(b) Conduct of the Arbitration Hearing.
(2) Hearing procedures must be included in the notice of arbitration hearing sent to the parties and arbitration panel.
(3) Individual parties or authorized representatives of corporate parties must attend the arbitration hearing unless excused in advance by the chief arbitrator for good cause shown.
(d) Orders. The chief arbitrator may issue instructions as are necessary for the expeditious and orderly conduct of the hearing. The chief arbitrator’s instructions are not appealable. On notice to all parties the chief arbitrator may apply to the presiding judge for orders directing compliance with such instructions. Instructions enforced by a court order are appealable as are other orders of the court.
(e) Default of a Party. When a party fails to appear at a hearing, the chief arbitrator may proceed with the hearing, and the arbitration panel must render a decision based on the facts and circumstances as presented by the parties present.
(f) Record and Transcript. Any party may have a record and transcript made of the arbitration hearing at that party’s expense.
(g) Completion of the Arbitration Process.
(2) On the completion of the arbitration process, the arbitrator(s) must render a decision. In the case of a panel, a decision must be final on a majority vote of the panel.
(3) Within 10 days of the final adjournment of the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator(s) shall notify the parties, in writing, of their decision. The arbitration decision may set forth the issues in controversy and the arbitrator(’s)(s’) conclusions and findings of fact and law. The arbitrator(’s)(s’) decision and the originals of any transcripts shall be sealed and filed with the clerk at the time the parties are notified of the decision.
(4) Any transcripts or exhibits used in the arbitration must, unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed by the parties, be retained by the party who introduced the transcripts or exhibits until the conclusion of the case, or until otherwise ordered by the court.
