SECTION 227.1. Authority's Policy on the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Measures

(a) It is the Authority's policy to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve disputes internally and externally when it best serves the public interest as determined by the Executive Director after consultation with the Authority's Dispute Resolution Coordinator. ADR procedures are intended to supplement and not limit other dispute resolution procedures available for use by the Authority.

(b) The Authority adopts by reference the model guidelines for Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures developed by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (Model Guidelines). The Model Guidelines are located at the State Office of Administrative Hearings internet website: http://www.soah.state.tx.us/about-us/mediations/model_guidelines.asp

(c) The General Counsel is designated the Authority's Dispute Resolution Coordinator to provide training, to coordinate the implementation of the policy, to serve as a resource for any training needed to implement alternative dispute resolution procedures, and to collect data concerning the effectiveness of the implemented procedures.

Source Note: The provisions of this §227.1 adopted to be effective August 31, 2011, 36 TexReg 5382