                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 2.2-4115)

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
		&#8220;Dispute resolution proceeding&#8221; means any structured process in
which a neutral assists parties to a dispute in reaching a voluntary settlement
by means of dispute resolution processes such as mediation, conciliation,
facilitation, partnering, fact-finding, neutral evaluation, use of ombudsmen or
any other proceeding leading to a voluntary settlement. For the purposes of this
chapter, the term &#8220;dispute resolution proceeding&#8221; does not include
arbitration.
		&#8220;Mediation&#8221; means a process in which a neutral facilitates
communication between the parties and without deciding the issues or imposing a
solution on the parties enables them to understand and resolve their dispute.
		&#8220;Mediation program&#8221; means a program of a public body through which
mediators or mediation is made available and includes the director, agents and
employees of the program.
		&#8220;Mediator&#8221; means a neutral who is an impartial third party
selected by agreement of the parties to a dispute to assist them in mediation.
		&#8220;Neutral&#8221; means an individual who is trained or experienced in
conducting dispute resolution proceedings and in providing dispute resolution
services.
		&#8220;Public body&#8221; means any legislative body; any authority, board,
bureau, commission, district or agency of the Commonwealth or any political
subdivision of the Commonwealth, including counties, cities and towns, city
councils, boards of supervisors, school boards, planning commissions, governing
boards of institutions of higher education; and other organizations,
corporations or agencies in the Commonwealth supported wholly or principally by
public funds. &#8220;Public body&#8221; includes any committee, subcommittee, or
other entity however designated, of the public body or formed to advise the
public body, including those with private sector or citizen members and
corporations organized by the Virginia Retirement System. For the purposes of
this chapter, the term &#8220;public body&#8221; does not include courts of the
Commonwealth.
		&#8220;State agency&#8221; or &#8220;agency&#8221; means any authority,
instrumentality, officer, board or other unit of state government empowered by
the basic laws to adopt regulations or decide cases. For the purposes of this
chapter, the term &#8220;state agency&#8221; does not include the courts of the
Commonwealth.

HISTORY: 2002, c. 633.