(a) Mediation. It is the Commission's policy to encourage the voluntary use of appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures at the earliest stage possible to assist in resolving internal and external disputes within the jurisdiction of the HHS agencies. Use of these procedures may resolve the entire issue or a portion of the issue in controversy.(b) Negotiated Rulemaking. The Commission is committed to involving the public to the greatest degree possible in the development of its rules. One method to accomplish this is the use of negotiated rulemaking, which will be employed when appropriate.