Kate Duder

The board meeting agenda for January 8-9, 2026, scheduled discussions and actions across several tabs. Key discussion topics included the Director's Report covering division updates, approval of board designees, the 2026 Hearing Calendar, and MSRC updates. The agenda dedicated significant time to regulatory matters, addressing Old Business concerning specific regulations (8 AAC 45.083, 45.092, 45.176, 45.180, 45.900) and New Business involving proposed repeals, readoptions, and amendments for multiple regulations (including 8 AAC 45.020 through 45.072, and 45.120). Furthermore, the meeting was set to address Insurance Bulletin B25-09 regarding SB132 implementation and general licensing guidance, and the Board was scheduled to hold a public meeting to select a date for the adoption of the AMA Guides Sixth 2025 edition.

The meeting included a presentation of recommendations to the Board regarding the draft 2025 Fee Schedule. The board discussed the dates for the 2025 Special Joint Meeting and the publication of a bulletin clarifying the use and completion of the physician's report form. The MSRC provided an overview of their surgery and radiology conversion factor review during the 2024 fee development season. The board also discussed adding a definition for physician's report and ensuring consistency in language and links for forms provided in the Fee Schedule. Additionally, the division logo will be added to the cover of the fee schedule. The proposed 2025 Alaska Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Schedule was approved as amended, and an amendment of 8 AAC 45.083, relating to fees for medical treatment and services, was also approved.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including division updates, Board Member term expirations, and the 2026 Board Calendar. The board discussed the digitization of SIME records, concerns about Workers' Compensation Division practices, and potential statutory reform. Amendments to regulations were reviewed, including those related to SIME regulation 8 AAC 45.092, the definition of "Previously Rehabilitated", assessment of civil penalties, attorney fees, and medical treatment and services fees. The board also discussed ongoing financial challenges and the establishment of an ombudsman program.

The town hall meeting focused on the state budget and involved discussions on potential constitutional amendments related to taxes, the Permanent Fund dividend (PFD), and spending limits. The governor emphasized the need for Alaskans to be part of the fiscal planning process and sought feedback on various issues, including taxes, oil taxes, and the PFD formula. There was also a discussion on a lottery idea to generate revenue for specific programs like homelessness, domestic violence, and combating drug issues. The conversation also touched on the ferry system, public safety and health care.

The special joint meeting between the Medical Services Review Committee and the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board includes the MSRC presentation of medical fee schedule recommendations to the Board, discussion of the Commissioner's letter regarding MSRC's conversion factor recommendations, discussion of 8 AAC 45.083 -- Fees for Medical Treatment and Services, and approval of 2026 meeting dates. The MSRC is also providing its recommendations for the 2026 Medical Fee Schedule.