ORS 183.502: Authority of agencies to use alternative means of dispute resolution; model rules; amendment of agreements and forms; agency alternative dispute resolution programs.

(1) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, agencies may use alternative means of dispute resolution in rulemaking proceedings, contested case proceedings, judicial proceedings in which the agency is a party, and any other decision-making process in which conflicts may arise. The alternative means of dispute resolution may be arbitration, mediation or any other collaborative problem-solving process designed to encourage parties to work together to develop mutually agreeable solutions to disputes. Use of alternative means of dispute resolution by an agency does not affect the application of ORS 192.311 to 192.478 to the agency, or the application of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 to the agency. (2) An agency that elects to utilize alternative means of dispute resolution shall inform and may consult with the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Department of Justice and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services in developing a policy or program for implementation of alternative means of dispute resolution. (3) The Attorney General, in consultation with the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, may develop for agencies model rules for the implementation of alternative means of dispute resolution. An agency may adopt all or part of the model rules by reference without complying with the rulemaking procedures of ORS 183.325 to 183.410. Notice of the adoption of all or part of the model rules must be filed by the agency with the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 183.355 for the filing of rules. (4) When an agency reviews the standard agreements, forms for contracts and forms for applying for grants or other assistance used by the agency, the agency shall determine whether the agreements and forms should be amended to authorize and encourage the use of alternative means of dispute resolution in disputes that arise under the agreement, contract or application. (5) The Department of Justice, the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Governor shall collaborate to increase the use of alternative dispute resolution to resolve disputes involving the State of Oregon by: (a) Assisting agencies to develop a policy for alternative means of dispute resolution; (b) Assisting agencies to develop or expand flexible and diverse agency programs that provide alternative means of dispute resolution; and (c) Providing assistance in the efficient and effective selection of mediators or facilitators. (6)(a) The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Justice shall work cooperatively in designing the program under ORS 36.179 that is intended to provide services to, apply to or involve any state agency. (b) The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Justice shall enter into an interagency agreement that includes, but is not limited to, provisions on appropriate roles, reporting requirements and coordination of services provided to state agencies by the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government pursuant to ORS 36.179. (c) Before providing dispute resolution services in a specific matter to a state agency under ORS 36.179, the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government shall notify the Department of Justice of any proposal to provide such services. (7) Agencies with alternative dispute resolution programs shall seek to identify cases appropriate for mediation and other means of alternative dispute resolution and to design systems and procedures to resolve those cases. (8) The purpose of the agency alternative dispute resolution programs is to: (a) Increase agency efficiency; (b) Increase public and agency satisfaction with the process and results of dispute resolution; and (c) Decrease the cost of resolving disputes. (9) An agency may use the services of an employee of another agency or of the federal government to serve as a mediator or facilitator, and may provide the services of an agency employee to another agency or to the federal government to serve as a mediator or facilitator. An agency may enter into an agreement with another agency or with the federal government to determine reimbursement for services of an employee acting as a mediator or facilitator under the provisions of this subsection. This subsection does not apply to mediation under ORS 243.650 to 243.809. [1993 c.647 §2; 1995 c.515 §2; 1997 c.706 §5; 1997 c.801 §42; 1997 c.837 §7; 2001 c.581 §2; 2003 c.791 §§27,27a; 2005 c.334 §§1,2; 2005 c.817 §6]