Notwithstanding this chapter, a person, required under chapter 654B to participate in mediation, shall not begin a proceeding subject to this chapter until the person receives a mediation release under section 654B.8, or until the court determines after notice and hearing that one of the following applies:
1. The time delay required for the mediation would cause the person to suffer irreparable harm.
2. The dispute involves a claim which should be resolved as a class action.
90 Acts, ch 1143, §27