65th
Annual
Workers' Compensation
Educational Conference
& 22nd Annual Safety and Health Conference
August 15 - 18, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
▪ Golf Tournament - Late Registration
▪ Golf Tournament
▪ Exhibit Hall Setup
▪ Moot Court Judges’ Luncheon (Judges Only)
▪ E. Earle Zehmer
National Moot Court Competition Preliminary Rounds
▪ Convention Registration & Information
Monday, August 16, 2010
▪ Registration and Information
▪ General Sessions
▪ Exhibit Hall Open
▪ E. Earle Zehmer
national Moot Court competition Finals
▪ Case Law Update
▪ Grand Prize Drawing Inside Exhibit Hall
▪ Breakout for Risk Managers
▪ Breakout for Healthcare Providers
▪ Breakout on Employment Law
▪ National Trends in Workers’ Compensation
(Day 1)
▪ National Workers’ Compensation Legal Review (Day 1)
▪ Medical Breakout Session (Day 1)
▪ National Workers’ Compensation Judiciary College (For New Judges)
▪ National Workers’ Compensation Judiciary College
(Day 1)
▪ Cutting Edge Occupational Health Issues: NIOSH and Beyond
(Day 1)
▪ NIOSH ERC Regional Seminar & Research to Practice (r2p) Symposium (Day 1)
▪ OSHA 10-Hour Course (Day 1)
▪ Breakout on Workplace Safety, Program One
▪ Breakout on Workplace Safety, Program Two
▪ Reception and Entertainment
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
▪ Registration & Information
▪ Exhibit Hall Open
▪ Grand Prize Drawing Inside Exhibit Hall
▪ Breakout for Adjusters, Program One
▪ Breakout for Adjusters, Program Two
▪ Breakout for Attorneys
▪ Breakout for Medical Case Managers/ Rehabilitation Providers
▪
Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services Bi-Annual Re-Certification Course for
Rehabilitation Providers
▪ Breakout for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
▪ Medical Breakout Sessions
(Day 2)
▪ National Trends in Workers’ Compensation
(Day 2)
▪ Employee Leasing - Professional Employer Organization
(PEO) Breakout
▪ National Workers’ Compensation Legal Review (Day 2)
▪ National Workers’ Compensation Judiciary College
(Day 2)
▪ Cutting Edge Occupational Health Issues: NIOSH and Beyond
(Day 2)
▪ NIOSH ERC Regional Seminar & Research to Practice (r2p) Symposium (Day 2)
▪ OSHA 10-Hour Course (Day 2)
▪ Breakout on Workplace Safety, Program One
▪ Breakout on Workplace Safety, Program Two
▪ Selected Topics in Management Techniques
▪ Breakout On Using Health Science to Resolve Workers’ Compensation Claims:
Why Evidence Based Medicine is Important
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
▪ Registration & Information
▪ Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall
▪ Exhibit Hall Open
▪ Grand Prize Drawing Inside Exhibit Hall
▪ Florida Bureau of Rehabilitation Breakout
▪ Florida Department of Financial Services - Division of Workers’
Compensation Breakout
▪ Breakout on Medical Issues (Adjusters and Nurse Case Managers)
▪ Breakout on Longshore and Harbor
Workers Act and Defense Base Act
▪ Breakout on Advanced Mediation Techniques
▪ Breakout on Multi-State Workers’ Compensation Laws
▪ The Bold New World of Taking Medicare's Interests into Account
Hawks Landing
Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott
– Cart Staging Area
(Registration for those not pre-registered,
if space available)
Hawks Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center
Marriott Golf
Tournament Luncheon in Florida Ballrooms – Harbor Beach &
Marco Island,
North Tower, immediately following tournament
Cypress Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention Level
PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE MARRIOTT. Shuttle Bus between the Caribe
Royale and
the Marriott World Center. (Boarding at the Main Reception
Building [the
building in the forefront] of the Caribe Royale).
Click here for shuttle
map & schedule.
Hall of Cities - Tampa
Convention Level
Palms Foyer
Convention Level
Crystal Ballrooms A & B and Grand
Ballrooms 9-14
Convention Level
Participants:
Barry University School of Law
Florida A&M University College of Law
Florida Coastal School of Law
Florida
State University College of Law
Mississippi College School of Law
Nova S.E.
University Shepard Broad Law Center
Stetson University College of Law
University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, MN
University of
Florida Levin College of Law
Organizers:
Jacqueline Blanton Steele, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A.
Sarasota, FL
Barbara B.
Wagner, Attorney
Wagenheim & Wagner, P.A.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Richard A. Sicking, Attorney
Richard A. Sicking, P.A.
Miami, FL
Mark L. Zientz,
Attorney
Law Offices of Mark L. Zientz
Miami, FL
Tracey J. Hyde, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A.
Panama City, FL
Shuttle Bus between the Orlando World Center Marriott, the Caribe Royale,
and the overflow parking site (Boarding Convention Entrance
Orlando World
Center Marriott & the Main Reception Building [the building in
the forefront]
of the Caribe Royale). Click here for shuttle
map & schedule.
Palms Foyer
Convention
Level
Cypress Ballroom 3
Convention Level
James N. McConnaughhay, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope &
Weaver, P.A.
General Chairman
Tallahassee, FL
Steven A. Rissman, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McLain, P.A.
Program Chairman
Orlando, FL
Special Presentations
Volunteer of the Year Presentation
Scholarship Presentation
Geoffrey Bichler,
Attorney
Bichler, Kelley & Parrish, P.A.
Winter Park, FL
Gerald A.
Rosenthal, Attorney
Rosenthal, Levy & Simon, P.A.
West Palm Beach, FL
Friends of 440 Scholarship Presentation
Richard A. Sadow, Attorney
St.
Augustine, FL
Chief Financial Officer
Florida
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National Underwriter P&C
Hoboken, NJ
Jeff Eddinger
Rate-Making Practice Leader and Senior Actuary
National
Council on Compensation Insurance
Boca Raton, FL
The National Underwriter
and the Florida Workers’ Compensation Institute recognize three top risk
management specialists from across the country chosen as finalists in the
“National Underwriter Award For Excellence in Workers’ Compensation Risk
Management”. This annual award is sponsored by the National Council on
Compensation Insurance (NCCI).
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National Underwriter P&C
Hoboken, NJ
(Refer to General Information
section of program)
Paul A. Rodliff
Senior Vice President and General
Manager, Commercial Professional Services
Liberty Mutual Group
Boston, MA
(Refer to General
Information section of program)
Football Legend:
Dan Marino
Cypress Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention Level
Look for the
giant prize screen announcing exhibit hall prize winners.
Monday, August 16, 2010
E. Earle Zehmer national Moot Court
competition Finals
Crystal Ballrooms D & E
Convention Level
Organizers:
Jacqueline Blanton Steele, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope &
Weaver, P.A.
Sarasota, FL
Barbara B. Wagner, Attorney
Wagenheim & Wagner,
P.A.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Richard A. Sicking, Attorney
Richard A. Sicking,
P.A.
Miami, FL
Mark L. Zientz, Attorney
Law Offices of Mark L. Zientz
Miami,
FL
Tracey J. Hyde, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver,
P.A.
Panama City, FL
Judged by the Florida First District Court of Appeal
Honorable Bradford L. Thomas
Honorable T. Kent Wetherell, II
Honorable Simone Marstiller
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.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Case Law Update
Cypress Ballroom 3
Convention Level
Moderator:
Nicole
D. Ruocco, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McLain, P.A.
Orlando,
FL
Panel:
M. Kemmerly Thomas, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope &
Weaver, P.A.
Tallahassee, FL
Geoffrey Bichler, Attorney
Bichler, Kelley &
Parrish, P.A.
Winter Park, FL
Michael E. Nebel, Attorney
Michael E. Nebel,
P.A.
Orlando, FL
Nicole V. Hessen, Attorney
Rosenthal, Levy & Simon, P.A.
West Palm Beach, FL
Case Law Update is one of the most important portions
and the best attended programs of the Workers’ 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 Appellate Courts as they affect workers’ compensation matters. An
analysis of the trends of the court and the law is also given, with emphasis
on the practical application of the case law to the handling of a workers’
compensation claim. This is a must attend presentation.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Breakout for Risk Managers
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level
Program
Moderator:
K. Max Koonce
Senior Director-Risk Management
Walmart Stores, Inc.
Bentonville, AR
Panel:
William (Bill) R. Wandel
Vice
President
INTEGRIS Health System
Oklahoma City, OK
Dan Kugler
Assistant
Treasurer
Corporate Risk Management
Snap-on Incorporated
Kenosha, WI
Brenda
Wyatt
Director of Claims Management
ADP TotalSource
Alpharetta, GA
Workers’
compensation costs have continued to escalate over the last several years in
the face of repeated yearly decreases in frequency of injuries. According to
the NCCI, accident frequency declined 3.4% for accident year 2008. For the
past 5 years accident frequency has declined an average of 4.7% per year.
However, during these same years, indemnity and medical severity for
on-the-job accidents have increased significantly. Simply relying on
accident frequency reductions to control costs is no longer sufficient.
Instead companies must have comprehensive programs focused on indemnity and
medical cost control through a variety of different programs. This section
of the program will focus on what some of the best risk management programs
are doing in this area.
Panel:
Fred O. Pachon
Vice President
Risk Management and Insurance, General Manager
TradeForce Division
Select Staffing
Santa Barbara, CA
David Hopps
Vice
President Risk Management Operations & Environment, Safety & Health
The
ServiceMaster Company
Memphis, TN
Gary A. Nesbit
Vice President of
Procurement, Facilities & Travel
Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
In a time when
workers’ compensation costs continue to rise yet accident frequency
continues to decline, how a company determines the effectiveness of its
workers’ compensation program becomes even more critical. This presentation
will focus on what is being done by some companies who have been identified
as having some of the very best programs.
Brenda Peavy Gray
Senior Director Occupational Health Services
Marriott
International, Inc.
Tyrone, GA
This session looks at medical case management
as part of Marriott’s overall strategy to contain workers’ compensation
costs. Particular detail is given to issues that affect claim costs
adversely: obesity, psychiatric conditions, and drug misuse. Marriott’s case
management efforts and outcomes in these areas will be discussed.
Robert H. Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
Alternative Service Concepts
Nashville, TN
An essential element of a quality claims program is to have an
annual claim audit. This session will discuss the financial and cultural
impacts of having independent annual claim audits versus using claim audits
as a reaction to poor results. Audits should focus on areas affecting
financial results and customer service. The elements of compliance discussed
include procedural best claim practices; vendor management; regulatory
compliance; and the development of “dashboard reports” for ongoing review
and feedback of the claim operation.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Breakout for Healthcare Providers
Crystal Ballroom G2 (Enter through Crystal Ballroom C)
Convention Level
Program Moderators:
Ann
E. Crutchfield
Practice Administrator
Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostics,
P.A.
Tampa, FL
Gary Newcomer, MD
First Care of Gainesville
Southeastern
Integrated Medical, PL
Gainesville, FL
Richard A. Victor, J.D, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI)
Cambridge, MA
Back pain is a common source of disability, both from work
related injuries and from injuries that occur outside of the workplace. This
presentation focuses on care provided or directed by physicians and
addresses the following questions: How do the patterns of medical care
differ across various states? How do patterns of medical care compare to
evidence based treatment guideline recommendations? How can physicians,
other healthcare providers and carriers apply these findings to better
manage back injuries?
Moderator:
Maxine Boyer
Executive Vice President
Physicians Health Centers
Miami, FL
Panel:
Barbara
Turner, AIC
Workers’ Compensation Manager
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
Daniel J. Sulzner, MS, CSP, OHST, CRM, ARM,
Loss Prevention
Consultant, South Central Regional Account Manager
Midwest Employers
Casualty Company
Chesterfield, MO
How does treating a “Millennial” differ
from treating a “Gen-X”, “Gen-Y” or “Baby Boomer”? This session will look at
the generations from a workers’ compensation claims and loss prevention
perspective. Part one will look at the aging workforce and the business
impact on employers and insurers as they deal with safety and workers’
compensation issues. Part two will discuss the younger workers, “Gen X”,
“Gen Y” and, the youngest of all, the “Millennials”. The session will not
discuss clinical issues, but rather how healthcare providers can more
effectively communicate with their patients, based on their generation.
Moderator:
Jean T.
Feldman, RN, BSN
Senior Vice President
Business Development
FairPAY
Solutions, Inc
Addison, TX
Panel:
R. Stephen Coonrod, Attorney
Partner,
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A.
Tallahassee, FL
Dana T.
Keller, CPCU
HR Advisor
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Buena Vista, FL
Michael Nocero, MD
Central Florida Cardiology
Lake Mary, FL
The goal of this
presentation is to provide practical solutions to help guide the treating
physician in dealing with Florida’s presumption law relating to the
compensability of heart and hypertension claims for fire fighters, law
enforcement officers, and corrections officers. Following a brief overview
of the presumption statutes aimed at providing the medical care provider
with a basic understanding of the law, emphasis will be given to appropriate
medical treatments, how to deal with preexisting medical problems of the
patient, and how care can be provided using a blend of workers’ compensation
and private medical insurance. Is there a clear cut way of treating these
patients?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Breakout on Employment Law
Grand Ballroom 7B
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Lillian
Chaves Moon, Attorney
Jackson Lewis LLP
Orlando, FL
Joanne
Braddock Lambert, Attorney
Jackson Lewis LLP
Orlando, FL
In light of the
2009 amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations,
employers should be mindful of the practical implications of administering
FMLA leaves. This session is designed to familiarize HR and claims
professionals and other interested parties with the potential ramifications
of day-to-day decisions concerning FMLA leaves, including: Leave calculation
issues; Interaction with the American with Disabilities Act; Waivers; and
Anticipated Litigation lssues.
Lillian Chaves Moon, Attorney
Jackson Lewis
LLP
Orlando, FL
Performance management, if done effectively, can accomplish
a number of important organizational goals. Among other things, it can
motivate, reward and help retain valuable associates; provide the mechanism
by which underperformers can become productive and profitable employees; and
establish the criteria upon which future employment decisions are made, such
as pay raises and disciplinary actions. This session will offer practical
advice on how to evaluate employees in a manner which helps achieve these
goals while minimizing the risk of legal liability.
Alicia
Chiu, Attorney
Jackson Lewis LLP
Orlando, FL
Employment discrimination
lawsuits continue to make up a substantial portion of the Federal court
docket. This session will provide an overview of Title VII, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, and various state specific laws
prohibiting discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Attendees will
also gain a better appreciation and understanding of how to avoid litigation
by following certain principles when interviewing, hiring, reviewing,
disciplining and terminating employees.
Monday, August 16, 2010
National Trends In Workers’
Compensation (Day 1)
Presented by the National Underwriter
Grand Ballroom 8A
Convention Level
National Trends Moderator:
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National Underwriter P&C
Hoboken, NJ
Moderator:
Dennis Jay
Executive Director Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
Washington, D.C.
Panel:
Steven K. Piper
Director of Investigative Services
Travelers Insurance
Atlanta, GA
Laura Clifford
Executive Director
Employers Fraud Task Force
Anaheim Hills, CA
Judge David W. O’Brien (Retired)
Chair, Appellate
Department
Floyd, Skeren & Kelly, LLP
Los Angeles, CA
For many years,
sending explanation of benefits statements (EOBs) to patients has aided
health insurers in detecting fraud by medical providers. Can EOBs also work
for workers’ compensation carriers? Some insurers and employers have been
using EOBs to catch cheating by providers, with interesting results. This
panel will explore the techniques of setting up an EOB program. Presenting
on this issue will be a fraud investigator, an employer fraud task force
leader and a judge handling workers’ compensation disputes who will discuss
the successes and pitfalls of employing this anti-fraud tool.
Moderator:
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National Underwrite P&C
Hoboken, NJ
Panel:
Jennifer Tomilin
Senior Vice
President
Zurich North America
Schaumburg, IL
Amel Arhab
Manager
Deloitte Consulting
Boston, MA
Kaleb Adams
Vice President of
Predictive Modeling
Specialty Risk Services
Hartford, CT
A trio of modeling
experts will examine the hot topic of predictive analytics, discussing how
insurers and their risk management clients can get a better handle on their
respective workers’ compensation exposures using the latest technology tools
and techniques. A growing number of workers’ compensation carriers are
refining their underwriting and pricing approaches by data-mining their own
systems along with external sources to transform their business, following
the path blazed by personal lines insurers.
Monday, August 16, 2010
National Workers’
Compensation Legal Review (Day 1)
Grand Ballroom 7A
Convention Level
This two-part Breakout is
devoted to legal topics of national interest. Focus will be on current and
emerging topics within the workers’ compensation industry. The program
faculty consists of preeminent attorneys from around the country, nationally
recognized medical experts and prominent representatives in the areas of
insurance, claims’ handling and governmental regulation. There will be a
strong emphasis on interactive presentations which will focus on the use of
expert opinions and analysis in workers’ compensation cases. Rather than a
series of lectures on case law, this seminar is intended to provide
practical strategies in workers’ compensation cases. The program will be
presented at the intermediate level and will provide useful information for
attorneys, adjusters, risk managers, human resource personnel, and other
representatives involved in workers’ compensation issues.
William E. Pipkin, Jr., Attorney
Austill, Lewis & Pipkin,
P.C.
Mobile, AL
Jonathan L. Berryhill, Attorney
Wilson & Berryhill, P.C.
Birmingham, AL
Panel:
Honorable Jennifer A. Hopens
Administrative Law Judge
Texas
Department of Insurance
Division of Workers’ Compensation
Austin, TX
Honorable Deneise T. Lott
Senior Administrative Judge
Mississippi Workers’
Compensation Commission
Jackson, MS
Honorable Kimberly Smith Ward
Commissioner
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
Baltimore, MD
Honorable David K. Imahara
Deputy Chief Judge, Trial Division
Georgia State
Board of Workers’ Compensation
Atlanta, GA
Judges experience the spectrum
from great lawyers to those seemingly intent on losing their case at any
cost. Do you know what makes the great lawyer great or the poor lawyer
ineffective? What persuades and what just distracts? This panel presents an
unprecedented opportunity to hear it from a diverse panel of Judges from
four states. The Judges will address things lawyers appearing before them do
which distract, annoy and otherwise hamper the presentation of their
client’s case. Learn what to do to keep from “shooting yourself in the foot”
and hear suggestions from the bench about how to effectively address the
issues which actually matter.
Panel:
Robert T. Lewis, Attorney
Chief Legal Officer
Crowe Paradis Services Corp.
Reading, MA
Mark Popolizio, Attorney
Vice President,
Customer Relations
NuQuest/Bridge Pointe
Longwood, FL
By now, the
experienced claims’ handler and practicing attorney are aware of and skilled
at managing MSA issues. Unfortunately, there continue to be far too many
settlements lost or dramatically effected when Medicare issues need to be
addressed. Nothing is more frustrating than a reasonable settlement which
becomes far too costly as a result of a significant MSA set-aside. Keeping
abreast of the developing issues on this front is a constant challenge. The
experts on this panel are nationally recognized on recent developments, as
well as, cutting edge strategies to obtain the best results possible when
complex Medicare issues present themselves.
Roy A. Franco,
Attorney
Corporate Director, Risk Management Services
Safeway, Inc.
Pleasanton, CA
The presentation will cover the requirements of Section 111
compliance. What are the triggers for reporting and more importantly, what
do you report? Is this information generally available or will it be
necessary to obtain cooperation from the other side. Stay ahead of the curve
and learn what the Medicare Advocacy Recovery Coalition (MARC) is doing in
Washington DC to bring a more sensible application of the Secondary Payer
law.
Panel:
Honorable David Langham
Deputy
Chief Judge of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Pensacola, FL
Robert L. Dietz,
Attorney
Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A.
Orlando, FL
H. George Kagan,
Attorney
Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez & Silver, P.L.
West Palm Beach, FL
This
panel helps explode the myth of ethical conduct as an annoying speed bump --
or outright hindrance -- to desired goals or as something applicable only to
the naïve. To the contrary, whether the discussion centers on workers’
compensation litigation or the nation as a whole, the cost of failed ethical
filters has often been staggering. The line between unethical conduct and
zealous advocacy can sometimes be genuinely hard to make out, but often
times it is willfully unseen or otherwise obliterated by perceived
“business” advantages. Specific ethical components drawn from national codes
governing conduct of counsel and claims professionals will be interlaced
with ethical crucibles drawn both from past cases and from hypothetical
examples posing commonly encountered but sometimes insufficiently recognized
ethical dilemmas.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Medical
Breakout Session (Day 1)
Presented by the Florida Orthopaedic Society
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Fraser Cobbe
Executive Director
Florida Orthopaedic Society
Tampa, FL
Tosca Kinchelow, MD
Miami International Hand Surgical Services
North Miami Beach, FL
Tendinitis conditions, compressive neuropathy (carpal
and cubital tunnel syndromes) and trigger finger are common medical problems
that occur in the workplace. This talk will outline how these problems
develop, the usual presenting complaints, physical exam, necessary
diagnostic tests and treatment protocols. The overall goal is to manage
these issues promptly and efficiently such that the patient resumes usual
activities and work duties as quickly as possible. Prevention will also be
discussed.
Alejandro Badia, MD
Badia Hand to
Shoulder Center
OrthoNOW
Miami, FL
Musculoskeletal injuries comprise the
vast majority of work related morbidity and have a significant financial
impact on both employers and insurance carriers. The expansion of orthopedic
knowledge in diagnosing and treating these injuries has created a need for
immediate access to subspecialized orthopedic surgeon providers in order to
promptly return the injured patient to work. The speaker will highlight this
concept via several hand surgery cases that illustrate how certain
pathologies are commonly mismanaged, and how subspecialized treatment is
extremely cost effective. The concept of an orthopedic walk-in clinic will
also be developed indicating how other areas of orthopedics can provide
better immediate access to appropriate and timely care.
Avi Kumar, MD
Coastal Orthopedics &
Pain Management
Bradenton, FL
A forceful work injury or repetitive trauma
can cause a rotator cuff tear leading to significant disability. This
session will discuss appropriate means of treating these conditions
depending upon the ultimate diagnosis of a sprain or tear; and if a tear,
its location. The time allowed for patient absences from work for such
treatment will be discussed, as well as, expected permanent impairment
ratings.
Tosca Kinchelow, MD
Alejandro Badia,
MD
Avi Kumar, MD
Theodore Evans, MD
South Dade Orthopaedic Associates
Miami, FL
At
the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
understand mechanical and functional problems of the patellofemoral joint of
the knee, and identify indications for: physical therapy, injections and
surgery. The primary and secondary causes of patellofemoral syndrome will
also be discussed.
Adam Bright, MD
Schofield, Hand, & Bright Orthopaedics
Sarasota,
FL
Many worker’s compensation patients have pre-existing conditions, such as
arthritis or tendonitis. Some conditions can even occur simply with aging.
This presentation will focus on differentiating pre-existing conditions from
traumatic industrial injuries by using the patient’s history, physical exam
findings, and diagnostic testing results.
Rommel R. Francisco, MD
Atlantis Orthopaedics
Atlantis, FL
Common work related foot and ankle injuries will
be discussed in this session along with possible contributing pre-existing
conditions. The attendee will be presented with common radiographic findings
consistent with certain pre-existing conditions. Basic treatment algorithms,
as well as, long term outcomes and prognosis will be presented.
Theodore Evans, MD
Adam Bright, MD
Rommel Francisco, MD
Paul I. Meli, MD
Meli
Orthopaedics
Fort Lauderdale, FL
In the workers’ compensation arena, it is
important to know if something is chronic, preexisting, or as a result of
industrial trauma. This session deals with determinations and methodologies
utilized in determining if medical conditions are work-related, including
the use of a good histories, physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and intraoperative arthroscopic photos. What is normal anatomy? What is chronic,
and what is caused by an acute traumatic injury?
Monday, August 16, 2010
National Workers’ Compensation
Judiciary College
(For New Judges)
Presented by The National Association of Workers’
Compensation Judiciary, Inc. (NAWCJ)
Grand Ballrooms 4 - 6
Convention Level
Honorable John J. Lazzara
Florida Office of Judges of
Compensation Claims
President, NAWCJ
Tallahassee, FL
Honorable R. Karl Aumann
Maryland Workers’
Compensation Commission
Baltimore, MD
Honorable David Torrey
Pennsylvania Department of
Labor and Industry
Pittsburg, PA
Honorable Ellen Lorenzen
Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims
Tampa, FL
Honorable
David Imahara
Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Atlanta, GA
Registration Is Required To Attend The National
Workers’ Compensation Judiciary College. You Must Be A Judge To Attend.
For more information click
here.
Monday, August 16, 2010
National Workers’ Compensation
Judiciary College
(Day 1)
Presented by The National Association of Workers’
Compensation Judiciary, Inc. (NAWCJ)
Grand Ballrooms 4 - 6
Convention Level
Judges attending the
Judicial College who are not attending the New Judges breakout may attend the optional Opening Session of the general Workers’ Compensation
Conference.
Grand Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention Level
Welcoming
Remarks:
Honorable John J. Lazzara
Florida Office of Judges of Compensation
Claims
President, NAWCJ
Tallahassee, FL
Panel:
Honorable R. Karl Aumann
Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
Baltimore, MD
Honorable Melodie Belcher
Georgia State Board of Workers’
Compensation
Atlanta, GA
Honorable Linda A.
Thompson
Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission
Jackson, MS
Honorable
David Torrey
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Pittsburg, PA
Grand
Ballrooms 4 - 6
Convention Level
Charles W. Ehrhardt
Emeritus Professor
Florida State University College of Law
Tallahassee, FL
The trials and
tribulations of evidence, or the tribulations of trial evidence. States
differ in their workers’ compensation evidentiary standards, rules and
approaches. Professor Ehrhardt will bring this subject to the table with wit
and wisdom for dealing with difficult objections to hearsay, authentication,
relevance and prejudice.
Grand Ballrooms 4 - 6
Convention Level
Honorable James R.
Wolf
Florida First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Whether your
state applies the Code of Judicial Conduct to workers’ compensation judges
or not, these are great standards of conduct to live by on the bench. Judge
Wolf brings experience, insight, and clarity to the canons that define
appropriate judicial behavior. The independence of the judiciary is
dependent upon the faith that litigants, counsel, and the public have in the
impartiality and fairness of the process. That perception is in turn
dependent upon each of the judge’s actions every day. Learning to apply the
canons of ethics to shape the perceptions of your behavior on and off the
bench is a great benefit to any Judge.
Grand Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention
Level
Honorable John J. Lazzara, President, Presiding
Florida Office of
Judges of Compensation Claims
Tallahassee, FL
Registration Is Required To Attend The National Workers’
Compensation Judiciary College. You Must Be A Judge To Attend.
For more information click
here.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Cutting Edge Occupational Health
Issues:
NIOSH and Beyond (Day 1)
Presented by National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
& The University of South Florida
Grand Ballrooms 12 - 14
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
James McCluskey, MD, PhD, MPH
University of South Florida
Colleges of
Medicine and Public Health
Tampa, FL
Panel:
Raymond Harbison, PhD,
MS
Director of the Center for Environmental and Occupational Risk Analysis
and
Management and Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the
College of Public Health
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
James McCluskey, MD, PhD, MPH
University of South Florida
Colleges of Medicine and
Public Health
Tampa, FL
Acute impairment by drugs and/or alcohol is a
frequent factor found in workers’ compensation accidents and injuries.
Unfortunately, some individuals do operate as if the sarcastic title of this
presentation were actually accurate. The speakers will examine the cognitive
and physical effects of commonly used and abused substances, as well as,
potential interactions between substances, prescription drugs and underlying
illnesses.
James McCluskey, MD, PhD, MPH
University of South
Florida
Colleges of Medicine and Public Health
Tampa, FL
Have you ever known
someone with asthma or allergies? This presentation will discuss common
pulmonary and allergic disorders with an emphasis on avoiding workplace
causation, exacerbation or aggravation. Significant lost time and harm
avoidance should be the goal of every employer through early recognition and
quick response to potential risks.
Monday, August 16, 2010
NIOSH ERC Regional Seminar & Research to Practice
(r2p)
Symposium (Day 1)
Presented by The ERCs of The University of South
Florida, The University of Alabama & The University of North Carolina
Grand Ballrooms 12 - 14
Convention Level
James W. Grosch, PhD, MBA
Research Psychologist, National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cincinnati, OH
Dr. Grosch
will identify the pros and cons of an aging workforce from an occupational
health perspective. He will describe different types of workplace policies
and practices that organizations have used to promote the safety and health
of an aging workforce. He will also lead a discussion on what is currently
known from evaluation research of these policies and practices and areas in
need of further study.
Kathleen Buckheit, MPH, RN, COHN-S/CM/SM, FAAOHN
CE Director at
the University of North Carolina ERC
Chapel Hill, NC
Ms. Buckheit will
define the term aging worker and describe physical changes that occur with
aging. She will describe interventions for keeping the aging worker safe and
healthy.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Breakout on Workplace Safety
Crystal Ballroom
J1
Convention Level
Course Chairperson:
George Buck
USF, School of Public
Health, OSHA Training Institute
Tampa, FL
Upon successful completion of the
10 hours of classes, the student will receive an OSHA general industry
safety and health 10 hour course completion card through an approved
outreach trainer. Participants must pre-enroll and register at each session.
Class size is limited. Other conference participants may attend individual
presentations. Refer to the “General Information” section for
additional details & registration.
George Buck
USF, School of Public Health, OSHA Training Institute
Tampa, FL
This topic will include discussions on the OSHA Act, General Duty Clause,
Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities; Whistleblower Rights,
Recordkeeping basics; Inspections, Citations, and Penalties; Value of Safety
and Health; OSHA Website and available resources; and the OSHA 800 number.
Jim Ulseth
USF, OSHA Training Institute
Lutz, FL
There is a wide
range of issues that account for the most common causes of accidents. Learn
where to look for slip, trip and fall hazards; how to identify them; and how
to come into compliance with applicable standards.
Mark Leon
USF, OSHA Training Institute
Tampa, FL
What are the
requirements necessary to provide safe means of escape from fire and other
emergencies? This session covers this important life saving subject plus how
to establish evacuation plans and use fire protection equipment.
R. Scott Young
President
Industrial Safety
Institute
Tampa, FL
Many workers are unaware of potential electrical hazards
present in their work environment, making them more vulnerable to the danger
of electrocution. This presentation will aid in recognizing hazards
associated with electrical work.
Joan Haynes
Safety
Director
Milton J. Woods Co.
Jacksonville, FL
This presentation identifies
the types of PPE available, its proper use, and maintenance.
Matt Thomas
Utility Safety Training
Coordinator
Gainesville Regional Utilities
Gainesville, FL
Information will
be provided relating to procedures required to ensure that employees are
knowledgeable of the hazardous substances that they may be exposed to and
are adequately trained to prevent injury or illness to themselves or others.
Giffe Johnson, MPH, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
This
lecture will review safety and compliance issues regarding General Industry
CFR 1910 Subpart H - Hazardous Materials with a focus on compressed gases,
liquefied gases, process safety management, and hazardous waste.
Crystal Ballroom A
Convention Level
Gary
Archer
Conrad Yelvington Distributors, Inc.
Kissimmee, FL
Tom Stewart
TS
Consulting
Menlo, CA
Based on the premise that “doing what you always have
done, and expecting different results” is insanity. Why safety professionals
have to change their methods in order to be successful. Using tested
leadership principles to improve safety performance is the subject of this
presentation.
Edward Demmi, MD
US Healthworks
Tampa, FL
This lecture covers identifying
and quantifying the existence of pre-existing conditions in workplace
injuries. Major contributing causes and issues in various case studies will
be discussed.
Michael Coupland
IMCS Group
West Palm Beach, FL
One of the most
controversial areas in disability management is the domain of functional
testing. Learn how evidence-based functional testing can help determine
causality and apportionment. The purpose of this presentation is to learn a
scientifically valid process for learning what your injured worker can do
over a work day. Is there a real medical impairment? How tests can be
corrected for lack of effort by the injured worker will also be discussed.
Crystal Ballroom B
Convention Level
Trevor Reschny,
CSP, MS, MBA
Safety Links Inc.
Gotha, FL
This session will cover what to do
when compliance is not enough. We will explore why people take risks even in
a “safe” environment. Afterwards, we will examine several tools used in
modern safety management such as proactive safety metrics and behavioral
modifications. Lastly, we will discuss the potential implications of common
safety techniques including discipline and safety awards.
Gary Porter, Jr., MS, ATC, CEAS
City of Gainesville
Gainesville, FL
Your sports team has a Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer, why
not your institution? Learn how the City of Gainesville saved hundreds of
thousands of dollars with the addition of one position to their Risk
Management team - an athletic trainer. The injury assessment, management,
rehabilitation and prevention skills provided by the athletic trainer are
effective in reducing your workers’ compensation costs.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Palms Ballrooms T1 & 2
Convention
Level
Featured Entertainment:
Workers’ Comp - Club Stomp!
Casual attire.
Beverages & heavy hors d’oeuvres. Adults only, please. Refer to “General
Information” section of program for additional information.
Shuttle Bus between the Orlando World Center Marriott, the Caribe Royale,
and the overflow parking site (Boarding Convention Entrance
Orlando World
Center Marriott & the Main Reception Building [the building in
the forefront]
of the Caribe Royale). Click here for shuttle
map & schedule.
Palms Foyer
Convention
Level
Cypress Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention
Level
Look for the giant prize screens announcing exhibit hall prize
winners.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout for Adjusters
Cypress Ballroom 3 & Palms Ballroom - Royal
Convention Level
Cypress Ballroom 3
Convention Level
(Combined presentation for
Breakout for Adjusters, Programs One and Two)
Moderator and Speaker:
Eric G. Bonenberger, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Surgeries Performed
by:
Carpal Tunnel Release:
Lawrence S. Halperin, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Arthroscopic Meniscus:
Bryan L. Reuss, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Wait until you see what we have in store for you
this year!!! This just keeps getting better. Watch and learn as two of the
most renowned orthopaedic surgeons in Central Florida perform LIVE two of
the most common surgeries in workers’ compensation claims today. Dr.
Lawrence S. Halperin, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with over 20
years of experience in hand/upper extremity surgery, will perform a carpal
tunnel release. Dr. Halperin currently sits on the Board of Directors for
the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and Florida Orthopaedic Society.
Dr. Bryan L. Reuss, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in
Sports Medicine and has extensive experience in shoulder and knee surgery,
will perform an arthroscopic meniscus surgery. Dr. Reuss has treated many
athletes both in the professional and amateur arena, such as NFL, UFL, PGA,
collegiate and high school.
Although this presentation takes place as part
of the Adjusters’ Breakout, everyone is invited to attend.
Palms
Ballroom - Royal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Maggie Conatser
Client Services
Manager
PMA Companies
Tampa, FL
Panel:
Daphyne Daniels
Regional Claims
Supervisor
PMA Companies
Tampa, FL
Kristy Sands
Branch Manager
Gallagher
Bassett Services, Inc.
Miami, FL
Sarah Welcomer
Senior Claims Consultant
Liberty Mutual Group
Tampa, FL
Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in
so many directions that it is only a matter of time before you drown in your
own paperwork? This panel will help you learn to manage the many demands on
your time. We will give you tips on diary and contacts, on best practices,
on meeting your statutory and home office deadlines, on investigation of
claims and even on keeping up with e-mails. After this session, you will
feel more confident that you can actually control your own destiny.
Palms
Ballroom - Royal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Mark Siciliano
Customer Service
Manager
Liberty Mutual Group
Tampa, FL
Panel:
Wesley Brown
Technical
Specialist CCU
Travelers Insurance
Orlando, FL
Jill Keene
Workers’
Compensation Claims Manager
FCCI Insurance Group
Lake Mary, FL
If you were
building a home, you wouldn’t place an electrical outlet in your bathtub, or
put your gas furnace next to your fireplace, would you? In the world of
handling workers’ compensation claims, using the right tools and making the
right decisions are critical to the outcome of the claim. Our expert panel
will spend this hour discussing claim strategies for return to work, medical
management, litigation management and settlement, and how making decisions
in one of these areas can positively or negatively impact the others.
Cypress Ballroom 3
Convention Level
Presented by the First District Court of
Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Panel One:
Honorable Paul M. Hawkes,
Chief Judge
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Honorable Charles J. Kahn,
Jr.
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Honorable Joseph Lewis
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Panel Two:
Honorable James R.
Wolf
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Honorable Bradford L.
Thomas
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Honorable Nikki Ann
Clark
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Jon S. Wheeler
Clerk
First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Stephen M. Nevels
Marshal
First
District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
This session is back by popular
demand! Talk about a reality show. Two actual cases will be argued live
before a panel of Judges of the First District Court of Appeal. The decision
of the Court will be posted on the Court’s website several weeks after the
oral arguments take place.
Although this presentation is part of Breakout
for Adjusters, everyone is invited to attend.
Palms Ballroom - Royal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Robert J. Rodriguez, Attorney
Miller, Kagan,
Rodriguez & Silver, P.L.
Coral Gables, FL
Panel:
Marie Henry
Team Leader
Specialty Risk Services
Lake Mary, FL
Candice Buchanan
Claims Supervisor
Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
Clearwater, FL
Brian S. Bartley, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel, Wander, Bamdas, Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Fort Myers, FL
This panel will explore those defenses seldom used in
handling workers’ compensation cases and explain the benefits of each. They
will also look at the latest defensive strategies spawned by recent case
law. Our panelists will draw upon their own individual experiences in an
effort to provide claims’ handlers with useful tips and solutions to those
complex yet common cases that we all handle every day.
Palms Ballroom - Royal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Honorable
David W. Langham
Deputy Chief Judge of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Pensacola, FL
Panel:
Honorable Laura Roesch
Judge of Compensation Claims
Panama City, FL
Honorable E. Douglas Spangler, Jr.
Judge of Compensation
Claims
Fort Myers, FL
Honorable Sylvia Medina-Shore
Judge of Compensation
Claims
Miami, FL
This presentation is wonderfully unique. Most of the time,
judges ask lawyers, adjusters, employers, injured workers and witnesses
questions. Well now, the tables are turned. This panel will address
questions that are frequently asked of judges and then it will go one step
further – it will take your questions from the audience.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout for Adjusters
Cypress Ballroom 3 & Palms Ballroom - Sabal
Convention Level
Cypress Ballroom 3
Convention Level
(Combined presentation for
Breakout for Adjusters, Programs One and Two)
Moderator and Speaker:
Eric G. Bonenberger, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Surgeries Performed
by:
Carpal Tunnel Release:
Lawrence S. Halperin, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Arthroscopic Meniscus:
Bryan L. Reuss, MD
Orlando Orthopaedic Center
Orlando, FL
Wait until you see what we have in store for you
this year!!! This just keeps getting better. Watch and learn as two of the
most renowned orthopaedic surgeons in Central Florida perform LIVE two of
the most common surgeries in workers’ compensation claims today. Dr.
Lawrence S. Halperin, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with over 20
years of experience in hand/upper extremity surgery, will perform a carpal
tunnel release. Dr. Halperin currently sits on the Board of Directors for
the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and Florida Orthopaedic Society.
Dr. Bryan L. Reuss, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in
Sports Medicine and has extensive experience in shoulder and knee surgery,
will perform an arthroscopic meniscus surgery. Dr. Reuss has treated many
athletes both in the professional and amateur arena, such as NFL, UFL, PGA,
collegiate and high school.
Although this presentation takes place as part
of the Adjusters’ Breakout, everyone is invited to attend.
Palms Ballroom - Sabal
Convention Level
Moderator:
E. Louis Stern,
Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A.
Sarasota, FL
Panel:
Krista A. Casey, CWC, CWCL
Claims Supervisor
Sedgwick CMS
Lake Mary,
FL
Pamela L. Last, CWCL, ACA
Assistant Claims Manager
Summit Consulting
Lakeland, FL
This presentation will discuss the increasing importance of
medical management in the effort to control the overall payout in workers’
compensation claims. The discussion will offer cost containment strategies
involving utilization review, peer review, deauthorization and transfer of
care, all with the goal of providing an injured worker with efficient and
competent medical care.
Palms
Ballroom - Sabal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Raymond A. Lopez, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McLain, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Panel:
Ronald P. Greninger, Attorney
Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Dawn Toman, CWC., ACA.
Summit, Inc.
Sr. Claims Technical Consultant
Lakeland, FL
Crystal Chancey
Assistant Claims Manager
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Lakeland, FL
Lisa Wagner, CWC
Director of Claims
Southern Eagle Insurance
Company
Bradenton, FL
This is a highly practical session done to a “Beat the
Clock” theme. Hear what you can do to quickly close your cases and make your
supervisors happy. If you come away with just two or three meaningful tips,
this hour will be a huge success.
Palms Ballroom - Sabal
Convention
Level
Moderator:
Scott H. Silver, Attorney
Miller, Kagan, Rodriguez &
Silver, P.L.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Panel:
Craig Campbell
Claims Manager
Summit, Inc.
Lakeland, FL
Sabrina T. Mitchell, CWC, CWCL
Claims Manager
Southern Region
The PMA Insurance Group
Tampa, FL
Elizabeth (Liz) Wilson
Claim Resolution Adjuster
Travelers
Brandon, FL
Maria M. Dayi
Training Coach
The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc.
Lake Mary, FL
As always, this is one of
the premiere interactive and lively presentations of the entire convention.
All of the claims’ professionals on this panel will present a detailed
analysis of several workers’ compensation “hot topics”. Scott Silver’s role
is to crystallize the issues and present them in his own unique way. Some of
the topics discussed will be major contributing cause, PTD claims and
psychiatric issues, among other topics.
Palms Ballroom - Sabal
Convention Level
Moderator:
Tere V. Elkins, CRM, MBA, MS
Assistant Vice
President/Account Executive
Sedgwick CMS
Lake Mary, FL
Panel:
Jackie Abdon
Assistant Director, Employee Injury Claims
Cocoa Cola Enterprises
Atlanta,
GA
Kristy L. Burch, ARM, CWCL
Workers’ Compensation Supervisor
Darden Risk
Management
Orlando, FL
With the increasing demands on employers and claims’
examiners to minimize the expanding cost of loss exposures, a strong return
to work program has become priority one. This session will explore how
claims’ examiners and employers can utilize proactive and re-active measures
in getting the injured worker to return to work by creating a strong return
to work program. The panel will discuss how employers, claims’ examiners,
and defense counsel can work as a team to facilitate a return to work
initiative.
Palms Ballroom - Sabal
Convention Level
Panel:
Tracey J. Hyde, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope &
Weaver, P.A.
Panama City, FL
Tom M. Chasser, CCLA
Field Product Line Manager
Travelers Insurance Company
Orlando, FL
Let’s face it, you are bombarded
from all sides in your day to day handling of claims. Above all, however, is
the absolute necessity to know the adjusters’ code of ethics, as its tenets
must direct everything you do. Don’t suffer awkward or embarrassing moments
at a deposition and/or trial, which in turn, may lead to negative
consequences for both you and the insured by not knowing all the rules. Tips
by our panel of experts will put you at the top of your game!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout for Attorneys
Florida State University, College of Law
Crystal Ballroom M, Convention Level
University of Miami, College of Law
Crystal Ballroom N, Convention Level
Stetson Law School
Hall of Cities - Atlanta, Convention Level
Crystal Ballroom M
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Alfred J. Hilado, Attorney
Wieland, Hilado & DeLattre, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Moderator:
Stuart F. Suskin, Attorney
State Mediator
Gainesville, FL
Panel:
Steven P. Kronenberg, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin,
Fichtel, Wander, Bamdas, Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Miami Lakes, FL
Dawn R. Traverso, Attorney
Eracilides, Johns, Hall, Gelman
Aventura, FL
Michael D.
Rudolph, Attorney
Harris, Guidi, Rosner, Mordecai
Jacksonville, FL
Glen D.
Wieland, Attorney
Wieland, Hilad & DeLattre, P.A.
Orlando, FL
This
presentation is a must see for practitioners who insist on staying on top of
the ever developing and constantly changing workers’ compensation law. Our
experienced panel of litigators will present varying viewpoints on the
issues confronting attorneys based on the latest trial and appellate
decisions interpreting this complex law, as well as, any statutory changes
which may flow from the Legislature.
Moderator:
Pamela Foels,
Attorney
Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Panel:
Michael J. Winer, Attorney
Law Office of Michael J. Winer, P.A.
Tampa, FL
Steven M. Meyers, Attorney
Sole Practitioner
Orlando, FL
Richard S. Thompson, Attorney
Vice-President
Zenith Insurance Company
Sarasota, FL
Margaret E. Sojourner, Attorney
Langston, Hess, Augustine,
Sojourner & Moyles, P.A.
Maitland, FL
This panel will address the
skyrocketing use of these defenses since the passage of Senate Bill 50A in
2003. Are these simply overused and possibly misused defenses? How well are
they understood and what are their real differences? Can 440.105 be turned
against the employer, carrier, nurse case manager or adjuster? The panel
will also address application of the case law flowing from recent appellate
decisions, fee entitlement in defeating a fraud defense, mediation
strategies, and other practical pointers including properly pleading and
defending against these assertions.
Moderator:
Howard M. Scheiner, Mediator
West Palm Beach, FL
Panel:
Honorable
David W. Langham
Deputy Chief Judge of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Pensacola, FL
Honorable Charles M. Hill
Office of Judges of Compensation
Claims
Miami, FL
Honorable Kathy A. Sturgis
Office of Judges of Compensation
Claims
Fort Myers, FL
Honorable Thomas W. Sculco
Office of Judges of
Compensation Claims
Orlando, FL
As a practitioner, we often become so
focused on pressing our positions that we sometimes forget that we can be
effective advocates and do so in a professional and courteous manner. One is
not exclusive of the other. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be
critiqued by the very judges who hear our arguments and witness our actions
on a day to day basis. Who better to provide a fresh perspective on how to
better serve not only our respective clients but also make the court process
smoother for all involved? This panel will provide practical recommendations
to aid the workers’ compensation practitioner in preparing for and
presenting a claim.
Moderator:
Donald Bennett, Attorney
Banker,
Lopez, Gassler, P.A.
Tampa, FL
Panel:
Michael T. Reese, Attorney
Morgan &
Morgan, P.A.
Fort Myers, FL
Diana I. Castrillon, Attorney
The Injury Law Clinic,
P.A.
Davie, FL
Jeffrey I. Branham, Attorney
Dean, Ringers, Morgan &
Lawton, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Angela N. Warren, Attorney
McConnaughhay, Duffy,
Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A.
Panama City, FL
This may be one of the most
overlooked but critically important aspects of an attorney’s practice.
Sometimes taken for granted, ethical considerations must always guide us in
the proper handling of our cases. It remains true from case inception
through the conclusion. Failure to follow the “Rules” can lead to unwanted
consequences with the State Bar and can mar one’s reputation. This panel
will provide valuable insight as to how to practice with integrity and in a
professional manner within the context of an adversarial proceeding.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout for Medical Case Managers/
Rehabilitation
Providers
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level
April C. Brader
Therapy and Sports Center, Inc.
St.
Petersburg, FL
Betty Reid, RN, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, MBA
President
Rehabilitation
Advisors, Inc.
Orlando, FL
Ronald G. Donelson, MD, MS
President, SelfCare First,
LLC
Hanover, NH
The cost of low back and neck care continues to rise with
little indication that patients or employers are benefiting as a result.
This presentation will review why things are not improving, as well as,
report on the growing and substantial body of information that validates
that a large percentage of acute and chronic patients can actually recover
quite rapidly and inexpensively by utilizing an evidence based approach.
Come learn that the future of low back and neck pain management is already
here.
Panel:
Venerando I. Batas, MD
Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostics, PA
Tampa, FL
Naomi G. Anderson, RN,
CDMS, CCM, CLCP
Aries Management Services
Fort Davis, TX
Marie E. Dominguez,
MD
Medical Director/Rehabilitar/Medere
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Mexico City,
Mexico
Medical case management may mean different things to different
people. In the workers’ compensation system, typically case management is
either telephonic or field. This session will discuss a third type:
catastrophic international case management.
Adam Scott Middleman
Vice
President of Sales and Marketing
Black Diamond Services
Pompano Beach, FL
Is
communicating with others from different cultures affecting healthcare
outcomes? Come learn the facts and be more effective in return to work
efforts. This discussion will review the importance of understanding
cultural differences which can lead to improved communications and better
healthcare outcomes with patients.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Bureau of
Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services
Bi-Annual
Re-Certification Course for
Rehabilitation
Providers
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level
Sandra Ondrus, RN, MHSA
Program Administrator
Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services
Orlando, FL
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.
Rehabilitation Providers Certification:
Rule 6A-22, Florida
Administrative Code, requires the attendance at a qualified rehabilitation
provider workshop conducted by the Department within the prior two years
before the initial application and each renewal thereafter is approved. This
presentation meets these certification requirements.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout for Paralegals And Legal Assistants
Grand Ballrooms 9 - 11
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Nina Holman
Florida Registered Paralegal
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue &
McLain, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Andrew Sperber, Attorney
Peterson Bernard
West
Palm Beach, FL
For most of us, the internet is the first place we look to
find much of our information. From a current phone number to information
that might turn out to be the “smoking gun”, it is our information highway.
In today’s technologically advanced world, there is not much that is private
or unavailable for anyone to look at. This breakout is an opportunity to
learn new internet options to search and locate information to help both the
injured worker and defense sides navigate through a claim. Credibility works
both ways. From phone numbers to social networking, learn how to make the
internet work to your advantage. Don’t miss this informative discussion, and
who knows, you might be the one who finds the “smoking gun” in your next
case.
Panel:
Jennifer Luna
District Deputy Clerk
Office of the Judge of
Compensation Claims
Melbourne, FL
Deirdre “Dee” Harrison
District Deputy
Clerk
Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims
Tampa, FL
Ruby Brown
Executive Secretary
Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims
Lakeland, FL
Marla Miller
Executive Secretary
Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims
Orlando, FL
Some of us have probably gotten frustrated in dealing with the
various District Offices and their different ways of “doing things”. No
doubt the judicial assistants at these offices feel much the same way about
us. This panel of judicial assistants is here for us to ask questions about
how their offices work and how different law firms handle work flow once a
claim becomes litigated. In an effort to establish more continuity among the
different players in the system, this is a great opportunity to find out
what works and what doesn’t work. After all, the paralegals and legal
assistants are the ones who communicate with the District Offices on a daily
basis and why not make it work for everyone. Don’t hold back, no one is
taking names.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Medical Breakout Sessions
(Day 2)
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Pain Medicine
Presented by Florida Academy of Pain Medicine and Florida Society of
Interventional Pain Physicians
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Sanford M. Silverman, M.D.
Pompano
Beach, FL
Panel:
Sanford M. Silverman, M.D.
Pompano Beach, FL
Jerry Adato, MS, CRC,
CVE, CCM
Director of Rehabilitation
Adato Vocational Services Inc.
Delray
Beach FL
Most of us are aware of the prescription drug abuse, diversion and
addiction problems. For workers’ compensation case managers and adjusters,
this session discusses strategies that can be employed to help thwart these
problems. The rest of us could use some of these tips in our professions as
well.
Andrew Gross, MD
Coastal Orthopedics & Pain Management
Bradenton, FL
Complex Regional Pain
Syndrome (CRPS), can cause huge difficulties in returning employees to work
in post-surgical and post-trauma injuries. Identification of high risk
workers and use of preventive strategies to control these issues can result
in better outcomes. Comparative effectiveness models will be shown for these
difficult to treat patients.
Felix S. Linetsky, MD
Clearwater FL
Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT), is
a valid, under-utilized treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain related
to connective tissue pathology. Common indications, contraindications, and
conditions treated with RIT will be outlined. Use of RIT in the treatment of
appropriate painful pathology of the connective tissue will be discussed.
Christopher L. Nuland, Attorney
Jacksonville FL
As a result of Florida’s 2009 Legislative
Session, a Joint Committee of the Florida Board of Medicine and Board of
Osteopathic Medicine was tasked with developing the rules and regulations
for Florida’s new Prescription Drug Monitoring Law. This law involves not
only an electronic database where all dispensing entities will be required
to report, but it also calls for definition of pain clinics and pain
medicine physicians. This informative session will discuss the status of
this task force.
Chiropractic
Presented by the Florida Chiropractic Association
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Mollie A. Frawley, RN
Insurance Liaison
Coordinator
Florida Chiropractic Association
Tallahassee, FL
Moderator:
Mollie A. Frawley, RN
Insurance Liaison
Coordinator
Florida Chiropractic Association
Tallahassee, FL
Introduction of
the Program Narrator and the Mock Patient:
Arthur I. Levine, Chiropractic
Physician
President of the Florida Chiropractic Association
Plantation, FL
Joanie Williams - Mock Patient
Insurance Liaison
Florida Chiropractic
Association
Tallahassee, FL
Panel:
Arthur I. Levine, Chiropractic Physician
President,
Florida Chiropractic
Association
Plantation, FL
John Gentile
Chiropractic Physician
Miami,
FL
Ronald J. Wellikoff
Chiropractic Physician
Plantation, FL
Back Injury
Presentation:
Panel:
Arthur Levine, Chiropractic Physician
President,
Florida Chiropractic Association
Plantation, FL
Debra L. Hoffman
Chiropractic Physician
Tampa, FL
Ronald J. Wellikoff
Chiropractic Physician
Plantation, FL
This breakout session will focus on two common work related
injuries and conditions: a neck injury and a low back injury. Dr. Levine
will review the patient history on both the neck and back patients. Two
doctors of chiropractic (Dr. Wolfson and Dr. Hoffman) will perform live
examinations of patients, demonstrating the protocols involved in neurologic
and orthopedic examinations, and explaining the different characteristics of
positive findings in acute versus chronic conditions. Following the
examinations, each patient will be evaluated for an impairment rating by Dr.
Wellikoff. Each breakout session participant will receive an informative
booklet that will include a sample narrative report, a list of neurologic
and orthopedic tests with explanations of how each test is performed and
what a positive finding indicates. This is a hands-on, interactive session
that is not to be missed.
Occupational Medicine
Presented by The Florida Association of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine Physicians
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Moderator:
Margaret P.
Spence, CWC, RMPE
President/CEO
Douglas Claims & Risk Consultants, Inc
Boca
Raton, FL
Panel:
Seth A. Feldman, DO, MRO, CIME
Medical Director
Medwork 84
and Medstar
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Richard W. Spirer, MD, FACEP
Medical
Director
Physicians Health Center
Kendall, FL
Michael J. Webb, MD, FACOEM
Southeastern Regional Medical Director
Liberty Mutual
Tampa, FL
Overviews:
-Diversity of Services Available in
Occupational Medicine
-Early Diagnosis and Treatment
This session
will challenge attendees to view the Occupational Clinic as the primary
focal point in the workers’ compensation treatment process. Topics to be
discussed include occupational medicine from three perspectives – diversity
of services available within the occupational realm, the importance of early
diagnosis and treatment and how insurance carriers view occupational
medicine. As the employer, clinician, adjuster, risk manager, insurance
carrier - how do you establish “best practices” or “best in class” for your
occupational clinics? What criteria sets one clinic or physicians apart from
the other? How do you determine if the occupational clinic is average, good
or excellent? Can you establish a criteria that will move the initial
medical treatment bar from mediocre to great? This session presents an
interactive discussion with a question and answer session on cost
effectiveness, the role occupational clinics play in reducing treatment
delays, the importance of immediate diagnosis and how this impacts positive
treatment outcomes and bottom line financial cost reduction for the entire
system.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
National Trends In Workers’ Compensation
(Day 2)
Presented by the National Underwriter
Grand Ballroom 8A
Convention Level
Moderator:
Sam Friedman,
Editor In Chief,
National Underwriter P & C
Hoboken, NJ
Panel:
Jeff Eddinger,
Rate-Making Practice Leader and Senior Actuary
NCCI
Boca
Raton, FL
Robert P. Hartwig
President, Insurance Information Institute
New
York, NY
Gary L. Hinson
Vice President
ACE COMPlete Workers’ Compensation
Claims
Stamford, CT
This premiere panel features a trio of perspectives from
industry leaders on the state of the workers’ compensation business. NCCI
offers a “By The Numbers” analysis of the insurance industry’s financial
health and claim trends. There will be an analysis of how the economic
recovery and legislative developments in Washington will impact exposures.
Finally there will be a discussion on emerging industries such as the
“green” revolution and new opportunities--and new liabilities--for carriers.
Moderator:
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National Underwriter P&C
Hoboken, NJ
Awards Presentation:
Jeff Eddinger
Rate-Making Practice Leader and Senior Actuary
NCCI
Boca Raton, FL
Panel:
The three risk manager finalists for the Excellence in Workers’ Compensation
Risk Management Award
For the fourth consecutive year, National Underwriter
magazine--in conjunction with the Florida Workers’ Compensation Institute
and sponsor NCCI--present NU’s “Awards for Excellence in Workers’
Compensation Risk Management” to three organizations doing an outstanding
job in loss control and safety. NCCI sets the stage by outlining the biggest
workers’ compensation challenges facing employers today. Then the risk
managers from the award winning organizations share the secrets of their
success in mitigating exposures, lowering costs and getting people back on
the job as quickly as possible. Past winners have included The Walt Disney
Company, ServiceMaster, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Rolls Royce, and Belks.
Moderator:
Sam Friedman
Editor In Chief
National
Underwriter P&C
Hoboken, NJ
Panelists:
Paul E. Walsh
Senior Vice President
Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.
Lexington, MA
Constance Bayne
Vice President and General Manager of Risk Quality Assessment
Liberty
Mutual,
Wausau, WI
JoAnn Koster
President of Specialty Workers’ Compensation
Chartis
Parsippany, NJ
Just when you think you’ve got the risks of workers’
compensation understood, new exposures emerge to challenge underwriters and
claims’ managers. Among the biggest threats examined by this expert panel
are weather-related risks for workers’ compensation carriers, the impact on
loss frequency and severity posed by the aging U.S. workforce, and
potentially massive, society-wide exposures, such as terrorism and
pandemics.
Moderator:
John Santulli
Executive Vice President
PMA Insurance Group
Blue
Bell, PA
Panel:
Christina Preisig
Senior Vice President Managed Care
PMA
Insurance Group
Blue Bell, PA
Maria Sciame
Director, Clinical Services
PMSI
Tampa, FL
George Furlong
Vice President of Client/Partner Relations
Bunch
and Associates
Lakeland, FL
While workers’ compensation insurers and risk
managers appear to have a handle on the frequency of WC claims, with
workplace safety improving every year, soaring growth in the severity of
claims is putting a damper on any celebrations. The culprit is the
exponential growth in medical care costs—with drugs being a chief
cost-driver. This session will focus on how to contain pharmaceutical
claims, including the growing use of pharmacy networks in workers’
compensation, mitigating the cost of injured worker pharmaceutical therapy,
and supervising your pharmacy benefits manager. PMSI will review the results
of its annual WC Drug Trends Report.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Employee Leasing:
Professional Employer Organization
(PEO) Breakout
Sponsored by The National Association of PEOs
(NAPEO)
and The Florida Association of PEOs (FAPEO)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Grand Ballrooms 12 - 14
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Crystal Ballrooms K
& L
Convention Level
Richard Lavery, IV
Utility
Training Officer
Gainesville Regional Utilities
Gainesville, FL
If you could
foresee accidents and injuries would you take the action necessary to
prevent them? Guess what... a majority of accidents are predictable and
preventable. Near-misses are the best leading indicators of accident
potential, and should be treated as an incident. Unfortunately, they are the
most under-utilized and ignored incidents that we have.
Gary Archer
Conrad Yelvington
Distributors, Inc.
Kissimmee, FL
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a simple
procedure that identifies and analyzes the potential hazards and incidents
that could occur with each step of a job. Because each hazard can be
evaluated for severity, Job Hazard Analysis provides for a system to
effectively prioritize corrections and efficiencies. This course will
provide an overview of the JHA process and give guidelines for setting up
your JHA Teams and conducting Job Hazard Analysis.
Edward Demmi, MD
US Healthworks
Tampa, FL
This lecture covers
common problems with work-related injuries when the individual’s symptoms
are suspect. Methodologies used by physicians to unveil if the symptoms are
real or magnified, will also be covered. Case presentations and an open
discussion will be included.
Dwight Gaal
The Industrial
Athletic, Inc.
Rochester Hills, MI
Craig Halls
Aurora Healthcare
Sherwood,
WI
This session examines the ideological and philosophical differences
between “traditional healthcare” services (THC) and the “sports medicine
model” (SMM). Speakers will explain why the SMM claims the title of #1 in
quality, efficiency and ROI in a physically demanding work environment; what
to expect from and how to negotiate with an on-site provider of injury
management services; and what to expect in the way of results.
Mark D. Pucek, MD
US Healthworks
Houston, TX
Medical care of the injured worker has
evolved into a complicated process involving multiple stakeholders.
Identification of the major stakeholders and their respective roles and
responsibilities will be discussed. The treating physician is in the best
position to coordinate care and can effectively influence outcomes using
effective communication, evidence based medicine and “real-time” case
management.
Crystal Ballrooms P
& Q
Convention Level
Trevor Reschny,
CSP, MS, MBA
Safety Links Inc.
Gotha, FL
This 2 hour session will cover the
true reason to address worker safety within an organization. We begin by
discussing the costs and liabilities of the most common injuries and
incidents. Afterwards, we will discuss preventative measures including the
implementation of an effective Safety Management System. Finally we will
finish the session by examining methods to improve employee involvement in
the safety process.
George Buck
Senior Instructor
USF OTI
Education Center
Wesley Chapel, FL
How is top management measuring the front
line supervisors or middle managers on safety activities? Are they being
measured on new employee orientation, and thereafter by regular inspections?
Are they being measured on how well they promote safe behavior - by either
positive reinforcement or by enforcement of known safe practices? Are they
being measured on accurate completion of accident investigations?
Kellie Tomeo, Attorney
Rampart International, LLC
Oveido, FL
“Crisis” is redefined to include anything disrupting normal business and
“risk” includes any exposure to fraud, theft or liability. Companies must
turn their reactive steps into proactive control. This session will show how
to improve internal controls, add checks and balances to procedures, and cut
down on exposure to fraud and theft. This has an added bonus of reducing
insurance costs, claims and fraud attempts. Utimately, this will make a
company an unattractive target for fraud, theft and liability.
Chris Hopkins
Instructor, USF OTI Education Center
Wesley Chapel, FL
The focus of this
course is the effective implementation of a company’s safety and health
management system. It addresses the four core elements of an effective
safety and health system and those central issues that are critical to each
element’s proper management. This course has been set up as a facilitated,
interactive training session. Participants are given small “chunks” of
information, and then are able to test their understanding of the subject
matter via participant activities.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Selected Topics in Management Techniques Presented by Workers’ Compensation Claims Professionals (WCCP)
Crystal Ballrooms A, B & C
Convention Level
Becky Lathrop
Vice President
Optimum Performance
Solutions, LLC
Lake Worth, FL
Your leadership and personnel management is
critical in these uncertain economic times. If you have never developed a
plan, now is the time to consider your short and long term options. We will
discuss current market conditions, as well as, how to engage and manage your
staff to embrace the “business of the future.” This session will provide you
near-term planning options, and we will share ideas and plans on how you can
maximize your business or department’s value.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Breakout On Using Health Science to Resolve
Workers’
Compensation Claims:
Why Evidence Based Medicine is Important
Grand Ballroom 7B
Convention Level
In keeping with our
philosophy of presenting the audience with cutting edge educational
opportunities, we continue in our third year with this revolutionary
program. It is an entire course on the workers’ compensation uses of
evidence based medicine, not presented for physicians, but rather for
adjusters and lawyers. We start with a nuts and bolts panel with a claims
professional, a doctor, attorneys and two judges informing you how to make
the law and medicine work for you, so that you only pay for what you
actually objectively caused rather than all of the myriad of conditions that
the injured worker brings to the workplace. At the same time, the injured
worker needs to know that treatment he or she is receiving has a reasonable
chance of improving a work-related injury. But that’s not all! In the final
three hours, we have assembled some of the brightest and most analytical
physicians in the country to inform you on what using evidence based
medicine can mean to all participants in the workers’ compensation system.
Welcome and Introductions:
John E. McLain, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt,
Donahue & McLain, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Program Moderator:
Robert J. Barth, PhD
Barth NeuroScience, Inc.
Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL
Moderator:
John E. McLain, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett,
Hurt, Donahue & McLain, P.A.
Orlando, FL
Panel:
Honorable Joseph T. Farrell
Judge of Compensation Claims
Orlando, FL
Honorable Paul T. Terlizzese
Judge
of Compensation Claims
Melbourne, FL
Robert O’Halloran
Vice President of
Claims
Summit, Inc.
Lakeland, FL
Richard A. Davidson, MD
Professor of
Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Services
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Phil Walker, Attorney
Phil Neal Walker Law Corporation
San
Francisco, CA
Robert A. Donahue, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue &
McLain, P.A.
Ft. Pierce, FL
Don’t miss this analytical presentation from
some of the most prominent speakers in the country on this subject. We
present you with a well known and well qualified physician, in a university
setting, who teaches this subject to medical students. He will give answers
to a series of hypothetical questions and then we will present those
opinions to the two judges to see how they would rule given those medical
opinions. Then, the lawyers and the claims’ professionals get involved
discussing evidence based medicine and what is going on nationwide. As an
extra added attraction, one of our legal speakers, Phil Walker, is one of
the best known and frequent speakers on this subject nationwide.
J. Mark Melhorn, MD, FAAOS,
FAADEP, FACOEM, FACS
The Hand Center
Wichitaw, KS
Dr. Melhorn is one of the
most significant doctors in the workers’ compensation arena. Among his many
contributions are these two books. The Return to Work book highlights the
need for almost every injured worker to return to work because being away
from work is reliably bad for health. It also provides advice in regard to
how treatment can be focused on a return to work plan. The Causation book
focuses on the possible portion of medical conditions treated as part of a
workers’ compensation claim which are not actually work-related, and advises
doctors in that regard as to how to provide a credible causation analysis
for any one claim.
Kurt Hegmann, MD, MPH,
FACP, FACOEM
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Dr. Hegmann is
Editor-in-Chief of the ACOEM Guidelines. The Guidelines were developed
specifically for workers’ compensation, in response to rising expectations
for quality of care, increased expectations for good outcomes and medical
safety, the need to stop over-utilization and to curb unproductive and even
harmful procedures, and the need to reflect advances in healthcare based on
the best available scientific research. The Guidelines present essential
science based information to address injured workers’ clinical
presentations, and safely return them to work. The Guidelines are an
important tool for workers’ compensation professionals.
Christopher Brigham, MD
Impairment Resources, LLC
Porland, ME
and San Diego, CA
Dr. Brigham is the Senior Contributing Editor for the
American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent
Impairment 6th Edition, the Editor in Chief of the AMA’s Guides Newsletter,
the Editor of the AMA’s Guides Casebook, and Chairman of Impairment
Resources, LLC. He has personally conducted a wealth of scientific research
on the use, misuse, and abuse of impairment rating systems, and will present
the findings of such research – differentiating fact from fiction. He will
discuss the history of national and international standards, and offer a
vision of what the future holds in regard to prospects for scientifically
credible impairment evaluation.
Dr. Robert Barth
Barth NeuroScience, Inc.
Chattanooga, TN and Birmingham, AL
Dr. Barth is
serving for the third consecutive year as moderator of the Health Science
Breakout concurrently being held with this session. Feedback from previous
years has indicated a strong desire for additional focus on the
scientifically established risk factors of chronic pain, especially chronic
disabling back pain. Such scientific findings create obstacles to credibly
claiming that chronic pain can be attributed to a work related injury. The
scientifically established risk factors for chronic pain are also
instructive for treatment planning, and predictors of a patient’s potential
for benefiting from surgery and other treatments.
Shuttle Bus between the Orlando World Center Marriott, the Caribe Royale,
and the overflow parking site (Boarding Convention Entrance
Orlando World
Center Marriott & the Main Reception Building [the building in
the forefront]
of the Caribe
Royale). Click here for shuttle
map & schedule.
Palms Foyer
Convention
Level
Cypress Ballrooms 1 & 2
Convention Level
Look for the giant prize
screen announcing exhibit hall prize winners.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Florida Bureau of Rehabilitation Breakout
Cypress Ballrooms 1
& 2
Convention Level
Crystal Ballroom G1
Convention Level
Reginald L. Watkins, Bureau Chief
Betty Gibson,
Government Analyst
Paul Lincolnhol, Government Analyst
Cheryl Farner,
Government Analyst
Shone Beckwith, Workers’ Compensation Examiner
Bureau of
Rehabilitation & Reemployment Services (BRRS)
Florida Department of
Education
Tallahassee, FL
This session will cover insurance carrier
responsibilities and requirements in workers’ compensation rehabilitation
and reemployment services under Section 440.491, Florida Statutes. The BRRS
staff will discuss its roles in auditing the performance of insurance
carriers and servicing agents, and discuss insurance carrier requirements
for reporting voluntary service activity such as medical care coordination,
reemployment services and reemployment assessments using Form DWC-21, and
reemployment status reviews using Form DWC-22. BRRS staff will also discuss:
mandatory electronic forms submission requirements; insurance carrier use of
rehabilitation providers; industry misconceptions regarding the requirements
for becoming a qualified rehabilitation provider (QRP) and how to determine
if a rehabilitation provider is listed in the directory of qualified
rehabilitation providers. An overview of recent rule revisions and other
relevant system changes will be discussed.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Florida Department of Financial Services - Division of Workers’ Compensation Breakout
Cypress Ballrooms 1
& 2
Convention Level
Crystal Ballroom J1
Convention Level
Introductions:
Andrew Sabolic
Assistant Director
Division of Workers’
Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
Andrew Sabolic
Assistant
Director
Division of Workers’ Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
A review of the most significant regulatory changes and
accomplishments that have occurred during the last year, as well as, an
overview of key initiatives and projects that are being undertaken by the
Division. Also discussed will be the 2010 Florida Legislative Session and
its impact on workers’ compensation.
Linda Yon
Senior Management Analyst Supervisor
Division of Workers’
Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
This session
will provide an update of recent activity regarding Medical and Claims EDI,
as well as, enhancements to the Claims EDI Data Warehouse. Also discussed
will be monitoring tools available to claim administrators in the EDI data
warehouse. A demonstration will be given on how to access these reports,
providing assistance to any claim administrator/claims’ manager in timely
resolving and avoiding pattern and practice violations. The top filing
errors for Medical and Claims EDI reporting will be identified.
Pamela Macon
Bureau Chief, Employee Assistance and Ombudsman Office (EAO)
Division of
Workers’ Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
An
overview of a new EAO initiative to inform insurers regarding feedback
received from injured workers about the handling of their workers’
compensation claims. Injured workers whose accidents or illnesses result in
lost time are telephoned by EAO Specialists within two days of the filing of
their claims with the Division. During the course of the conversation,
injured workers are questioned about whether they have been contacted by
insurers, whether they have received informational packets from insurers, if
they are satisfied with the medical treatment they have received, if they
have returned to work, and if they have other concerns. An analysis of the
data reflects a strong correlation between injured workers’ satisfaction
with the handling of their claims and the number of petitions for benefits
filed with the Judges of Compensation Claims.
Eric Lloyd, Program
Administrator
Office of Medical Services
Division of Workers’ Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
This session will be an
update on recent rulemaking activity affecting the reimbursement manuals
published by the Division, including the status of the changes to the
Florida Workers’ Compensation Reimbursement Manual for Hospitals,
69L-34.501, F.A.C. The development and implementation of new rule 69L-34,
F.A.C., Carrier Report of Health Care Provider Violations, will also be
discussed.
Robin Ippolito,
Bureau Chief of Monitoring and Audit
Stephen Yon, Senior Management Analyst
II
Division of Workers’ Compensation
Department of Financial Services
Tallahassee, FL
This breakout will summarize the Division’s current focus on
insurer audits. The presentation will provide an overview of how to prepare
for an audit, the areas to be reviewed on audit, and the most common reasons
for audit penalties. Highlighted will be the increased audit focus on
medical billing and the application of pattern and practice penalties in the
69L-24, F.A.C., Insurer Standards and Practices.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Breakout on Medical Issues
(Adjusters and Nurse Case Managers)
Cypress Ballrooms 1
& 2
Convention Level
Crystal Ballroom G2
(Enter through Crystal Ballroom D)
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Nat Levine
Practice Manager
CardioPulmonary Associates
Plantation, FL
Moderator:
Nat Levine
CardioPulmonary Associates
Plantation, FL
Speaker:
Marc R. Gerber, MD
MRG
Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine
Orlando, FL
With several states having the
dubious distinction of being the pain pill capitals of the country, injured
workers often find themselves depending on medications. What causes
addiction? What causes a claimant to abandon all sensibilities for opioids
such as Oxycontin or Vicodin? What are the psychological effects of
addiction? Do all opioids prevent an injured worker from performing his or
her job functions? Ever want to ask a question on addiction? Don’t miss this
one.
Moderator:
Nat Levine
CardioPulmonary Associates
Plantation,
FL
Speakers:
Bruce M. Berkowitz, M.D.
Orthopaedic Center of South Florida
Plantation, FL
David L. Gushue, Ph.D.
ARCCA Inc.
Penns Park, PA
The
orthopedic surgeon said what? How did the accident at work cause that?
Adjusters and case managers often question if a work related accident really
could have caused the injury that the orthopaedic surgeon has diagnosed.
This session will explore the biomechanical forces necessary to produce
injuries to the spine and joints. We will review how the objective findings
on MRIs combined with the study of the biomechanics allow us to determine
the causality and age of an injury.
Moderator:
Nat Levine
CardioPulmonary Associates
Plantation, FL
Speaker:
Jesse A. Lipnick, M.D.
Southeastern Rehabilitation Medicine
Gainsville, FL
With the Dow tanking and IRA’s rolling over dead, millions of otherwise
retired workers aren’t retiring. The country’s workforce grows older as does
the concept that all injuries should be treated the same. If you believe
that the 60 year old and 25 year old injured worker heal at the same rate,
this breakout might open your eyes. Older claimants often have unrelated
conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart problems. How do those
conditions affect their claims for disability benefits? Take a sneak peak at
the future of claims adjusting as our population gets older.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Breakout on Longshore and
Harbor Workers Act and Defense
Base Act
Cypress Ballrooms 1
& 2
Convention Level
Crystal Ballroom J2 (Enter through Crystal Ballroom M)
Convention Level
Program Moderator:
Robert L. Bamdas, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin,
Fichtel, Wander, Bamdas Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Greenacres, FL
Moderator:
Robert L. Bamdas, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel,
Wander, Bamdas Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Greenacres, FL
Panel:
Christopher P.
“Bo” Boyd, Attorney
Taylor, Day, Currie & Johnson
Jacksonville, FL
Jonathan
B. Israel, Attorney
Harris, Guidi, Rosner, Dunlap & Rudolph, P.A.
Jacksonville, FL
Charles F. Coffey, III
U.S. Department of Labor
Jacksonville, FL
The details and importance of timely raising various claims
and defenses under the Longshore Act will be discussed in this session.
Failure to properly fill out and timely file forms or pleadings can have
costly results for both the claimant and defense. Claims and defenses can be
waived, facts can become admitted, penalties on past benefits can become
due, and administrative fines can be levied by the Department of Labor. This
panel will provide practical filing information for both claims adjusters
and attorneys.
Panel:
James W. McCready, III,
Attorney
Seipp, Flick & Kissane, P.A.
Miami, FL
Amber Ferry, Attorney
Moore & Company, P.A.
Miami, FL
Kimberly Almaguer
Lamorte Burns & Co., Inc.
Dania, FL
This panel will explore the employer and carrier’s right to
subrogation under the Longshore Act where third parties are liable. It will
also explore circumstances where employer tort immunity may be waived or
circumvented. Finally, the panel will discuss legal and strategic issues
that arise when the injury is caused by the negligence of a vessel.
Moderator:
Robert L. Bamdas, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel, Wander, Bamdas
Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Greenacres, FL
Panel:
Richard L. Garelick, Attorney
Flicker, Garelick & Associates, LLP
New York, NY
David M. Linker, Attorney
Freedman & Lorry
Cherry Hill, NJ
This presentation will discuss the often
complex and illusive issues that arise when trying to determine a correct
average weekly wage under the Defense Base Act. Factors including limited
duration of overseas employment, a temporary “spike” in earnings,
unavailability of like paying stateside jobs, and blended wage approaches
will be explored.
Moderator:
Robert L. Bamdas, Attorney
Kelley, Kronenberg, Gilmartin, Fichtel, Wander, Bamdas Eskalyo & Dunbrack,
P.A.
Greenacres, FL
Panel:
Richard L. Garelick
Flicker, Garelick & Associates,
LLP
New York, NY
David M. Linker
Freedman & Lorry
Cherry Hill, NJ
Rick
Robinson
Momentum Healthcare, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
Deborah A. Murphy
U.S.
Department of Labor
Jacksonville, FL
Recent developments under both the Longshore and Defense Base Act have posed new challenges to employers,
injured workers and vocational experts as well. This panel will discuss the
most current legal principles and vocational techniques being applied to
establish a fair post injury wage earning capacity, and when possible,
assist the injured workers in finding alternative employment.
Thomas C. Fitzhugh, III, Attorney
Fitzhugh, Elliott & Ammerman, P.C.
Houston, TX
Joshua T. Gillelan, II, Attorney
Longshore
Claimants’ National Law Center
Washington, D.C.
The Federal Courts and
Benefits Review Board continue to shape the parameters of jurisdiction,
compensability and entitlement to benefits under the Longshore Act and its
extensions. Join Mr. Fitzhugh for a comprehensive run through the most
significant decisions of the past year.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Breakout on Advanced Mediation Techniques
(Pre-Registration is required.
Click here for Registration Form.)
Cypress Ballrooms 1
& 2
Convention Level
Canary 1 - 4
Convention Level
(Entry
through Exhibit Hall)
This will be an exceptional opportunity for continuing
education from masters in their fields, including Circuit Civil and Family
mediators, lawyers, mental health counselors and corporate leadership
trainers.
This one-day Continuing Mediation Education program will be
presented in 1.5 credit-hour sessions. Every attendee will be able to attend
five of the eight courses offered during the day, including all of the
ethics, domestic violence, and cultural diversity required credits. In
addition, claims personnel will continue to develop skills in the process of
mediating issues.
Canary 1
Convention Level
Richard Wack, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Winter Park, FL
This
entertaining perspective is brought to you from Richard’s experiences over
35 plus years of practicing law and mediating cases throughout Florida.
There is very little out there that he has not run across at least once.
Some tips may be reminders, but some will be new tools that you can file
away to use in your daily mediation practice. This breakout is “general”
credit. Recommended for: All mediators and claims personnel.
Canary 2
Convention Level
Carl Zahner,
Attorney and Director
Florida Bar Center for Professionalism
Tallahassee, FL
Carl is a long time champion of professional practice and ethical
interaction. This program will provide insight concerning the intrusions of
the digital age into litigation, through Facebook, Twitter, and beyond. Carl
will focus on the threats posed ethically and professionally and equip you
to deal with lawyers and parties that rely on evidence or inference from
these sources. He will also address restrictions on mediator marketing. This
breakout is “ethics” credit. Recommended for: All mediators.
Canary 3
Convention Level
Moderator:
Stuart F. Suskin, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Gainesville, FL
Panel:
Christine L. Harter, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Ocala, FL
Sheldon
(Shelley) B. Forte, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Jacksonville, FL
Edward Almeyda, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Miami, FL
David Dreszer,
Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
N. Miami Beach, FL
Anthony J. (Skip) Beisler III, Attorney, and Circuit Civil Mediator
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This
program will focus on first-hand knowledge of perception issues regarding
how gender, cultural, and ethnic differences can undermine mediation
success. Our diverse multilingual panel will discuss issues that can become
impediments to a resolution and will suggest approaches to overcome bias and
prejudice. This breakout is one credit hour of “diversity” and one-half hour
“ethics” credit. Recommended for: All mediators and claims personnel.
Canary 4
Convention Level
Tania R. Schmidt-Alpers, Attorney and Circuit Civil and
Family Mediator
St. Augustine, FL
Tania is a divorce attorney and mediator
with extensive multi-state legal experience. This program will focus on the
ways domestic violence interferes with lives and with resolution of
disputes, both within family law cases and more generally. She will direct
you to hints and signs of such activity, as well as, counsel you on when and
how you confront the subject in the course of working towards resolution and
conclusion. This breakout is “domestic violence” credit. Recommended for:
All mediators and claims personnel.
Canary 4
Convention Level
Tania R. Schmidt-Alpers, Attorney and
Circuit Civil and Family Mediator
St. Augustine, FL
Repeat of
8:45 am
program, see above.
Canary 2
Convention Level
Carl Zahner, Attorney and Director
Florida Bar
Center for Professionalism
Tallahassee, FL
Repeat of
8:45 program, see
above.
Canary 3
Convention Level
Moderator:
Stuart F. Suskin, Attorney and Circuit Civil
Mediator
Gainesville, FL
Panel:
Christine L. Harter, Attorney and Circuit
Civil Mediator
Ocala, FL
Sheldon (Shelley) B. Forte, Attorney and Circuit
Civil Mediator
Jacksonville, FL
Edward Almeyda, Attorney and Circuit Civil
Mediator
Miami, FL
David Dreszer, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
N.
Miami Beach, FL
Anthony J. (Skip) Beisler III, Attorney, and Circuit Civil
Mediator
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Repeat of
8:45 program, see above.
Canary 1
Convention Level
Richard Wack, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Winter Park, FL
Repeat of
8:45 program, see above.
Crystal Ballrooms K & L
Convention Level
A. Michelle Jernigan, Attorney and Circuit Court Mediator and Family
Mediator
Maitland, FL
Michelle is an attorney, and has been a Circuit Civil Mediator
since 1988, with a broad practice ranging from employment, ERISA, personal
injury, commercial, construction and some divorce and family business
mediation experience. This program will take a hands-on approach to what
“good faith” means in the mediation process. This will involve discussion of
what constitutes “bad faith,” and what may be in the gray area in between.
The program will include examples from statutory authority, court orders,
and important ethics opinions. This breakout is “general” credit.
Recommended for: All mediators.
(Provided
For Pre-Registered Attendees of Mediation Breakout)
Dessert in the Exhibit
Hall
Palms Ballroom -
Royal
Convention Level
Ross W. Stoddard, III
Attorney-Mediator
Irving (Las
Colinas), TX
Is laughter really the best medicine? Every experienced
mediator has encountered spots during mediations where the use of humor has
either worked very well – or NOT. Ross will enlighten us on some of the
nuances of the use of humor during mediation, and offer some tips and
suggestions of how -- and when -- to use it. This one-hour “general” credit
program is presented by one of the founding directors of the Association of
Attorney-Mediators and one of the most in-demand speakers in the country on
the topic of mediation.
Canary 1
Convention Level
John W. Salmons, Attorney and Circuit
Civil, Family and Federal Mediator
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This highly
interactive session trains mediators in conflict resolution from the
perspective of an experienced mediator and martial artist. Learn how to
defend yourself from declaring the dreaded “impasse.” John is a Shodan in
the Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts Association and Past President of the
Florida Academy of Professional Mediators. This session is “general” credit.
Recommended for: All mediators.
Canary 2
Convention Level
Michael Orfinger, Attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator
Daytona Beach, FL
Sit
right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. Imagine the
conflicts among seven stranded castaways on a deserted isle for an extended
time. Michael brings a wealth of experience and insight to the ethical
considerations of human interaction, person to person and in groups. This
amusing approach to examining human interaction dynamics will give you tools
to manage those interactions through the mediation process. This breakout is
“ethics” credit.
Canary 3
Convention Level
Ross W.
Stoddard, III
Attorney-Mediator (civil & probate)
Irving (Las Colinas), TX
Mediators often experience ethical dilemmas and difficult situations during
mediations, putting them between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.”
This highly interactive session will cover some of the challenging issues
which confront mediators during mediations – from the beginning of the day
to the final caucus. The objective is to provide each participant with some
useful and usable tips which will be available to them in their next
mediations. This session is one-hour of ethics credit and one-half hour of
general credit.
Canary 4
Convention Level
Haley Cutler
Manager of Professional and Community Education
Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The presence or history of domestic violence may compromise the integrity of
the mediation process. This workshop will build the capacity of mediators to
understand the dynamics of domestic violence, recognize the indicators that
a party may be experiencing domestic violence and understand the appropriate
interventions. Additionally, mediators will leave this training with tools
for domestic violence screenings, safety planning and referrals for use when
appropriate. Recommended for: All mediators.
Canary 2
Convention Level
Michael Orfinger
Attorney and
Circuit Civil Mediator
Orlando, FL
Repeat of 1:15 program, see above.
&nbs