10313. Disqualification or Other Disability of Arbitrators

(a) In the event that any arbitrator, after the commencement of the earlier of (1) the first pre-hearing conference or (2) the first hearing but prior to the rendition of the award, should become disqualified, resign, die, refuse or otherwise be unable to perform as an arbitrator, the Director shall appoint a replacement arbitrator to fill the vacancy and the hearing shall continue. In the alternative, if all parties agree to proceed with any remaining arbitrator(s), they shall inform the Director in writing within 5 business days of notification of the vacancy, and the remaining arbitrator(s) shall continue with the hearing and determination of the controversy.

(b) The Director shall inform the parties as soon as possible of the name and employment history of the replacement arbitrator for the past 10 years, as well as information disclosed pursuant to Rule 10312. A party may make further inquiry of the Director concerning the replacement arbitrator's background. If the arbitration proceeding is subject to Rule 10308, the party may exercise his or her right to challenge the replacement arbitrator within the time remaining prior to the next scheduled hearing session by notifying the Director in writing of the name of the arbitrator challenged and the basis for such challenge. If the arbitration proceeding is not subject to Rule 10308, within the time remaining prior to the next scheduled hearing session or the 10 day period provided under Rule 10311, whichever is shorter, a party may exercise the party's right to challenge the replacement arbitrator as provided in Rule 10311.