Part III. Mediation Procedures
9VAC25-15-140. Appointment of mediator.
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.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1186.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 21, eff. July 30, 2015.
9VAC25-15-150. 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.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1186.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 21, eff. July 30, 2015.
9VAC25-15-160. Continuation, termination, and resolution of mediation.
A. Following the orientation session, mediation shall proceed in any manner agreed on by the parties and the mediator in conformance with the provisions of 9VAC25-15-50 through 9VAC25-15-80.
B. Mediation may be terminated through written notice by the permit applicant or the director at any time before settlement is reached.
C. Mediation shall continue if a party other than the permit applicant or the director chooses to opt out of mediation following the orientation session. A party who chooses to opt out of mediation at any time following the orientation session shall not be bound by any written settlement agreement resulting from the mediation but shall be bound by the cost provisions of 9VAC25-15-50 and the confidentiality provisions of 9VAC25-15-80.
D. If the mediation is terminated before settlement is reached, the parties shall resume the same status as before mediation and may proceed with the formal adjudication as if mediation had not taken place. The board shall not refer the case to mediation a second time.
E. If the mediation results in settlement, a written settlement agreement shall be signed and dated by each party or by that party's authorized representative.
Statutory Authority
§ 10.1-1186.3 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 21, eff. July 30, 2015.