| [effective for claims based on a compensable injury that occurs before September 1, 1997]
(a) The attorney general shall maintain a division of workers' compensation to administer this chapter.
(b) The attorney general shall appoint a director to act as chief executive and administrative officer of the division.
(c) The attorney general shall provide the director with office space and sufficient personnel to administer this chapter.
(d) The director shall administer this chapter with money appropriated by the legislature.
(e) With the approval of the attorney general, the director may contract with a company authorized to do business in this state for any or all of the administrative services required by this chapter. A contract awarded under this subsection shall be awarded on the basis of competitive bidding by qualified companies.
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