(a) A benefit review officer shall conduct a benefit review conference.
(b) A benefit review officer must:
(1) be an employee of the division;
(2) be trained in the principles and procedures of dispute mediation; and
(3) have documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that evidences the completion by the officer of at least 40 classroom hours of training in dispute resolution techniques from an alternative dispute resolution organization recognized by the commissioner.
(c) The division shall institute and maintain an education and training program for benefit review officers and shall consult or contract with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or other appropriate organizations for this purpose.