Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to a mediation in which: The parties are required to mediate by law; The parties are referred to mediation by an administrative agency or arbitrator; or The mediator states in writing to any and all parties to the mediation and persons with whom the mediator has engaged in mediation communications that: The mediation communications will remain confidential in accordance with this subtitle; and The mediator has read and, consistent with State law, will abide by the Maryland Standards of Conduct for Mediators during the mediation. This subtitle does not apply to a mediation: To which Title 17 of the Maryland Rules applies; Relating to the establishment, negotiation, administration, or termination of a collective bargaining relationship; Relating to a dispute that is pending under, or is part of the processes established by, a collective bargaining agreement unless the dispute has been filed with an administrative agency or court; Relating to an action to enforce an agreement to arbitrate under common law, the Federal Arbitration Act, the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act under Subtitle 2 of this title, or the Maryland International Commercial Arbitration Act under Subtitle 2B of this title; Relating to an action to foreclose a lien against an owner–occupied residential property subject to foreclosure mediation conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings under Maryland Rule 14–209.1; Arising from a referral of a matter to a magistrate, examiner, auditor, or parenting coordinator under Maryland Rules 2–541, 2–542, 2–543, or 9–205.2; or Conducted by a judge who might make a ruling on a case based on the dispute. The parties and the mediator, by a written and signed agreement made in advance of the mediation, may agree to exclude all or part of the mediation communications from the application of this subtitle.