NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD PROCEDURES

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers’ Compensation, together with the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board, are proposing a comprehensive set of amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Board procedures codified in 8 AAC 45. The changes address filing methods, form availability, duplication fees, case file establishment, party joinder, claim consolidation, pleading standards, medical summary requirements, discovery and deposition procedures, cross‑examination of document authors, service standards, pre‑hearing conference authority, hearing scheduling, venue rules, fee applications, and several repeals and updates. Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments (or attend an oral hearing) by the public comment deadline of October 9, 2026. Questions about the proposed rules must be submitted at least ten days before that deadline. The notice includes contact information for accommodations and for obtaining copies of the proposed regulations. • Covers 22 specific regulatory sections (8 AAC 45.020‑45.900). • Comment period runs until 5:00 PM Oct 9, 2026; oral hearing scheduled for Oct 15, 2026. • No funding or cost increase anticipated for the state; private persons incur no direct cost. • Primary contact: Alexis Hildebrand, Administrative Operations Manager (phone (907) 465‑6059, email [email protected]). • Stakeholders may submit comments via mail, fax, email, online portal, or virtual hearing.