Section 150. Orientation session

A. Once the mediator has been appointed, the board shall issue a referral to the mediator and the parties. This referral shall include a list of the information that the board, in its preliminary judgment, expects to use in making its final decision regarding the case. This list shall contain the caveat that the board may require other information as yet unspecified at some point in the future. All parties shall attend one orientation session with the mediator unless excused pursuant to subsection B of this section.

B. The board shall excuse a party from participation in the orientation session if, within 14 business days after issuance of the order of referral, a statement signed by the party is filed with the board. This statement shall declare that the mediation process has been explained to the party and that the party does not wish to participate in the orientation session.

C. The orientation session shall be conducted at any place within the Commonwealth of Virginia, at any time, and on any date convenient to the mediator and the parties.

D. At least seven business days before the orientation session, each party shall provide the mediator with a statement outlining his perspective on the facts and issues of the case. At the discretion of the mediator, these statements may be mutually exchanged by the parties.

E. During the orientation session, the parties, assisted by the mediator, shall determine the manner in which the issues in dispute shall be framed and addressed. In the absence of agreement by the parties, the mediator shall make this determination.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 17, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 21, eff. July 30, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1186.3 of the Code of Virginia.