A.5.7 Mutual aid/assistance agreements between entities are an effective means to obtain resources and should be developed whenever possible. Mutual aid/assistance agreements should be in writing, be reviewed by legal counsel, be signed by a responsible official, define liability, and detail funding and cost arrangements. The term mutual aid/assistance agreement as used here includes cooperative assistance agreements, intergovernmental compacts, or other terms commonly used for the sharing of resources. Mutual aid/assistance agreements are the means for one entity to provide resources, facilities, services, and other required support to another entity during an incident. Each entity should be party to a mutual aid/assistance agreement (such as the Emergency Management Assistance Compact) with appropriate entities from which they expect to receive or to which they expect to provide assistance during an incident. This would normally include all neighboring or nearby entities, as well as relevant private sector and nongovernmental organizations. States should participate in interstate compacts and look to establish intrastate agreements that encompass all local entities. Mutual aid/assistance agreements are also needed with private organizations, such as the International Red Cross, to facilitate the timely delivery of private assistance at the appropriate entity level during incidents. At a minimum, mutual aid/assistance agreements should include the following elements or provisions: (1) Definitions of key terms used in the agreement (2) Roles and responsibilities of individual parties (3) Procedures for requesting and providing assistance (4) Procedures, authorities, and rules for payment, reimbursement, and allocation of costs (5) Notification procedures (6) Protocols for interoperable communications (7) Relationships with other agreements among entities (8) Workers compensation (9) Treatment of liability and immunity (10) Recognition of qualifications and certifications (11) Sharing agreements, as required. (NFPA 1600, 2007, p. 16; DHS, NRF, 2008, 38). Note: FEMA NIMS adds a 12th element (or provision) - Termination Clause. (FEMA 501/Draft), August 2007, p. 18