Early Discussion and Resolution Process:

Adverse Healthcare Incident Mediation Training 

Recent Updates:

• OPSC Opens Qualified Mediator List 
• Required Orientation Video Available
• Training Slots Filling Up – Register Now

Location: Oregon Medical Association

The Oregon Mediation Association, the ADR Section of the Oregon State Bar, and the Oregon Patient Safety Commission are sponsoring a two-day, 16-hour training to orient mediators to Oregon’s landmark new law that supports the early discussion and resolution of adverse healthcare events. Participants will be trained on the subject matter, which is a requirement for those seeking to be on the Commission’s roster of qualified mediators. This is the country’s first statewide effort of its nature, providing patients and healthcare providers a means to address, through early discussion, possible resolution outside of court.    

 For background information on the Early Discussion and Resolution Process, visit the Oregon Patient Safety Commission’s website.

 Who Should Attend: While the training will be open to all mediators, it will be designed for mediators who already meet the requirements in the Administrative Rules; OAR 325-035-0035. Requirements include:

1. Mediated 50 cases or engaged in 500 hours of mediation.
2. Completed 30 hours of education (Basic Mediation Training) meeting the standards in Appendix A (Administrative Rules) or equivalent training.
3. Received an orientation to Early Discussion and Resolution, made available by the Commission. Registrants will be sent a link to complete the "OPSC Orientation to Early Discussion and Resolution," before the June training.
4. Completed at least 16 additional hours of professionally accredited specific subject training (which may include, but is not limited to: training related to medicine, healthcare, medical or hospital culture, health care transformation, mental health, grief counseling, psychology, risk management, key substantive, procedural or evidentiary laws relating to personal injury or adverse health care incidents, and adverse incident mediation discussion or role-playing). This requirement will be fulfilled by participating in the Adverse Healthcare Incident Mediation Training.
5. Have at least 150 hours of experience as a mediator, facilitator, doctor, nurse, social worker, judge, consultant, psychologist, or attorney dealing with cases or matters that involve medical malpractice or personal injury.
6. Provided which of the ethics and standards of practice to which they adhere.

Given the need to have qualified mediators on the roster by the July 1^st start date, preference will be given to the first 36 mediators who certify that they meet, or will meet all of the minimum qualification requirements once they have completed this course. Other training applicants will be allowed to register for the course on a first come, first served basis. In the event that there is a sizeable waiting list, a second training will be offered in the fall. 

You will be notified no later than June 2, 2014, about whether you were among the first 36 persons accepted for the training.

Cost: $650. The training cost includes all materials, breakfast and lunch both days and a no-host reception at the end of Day 1.

MCLE and CE Credits Pending.

Listed below are responses to FAQs regarding mediator qualifications for the OPSC mediator list, and for the upcoming training: 

1. Payment reserves your place – not mere registration. 
2. OMA will refund your payment in full if you are not invited to attend this session. 
3. With regard to the 150 hour requirement found in OAR 325-035-0035(e), the OPSC mediator list application form asks, “Approximate number of hours dealing with cases or matters involving medical malpractice or personal injury as a mediator, facilitator, doctor, nurse, social worker, judge, consultant, psychologist, or attorney.”  Restated, this means you can meet the “medical malpractice or personal injury” requirement by working in any of the listed occupations.
4. OMA recommends you answer the OPSC questions literally. 
5. There is a waiver provision found at OAR 325-035-0035(3).  The OPSC has told OMA that it is looking to OMA to staff a panel to review such requests.

Contact OMA at oma@omediate.org, or (503) 872-9775 if you have questions!