Opinion ID: 1712746
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: the mediator qualifications advisory panel

Text: Rule 10.900 (Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee) is a substantial rewrite of existing rule 10.300 (Mediator Qualifications Advisory Panel). The name of the advisory panel, which has been operating under the existing rule since July 1994, is changed to the Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee. The amendments are intended to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the advisory committee. Among the more significant changes are the amendments to subdivisions: (c), which adds a dependency mediator to the committee; (d), which allows the committee to meet by telephone conference; and (e), which requires that a majority of all members concur in any advisory opinion. Also of significance is the amendment to subdivision (g), which clarifies the confidential nature of requests for advisory opinions. Subdivision (g) extends the confidentiality requirement to requests for an opinion, including any reference to any real person, firm, organization, or corporation identified. The confidentiality amendment applies to all opinions ever issued by the advisory committee.