Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:29, 7 January 2014

Revision as of 21:29, 7 January 2014

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The '''Second Injury Fund''' provides benefits to employers for claimants who have a permanent physical impairment.

The '''Adjudications Section''' holds hearings before a three-member Board "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]]. The panel administers [[oath|oaths]], receives [[evidence]], hears [[testimony]], and issues interlocutory and also final [[decisions|judicial opinion|decisions]] concerning procedural issues or the merits of a case. Where in dispute, the Board may ultimately decide the amount of compensation due an injured employee. The Board may also hear other types of cases dealing with the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act, such as where the state is seeking a [[civil penalty]], or fine, against an employer who has failed to carry the required workers' compensation liability insurance or disputes between a medical provider and an insurance carrier. The Adjudications Section is organizationally distinct from the Division of Workers' Compensation, so that it may decide hearings impartially. 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]].