OAR 137-003-0015: Use of Collaborative Dispute Resolution in Contested Cases Hearing

(1) When an agency issues a contested case notice, the agency and a party may agree to participate in a collaborative dispute resolution (DR) process to resolve any issues relevant to the notice. Neither the party’s request, nor any agreement by the agency, to participate in such a process tolls the period for filing a timely request for a contested case hearing. (2) If the agency agrees to participate in a collaborative DR process, the agency may establish a deadline for the conclusion of the process. (3) The agency and the party may sign an agreement containing any of the provisions listed in OAR 137-005-0030 or such other terms as may be useful to further the collaborative DR process. (4) If the agency has agreed to participate in a collaborative DR process and the party makes a timely request for a contested case hearing: (a) The hearing shall be suspended until the collaborative DR process is completed, the agency or the party opts out of the collaborative DR process, or the deadline, if any, for the conclusion of the collaborative process is reached. (b) The agency shall proceed to schedule the contested case hearing if the collaborative DR process terminates without settlement of the contested case, unless the party withdraws the hearing request. (5) Any informal disposition of the contested case shall be consistent with ORS 183.417(3) and OAR 137-003-0002(3).