Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the organization may develop and implement pilot programs to allow the organization to assess alternative forms of dispute resolution to resolve disputes with injured employees. The goal of the pilot program must be to develop timely, cost-effective, and amicable options to resolve disputes during any stage in the claim adjudication or appeal process. A pilot program may address a broad range of approaches, including collaborative efforts between the organization and other public or private entities. Participation of an injured employee in the pilot program is voluntary. No more than fifty thousand dollars per biennium from the workforce safety and insurance fund is appropriated to the organization on a continuing basis for payment of organization expenses associated with the pilot program.
N.D.C.C. § 65-01-18