The Department concludes that an emergency rule is the most fair and expeditious process to notify the public and the insurance industry of the mediation program. An emergency rule will allow the Department to immediately implement a mediation program allowing for a prompt resolution of disputed claims as a result of the extensive damage caused by the recent hurricanes. The Department will initiate regular rulemaking on this same subject matter shortly. The filing of notice of proposed rule development and notice of proposed rulemaking in the near future will adequately protect the rights of substantially affected persons.