1. (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.
2. (b) Voluntary mediation activities conducted by judges are confidential.
3. (c) Subsections (a) and (b) supersede 1 Pa. Code § § 31.21—31.23, 35.111—35.116 and 35.188.

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).

Source

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

Cross References

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