Section 131.59a. Voluntary mediation

(a) If all parties and the adjudicating judge agree, the adjudicating judge may conduct the voluntary mediation and may subsequently participate in a decision on the merits of the petition or petitions if they are not resolved amicably.

(b) Voluntary mediation activities conducted by judges are confidential.

(c) Subsections (a) and (b) supersede 1 Pa. Code § § 31.21—31.23, 35.111—35.116 and 35.188.

The provisions of this § 131.59a adopted October 16, 2009, effective October 17, 2009, 39 Pa.B. 6038.

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 131.59a issued under sections 401.1 and 435(a) and (c) of the Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P. S. § § 710 and 991(a) and (c)); section 2205 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 565); and section 414 of The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act (77 P. S. § 1514).

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 131.5 (relating to definitions).