Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10 of P.L. 1978, c. 67 (C. 52:14F-8), contested case matters before the Department of Defense shall be presented to the Adjutant General who may appoint a board of officers to inquire into the merits of any claim under this chapter. The board shall have the power to take evidence, administer oaths, issue subpoenas, compel witnesses to attend and testify, and produce books and papers, and to punish their failure to do so. The reports and findings of the board are subject to the approval or disapproval of the Adjutant General who may accept, reject or modify the report and the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the board of officers. The Adjutant General may in his discretion request the Division of Workers’ Compensation in the Department of Labor to assign a workers’ compensation judge to hear a contested matter in place of the board of officers. The Adjutant General shall promulgate regulations governing the procedures for hearing contested cases prior to a referral of a contested case to the Division of Workers’ Compensation in the Department of Labor.

L.1963, c.109; amended by L. 1984, c. 181, s. 29; 1987, c. 217, s. 5.