(a) For work therapy, as defined in AS 47.37.270, a participant in a residential drug abuse or alcoholism treatment program designed to extend more than 120 days may be paid less than the minimum wage prescribed in AS 23.10.050 - 23.10.150 if the rate has been approved by the commissioner under this section and is in compliance with federal law.
(b) The commissioner shall adopt regulations regarding the payment of wages for work therapy. In adopting the regulations, the commissioner shall consider whether the work performed by the patient
(1) is solely for the benefit of the patient and is that which is ordinarily carried on by patients in a residential treatment program;
(2) would ordinarily be performed by full-time employees of the program;
(3) is work that may produce income to the patient, other than wages;
(4) produces goods or services the proceeds of which will economically or otherwise benefit the owners, operators, or businesses of the rehabilitation program; and
(5) creates an unfair competition with private enterprise because of lower wage standards.
Structure Alaska Statutes
Title 23. Labor and Workers' Compensation
Chapter 10. Employment Practices and Working Conditions
Article 3. Alaska Wage and Hour Act.
Sec. 23.10.050. Public policy.
Sec. 23.10.055. Exemptions; compensation of executives, administrators, and professionals.
Sec. 23.10.060. Payment for overtime.
Sec. 23.10.065. Minimum wages.
Sec. 23.10.070. Exemptions from minimum wage.
Sec. 23.10.071. Wages for work therapy.
Sec. 23.10.075. Labor standards and safety division.
Sec. 23.10.080. Powers and duties of division.
Sec. 23.10.085. Scope of administrative regulations; room and board deductions.
Sec. 23.10.090. Administrative procedures.
Sec. 23.10.095. Adoption of federal regulations.
Sec. 23.10.100. Employer to keep records.
Sec. 23.10.105. Posting summary required.
Sec. 23.10.110. Remedies of employee; attorney fees; offers of judgment; settlement; waiver.
Sec. 23.10.115. Enforcement by injunction.
Sec. 23.10.120. Enforcement of subpoenas.
Sec. 23.10.125. Collective bargaining.