The board may assign an administrative law judge to assist the parties in reaching a settlement of any dispute which is the subject of an adjudicatory proceeding. However , no party shall be required to participate in mediation or settle the dispute pursuant to this rule. An administrative law judge assisting the parties under this rule shall not serve as a presiding officer in any proceeding related to the dispute. Adjudicatory proceedings may be voluntarily dismissed without consent of the board except as provided in rule 621-3.6 (20) and 621-subrule 4.1(5).
Iowa Admin. Code r. 621-2.23