Unless otherwise provided by the agreement or this act:

1. 1. The powers of the arbitrators may be exercised by a majority unless otherwise provided by the agreement or by this act.

2. 2.

   1. a. The arbitrators shall appoint a time and place for the hearing and cause notification to the parties to be served personally or by registered mail not less than five (5) days before the hearing. Appearance at the hearing waives such notice. The arbitrators may adjourn the hearing from time to time as necessary.

   2. b. The arbitrators shall postpone the hearing to a time not later than the date fixed by the agreement for making the award, unless the parties consent to a later date, upon any of the following:

      1. (1) request of a party and for good cause, (2) their own motion, , or(3) request of a party if the party or the party's attorney is a member of the Oklahoma Legislature when the Legislature is in session or if the party or the party's attorney is a member of the Oklahoma Senate when the Senate is sitting as a court of impeachment.
   3. c. The arbitrators may hear and determine the controversy upon the evidence produced notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear.
   4. d. The court on application may direct the arbitrators to proceed promptly with the hearing and determination of the controversy.
3. 3. The parties are entitled to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing.
4. 4. The hearing shall be conducted by all the arbitrators but a majority may determine any question and render a final award. If, during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator for any reason ceases to act, the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators appointed to act as neutrals may continue with the hearing and determination of the controversy.

Laws 1978, SB 627, c. 308, § 5, eff. October 1, 1978; Amended by Laws 2000, SB 1332, c. 380, § 5, eff. November 1, 2000 (superseded document available).