Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:25, 7 January 2014

Revision as of 19:27, 7 January 2014

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The Division of Workers' Compensation operates three district offices throughout the state at which it coordinates filings of new [[workers' compensation]] cases, and assists employers and injured employees in pursuing their rights and obligations under the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act.

For cases which proceed to hearing, the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board administers [[oath|oaths]], receives [[evidence]], hears [[testimony]], and decides the amount of compensation to which injured an injured employee is entitled. The board may also hear otehrother limited types of cases dealing with the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act, such as those where the staetstate is seeking a [[civil penalty]], or fine, foragainst an employer who has failed to carry the required workers' compensation liability insurenaceinsurance. The board is organizationally distinct and independent from the Division of Workers' Compensation, so that it may decide hearings impartially. Hearings before the board are typically heard by a three-member "panel," consisting of one representative of industry, one labor representative, and one hearing officer (an [[administrative law judge]] specializing in the adjudication of workers' compensation claims), who controls the proceedings. Cases are ultimately decided by a vote by the three-member panel, with two votes constituting a [[quorum]]. Regular hearings are held in [[Fairbanks]], [[Anchorage]], and [[Juneau]].<ref>http://touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title23/Chapter30/Section005.htm</ref>

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission is located in Anchorage and hears appeals from the Alaska Workers Compensation Board. The Appeals Commission is organizationally (and physically) separate from the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board, so as to avoid conflicts and the appearance of impropriety. Appeals from the Alaska Workers' Compensation Commission are generally taken directly to the [[Alaska Supreme Court]].