(a) If a protest or complaint meets minimum requirements, the department will docket the contested case and assign a docket number.
(b) The department will notify the contested case parties that a statutory stay under Occupations Code, §2301.803 is in effect.
(c) The department will assign a department mediator and notify the contested case parties. Within seven days of the department notice date, each party must either:
  (1) accept the assigned department mediator; or
  (2) decline the assigned department mediator and retain a private mediator and comply with the requirements of §224.90 of this title (relating to Mediation).

Source Note: The provisions of this §224.88 adopted to be effective June 1, 2024, 49 TexReg 2771