(a) Final decisions of the department and the principles of law declared in their support are binding in all subsequent proceedings under this chapter involving similar questions unless expressly or impliedly overruled by a later decision of the department or of a court. Final decisions of appeal tribunals and the principles of law declared in their support are binding on the employees and representatives of the department and are persuasive authority in subsequent appeal tribunal proceedings.
(b) If in a subsequent proceeding the department or an appeal tribunal has serious doubt as to the correctness of a principle previously declared by an appeal tribunal or by the department, or if there is an apparent inconsistency or conflict in final decisions of comparable authority, then the findings of fact in the case may be certified, together with the question of law involved, to the department. After giving notice and reasonable opportunity for hearing upon the law to all parties to the proceedings, the department shall certify to the appropriate employees or representatives of the department or appeal tribunal and the parties its answer to the question submitted; or the department in its discretion may remove to itself the entire proceeding as provided in AS 23.20.440 and give its decision upon the entire case.