Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Greater Use of Alternative Resolution Could Aid Consumer Protection

Report 05-15, March 2005




Report Summary

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation could make greater use of alternative resolution methods, such as mediation and civil citations, in lieu of its hearing process to resolve consumer complaints. Alternative resolution provides much faster and less costly resolution of consumer problems. While most professions authorize alternative resolution for some types of cases, its use varies among professions and could be expanded. To do so, the department should work with the professions to develop consistent criteria for using alternative resolution.


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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
consumer protection, insurance, professional engineers, complaints, consumer protection, licensees, professions, regulation, safety, hearing, alternative resoluation, mediation, violation, boards, professional regulation, citations, final order, allegation, privatization, professional boards, consumer protection and insurance, consumer complaints, regulations