SECTION 40.2. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) ADR--Alternative dispute resolution.

(2) Alternative dispute resolution procedure or ADR procedure--A nonjudicial and informally conducted forum for the voluntary settlement of contested matters through the intervention of an impartial third party.

(3) Alternative dispute resolution director or ADR director--The director of the agency office empowered by the commission to coordinate and oversee ADR procedures and mediators.

(4) Contested matter--A request for a license, permit, order, or other formal authorization from the commission that is opposed.

(5) Mediator--The person appointed by the ADR office director to preside over ADR proceedings regardless of which ADR method is used.

(6) Participant--The executive director, the public interest counsel, the applicant, and the persons who timely filed hearing requests which gave rise to the dispute or if parties have been named, the named parties.

(7) Private mediator--A person in the profession of mediation who is not a Texas state employee and who has met all the qualifications prescribed by Texas law for mediators.

Source Note: The provisions of this §40.2 adopted to be effective June 6, 1996, 21 TexReg 4726.