OAR 738-140-0040: Rights of Parties and Opportunity for Hearing

(1) In addition to the information required to be given in writing under ORS 183.413(2) and 183.415(2) and (3), before commencement of a hearing, the agency shall inform a party, if the party is an agency, corporation, or an unincorporated association, that such party must be represented by an attorney licensed in Oregon, unless statutes applicable to the contested case proceeding specifically provide otherwise. This information may be given orally or in writing. (2) Unless otherwise precluded by law, the agency and the parties may agree to use alternative methods of dispute resolution in contested case matters. Such alternative methods of resolution may include arbitration or any collaborative method designed to encourage the agency and the parties to work together to develop a mutually agreeable solution, such as negotiation, mediation, use of a facilitator or a neutral fact-finder or settlement conferences, but may not include arbitration that is binding on the agency. (3) Final disposition of contested cases may be by a final order following hearing or, unless precluded by law, by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or final order by default. A stipulation, agreed settlement or consent order disposing of a contested case must be in writing and signed by the party or parties. By signing such an agreement, the party or parties waive the right to a contested case hearing and to judicial review. The agency shall incorporate the disposition into a final order. A copy of any final order incorporating an agreement must be delivered or mailed to each party and, if a party is represented by an attorney, to the party’s attorney.