Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital v. Teri Ford

Summary

The Fourteenth Court of Appeals of Texas abated the appeal for 60 days and referred the underlying dispute to mediation. The order suspended the appellate timetable, required participation by parties or representatives with full settlement authority, and established procedures for reporting the mediation's outcome and seeking reinstatement, dismissal, or extension. The document also includes mediation rules and a mediator's report form.

Holdings

1. The court ordered the appeal abated for sixty days, referred the underlying dispute to mediation, suspended the appellate timetable during that period, and removed the appeal from the active docket subject to reinstatement.
2. The parties and their representatives with full settlement authority were required to attend mediation with counsel, participate in good faith, maintain confidentiality, and report to the court promptly regarding the mediation's outcome.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the pending appeal should be referred to mediation and abated for sixty days.
2. What procedures and obligations would govern the court-ordered mediation.

Disposition

other