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===Division of Workers' Compensation===
The Division of Workers' Compensation operates three district offices throughout the state at which it coordinates filings of new [[workers' compensation]] cases, and assists the public, employers, and injured employees in pursuing their rights and obligations under the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act. The Division is further broken down into several separate departments.<ref>http://labor.state.ak.us/wc/</ref>
The '''Special Investigations Unit''' investigates fraudulent workers’ compensation claims including false or misleading acts or statements made for the purpose of obtaining benefits under the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act. The Special Investigations Unit also investigates uninsured employers who fail to maintain the required workers' compensation insurance liability coverage.
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 an injured employee is entitled. The board may also hear other limited types of cases dealing with the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act, such as those where the state is seeking a [[civil penalty]], or fine, against an employer who has failed to carry the required workers' compensation liability insurance. 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 '''Reemployment Benefits Section''' administers reemployment benefits to qualifying injured employees. In certain cases, injured employees who qualify for reemployment benefits may elect to undergo vocational retraining paid for by the employer.
The '''Alaska Workers' Compensation Benefit Guaranty Fund''' was established in 2005 to provide workers' compensation benefits to employees injured on the job while working for an uninsured employer. A claim may be filed against the Fund following a finding by the Board that the employer is responsible for and fails to pay benefits under the Alaska Workers Compensation Act.
The '''Fishermen's Fund''' provides for treatment and care of Alaska's licensed [[commercial fishermen]] who are injured or become ill due to fishing-related activities on shore in Alaska or in Alaska waters.
The '''Second Injury Fund''' provides benefits to employers for claimants who have a permanent physical impairment.
▲For cases which proceed to hearing, the
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]].
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