Mediation sessions shall be closed to all persons other than the parties, their legal representatives, and other persons invited by the mediator with the consent of the parties. Mediation shall be regarded as settlement negotiations for purposes of KRE 408. Mediators shall not be subject to process requiring the disclosure of any matter discussed during the mediation, but rather, such matters shall be considered confidential and privileged in nature except on order of the Court for good cause shown. This privilege and immunity reside in the mediator and may not be waived by the parties. Nothing in this rule shall prohibit the mediator from reporting abuse according to KRS 209.030, KRS 620.030, or other applicable law.