg9obEbWfjPoAkK7-Tuh0mxsalCtY8yN1IEYkdDycXLOsv9jPTnLZZlObDBJyGFUsawKXW5W~mZxsHTExX~E3XRAdp-4Zlosdg5Haeyb5wcoXzg9dl6AamC1Jew099LQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel and Standards rule subcommittee reviewed and preliminarily approved language to remove enumerated references to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in chapters 3 and 4 of the draft rules and replace them with directory language pointing readers to chapter 6 and the Tennessee Code Annotated.

Vice Chairman Bill Scott said the draft redline removes specific NFPA citations and instead directs users to chapter 6, which will list the NFPA performance standards; the change mirrors wording used in prior rule changes. Subcommittee members repeatedly asked staff to use a directory or cross-reference to chapter 6 and to avoid embedding long enumerations of standards in each chapter.

The subcommittee discussed whether removing the explicit NFPA enumerations would create contradictions elsewhere in the draft rules. Staff said the cross-reference approach is intended to reduce inconsistent references when standards are updated and to keep chapter text shorter and clearer. Committee members instructed staff to remove enumerated NFPA references where they appear and use the directory language instead; Heather (staff) and Todd (regional coordinator) agreed to implement the redline edits.

The change is procedural: it does not alter which NFPA standards the commission expects providers to follow, but where the standards are enumerated in the code text. Members flagged timing concerns because some NFPA standards (for example NFPA 1403 on live fire training) are in the process of being revised; the cross-reference will make it easier to update a single chapter later.

Next steps: staff will replace enumerated NFPA citations in chapters 3 and 4 with the agreed directory language pointing to chapter 6 and the Tennessee Code Annotated, circulate updated redlines to the subcommittee, and include the edits in the rulemaking packet for the full commission to consider.","The rule subcommittee reviewed proposed redlines to remove repeated, chapter-specific National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) enumerations and replace them with directory language pointing readers to chapter 6 and the Tennessee Code Annotated.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6696765,"Subcommittee weighs continuing waiting periods between advanced certifications; leans to keep narrow waits",3650,6317000,9967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1&start=6317&end=9967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402453-1035e2b77ce036c0f6bead0d597582a1/thumbnail_6317000.jpg","/articles/6696765/Tennessee/Subcommittee-weighs-continuing-waiting-periods-between-advanced-certifications-leans-to-keep-narrow-waits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696765-c8f83f8ff91f4f84b22a19888c4698a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775471764&Signature=cbAqvnxPLPsebar1E1zOX3DROaLCMk7N7IiGoRHh~EPIvSxvnXGZUuue2naJ~pBTBn2Za-tnrONPmB5lQ-PoeLLnpFyAnHoW5x~iw8XFSDfm45enO8s7Iu0nJrKnqlPSYBXuDGObxuasLMIOkDYoN5jQz5n6WUmh9DgrY8qGWXzuPIil5KDXLnC8JcnYfzkm5LgXqpwaiTeVqFl~LDigcpk6TrUrEX0QTVZSRvfzKrAleDMdb8DU6Gsj2pykh3MITVlfDgYwLvNbzzmXiyVkMDykANSnfX-YJmAzQEI76YOWiSOGJh1nOF-FSNGt9Ua0u3~36MZ~FmM1bke~8aW75g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee considered whether to retain waiting periods between certification levels. Commissioners and stakeholders offered competing views: many training officers opposed statewide time-based progression requirements and said departments prefer local career-development plans; several chiefs and commissioners argued for minimum experience windows before advancing to higher, leadership-focused certifications.

Vice Chairman Bill Scott had circulated a proposed progression schedule (HMA/HMO/Firefighter 1/2 with no wait, one-year waits for some driver/operator and officer steps, and a three-year wait for Fire Instructor I). Some commissioners and chiefs urged keeping a three‑year separation for instructor certification to ensure candidates have adequate experience; others urged eliminating most mandated waits (today many progressions have a 30‑day mandated wait) and relying on local departmental controls and waivers.

After extended discussion, the subcommittee generally agreed to remove routine 30-day waiting periods between entry-level certifications (HMA, HMO, Firefighter 1 and 2) and to keep a three-year waiting period tied to a certification date for Fire Instructor I (staff to decide whether the three years count from the entry-to-service date or from the issuance date of a prior certification). Staff was directed to prepare redlines that: (1) remove most 30-day waits, (2) keep a three-year instructor threshold, and (3) include a waiver process for exceptional cases (for example, career hires or promotion needs). The commission will solicit public comments during the formal rulemaking period.","Members heard widespread input from chiefs and training officers and debated removing most 30-day waits while retaining a multi-year separation for instructor certification; staff will draft redlines that remove routine waits and keep a three‑year instructor threshold tied to a certification date.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Subcommittee presses commission staff to clarify live-fire prerequisites and SCBA fit-test documentation

Subcommittee debates 'two-week' application rule; staff told to draft flexible "prior to examination" language

Subcommittee proposes swapping 'practical' tests for 'project' submissions in several certifications

Fire commission subcommittee moves to remove enumerated NFPA citations from chapters 3 and 4

Subcommittee weighs continuing waiting periods between advanced certifications; leans to keep narrow waits