(a) An individual may request mediation through the Office of the Ombudsman in order to resolve issues related to HHS agency programs, processes, staff or facilities. Mediation should be requested through the Office of the Ombudsman when circumstances require assistance beyond the normal health and human services procedures. The Office of the Ombudsman may use informal means to facilitate settlement to disputes prior to employing formal mediation processes.
(b) Employees of HHS agencies may request mediation of grievances or other workplace conflicts.
(c) Employees of HHS agencies may request mediation of internal civil rights or administrative complaints. The Civil Rights Office may use informal means to facilitate settlement to disputes prior to referral to the formal mediation process. The Civil Rights Office will coordinate referral for formal mediation as appropriate.
(d) Either party to a contested case involving HHS agencies may request mediation.

Source Note: The provisions of this §394.3 adopted to be effective January 19, 2006, 31 TexReg 287