Section 46a-54-56a - Mandatory mediation sessions(a) After conducting the merit assessment review pursuant to section 46a-54-49 a of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and having determined that the complaint should proceed to investigation, the executive director or the executive director's designee may determine that a mandatory mediation session be conducted to promote the voluntary resolution of the complaint.(b) After the notice of the merit assessment review determination, the executive director or the executive director's designee shall determine if the complaint should proceed to mandatory mediation.(c) After the notice of the merit assessment review determination, the commission shall notify the respondent, the complainant and their attorneys that a mandatory mediation of the case will be held. The notice shall include the location, date and time of the mediation. The notice may also identify the investigator assigned to mediate the case.(d) For good cause shown, if any party to the complaint is unable to attend the mandatory mediation on the date scheduled, such party shall contact the investigator identified in the notice of mandatory mediation and the other party and offer alternative dates to the other party and the investigator for the investigator's consideration.(e) The commission may require the parties to bring information related to damages to the mandatory mediation. The parties shall provide the information requested.(f) The complainant is required to attend the mandatory mediation sessions. The complainant shall appear or send a representative who possesses authority to negotiate and bind the complainant to a resolution. The commission may dismiss a complaint if the complainant, after notice and without good cause shown, fails to attend a mandatory mediation session.(g) The person who is the respondent is required to attend the mandatory mediation sessions. The respondent shall appear or send a representative who possesses authority to negotiate and bind the respondent to a resolution. The executive director may enter a default order against a respondent if the respondent, after notice and without good cause shown, fails to attend a mandatory mediation session.(h) A mediator shall work with both the complainant and the respondent to try to resolve the matter. The mediator may recommend but can not order a resolution of the complaint.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 46a-54-56a
Adopted effective November 4, 2002