8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Miami

Convention Level

Jill Lozis

This specially offered course is designed for professional development training for safety practitioners. The curriculum is specifically designed for examination preparation for associate safety professionals and consists of three training days. Workbooks are provided with one specifically designed for self-study. Course includes a scientific calculator for each student with instructions and exercises.

8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Tampa

Convention Level

Joe LeBlanc

This specially offered course is designed for professional development training for safety practitioners. The curriculum is specifically designed for examination preparation for certified safety professionals and consists of three training days. Workbooks are provided with one specifically designed for self-study. Course includes a scientific calculator for each student with instructions and exercises.

8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Miami

Convention Level

Jill Lozis

8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Tampa

Convention Level

Joe LeBlanc

7:30 – 8:00 am

Hawks Landing Golf Club at The Marriott World Center - Cart Staging Area

(Registration for those not pre-registered, if space available)

8:00 – 1:00 pm

Hawks Landing Golf Club at The Marriott World Center

12:00 – 6:00 pm

Crystal Ballrooms A - Q

Convention Level

12:00 – 9:00 pm

Shuttle Bus between The Marriott World Center, Fairfield Inn, Springhill Suites and Marriott Courtyard (Boarding Convention Entrance Marriott World Center & Front Entrance between Fairfield & Springhill Suites at Marriott illage)

2:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Registration

Convention Level

8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Miami

Convention Level

Jill Lozis

8:00 - 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Tampa

Convention Level

Joe LeBlanc

2:00 – 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Boston & Atlanta, Grand Ballrooms I - VI

Convention Level

Barry University of Orlando

Florida Coastal Law School

Florida State University

Mercer University

Nova University

St. Thomas University

Stetson University

University of Florida

University of Miami

Jacqueline L. Blanton

Barbara B. Wagner

Richard A. Sicking

7:00 – 1:00 am

Shuttle Bus between The Marriott World Center, Fairfield Inn, Springhill Suites and Marriott Courtyard (Boarding Convention Entrance Marriott World Center & Front Entrance between Fairfield & Springhill Suites at Marriott Village)

8:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Registration Area

Convention Level

9:00 – 9:15 am

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

James N. McConnaughhay

Steven A. Rissman

9:15 – 9:30 am

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

J. David Parrish

Gerald A. Rosenthal

9:30 – 10:00 am

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

Tom Gallagher (invited)

10:00 – 10:30 am

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

Charles Williams

10:30 – 11:30 am

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

11:30 – 5:00 pm

Crystal Ballrooms A-Q

Convention Level

11:30 – 1:30 pm

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grand Ballroom IX

Convention Level

Jacqueline L. Blanton

Barbara B. Wagner

Richard A. Sicking

Honorable Michael E. Allen

Honorable Marguerite H. Davis

Honorable Edwin B. Browning, Jr.

This annual event is the final round of the moot court competition. The subject of this competition is a topic that is significant in the area of workers’ compensation.

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - New York & New Orleans

Convention Level

All members of the Division’s Customer Council will meet jointly to share the activities of each of the advisory committees. Chairs from the individual committees will provide reports to all members on their activities. In addition, updates will be provided on how the changes as a result of the 2001 Legislative Session in Chapter 440 are being implemented. The public is invited."

2:30 – 2:45 pm

2:45 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

H. George Kagan

M. Kemmerly Thomas

Raymond A. Lopez

Geoffrey Bichler

J. Eric Stiffler

David J. Weissman

Case Law Update is one of the most important portions and the best attended program of the Worker’s Compensation Educational Conference. It’s no breakout – it’s the main event. This year, the panelists will discuss many of the major cases that have been decided in the last year by the First District Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as they affect workers’ compensation matters. An analysis of the trends of the courts and the law is also given, with emphasis on the practical application of the case law in the handling of a workers’ compensation claim. This is a must attend presentation.

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms XI & XII

Convention Level

Frank Catapano

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Christopher E. Mandel, CPCU, ARM

Broadly defined managed care models have been applied in many businesses with varying degrees of success and in some cases, outright failure. It’s time to make sure the model used is worth the cost and having the impact needed to control increases in medical costs. This session will review the experience of Tricon Global Restaurants in this realm and explain the problems discovered and the solutions applied.

2:30 – 3:40 pm

Charles A. Ayers

In today’s litigious society, corporate records are frequently sought during the discovery process. Almost all corporations receive "audit/inspection" reports from their insurance carriers and consultants. How does one work with these reports to ensure a safer work environment while at the same time avoiding discovery? What are the methods to protect the confidentiality of your safety records?

3:40 – 5:00 pm

W. Michael McDonald

As a result of shrinking profit margins and increased competition, Human Resources are stretched thin in today’s environment. When an employer loses a worker due to an occupational injury, what are its considerations as he attempts to maintain productivity? This presentation will explore Hiring, Rehabilitation and Termination practices.

2:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms XIII & XIV

Convention Level

The First District Court of Appeal, The Supreme Court, and their administrative staff give attendees a view from the bench. The Clerk of the Florida Supreme Court, Thomas D. Hall, and the Clerk of the Florida First District Court of Appeal, Jon S. Wheeler, will present an overview of the courts, discussing filings, numbers of cases, panels and case loads. These individuals will also discuss a topic called "Twenty of the Most Common Errors in Cases Presented to the Courts." The members of the First District Court of Appeal will discuss brief writing, motion practice, interlocutory appeals, oral argument techniques and the rules. As always, there will be a discussion on some of the "pet peeves" of the various Judges. A question and answer session will follow. This promises to be one of the highlights of the convention.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Thomas D. Hall

Jon S. Wheeler

Donna Riselli

3:00 – 5:00 pm

Honorable Michael E. Allen

Honorable Marguerite H. Davis

Honorable Edwin B. Browning, Jr.

1:00 – 5:30 pm

Grand Ballrooms II & III

Convention Level

1:00 – 1:05 pm

Richard Dolsey, MD

Michele Lester

1:05 – 2:35 pm

Nancy L. Cavey

Dorothy Clay Sims

This session will assist physicians in increasing their effectiveness as expert witnesses. In addition to receiving practical advice on how to prepare for a deposition and how to handle difficult depositions, the presentation will include information on the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the Florida Rules of Workers’ Compensation Procedure pertaining to discovery. The format for the session will be a series of role-plays, with physicians from the audience as participants who will be "grilled on the stand".

2:35 – 4:00 pm

Bruce Lester

Richard Dolsey, MD

Oregon Hunter, MD

Nat Levine

Connie Beberwick

Andrea Dechtler

Josh Shannon

Connie Burgen

In theory, all parties in the workers’ compensation system (the injured worker, the employer, the physician, healthcare providers, the adjuster, and the case manager) work together. The physician and the other healthcare providers deliver the medical care, the adjuster insures that the injured worker receives all benefits to which he is entitled and the case manager coordinates the necessary medical care. However, often the reality is far different. Through a series of skits, typical situations faced every day will be acted out. A panel discussion will follow to discuss 1) what went wrong, 2) why it went wrong, and 3) possible solutions.

4:00 – 5:30 pm

Claude Revels

Rick Shutes

Linda Knopf

This session is a panel presentation on the status of workers’ compensation medical reimbursement and the issues surrounding the costs to the system. The concept of a market driven reimbursement system may be more than some bargained for. Once the Jeannie is out of the bottle...it may take more than one wish to put him back.

1:30 – 4:30 pm

Grand Ballrooms IV, V & VI

Convention Level

1:30 – 3:15 pm

Sam Friedman

Daniel R. Miller

Eric Oxfeld

The fact that Congress and President Bush killed OSHA’s controversial ergonomics regulations this past March just months after they had been promulgated doesn’t mean risk managers and workers’ compensation insurers are off the hook. Independent studies show that musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries on the job cost employers and insurers tens of billions annually. What role, if any, should the government play in helping companies prevent these painful injuries? What must employers and workers’ comp carriers do? This session will bring together experts from the private sector and OSHA in what promises to be a lively debate over the causes of and solutions to the ergonomic challenges we face.

3:15 – 3:30 pm

Break

3:30 – 4:30 pm

Sam Friedman

Bruce Wood

Eric Oxfeld

The implications of how privacy issues affect healthcare providers, employees, insurers, and employers in handling workers’ compensation claims will be discussed in this breakout. This session explores the Patients’ Bill of Rights, privacy concerns for workers’ compensation insurers and self-insured employers, and how privacy affects integrated benefits programs.

1:00 – 3:00 pm

Hall of Cities - Boston, Atlanta & Anaheim

Convention Level

Stephen McGinn

Charlene Vespi

This session will discuss the not for profit corporation that was formed shortly before the Florida Division of Safety was abolished in order to continue to provide public sector employers and employees with safety and health resources. The Florida Partnership for Safety and Health (FPSH) was formed by a group of public sector employees in partnership with the Florida League of Cities, private sector insurance carriers, and numerous other people who were concerned about public employee safety and health issues, and who wanted to see some type of safety and health resource made available for Public Sector risk managers, employees, and employers. The mission of the FPSH is to provide a forum for public sector employees regarding safety and health issues in the State of Florida; and to provide lost cost training in the form of workshops and seminars to public sector employees. This year the FPSH will sponsor more than 60 workshops throughout Florida. The FPSH accepts members from any public sector organization.

1:00 – 3:00 pm

Grand Ballroom X

Convention Level

Paul Michael Viollis, Sr.

This workshop will assist you in how to identify potential workplace violence and how to address this concern through a ten-step program. Policy formulation and implementation are discussed.

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballroom I

Convention Level

Steve Johnson

This is a presentation introducing the hazards of working in confined spaces, along with the controls necessary to eliminate or minimize risks. It includes a basic regulatory review in order to achieve compliance.

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Hall of Cities - San Francisco

Convention Level

Christopher Smith

This course will discuss safe crane operations and what you need to know. This session will also cover both Professional and Certified crane operators and inspection requirements, and include an actual hands-on inspection of a crane.

3:00 – 3:15 pm

3:15 – 5:15 pm

Grand Ballroom X

Convention Level

John D. Byrnes

This workshop addresses methods to prevent aggression in the workplace from happening in the first place. You will learn to identify the emergencies of aggression and methods to prevent conflict.

3:15 – 5:15 pm

Hall of Cities - Boston, Atlanta & Anaheim

Convention Level

Robert Nesbit

This session will cover the resources that the University of South Florida’s Consultation Program makes available to Private Sector Employers. This presentation will discuss the effort that is being made to identify and help employers with higher than average work place injuries. It covers the extensive list of safety and health topics that are available to private sector employers to use in developing their own safety and health programs. This topic will also cover the assistance that our consultants can provide to employers who are experiencing safety and health programs. Time will be left at the end of the session to hear from the small business owners. We would like to know what they want to see us do to be of even more assistance to them.

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7:00 – 11:00 pm

Palms Ballrooms - Sago, Sabal, Royal & Canary

Convention Level

Hall & Oates

Snapshot

7:00 – 9:00 pm

Shuttle Bus between The Marriott World Center, Fairfield Inn, Springhill Suites and Marriott Courtyard (Boarding Convention Entrance Marriott World Center & Front Entrance between Fairfield & Springhill Suites at Marriott Village)

8:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Registration

Convention Level

8:00 – 5:00 pm

Crystal Ballrooms A-Q

Convention Level

8:45 – 4:15 pm

Grand Ballroom VII

Convention Level

8:45 – 9:45 am

Peter B. Silvain, PhD

Marsha Hopkins

Claims of depression, chronic pain syndrome and other cases of psychiatric and psychological injury cost the casualty industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually. These are complex cases which present a challenge for claim professionals. This session will provide important steps in the management of a psychological injury claim. What clear and convincing evidence is necessary to insure a successful defense? What is essential for medically necessary psychiatric treatment? This session will present the adjuster with useful information for handling psychological injury claims.

9:45 – 10:00 am

10:00 – 12:00 pm

Jeffrey A. Taylor

Tammy Worthington

Nancy Amee

Dawn Titus

Charlie Greene

Scott H. Silver

David Parrish

As always, this should be a very lively presentation. All of the claims professionals on this panel will present a detailed analysis of several workers’ compensation "hot topics". The attorneys will act as provocateurs, whose goal it is to argue and debate with each other and with the various panelists on several areas of the law. Moderator, Jeff Taylor, will be your guide. Among the topics discussed will be settlements, re-employment, vocational rehabilitation, social security offsets and mediations.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

1:00 – 2:00 pm

James F. Kidd

Bernadette Przysiecki

This course will provide credit toward the mandatory topic of ethics for adjusters. The focus of the panel will be to examine, analyze and provide guidance to adjusters concerning the potential ethical dilemmas and conflicts which arise from employers and/or self-insureds increased involvement and attempted control in the handling of claims. The panel will outline specific examples of ethical questions and concerns raised when the employer attempts to dictate decisions on compensability, drug free work place denials, suspension of benefits for voluntary limitation of income and settlements.

2:00 – 2:15 pm

2:15 – 3:15 pm

Robert L. Bamdas

Penny Kaiser

Gerald A. Rosenthal

This presentation will blend law and tactics. It will focus on the factors that adjusters and attorneys need to consider when determining whether to defend a permanent total claim or try to settle it. How does the claimant fare under the listings and grids? Do you need a vocational expert to testify? What happens if the claimant qualifies for social security disability – does that mean that he is automatically qualified for workers’ compensation permanent total disability? If the employer offers the claimant a job, are the listings and grids even considered?

3:15 – 4:15 pm

Honorable John J. Lazzara

Martin L. Leibowitz

This panel will explore various issues, from an adjuster’s perspective, surrounding the recently enacted Statewide Uniform Practices and Procedures (UPP’s) adopted by the office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. Which sections of the UPP are of concern to adjusters? How does the adjuster maintain continuity between the day to day adjusting of a file and the requirements of the new UPP’s? Do you understand all that these new procedures mean to you as an adjuster? How do the UPP’s affect the relationship between the adjuster and defense counsel? How may an adjuster assist defense counsel in meeting some of the UPP’s timeline requirements? Discover the perspectives of a Judge of Compensation Claims, who was one of the original drafting committee members, and a defense attorney with respect to these new UPP’s. This is a discussion you can’t afford to miss.

8:45 – 4:15 pm

Grand Ballroom VIII

Convention Level

8:45 – 9:45 am

Robert C. Palumbo, M.D.

Robert C. Hand

Marilyn Roofner, PT

This course will address injuries that occur to the knee and shoulder. Basic anatomy and the differences between the various types of injuries associated with each joint will be discussed. The potential for rehabilitation and the most common operative and non-operative techniques of treatment will also be discussed. Pitfalls of misdiagnosis, the delay of treatment and how this relates to the injured worker will be areas of concentration.

9:45 – 10:00 am

10:00 – 12:00 pm

Robert Keeter

Honorable Jonathan D. Ohlman

Honorable Daniel A. Lewis

Honorable Shelly Punancy

David Spain

What does a Judge consider when setting an attorney’s fee for a claimant’s attorney? When is a guideline fee not enough? When is a guideline fee too much? And, of course, the biggest controversy pertaining to attorneys’ fees has to do with "side stips" based upon hourly fees. These panelists will conduct a forthright discussion on the role and responsibility of a Judge of Compensation Claims in setting attorneys’ fees generally and hourly fees for resolution of issues specifically.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Holly A. Davis

K. C. Gutman

Teresa Campbell-Frigge

Over the years at this convention, we have held "case law updates" annually. This topic is the "anti-case law update". Instead, the panel will discuss only those specific cases that are critical to the adjuster. By analyzing the impact these cases have on your files, you can get the upper hand on issues before they explode. Topics include: 104 weeks of temporary benefits and what happens next; how to really determine when the statute of limitations has run; what "major contributing cause" really means; and how to make sure you are following the case law on managed care when you are busy responding to petitions for benefits and motions for independent medical evaluations. Not only will this panel discuss the law, they will give practical advise.

2:00 – 2:15 pm

2:15 – 3:15 pm

Scott H. Silver

Cindy Gaul

Chuck Bard

This is not your basic adjuster ethics course. Instead, we focus on the "real world" problems an adjuster faces when they aggressively try to handle their files. Too often mean-spirited claim handling is confused with aggressive claim handling. Learn to walk that fine line between aggressive claim handling and slipping over the edge into unethical behavior.

3:15 – 4:15 pm

Robert Rodriguez

Vicki Koch

Everyone talks about fraud, but does anyone do anything about it? This is a strategy and tactical discussion of how to deal with fraud in a workers’ compensation case. In other words, when you catch a claimant committing fraud, do you want to use that information to defeat his claim and/or settle his case for far less money than it was originally worth, or do you want to prosecute the claimant to make an example out of him? Or, do you do both? Both of these alternatives will be thoroughly discussed, as well as what you need to do, as an adjuster, to prepare a case that is being sent to a state attorney to prosecute. Once you complete this course, you can do more than simply talk about fraud.

8:15 – 9:15 am

Florida State University, College of Law

Florida Ballroom - Marco Island

University of Florida, College of Law

Florida Ballroom - Sawgrass

University of Miami, College of Law

Florida Ballroom - Harbor Beach

______________________________________________________________

9:30 – 4:15 pm

Palms Ballroom - Royal

Convention Level

Jeffrey I. Jacobs

9:30 – 11:15 am

Honorable Richard S. Thompson

R. Cory Schnepper

Steven P. Kronenberg

Peter C. Burkert

Paul L. Westcott

Innovative techniques, new trends, and recent case decisions that impact the prosecution and defense of workers’ compensation claims will be the subject of this panel. Hot topics will include major contributing cause, permanent total disability and evidentiary concerns.

11:15 – 12:15 pm

Thomas E. Glick

Honorable John J. Lazzara

Howard Scheiner

Honorable Michael J. DeMarko

This panel will address the effective presentation of workers’ compensation claims and defenses from a judicial perspective. The panel will explore topics from controversial trends to the effect of new rules.

12:15 – 2:15 pm

2:15 – 4:15 pm

Honorable Gerardo Castiello

Vincent A. Lloyd

Stuart F. Suskin

Tuwana J. McMillan

Douglas W. Barnes

This session will discuss practical ethical dilemmas impacting the practice of workers’ compensation law and professional conduct in the course of litigation.

9:00 – 12:30 pm

Grand Ballrooms XII, XIII & XIV

Convention Level

Debbie Scott

9:00 – 10:00 am

Timothy R. Whitney

James D. DiLorenzo

The subject of this panel remains one of the most controversial areas of the law. Everyone asks for an independent medical evaluation in virtually every claim. Is the claimant entitled to multiple independent medical evaluations in different specialties? Can the claimant schedule his own independent medical evaluation? What if the independent medical evaluator wants to treat – is that allowed? Can the claimant declare his unauthorized doctor an independent medical evaluator? Many cases have come out in the last year or two on this subject, but are they consistent? If a defense lawyer asks for an EMA late in the proceeding, does the Judge have to give him one? Once the EMA renders his opinion, does the Judge have to go along with it? If the parties don’t ask for an EMA, can the Judge still appoint one? As you can see, there are a million questions, and for now, at least we have some answers. Come discover what they are.

10:00 – 10:15 am

10:15 – 11:15 am

John M. Joyce

This program will combine legal requirements with practical considerations. It seems to be getting harder and harder to prepare settlement documents that will meet the scrutiny of a Judge of Compensation Claims. John Joyce will guide you through the maze of how to prepare a proper washout so that the Judge of Compensation Claims will approve it and the First District Court of Appeal won’t void it.

11:15 – 12:30 pm

Honorable Paul T. Terlizzese

Kim McAdams

Georganne D. McGreevy

These new rules are really important. Do you understand what they say and more importantly, what they really mean? Discover the perspective of a Judge of Compensation Claims, a judicial assistant and a mediator as they explain and analyze these new rules which govern all pretrials, trials and mediations.

9:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms IX & X

Convention Level

9:00 – 9:10 am

Betty Reid, RN, CCM

April C. Brader

9:10 – 10:50 am

Beverly Fisher, M.S.

Stress is too much wear and tear without loving care. Stress is a perception-it’s a natural, inevitable, universal part of life. Stress can work for you (eustress) and can work against you (distress). The line between eustress and distress is often difficult to distinguish. Stress affects you both mentally and physically. The point is not to eliminate stress, but to find the level that’s right for you. This presentation will help participants recognize their stress signals and learn strategies for reducing and managing their stress. The results will be the ability to balance stress for success.

10:50 – 11:00 am

11:00 – 12:00 pm

Joseph J. Ciccio, PT, CWS

Today, there are over 5 million cases of chronic wounds in America. These wounds cost the health care industry over 1.74 billion dollars annually. Projected increases in 2002 are expected as high as 2.57 billion dollars. With the shrinking healthcare dollar and the rising need for care of wound patients, a unique program has been developed for a viable cost-effective alternative for wound management encompassing the use of specific modalities and up to date dressings. By combining targeted self-management interventions and concurrent effectiveness monitoring in a home based setting, we have been able to significantly reduce the cost of wound care and have achieved outstanding clinical outcomes.

12:00 – 1:00 pm

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Division of Workers’ Compensation Bi-Annual Recertification Course For Rehabilitation and Healthcare Providers

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Randy Crowson

Sandra Ondrus, RN, MHSA

Bren Satterwhite

This breakout session is divided into three sections. The first part outlines the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in Florida’s workers’ compensation system. The second portion provides in-depth information as to the responsibilities of the carrier, the Division and the employer in the reemployment process as outlined in Section 440.491, Florida Statutes. In the third section, learn about the Crisis Intervention/Personal Safety Program (CIPS). This is the Division’s initiative in assisting injured employees in crisis and how this program may assist you in your daily responsibilities. This 4-hour session meets the requirements for providers for attending a Division sponsored workshop each two-year license renewal period, as specified in Rule 38F-55.002(2).

1:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms XII, XIII & XIV

Convention Level

Joey Blubaugh

1:00 – 1:30 pm

Joey Blubaugh

This session will address the history and legal status of Florida PEOs with a general discussion of tax, workers’ compensation, health insurance and unemployment implications. Chapter 468 of the Florida Statutes will frequently be referenced.

1:30 – 2:00 pm

Cece Renn

This lively session will address the efforts of PEOs to proactively secure federal legislation that would codify the co-employment model.

2:00 – 2:45 pm

David McNeely

With the hardening workers’ compensation market, many risk management strategies are under review. One area where PEOs may have a distinct advantage is returning employees to work. While some PEOs also have temporary staffing companies where they can place employees, others must rely on partnering with their client companies to create accommodations and return the employee to work.

2:45 – 3:00 pm

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Sean S. O’Connor

As a follow-up to last year’s session, there will be a case law update and a discussion of legislation that may impact the employee leasing industry.

4:00 – 4:45 pm

C.C. Neil Thorsen

Typically, smaller businesses do not have the time or resources to develop an effective safety program. The PEO brings this expertise as part of their service offering. This session will discuss the challenges of dealing with smaller businesses and will offer practical solutions. We will also discuss OSHA responsibilities, behavioral based safety training, and a myriad of other issues.

4:45 – 5:00 pm

9:00 – 5:00 pm

Grand Ballrooms III, IV, V & VI

Convention Level

9:00 – 10:20 am