19-13A-3. Scope.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) or (c), this chapter applies to a mediation in which:

(1)    the mediation parties are required to mediate by statute or court or administrative agency rule or referred to mediation by a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator;

(2)    the mediation parties and the mediator agree to mediate in a record that demonstrates an expectation that mediation communications will be privileged against disclosure; or

(3)    the mediation parties use as a mediator an individual who holds himself or herself out as a mediator or the mediation is provided by a person that holds itself out as providing mediation.

(b) The chapter does not apply to a mediation:

(1)    relating to the establishment, negotiation, administration, or termination of a collective bargaining relationship;

(2)    relating to a dispute that is pending under or is part of the processes established by a collective bargaining agreement, except that the chapter applies to a mediation arising out of a dispute that has been filed with an administrative agency or court;

(3)    conducted by a judge who might make a ruling on the case; or

(4)    conducted under the auspices of:

(A)    a primary or secondary school if all the parties are students or

(B)    a correctional institution for youths if all the parties are residents of that institution.

(c) If the parties agree in advance in a signed record, or a record of proceeding reflects agreement by the parties, that all or part of a mediation is not privileged, the privileges under §§ 19-13A-4 to 19-13A-6, inclusive, do not apply to the mediation or part agreed upon. However, §§ 19-13A-4 to 19-13A-6, inclusive, apply to a mediation communication made by a person that has not received actual notice of the agreement before the communication is made.

Source: SL 2008, ch 286 (Supreme Court Rule 07-07), eff. Jan. 1, 2008.