Section 140. Appointment of mediator

Part III. Mediation Procedures

A. If the director has decided that mediation is appropriate, any party may nominate a mediator.

B. If all parties agree with the nomination, the director shall appoint that person the mediator for the case and shall notify the parties accordingly.

C. If all parties do not agree with the nomination, the following procedure shall apply:

1. By a date specified by the director, each party shall name up to three mediators who would be acceptable to that party. These mediators may or may not have resumes on file with the department.

2. The director shall compile a list of the names submitted and send it to the parties.

3. Upon receipt of the list, each party may strike two names and return the list to the director within 14 business days following the date on which the list was mailed.

4. On the next business day after the 14-day period expires or as soon as practicable thereafter, the director shall appoint a mediator from the remaining list of names and shall notify the parties accordingly.

D. Once the mediator is appointed, the director shall send the mediator an acceptance form to sign and return. The acceptance form shall require the mediator to append his signature to the following statements:

1. That the mediator agrees to abide by the applicable dispute resolution and mediation statutes, regulations, and ethical standards;

2. That the mediator agrees to attempt to complete the mediation within 60 business days from the date of his appointment; and

3. That the mediator foresees no potential conflict of interest in agreeing to mediate the case. A determination of conflict of interest shall be made by the director or board on a case-by-case basis.

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.