NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGES ON BENEFITS IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND THE FISHERMEN’S FUND ADVISORY AND APPEALS COUNCIL

1. 8 AAC 55.010(d) is proposed to be changed as follows: changing days after the date of injury from 60 to 120.
2. 8 AAC 55.010(g) is proposed to be changed as follows: adding new sections 3 and 4 in regards to deductible amount and limitation.

You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to Velma Thomas, P.O. Box 115512, Juneau, AK 99811. Additionally, the Fishermen’s Fund administrator will accept comments by facsimile at (907) 465-5345 and by electronic mail at FishFund@Alaska.gov (please put Public Comment - Proposed Regulation Changes in the subject box). Comments may also be submitted through the Alaska Online Public Notice System, by accessing this notice on the system and using the comment link. The comments must be received not later than 4:30pm on February 23, 2021.

You may submit written questions relevant to the proposed action to Velma Thomas by e-mail at velma.thomas@alaska.gov and mailing address at PO Box 115512, Juneau, AK  99811-5512. The questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the public comment period. The Fund Administrator will aggregate responses to substantially similar questions and make the questions and responses available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and agency website located here: https://labor.alaska.gov/wc/home.htm.

If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact Fund Administrator, Velma Thomas by e-mail at velma.thomas@alaska.gov and phone number (907) 465-6045 not later than February 12, 2021, to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

A copy of the proposed regulation changes is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System and by contacting Velma Thomas by e-mail at velma.thomas@alaska.gov or by phone (907) 465-6045.

A copy of material proposed for adoption by reference is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System or though the electronic link to the complete text. A copy of material proposed for adoption by reference may be viewed at the agency's website at https://labor.alaska.gov/wc/home.htm.

After the public comment period ends, the Fishermen’s Fund administration and the Fishermen’s Fund Advisory & Appeals Council will either adopt the proposed regulation changes or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action. The language of the final regulation may be different from that of the proposed regulation. You should comment during the time allowed if your interests could be affected. Written comments received are public records and are subject to public inspection.

Statutory authority: AS 23.35.030; AS 23.35.050

Statutes being implemented, interpreted, or made specific: AS 23.35.050; AS 23.35.070; AS 23.35.100; AS 23.35.145; AS 23.35.150

Fiscal information: The proposed regulation changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation.

The Workers’ Compensation Division keeps a list of individuals and organizations interested in its regulations. Those on the list will automatically be sent a copy of all of the agency/division notices of proposed regulation changes. To be added to or removed from the list, send a request to the Fishermen’s Fund Administrator at velma.thomas@alaska.gov, giving your name, and either your e-mail address or mailing address, as you prefer for receiving notices.

Date:   1/20/2021

/S/
Dr. Tamika L. Ledbetter, Commissioner
Department of Labor and Workforce Development