Alaska Whistleblower Law
Whistleblowers protected under common law “public policy” tort.
Court Decisions:
- Alaska Housing Finance Corporation v. Sulvucci, 950 P.2d 1116 (Alas. 1997)
- Ruest v. Alaska Petroleum Contractors, Inc., 127 P.3d 807 (Alas. 2005)
- Kinzel v. Discovery Drilling, 93 P.3d 427 (Alas. 2004)
- Hammond v. Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, 107 P.3d 871 (Alas. 2005)
- Bernard v. Alaska Airlines, 367 P.3d 1156 (Alas. 2016)
- Lingley v. Alaska Airlines, 2016 LEXIS 66 (Alas. 2016) (no preemption)
Statute:
- AK Stat § 39.90.100 (public employees)
- AK Stat § 08.68.279 (nurses)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska have a False Claims Act?
Yes, the Alaska Medical Assistance False Claim and Reporting Act.
Does the Alaska law have a whistleblower provision?
No. Alaska repealed the once existing provisions for whistleblowers under the Alaska Medical Assistance False Claim and Reporting Act in 2019. Previously, qui tam cases could be brought anonymously and whistleblowers could receive awards.
Does Alaska recognize the public policy exception for wrongful termination?
Yes. Alaskan employees cannot be fired for refusing to commit wrongful acts at the request of their employer.
