Initiation of Arbitration

(a) When a notice of election of arbitration is filed at SOAH, the notice shall be date stamped and the file given a SOAH docket number that identifies it as a case submitted for arbitration. Parties shall include this docket number on all subsequent correspondence and documents filed with SOAH relating to the arbitration.

(b) The party that did not initiate the arbitration may file an answering statement with SOAH within ten days after receipt of the notice of election from the electing party. That answering statement should include a response to the claim and any challenge to the election of arbitration. If the party that did not initiate the arbitration does not file an answering statement, SOAH will presume that party denies the claim and does not challenge the election of arbitration. Failure to file an answering statement shall not operate to delay the arbitration.