Section 130. Referral of disputes to dispute resolution

A. The board, consistent with the provisions of 9VAC25-15-40 G, may refer a dispute to dispute resolution.

B. A party other than the board may request dispute resolution by applying to the director.

1. The application shall contain the following:

a. A request for dispute resolution, specifying mediation or another dispute resolution procedure;

b. The names, postal addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses, or other appropriate communication addresses or numbers of all known parties to the dispute and of their attorneys, if known; and

c. A statement of issues and a summary of the basis for the dispute.

2. Filing an application constitutes consent to referral of the dispute to dispute resolution.

3. Filing an application shall not stay any proceeding and shall have no effect on any procedural or substantive right of any party to the dispute.

4. Under normal circumstances, within 14 business days of the receipt of an application from a party requesting dispute resolution, the director shall review the application to determine if the dispute is suitable for dispute resolution, shall decide which form of dispute resolution is appropriate, and shall notify the parties in writing accordingly.

5. If the director has decided that mediation is appropriate, the provisions of Part III (9VAC25-15-140 et seq.) of this chapter shall apply.

6. If the director has decided that a dispute resolution proceeding other than mediation is appropriate, the director shall specify what that proceeding is. The appointment of the neutral for this proceeding shall follow the procedure for the appointment of a mediator as specified in 9VAC25-15-140. The parties and the neutral shall determine the appropriate procedures for conducting this dispute resolution proceeding.

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.