(1) Before accepting a mediation, an individual who is requested to serve as a mediator shall:

Terms Used In Washington Code 7.07.080

  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
(a) Make an inquiry that is reasonable under the circumstances to determine whether there are any known facts that a reasonable individual would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the mediator, including a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the mediation and an existing or past relationship with a mediation party or foreseeable participant in the mediation; and
(b) Disclose any such known fact to the mediation parties as soon as is practical before accepting a mediation.
(2) If a mediator learns any fact described in subsection (1)(a) of this section after accepting a mediation, the mediator shall disclose it as soon as is practicable.
(3) At the request of a mediation party, an individual who is requested to serve as a mediator shall disclose the mediator’s qualifications to mediate a dispute.
(4) A person that violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section is precluded by the violation from asserting a privilege under RCW 7.07.030.
(5) Subsections (1) through (3) of this section do not apply to an individual acting as a judge.
(6) This chapter does not require that a mediator have a special qualification by background or profession.