Friday, August 16

Saturday, August 17

Sunday, August 18

Monday, August 19

Friday, August 16

Hall of Cities - St. Louis 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.

Hall of Cities - Tampa Convention Level

Steven Wheeler

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.

Saturday, August 17

Hall of Cities - St. Louis Convention Level

Jill Lozis

Hall of Cities - Tampa Convention Level

Steven Wheeler

Sunday, August 18

See page 3 for more information

World Center – Cart Staging Area

Golf Tournament Luncheon in Florida Ballrooms - Harbor Beach & Marco Island, North Tower, immediately following tournament.

Hall of Cities - St. Louis Convention Level

Jill Lozis

Hall of Cities - Tampa Convention Level

Steven Wheeler

Crystal Ballrooms A – Q

Convention Level

Convention Level

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

Mark L. Zientz

Monday, August 19

Convention Level

9:00 – 9:15 am Welcoming Speeches

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

James N. McConnaughhay

Steven A. Rissman

9:15 – 9:30 am Scholarship Presentations

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

FWCI Scholarship Presentation

J. David Parrish

Gerald A. Rosenthal

Friends of 440 Scholarship Presentation

Richard A. Sadow

9:30 am Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

Sam Friedman

9:30 – 10:30 am Keynote Speaker

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

Philip J. (P.J.) Crowley

Grand Ballrooms VII & VIII

Convention Level

Capitol Steps (political humor)

Refer to "General Information" section for information on Capitol Steps.

Convention Level

Convention Level

Jacqueline L. Blanton

Barbara B. Wagner

Richard A. Sicking

Mark L. Zientz

Honorable Michael E. Allen, Chief Judge

Honorable Peter D. Webster

Honorable Marguerite H. Davis

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.

2:00 – 4:15 pm Case Law Update

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 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. It’s no breakout – it’s the main event. This year, the panelists will discuss many of the cases that have been decided in the last year by various appellate courts 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.

Breakout for Risk Managers

Convention Level

Frank Catapano

1:00 – 2:30 pm Re-Engineering America’s Corporate Culture of Business Safety & Employee Health

Paul M. Viollis, Sr., MPA

This presentation seeks to define the new "Standard of Care" as it pertains to an employer’s obligation to provide a safe and healthful work environment, free from recognizable hazards. This session will concentrate on avoiding traditional workplace violence, protecting the workplace from domestic violence intrusion, and developing a conflict resolution plan to mitigate stress-related costs.

2:30 – 2:40 pm Break

W. Michael McDonald

James G. Grant

Gary E. Fraze, REPA, CSP

What is "Six Sigma" and why is it important? Learn about this exciting new concept in safety, which will have an impact on your risk management dollars. Michael McDonald, James Grant and Gary Fraze will discuss "Six Sigma" and the effect that it had on their work environment.

3:40 – 3:50 pm Break

W. Michael McDonald

What a difference a day makes. The terrorist activities of September 11 have changed the marketplace. This speaker will talk about the financial impact on the insurance industry generally and on the property and casualty industry specifically. He also will give us his impressions on what the practice of risk management will look like in the future, given the new environment caused by September 11.

Appellate Judiciary Breakout

Convention Level

Members of the appellate courts, and their administrative staff give attendees a view from the bench. The administrative staff 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 judges 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.

Thomas D. Hall

Jon S. Wheeler

Panel:

Honorable Michael E. Allen

Honorable Peter D. Webster

Honorable Marguerite H. Davis

Breakout for Healthcare Providers

Convention Level

1:00 – 1:05 pm Welcome and Introductions

Richard Dolsey, MD

Bruce Lester

1:05 – 2:30 pm Ask the Experts

Patricia Quinlan

Nat Levine

Beth Lepper

Teresa Long

Claimant: Dorothy Clay Sims

Defense: Martin L. Leibowitz

Providing medical treatment to a patient who has been injured on the job often involves more than just healing the body. This panel will give physicians and other healthcare providers the opportunity to learn more about the non-medical aspects of workers’ compensation. A variety of topics relating to indemnity, medical, and legal issues will also be discussed.

2:40 – 3:55 pm Perspectives on Pain

Moderator:

Gary Jay, MD

Robert Pollack, MD

Evans Amuna, MD

Christopher Leber, MD

How do you deal with the pain aspect of a work-related injury? What questions should you be asking to "red flag" patients who may have other problems that may make their successful treatment more difficult? Why does an interdisciplinary treatment paradigm enhance an injured employee’s return to work? Do expert diagnostic and treatment guidelines exist for injured workers with pain? When are interventional procedures appropriate and what is the difference between rehabilitation and interventional pain medicine as primary treatment modalities? Learn the answers to these questions and more with this panel of four different types of pain practitioners.

3:55 – 4:05 pm Break

Joseph Paduda

The goal of this session is to get providers to be able to deal with payors from an educated perspective. By understanding what drives payors, providers will be better equipped to negotiate contracts, handle patients, communicate, and improve the entire process.

Breakout on Workplace Safety

(Four separate breakout sessions all from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

Convention Level

Joan M. Spencer, CIH

Compliance Assistance Specialist

OSHA issued a final rule on the Control of Hazardous Energy on September 1, 1989. This presentation will cover the requirements of the rule including the practices and procedures necessary to shut down and lock out or tag out machines and equipment, employee training requirements and their role in the lock out/tag out program, and the mandates that periodic inspections be conducted to maintain or enhance the energy control program.

2:00 – 3:00 pm 29CFR 1910 – Subpart H – Hazardous Materials

Paul Haas, CSP

This presentation will cover standards for the handling, storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids with a flash point below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary basis for the standards is the National Fire Protection Association’s publication NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. There are two primary hazards associated with flammable and combustible liquids: explosion and fire. This presentation will illustrate why the issues of design and construction, ventilation, ignition sources and storage are important considerations when you handle flammable and combustible liquids.

3:00 – 3:15 pm Break

Thomas Dean, C.S.P.

This presentation will focus on developing a safety and health program in accordance with the 1989 guidelines issued by OSHA. We will focus on the following areas: management leadership and employee involvement, worksite hazard analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

Hall of Cities - Los Angeles

Convention Level

Robert E. Nesbit

Assistant Director

This presentation will focus on the requirements of excavations including the requirements for protective systems, soil classification, sloping and benching, timber shoring for trenches, alternatives to timber shoring and selection of protective systems.

3:00 – 3:15 pm Break

Terry Lee, Ph.D.

This subject is among the most misunderstood and misinterpreted OSHA standards. Dr. Lee’s session will cover the requirements of the assured equipment grounding conductor program and its importance in protecting the lives and limbs of construction workers. This presentation will also discuss the implementation of such a program to ensure proper safety and maintenance of electrical equipment, tools and receptacles.

Convention Level

Robert Pavlik, Ph.D. (CIH)

This session will cover the requirements of the OSHA respiratory protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Dr. Pavlik will discuss the development and implementation of a respiratory protection program, the requirements for the selection of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing, cleaning, maintenance and training.

2:00 – 3:00 pm Respirator Types and Selection

Mylene Kellerman

This session will cover the different types of air purifying and air supplied respirators available and how to choose the correct type for your workplace. This session is a must for people involved in heavy construction, painting, sanding, use of chemicals, mixing of concrete or any other occupation where dust or vapors are generated.

3:00 – 3:15 pm Break

Robert Pavlik, Ph.D. (CIH)

Ned Fayson

Fit Testing Equipment and Demonstration – During this session the speakers will demonstrate qualitative fit testing techniques using Bitrex and isoamyl acetate and quantitative fit testing using the Portacount and OHD FitTester 3000.

Convention Level

Mike Yates

Terry Lee, Ph.D.

Mr. McGinn covers the basic information that an employer needs to know in order to link a safety and health program with a workers’ compensation program.

3:00 – 3:15 pm Break

Kevin Regan

This presentation will cover the following aspects of a safety and health program: management commitment, written plans, committee purpose activity, employee safety training, property/vehicle inspections and specific work site analysis.

National Trends in Workers’ Compensation

Convention Level

1:00 – 2:30 pm A View from the Top

Sam Friedman

James Roberts

Sal Zaffino

A group of leading insurance company executives representing a broad cross-section of the workers’ compensation insurance industry will

speak frankly about the challenges facing insurers, reinsurers, adjusters, risk managers and independent agents in this troubled market. The lingering impact of September 11 on terrorism coverage will be explored, along with other nagging issues, including reform efforts in key states, availability and affordability of reinsurance, soaring medical care costs, ergonomics, and the threat of new exposures looming on the horizon.

2:30 – 2:45 pm Break

Bruce Hillman

Gregory V. Serio

Robert G. Purdy

Robert P. Hartwig

Thomas L. Duffy

A year later, the impact of the World Trade Center disaster is still being measured. What were the financial costs? What were the successes and failures of the workers’ compensation system? Was the industry response appropriate and adequate? This 90-minute panel discussion explores the impact on the industry financially, as well as claims developments and other implications for adjusters, carriers, regulators and risk managers. Four industry experts, well-versed in the lessons of September 11, address the issues of workers’ compensation and terrorist attacks. What do we know now that we should have known then? What works and what doesn’t work?

7:00 – 11:00 pm Reception and Entertainment

Palms Ballrooms – Sago, Sabal, Royal

& Canary

Convention Level

The Beach Boys

Blue Stone Circle

Casual attire. Adults only, please. Refer to "General Information" section for information on The Beach Boys and Blue Stone Circle.

Tuesday, August 20

Center, Fairfield Inn, Springhill Suites, Marriott Courtyard, and Premium Outlet Mall (Boarding Convention Entrance Marriott World Center & Front Entrance between Fairfield & Springhill Suites at Marriott Village) Refer to Shuttle map & schedule on pages 42 & 43.

8:00 – 5:00 pm Registration

Grand Registration

Convention Level

8:00 – 5:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open

Crystal Ballrooms A-Q

Convention Level

Breakout for Adjusters

Program One

Convention Level

8:45 – 9:45 am Contemporary Controversies In Orthopedic Surgery

Stephen R. Goll, M.D.

Lawrence S. Halperin, M.D.

Jeffrey P. Rosen, M.D.

Joseph D. Funk, D.P.M.

This symposium will focus on four areas of current controversy in the orthopedic care and management of injured workers. Through a series of four very focused presentations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the decision-making rationale that physicians use in formulating treatment plans for these common, yet controversial work-related injuries. Conditions to be discussed include reflex sympathetic dystrophy, discogenic low back pain, meniscal injuries of the knee, and plantar fascitis. This session will conclude with an open forum, at which time the panelists will field questions from the attendees.

9:45 – 10:00 am Break

Nell Merritt

Bennett L. Pugh

Jack M. Rosenkranz

June Simpson

James E. Trull

For the last several years, Medicare has been paying medical expenses for injured workers, even when those expenses stemmed from work-related accidents or occupational diseases. The Medicare Secondary Payor statute was enacted to prevent medicare from being burdened by these expenses, which otherwise should be paid from insurance plans, including workers’ compensation. This panel will discuss the legal and practical aspects of what is required to establish a Medicare set-aside or allocation account based upon the Medicare Secondary Payor regulations. How do you comply with this act? What happens if you don’t?

Emotions, like anger, frustration and fear are central to many claim situations. To be successful, adjusters must deal with the facts of the claim, the people involved, and their emotions. Ethics demand that you act professionally when adjusting a claim. By acting ethically and effectively, you will enhance your relationship with the injured worker, the employer, and the insurer providing coverage for the claim. This session will provide advice, insight, and inspiration for formulating an approach based upon fairness and honesty.

2:00 – 2:15 pm Break

Moderator:

Jill E. Keene

David A. Spain

Timothy J. Jesaitis

Under section 440.20(11)(c), Florida Statutes, are you confused as to how settlements should be analyzed? Are you interested in some current strategies which could positively or negatively affect a settlement value, or perhaps timing of a settlement? Mrs. Jill Keene (FCCI), Mr. David Spain (Clmt counsel) and Mr. Tim Jesaitis are just who you are looking for - to provide a thoughtful, occasionally irreverent analysis of three cases. Our intent? To lead you through the labyrinth of issues that can arise: MMI and medical language, Child Support Arrearage issues, Medicare Set Asides, Settlement Documents and Surveillance. Come on in and enjoy the show!!

3:15 – 4:15 pm DOAH: Welcome to Our Neighborhood

R. Stephen Coonrod

Steven Scott Stephens

There is a major new player in the workers’ compensation system. It is the Department of Administrative Hearings – DOAH. Last year, the Florida Legislature established DOAH as the clerk’s office for the workers’ compensation system and transferred all administrative responsibilities having to do with Judges of Compensation Claims to DOAH. What does this all mean? What do we need to do differently? What is the impact on adjusters? What is the impact on litigation? This panel will explore those questions and many more. Don’t miss it!

Breakout for Adjusters

Program Two

Convention Level

8:45 – 9:45 am Neurosurgery: Is the Claimant Your Pain in the Neck?

Marilyn Roofner, PT

Robert L. Masson, Jr., M.D.

The purpose of this course is two-fold. First, it will discuss cervical spine injuries and what you can expect from a surgical or a non-surgical course of treatment. But, this is a lot more than an anatomy course. So much of what an adjuster and nurse case manager deals with has to do with causal relationship and "major contributing cause" questions. In other words, is a pre-existing condition the carrier’s responsibility or is it just a normal result of the claimant’s life? Why does it seem that so many injuries start out with neck symptoms and before the case is over, carpal tunnel surgery is performed? Learn the answers to these and other questions in this highly informative presentation.

9:45 – 10:00 am Break

Jeffrey Taylor

Maria Dayi

Justine Esser

Cynthia Cegan

Nancy Amee

David Burr

Scott 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 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 adjuster depositions, attorney’s fees, controlling the medical costs and identifying and prosecuting fraud cases.

Moderator:

James F. Kidd

Charles D. Greene

Tammy Martin

The employer is your insured and your customer. What is the proper relationship between the employer and the adjuster? Many adjusters believe it is to send in a first report of injury and a wage statement and then simply to be quiet. On the other hand, many employers demand the right to make virtually every decision in a case. What is the best balance? This panel will discuss the difficult questions and concepts necessary for the truly successful adjuster to achieve the best results in a case by working in a team-like fashion with the employer.

2:00 – 2:15 pm Break

Rafael Gonzalez

This presentation will focus on the workers’ compensation/social security disability offset. It will explore both federal and state statutory authority. It will also delve into federal and state case law guiding such offsets. The emphasis of the presentation will be on computing the offset. Ralph Gonzalez, who many consider the state’s number one expert on social security offset issues, will guide the audience through the maze of cases so that the audience can "finally make sense of it all."

3:15 – 4:15 pm Adjuster Ethics: A New Way Of Looking At It

Daniel T. Jaffe

Russell Warm

Ethics is an integral part of any profession and a mandatory topic for adjusters. This panel will discuss the ethical considerations and responsibilities of an adjuster by use of various scenarios which set forth ethical dilemmas that adjusters face every day. Some of the resolutions of these conflicts will surprise you. Don’t miss it!

Breakout for Attorneys

8:15 – 9:15 am Alumni Breakfasts

Florida State University, College of Law

Florida Ballroom – Marco Island

North Tower

University of Florida, College of Law

Florida Ballroom – Sawgrass

North Tower

University of Miami, College of Law

Florida Ballroom – Harbor Beach

North Tower

Convention Level

Jeffrey I. Jacobs

9:30 – 11:00 am Strategy Session: Hot Topics

Howard Scheiner

Ramon Malca

Steven P. Kronenberg

Christine M. Franco

Tuwana J. McMillan

This knowledgeable and skilled Strategy Session panel will discuss innovative techniques, new trends, recent decisions, and legislative changes that impact the prosecution and defense of workers’ compensation claims. The hot topics will include compensability, permanent total disability, medical benefits, and settlements.

Honorable Marguerite H. Davis

Honorable David W. Langham

Honorable Richard S. Thompson

This diverse judicial panel will address various workers’ compensation issues from trial, appellate and administrative perspectives.

Jan K. Wichrowski

Cheryl L. Wilke

Stephen E. Renick

This panel features an interactive discussion concerning issues of ethics and professionalism that have an effect on all workers’ compensation practitioners. The discussion will provide practical information concerning the types of problems workers’ compensation attorneys routinely encounter.

Breakout for Paralegals

and Legal Assistants

Convention Level

Debbie Scott

Legal Assistant

Clerk

It is a new world for workers’ compensation practitioners. What needs to be filed with DOAH, what is the format and when does it need to be filed? Ann Cole, who is the Court Clerk for DOAH, will answer all of these questions in a very practical presentation.

Attorney

So much has changed since October 1, 2001. The documents are different and what needs to be submitted to the judge for approval has changed radically. Mark Hungate will guide you through a maze of how to prepare a proper settlement agreement.

Judge of Compensation Claims

These 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 as he explains and analyzes these new rules which govern all pretrials, trials and mediations.

Breakout for Medical Case Managers/

Rehabilitation Providers

Convention Level

9:00 – 9:10 am Welcome and Introductions

Betty Reid, RN, CCM

April C. Brader

9:10 – 10:50 am Balancing Your Stress Budget

Beverly Fisher, M.S.

This course is an extension from last year’s successful breakout session. The purpose of this course is to give the participant helpful tools to better manage stress in their everyday lives. In-depth knowledge and meaningful tools will be provided in order to give each individual a practical strategy against the damaging effects of stress on body, mind and spirit.

The speaker will outline the steps involved in treating a patient with low back pain from first presentation to resolution, including the basis for recommending or denying advanced diagnostic testing, medications, epidural injections and surgery. Indicators for surgery will be discussed as well as new treatment options that help avoid costly surgery.

Sandra Ondrus, RN, MHSA

District Supervisor

This session will review Section 440.491, Florida Statutes, the rules, changes in Workers’ Compensation and how those changes may or may not affect you. The intent of RES versus the reality of the program, reemployment assessment, billing, statistics, the referral process and crisis potential will also be discussed.

This 4-hour session meets the requirement for providers to attend a workshop each two-year license renewal period, as specified in Rule 38F-55.002(2).

National Trends in Workers’ Compensation

Convention Level

9:00 – 10:45 am Workers’ Compensation Market Overview

Sam Friedman

Editor-in-Chief

Fritz Yohn

President

Robert Hartwig

Senior Vice President & Chief Economist

Peter Zaffino

Managing Director for Workers’ Compensation

Ron Relterath

A dynamic panel discussion about the workers’ compensation market will reveal where we stand and where we are headed. Included will be a detailed analysis of the industry’s financial state, an examination of claims trends, a report on the impact of overall economic conditions on workers’ compensation and an assessment of the volatile reinsurance market, as well as a bold exploration of new marketing opportunities for workers’ compensation insurers.

Attorney

Charles O’Connor

Assistant Vice President for Litigation Management

Through skits and simulations, our presenters skirt pretty near the edge to better illustrate frictions which hinder claims professionals and defense counsel in chasing their shared objective – the defense of claims. Through shock-of-recognition "vignettes", our presenters strive to add a little luster to the product on both sides of the vital claims-legal defense team!

Grand Ballroom X

Convention Level

Robert Noel

Vice President, Sales, Self Funded Carrier Division

Kathy Bonnell

Sales Director, Workers’ Compensation East

The fact that workers’ compensation pharmacy costs are rising at an alarming rate of 15% per year has become a bitter pill for the claims payors and employers to swallow. Traditional managed care only addresses medical providers’ costs. More and more it is apparent that the pharmacy costs need to be carved out and dealt with more aggressively. Our objective in this session is to give you a basic understanding of the terminology and strategies that can be implemented to mitigate future drug cost increases while controlling the potential for fraud and abuse.

President

Nancy Brennan

Director of Product Development

Grover Davis

The role of the adjuster is constantly changing. Industry executives will share with your company and customer expectations and provide a road map for success in all aspects of claim management. Hear how you can deliver superior claim results that provide value added economic and customer service benefits to your company.

2:30 – 2:45 pm Break

Vincent Armentano

Vice President of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Sean Downs

John D’Alusio

With all the "bad news" in the workers’ compensation system, is there any hope? There is! Historically, technology was used to automate functions, but the new knowledge management and predictive technologies can help the workers’ compensation system by accelerating the adjusters’ learning curve and supporting core skills. Think of it – utilizing internet technology to engage injured workers and enhance communication with physicians. We can take back control of our destiny and improve the outcomes of claims.

3:45 - 4:00 pm Break

Ann Clayton

Stacey Eccleston

Senior Analyst

William Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor of Economics

Jay Himmelstein, M.D., MPH

Assistant Chancellor for Health Policy

Recent research is providing more information than ever before about where the workers’ compensation dollars go, how medical costs and utilization differ across states for similar injuries and workers, the relative cost efficiency of different providers and the relationship of healthcare and work absence. This session will focus on research in multiple states that identifies specific medical cost drivers and gives implications for fee schedule changes and other potential public policy actions that can be taken to address the identified cost drivers.

Breakout on Workplace Safety

(Four separate breakout sessions all from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Convention Level

Stephen McGinn

Cathy Anton

8:00 – 10:00 am Parks and Recreation Liability

Stephen McGinn

This topic will focus on the liability concerns associated with the proper administration of a public park and leisure services program

Kimberly S. Gibson, PT, CHT