Mandatory, Nonbinding Mediation

(1) Except as otherwise provided, in a dispute arising under this chapter, the insurer and claimant shall mediate any issue concerning benefits and the mediator shall issue a report following the mediation process recommending a solution to the dispute before either party may file a petition in the workers' compensation court. (2) The resolution recommended by the mediator is without administrative or judicial authority and is not binding on the parties.