 |
Oklahoma Administrative Code (Last Updated: March 11, 2021) |
 |
TITLE 810. Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission |
|
Chapter 10. Practice and Procedure |
|
Subchapter 3. Informal Dispute Resolution Processes |
SECTION 810:10-3-10. Confidentiality of proceedings; attendance
Latest version.
- (a) Mediation sessions are private and shall not be recorded or transcribed in any way. Those in attendance may take notes during the mediation but all notes shall be collected by the mediator at the end of each session and held in a confidential file until the mediation process is completed. When the mediation process is completed, whether or not an agreement is reached, all notes and other writings produced while a mediation is in session, except the written agreement or memorandum of understanding, shall be destroyed.(b) The parties and one representative for each party may attend mediation sessions. The claimant shall be in attendance, unless all parties agree otherwise. A claimant may participate in mediation without counsel. Other persons may attend only with the consent of all parties and the mediator. Non-parties to the claim shall be advised by the mediator regarding confidentiality and are not allowed to participate in the mediation, but may confer privately with their sponsoring party. All persons attending a mediation session shall respect and maintain the total confidentiality of the session. Attendance at a mediation session shall be in person, except as otherwise authorized in advance by the assigned Administrative Law Judge, if any, or by agreement of the parties and the mediator.(c) Evidence of statements made and conduct occurring in a mediation conference shall not be subject to discovery and shall be inadmissible in any proceeding in the action or other actions on the same claim. However, no evidence otherwise discoverable shall be inadmissible merely because it is presented or discussed in a mediation conference.(d) No mediator shall be compelled to testify or produce evidence concerning statements made and conduct occurring in a mediation conference in any civil proceeding for any purpose, except for proceedings of the State Bar Association, disciplinary proceedings of any agency established to enforce standards of conduct for mediators, and proceedings to enforce laws concerning juvenile or elder care.(e) Statistical information regarding use of mediation in workers' compensation is subject to public disclosure.