(1) Organization of the Office of the Workers' Compensation Judge .

(a) History . The office of the workers' compensation judge was created by the 44th Legislature. HB 100 established the office of the workers' compensation judge on July 1, 1975.

(b) Workers' Compensation Judge . The workers' compensation judge is appointed by statute for a six-year term of office and granted all of the privileges and other emoluments afforded a district judge. The office of the workers' compensation judge is attached to the department of labor and industry for administrative purposes only and is expressly authorized to hire its own personnel.

(c) Workers' Compensation Court . To carry out the legislative intent, the office of the workers' compensation judge was organized and functions along the lines of the district court. The court follows the appropriate provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act.

(2) Functions of Workers' Compensation Court .

(a) The workers' compensation court has exclusive jurisdiction for the adjudication of disputes arising under Title 39, chapter 71 and chapter 72, MCA.

(3) Information or Submissions . General inquiries regarding the workers' compensation court may be addressed to the judge or the clerk of court. All petitions for hearing may be addressed to the clerk of court.

(4) Personnel Roster . Addresses for the personnel of the workers' compensation court are as follows:

(a) Judge, Workers' Compensation Court, 1625 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 537, Helena, Montana 59624-0537.

(b) Clerk of Court, Workers' Compensation Court, 1625 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 537, Helena, Montana 59624-0537.

(c) Hearing Examiner, Workers' Compensation Court, 1625 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 537, Helena, Montana 59624-0537.

(5) Chart of Workers' Compensation Court Organization .

A descriptive chart of the office of the workers' compensation judge is attached as follows and is incorporated in this rule.