Elaine Banda

The Board meeting included a Director's report detailing Division updates, staffing, budget, and 2026-2027 hearing calendars. Key discussions focused on legislation impacting workers' compensation, regulation proposals, ethics training, and the Medical Services Review Committee's work on the 2027 fee schedule. Additional topics covered included American Medical Association Guides updates, Stay-at-Work program developments, and self-insurance program administrative matters.

The meeting featured a director's report covering board vacancies, legislative updates, and revenue trends, along with presentations on staffing and budget. The public comment period addressed challenges in the workers' compensation system, specifically regarding medical fee schedules and regulatory transparency. Statistical reviews were provided for the annual report, including data on the Benefits Guaranty Fund, the Second Injury Fund, Special Investigations Unit activities, and Reemployment Benefits Program performance. Additionally, the Board discussed and took action on the repeal and readoption of medical treatment and service fee regulations, and reviewed notable legal decisions and orders.

The Board meeting involved a comprehensive review and approval of numerous amendments to the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) related to workers' compensation. Key topics included the modification of medical treatment and service fees, attorney fees, and the definition of previously rehabilitated employees. The Board also addressed procedural updates regarding the transaction of business, forms, fees, file management, pleadings, discovery processes, service methods, pre-hearing and hearing procedures, venue adjustments, and evidentiary standards. Additionally, the Director provided reports on board designees, legislative updates, and revenue trends.

The meeting included a legislative update regarding workers' compensation, specifically concerning transportation network drivers, the potential repeal of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission, and modifications to premium tax rates. The Director reported on stakeholder meetings and the adoption of the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Public comment was received regarding the application of the 2025 fee schedule in relation to 2026 CMS resource materials. The Board voted to adopt regulation 8 AAC 45.083 with an effective date of April 1, 2026, and authorized the issuance of a guidance bulletin to clarify the application of the medical fee schedule.

This Annual Performance Plan outlines Alaska Occupational Safety and Health's (AKOSH) objectives within its broader five-year strategic framework (2018-2023). The plan focuses on three strategic goals: improving workplace safety and health through reduced injuries, illnesses, and fatalities; fostering a robust safety and health culture in Alaskan workplaces via compliance assistance, cooperative programs, and consultation; and ensuring public confidence through excellent enforcement, consultation, and training services.