§ 85A-27. Jurisdiction - Duties and powers of administrative judges.

A.  The Workers' Compensation Commission shall be vested with jurisdiction over all claims filed pursuant to the Administrative Workers' Compensation Act.  All claims so filed shall be heard by the administrative law judge sitting without a jury.  The Commission shall have full power and authority to determine all questions in relation to claims for compensation under the provisions of the Administrative Workers' Compensation Act.  The Commission, upon application of either party, shall order a hearing.  Upon a hearing, either party may present evidence and be represented by counsel.  Except as provided in this act, the decision of the administrative law judge shall be final as to all questions of fact and law.  The decision of the administrative law judge shall be issued within thirty (30) days following the submission of the case by the parties.  The power and jurisdiction of the Commission over each case shall be continuing and it may, from time to time, make such modifications or changes with respect to former findings or orders relating thereto if, in its opinion, it may be justified.

B.  In addition to the duties set forth in this section, the administrative law judges shall have the following duties and powers:

1.  To hear and determine claims for compensation, to conduct hearings and investigations, and to make such judgments, decisions, and determinations as may be required by any rule or judgment of the Commission;

2.  To hear and determine challenges to an agreement to arbitrate under the Workers’ Compensation Arbitration Act;

3.  To assume duties within the Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims as assigned by the Commission; and

4.  To have and exercise all other powers and duties conferred or imposed by the Commission or this act.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 208, § 27, eff. Feb. 1, 2014.