§316. Commonwealth Court masters.

(a) General rule.--The Commonwealth Court may promulgate rules for the selection and appointment of masters on a full-time or part-time basis for actions brought under section 315 (relating to right of action). A master shall be a member of the bar of this Commonwealth. The number and compensation of masters shall be fixed by the Commonwealth Court and their compensation shall be paid by the Commonwealth.

(b) Hearings before masters.--The Commonwealth Court may direct that hearings in actions brought under section 315 be conducted in the first instance by the master in the manner provided for in this subchapter.

(c) Recommendations of masters.--Upon the conclusion of a hearing before a master, the master shall transmit written findings and a recommendation for disposition to the president judge. Prompt written notice and copies of the findings and recommendations shall be given to the parties to the proceeding.

(d) Rehearing before president judge.--The findings and recommendations of the master shall become the findings and order of the Commonwealth Court upon written confirmation by the president judge. A rehearing may be ordered by the president judge at any time upon cause shown.