1. (a) The arbitrator will render the arbitration award promptly in writing. The arbitrator will forward copies of the award to each of the parties and to the commissioner, together with the arbitrator's bill for fees and expenses.

2. (b) When an arbitrator understands, prior to acceptance of appointment, that a bench decision is expected at the conclusion of the hearing or that a concise written award is expected shortly after the hearing, the arbitrator must comply with the understanding unless both parties agree otherwise, or unless:

   1. (1) Notice of the parties' desire for a bench decision is not given prior to the arbitrator's acceptance of the case, thus making the issuance of such a bench decision discretionary;
   2. (2) Only one party makes the request and the other objects, in which case the arbitrator should not render a bench decision.

History Note: Authority G.S. 95‑36.3;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 22, 2018.