Sec. 21. (a) If the parties do not reach an agreement on any matter as a result of mediation, the mediator shall report the lack of an agreement without comment or recommendation to the administrative law judge assigned to the proceeding. With the consent of the parties, the mediator's report may also identify any pending motions or outstanding legal issues, discovery process, or other action by any party that, if resolved or completed, would facilitate the possibility of a settlement.
(b) An agreement as a result of mediation must be in writing and signed by the parties. The agreement must be filed with the administrative law judge assigned to the proceeding. If the agreement is complete on all issues, it must be accompanied by a joint stipulation of disposition. Upon approval of a joint stipulation of disposition by the administrative law judge, it has the same force and effect as an agreed order approved by the administrative law judge.
(c) An approved joint stipulation of disposition under this chapter is considered a contract between the parties.