Virginia Law

A. Any person meeting the minimum qualifications of an arbitrator may submit an application on a form prescribed by the commission. An application fee of up to $500 may be required. The commission shall review the application within 30 days of receipt and notify the arbitrator of its decision.

B. An arbitrator approved by the commission shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Any professional license the arbitrator has is in good standing;

2. Training in the principles of arbitration or dispute resolution by an organization recognized by the commission;

3. Experience in matters related to medical or health care services;

4. Completion of any training made available to the applicants by the commission;

5. Experience in arbitration or dispute resolution; and

6. Any other information deemed relevant by the commission.

C. The applicant shall supply the following information to the commission as part of the application process:

1. Number of years of experience in arbitrations or dispute resolutions;

2. Number of years of experience engaging in the practice of medicine, law, or administration responsible for one or more of the following issues: health care billing disputes, carrier and provider or facility contract negotiations, health services coverage disputes, or other applicable experience;

3. The names of the health carriers for which the arbitrator has conducted arbitrations or dispute resolutions;

4. Membership in an association related to health care, arbitration or dispute resolutions and any association training related to health care or arbitration or dispute resolution;

5. A list of specific areas of expertise in which the applicant conducts arbitrations;

6. Fee to be charged for arbitration that shall reflect the total amount that will be charged by the proposed arbitrator, inclusive of indirect costs, administrative fees, and incidental expenses; and

7. Any other information deemed relevant by the commission.

D. Before accepting any appointment, an arbitrator shall disclose to the parties any potential conflict of interest that would adversely impact the arbitrator's independence and impartiality in rendering a decision in the arbitration. A conflict of interest may include (i) current or recent ownership or employment with any health carrier; (ii) current or recent ownership or employment with a physician, health care provider, or a health care facility; or (iii) having a material professional, familial, or financial conflict of interest with a party to the arbitration to which the arbitrator is assigned.

E. An arbitrator shall ensure that arbitrations are conducted within the specified timeframes and that required notices are provided in a timely manner.

F. The arbitrator shall maintain records and provide reports to the commission as requested in accordance with the requirements set out in § 38.2-3445.02 of the Code of Virginia and 14VAC5-405-40.

G. The commission shall immediately terminate the approval of an arbitrator who no longer meets the qualifications or requirements to serve as an arbitrator. Failure to disclose any known facts that a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration proceeding shall serve as potential grounds for termination.