1. A. Every mediation firm that elects to participate in the hurricane mediation program shall:

   1. 1. contact the department within ten calendar days regarding any change involving its official name, contact information, municipal address, electronic mail address, telephone number, and mediation qualification status,
   2. 2. give written notice to the parties within five business days after receiving the mediation assignment,
   3. 3. set the matter for mediation to occur within 30 days from the date the mediation assignment is received,
   4. 4. conduct the mediation in accordance with the standards of professional conduct for mediation adopted by the American Bar Association pursuant to R.S. 9:4107,
   5. 5. establish and describe the mediation procedures to be followed,
   6. 6. conduct in-person mediations statewide in a metropolitan statistical area and at an office or business location to be selected by the mediation firm, and
   7. 7. provide advanced notification as needed to accommodate a party’s request to participate in the mediation remotely via telephone, video conference, or other similar electronic means.
2. B. Mediation firms may meet with the parties separately as needed to stimulate communications, promote meaningful negotiations, and to otherwise encourage settlement of the disputed claims.
3. C. Mediation sessions shall be conducted in accordance with the time limitations articulated in R.S. 22:2654(A)(10).

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 22:2, 22:11, 22:2651, et seq., and the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950, et seq.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Insurance, Office of the Commissioner, LR 49:901 (May 2023).