Section 41.141. Voluntary mediation

(a) Upon request by the parties, the Bureau may stay a provider appeal commenced by a request for hearing for up to 120 days to allow the parties to utilize voluntary mediation services through the Office of General Counsel Mediation Program.

(b) The parties shall file their request for stay with the Bureau at least 14 days before initiation of hearings by the Bureau.

(c) At the end of the initial stay, the parties shall jointly file a statement that sets forth the status of mediation activities conducted. The parties may request an additional stay if necessary to complete the mediation process.

(d) The grant of an additional stay for mediation is in the Bureau’s discretion and the Bureau may impose limitations the Bureau deems appropriate.

(e) A party’s participation in voluntary mediation may not be used as evidence in a proceeding before the Bureau.

(f) Communications between the parties during the mediation period shall be regarded as offers of settlement and are neither discoverable nor admissible as evidence in a proceeding before the Bureau.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 55 Pa. Code § 41.92 (relating to expedited disposition for certain appeals).