Washington Revised Code Title 7. Special Proceedings and Actions § 7.70.100. Mandatory mediation of health care claims--Procedures

(1) Before a superior court trial, all causes of action, whether based in tort, contract, or otherwise, for damages arising from injury occurring as a result of health care provided after July 1, 1993, shall be subject to mandatory mediation prior to trial except as provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(2) The supreme court shall by rule adopt procedures to implement mandatory mediation of actions under this chapter. The implementation contemplates the adoption of rules by the supreme court which will require mandatory mediation without exception unless subsection (4) of this section applies. The rules on mandatory mediation shall address, at a minimum:

(3) Mediators shall not impose discovery schedules upon the parties.

(4) The mandatory mediation requirement of subsection (2) of this section does not apply to an action subject to mandatory arbitration under chapter 7.06 RCW or to an action in which the parties have agreed, subsequent to the arisal of the claim, to submit the claim to arbitration under chapter 7.04A or 7.70A RCW.

(5) The implementation also contemplates the adoption of a rule by the supreme court for procedures for the parties to certify to the court the manner of mediation used by the parties to comply with this section.