1. (a) The labor relations agency may allow the hearing officer, a party, a witness, a representative, or an agency member to participate in a hearing electronically or through other digital or electronic telecommunication method if the electronic participation does not result in substantial prejudice to opposing parties. A party or representative may be physically present at the same site as the witness whether or not electronic participation is used.
2. (b) A hearing participant shall file a request to participate electronically by telephone or through other digital or electronic telecommunication method no later than the hearing witness list due date. The requesting party shall serve a copy of the request in accordance with 8 AAC 97.015. The requesting party shall contact the labor relations agency to arrange the electronic participation by telephone or through other digital or electronic telecommunication method.

3. (c) Upon convening a hearing by telephone or through other digital or electronic telecommunication method, the hearing officer shall

   1. (1) recite the date, time, case name, case number, names and locations of parties and representatives, and the type of hearing to be held;
   2. (2) make sure that statements made by participants are audible to all participants;
   3. (3) instruct the participants on how the hearing will be conducted, including the requirement that, in order to preserve the record, speakers must identify themselves each time they speak.

(Eff. 7/22/93 Register 127; am 9/28/2024, Register 251)

Authority: AS 23.05.380, AS 23.40.170, AS 42.40.820