220 R.I. Code R. 220-RICR-50-10-2.29
A Hearing Officer may offer to provide mediation to the Parties. In the alternative, the Hearing Officer may appoint another Hearing Officer to act as a mediator. In the discretion of the Hearing Officer and by agreement of the Parties, the Hearing Officer may informally meet with the parties together and/or separately in order to ascertain whether the Parties may reach a settlement of the matter. The Parties and the Hearing Officer may agree to the type of mediation services offered by the Hearing Officer. The Parties may agree in advance that if a settlement is not reached, the Hearing Officer will hear the matter. If the Parties agree in advance that if a settlement is not reached and the Hearing Officer can still hear the matter, a Party may not then argue that the Hearing Officer cannot hear the matter after a settlement has not been reached. The parties may agree in advance that a substitute Hearing Officer may be provided if after mediation, a resolution is not reached.
220 R.I. Code R. 220-RICR-50-10-2.29