The National Association of
Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Inc.
Presents
National Workers’
Compensation
Judiciary College
Program Agenda
August 21, 22 & 23, 2011
The Orlando World
Center Marriott,
Orlando, Florida
Or ganization
The National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Inc. (NAWCJ) is a professional non-
profit organization devoted exclusively to the adjudication of workers’ compensation matters at the trial
and appellate level. Since its formation in 2008, NAWCJ has sought to provide: a national forum for the
enhancement of the workers’ compensation adjudicatory process and justice system; the improvement
of the judicial skills of workers’ compensation judges, adjudicators, and administrators through its
educational conferences and publications; and the opportunity for these adjudicators and officials
nationwide to periodically meet and discuss issues of mutual concern in a supportive environment.
NAWCJ is committed to diversity and a national presence in the composition of its officers and
membership, and welcomes current and former state, federal, and local judges, administrative law
judges, hearing officers, referees, commissioners, and agency heads, including appellate authorities, who
exercise jurisdiction over the adjudication or appellate review of workers’ compensation claim disputes
and matters. Currently there are members from the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, and Texas. Associate non-voting membership is open to attorneys, law professors, and other
professionals involved in the field of workers’ compensation law.
Mission
The mission and goals of NAWCJ are:
• To provide high quality and low cost professional educational training and forums to workers’
compensation adjudicators and administrators on matters unique to this system of justice and
commonality of issues, regardless of the differing states’ substantive workers’ compensation laws;
• To develop strong working relationships with other professional organizations that share NAWCJ’s
objectives for the advancement of workers’ compensation law and the improvement of its justice
system;
• To develop mutual professional relationships and exchanges of information among its membership;
• To promote scholarly research and discussion regarding issues of common interest to the nation’s
workers’ compensation adjudicators; and
• To monitor changes in the states’ workers’ compensation legislation and executive directives that
impact the adjudication of workers’ compensation claims and, when requested by these authorities,
to address matters for improvement of the justice system;
It is also the association’s objective to work with other educational-based groups in providing
leadership and promote justice within the workers’ compensation system. NAWCJ presents, in
partnership with other organizations, its National Workers’ Compensation Judiciary College in
conjunction with the annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference (established in 1949 and
currently attracting approximately 7,000 attendees). The educational conference is held in August of
each year at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. As a part of the association’s Judiciary
College, attendees are permitted to participate in the educational conference, one of the largest
gatherings of workers’ compensation professionals in the United States, taking advantage of breakouts
and the exhibitor halls. For information concerning the annual Workers’ Compensation Educational
Conference, please refer to its website at www.fwciweb.org. Continuing legal education credits will be
applied for from the various jurisdictions represented by attendees.
www.nawcj.org
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General Information
The date for the National Workers’ Compensation
Judiciary College has been set for August 21, 22 & 23,
2011. The College will be held at The Orlando World
Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL
32821, in conjunction with the 66th Annual Workers’
Compensation Educational Conference.
Program:
The program for the National Workers’ Compensation
Judiciary College is designed to address issues uniquely
related to the adjudication of workers’ compensation
The Judiciary College offers an unprecedented opportunity to
matters allowing participants to interact with others
observe live oral arguements of actual cases.
from different jurisdictions on issues of common concern.
Although the sponsoring organization NAWCJ allows
for associate membership, the College is for workers’
compensation judges only (both at the trial and appellate
levels), allowing for a free and open interchange of ideas
to improve the legal process in workers’ compensation
systems throughout the country, without undue
influences from third parties. The Judiciary College
program will also take advantage of select courses at
the Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference
being held at the same location and time. For a copy of
the complete program of the Workers’ Compensation
Educational Conference, reference can be made to www.
fwciweb.org. John Salatti enthusiastically delivered critical foundations for
effective judicial writing.
Live Surgery:
One of the many unique offerings of the Workers’
Compensation Educational Conference, which is a part of
the College curriculum, is the observation of a live surgery.
Surgeons will be performing a live lumbar fusion surgical
procedure. Attendees will be allowed to ask questions of
the participating surgeons during the procedure.
Oral Argument:
The First District Court of Appeals, the initial appellate
body that considers workers’ compensation matters in
Florida, holds court on pending cases annually at the
Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. College Live meniscectomy surgery. The 2011 program includes a live
attendees will participate in this unique offering and then lumbar fusion surgery.
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participate with all of the appellate judges in round table discussions on matters that are of mutual interest.
Specific emphasis in this session will be on how a workers’ compensation case is considered at the appellate
level.
Keynote Speaker:
College attendees may participate in the opening ceremonies of the Educational Conference. The opening session
features two keynote speakers. The first is Tim Carter. Tim Carter currently serves as Chief Underwriting Officer
for Zurich North America. He has been in this position since August, 2007. He joined Zurich in 1994 as the
Chief Pricing Actuary for direct business in the United Kingdom.
The second keynote speaker is Larry Csonka. As an All-American football player at Syracuse University where
he broke rushing records of Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little and Jim Nance, Larry Csonka was the 1968 first
round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins. From 1971 to 1973, he led the Dolphins to three Super Bowl appearances,
earning All Pro and Pro Bowl honors along the way. He and half-back Jim Kick were affectionately known as
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and were mainstays in the Dolphins perfect 17-0 season in 1972. In 1973,
he was voted Super Athlete of the Year by the Professional Football Writers Association. He retired in 1980 with
a career rushing record for the Dolphins of 6,737 yards, which still stands. He was elected to the Professional
Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
Entertainment:
Not all of the College activities are work. This year, on Monday night, in celebration of 100 years of workers’
compensation, the Conference presents the CLUB HOP and the PARTY OF THE CENTURY!! Dance to music
provided by “Switch,” “The Malones,” and “Marvelous Mark - The Ambassador of Celebration.” This one of a kind
show creates plenty of fun for everyone. Even those who prefer to observe rather than participate are thrilled by
the excitement and glitz. Enjoy sizzling MTV style performances, dazzling costumes, celebrity impersonators,
confetti snowstorms, indoor pyrotechnics and many other surprises. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!! Join
“The Club Hop and The Party of the Century Live” for an unforgettable night of fun and interaction. Registration
for the College will entitle the judges to attend this concert and reception.
Continuing Legal Education Information:
Continuing legal education credits will be available to College program participants. When registering, please
note the jurisdiction or association from which you seek such certification.
Association Membership:
The mission statement for the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Inc. (NAWCJ), the
sponsor of the College, is contained in this brochure. Association membership is encouraged by members of the
judiciary and the non-judiciary. Annual membership fees for the judiciary is $75.00 per year or $195 for three
years. Associate membership for the non-judiciary is $250.00 per year.
Scholarships:
Limited scholarships available.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are available as follows for the Judiciary College:
Judiciary College Sponsorship - $1000
• Acknowledgement in the Judiciary College materials
• Logo on a sign inside the Judiciary College classroom
• Video and verbal acknowledgement at the Judiciary College
• Attend the reception with the judges and regulators
• Acknowledgement on the NAWCJ website
• Acknowledgement in NAWCJ’s Lex and Verum newsletter
• Discounted Table-Top Booth (limited number of booths available)
Table-Top Booth - $500
• Includes a 6 ft. draped table and a chair for one day of the college. Select Monday or Tuesday.
• Acknowledgement in the Judiciary College materials
• Acknowledgement on the NAWCJ website
Please note, Judiciary College attendees are not allowed to accept gifts or giveaway items from booths. Brochures
and company information packets are acceptable.
Beverage Break Sponsorship - $200 per break; $450 per day
Each Beverage Break Sponsorship includes:
• A sign with company logo posted at the break station and a small cocktail table for company materials
• Acknowledgement in the Judiciary College materials
• Acknowledgement on the NAWCJ website
Beverage breaks will be held in the foyer for the following dates/times:
Monday, August 22nd Tuesday, August 23rd
1:40 – 2:00 p.m. 9:45 – 10:00 a.m.
2:50 – 3:00 p.m. 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
3:50 – 4:00 p.m. 4:10 – 4:20 p.m.
4:50 – 5:00 p.m.
Program Agenda
Sunday, August 21, 2011 (Afternoon Program)
National Workers’ Compensation
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information
Judiciary College
Outside of Grand Ballrooms 1 - 6, Limited to Workers’ Compensation Adjudicators only.
Convention Level
11:30 – 1:40 pm NAWCJ Welcome Lunch and
Monday, August 22, 2011 Multi-Jurisdiction
Comparative Law Panel
8:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information
Welcome and Introductions:
Outside of Grand Ballrooms 1 - 6,
Honorable Ellen H. Lorenzen
Convention Level
President, NAWCJ
Florida Office of Judges of Compensation
(Morning Program) Claims
Workers’ Compensation Tampa, FL
Educational Conference Honorable John J. Lazzara
Attendance is optional. Past President, NAWCJ
Florida Office of Judges of Compensation
9:00 – 10:10 am Welcome and Introductions Claims
Palms Ballroom - Canary Tallahassee, FL
Convention Level Moderator:
James N. McConnaughhay, Attorney Honorable Melodie Belcher
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope Secretary, NAWCJ
& Weaver, P.A. State Board of Workers’ Compensation
General Chairman Atlanta, GA
Tallahassee, FL
Panel:
Steven A. Rissman, Attorney
Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & Honorable Karl Aumann
McLain, P.A. Maryland Workers’ Compensation
Program Chairman Commission
Orlando, FL Baltimore, MD
Honorable Diane Beck
10:10 – 10:45 am Industry Keynote Speaker Florida Office of Judges of Compensation
(Refer to General Information Claims
section of program) Sarasota, FL
Tim Carter Honorable Jennifer Hopens
Chief Underwriting Officer Texas Department of Insurance,
Zurich North America Division of Workers’ Compensation
Chicago, IL Austin, TX
10:45 – 11:45 am Guest Speaker and Keynote Honorable David Torrey
Address Vice President, NAWCJ
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and
(Refer to General Information Industry
section of program) Pittsburg, PA
Football Legend: Larry Csonka 1:40 – 2:00 pm Break
11:00 – 5:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open
Cypress Ballrooms 1, 2 & 3
Convention Level
2:00 – 2:50 pm The Power of Addiction the spine and joints. We will review how the objective findings
on MRIs combined with the study of biomechanics provides
Introduction: evidence to determine the causality and age of an injury.
Robert S. Cohen
Treasurer, NAWCJ 3:50 – 4:00 pm Break
Director and Chief Judge of the Florida 4:00 – 4:50 pm The Aging Workforce
Division of Administrative Hearings
Tallahassee, FL Introduction:
Moderator: Honorable David I. Imahara
Administrative Law Judge
Nat Levine Atlanta, GA
Broward Orthopedic Specialists
Ft. Lauderdale, FL Moderator:
Speaker: Nat Levine
Broward Orthopedic Specialists
Marc Gerber, MD Ft. Lauderdale, FL
MRG Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine
Orlando, FL Speaker:
With Florida having the dubious distinction of the pain pill Jesse A. Lipnick, MD
capital of the country, injured workers often find themselves Southeastern Rehabilitation Medicine
depending on those medications. What causes addiction? What Gainesville, FL
causes an injured worker to abandon all sensibilities for Opioids
such as Oxycodone or Hydrocodone? What are the psychological With the Dow tanking and IRA’s rolling over dead, millions of
effects of addiction? Do ALL opioids prevent injured workers otherwise retired workers aren’t retiring after all. The country’s
from performing their job functions? This presentation is workforce grows older as does the concept that all injuries are
intended to provide workers’ compensation Judges with an treated the same. If you believe that the 60 year old and 25 year
educational opportunity concerning a growing issue that effects old injured worker heal at the same rate, this breakout might
all injured workers, regardless of jurisdiction. open your eyes. Older workers often have unrelated conditions
such as hypertension, diabetes and heart problems. How do
2:50 – 3:00 pm Break those conditions affect their claims for temporary or permanent
disability? Take a sneak peak at the future of claims as our
3:00 – 3:50 pm The Anatomy of the Injury population gets older.
Introduction: 4:50 – 5:00 pm Break
Honorable David Torrey 5:00 – 5:30 pm NAWCJ Annual Business
Vice President, NAWCJ
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Meeting
Industry 7:00 – 11:00 pm Reception and Entertainment
Pittsburg, PA
Palms Ballroom - Sabal and
Moderator: Crystal Ballrooms J1 & J2
Nat Levine Convention Level
Broward Orthopedic Specialists
Ft. Lauderdale, FL Featured Entertainment:
Panel: CLuB HOP ANd PARTy OF
THE CENTuRy!
Michael T. Reilly, MD
Center for Knee, Shoulder and Hip Casual attire. Beverages & heavy hors d’oeuvres. Adults only,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL please. Refer to “General Information” section of program for
additional information.
Tim Joganich
ARCCA, Inc.
Penns Park, PA
The orthopod said what? How did the injury cause that? Case
management personnel and Judges often question causality
based on the orthopaedic surgeon’s diagnosis. This panel will
explore the biomechanical forces necessary to produce injuries to
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 bring evidence questions into sharp focus. Professor Ehrhardt
brings an enthusiasm for the subject, and presents with such
8:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration and Information force and humor that the audience is always left wanting
more.
Outside of Grand Ballrooms 1 - 6,
Convention Level 12:00 – 1:00 pm Florida Bar Workers’
Compensation Section
8:45 – 9:45 am Live Surgery-Minimally Judicial Luncheon
Invasive Lumbar Fusion
Grand Ballrooms 1 & 2
Palms Ballroom - Canary Convention Level
Convention Level
1:00 – 2:00 pm Oral Argument
(Combined presentation for
Breakout for Adjusters, Programs Palms Ballroom - Canary
One and Two) Convention Level
Surgery Performed by: Presented by the Florida First
G. Grady McBride, MD District Court of Appeal
Orlando Orthopaedic Center Tallahassee, FL
Orlando, FL Panel:
Moderator and Speaker: Chief Judge Robert T. Benton, III
Steven E. Weber, DO First District Court of Appeal
Orlando Orthopaedic Center Tallahassee, FL
Orlando, FL Honorable Marguerite H. Davis
First District Court of Appeal
The Orlando Orthopaedic Center presents a live surgery. Dr. G.
Tallahassee, FL
Grady McBride, a board certified spine surgeon with over 25
years of experience, will perform a minimally invasive lumbar Honorable Philip J. Padovano
fusion called TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion). First District Court of Appeal
This procedure and technology (as compared to the tradional Tallahassee, FL
open fusion) allow for a less invasive placement of hardware
decreasing a patient’s hospital stay, blood loss and allowing an Honorable Joseph Lewis, Jr.
early return to work. First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Dr. Steven Weber, a board certified spine surgeon at
Orlando Orthopaedic Center who specializes in Adult Spinal Honorable Paul M. Hawkes
Reconstruction, will be on location at the World Center First District Court of Appeal
Marriott to assist with questions from the audience. Tallahassee, FL
Honorable Bradford L. Thomas
9:45 – 10:00 am Break and Transition First District Court of Appeal
to Grand Ballrooms 1 - 6 Tallahassee, FL
10:00 – 12:00 pm Evidence, The Command Honorable Simone Marstiller
Performance First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Introduction: Jon S. Wheeler
Honorable Michael Alvey Clerk
Frankfort, KY First District Court of Appeal
Tallahassee, FL
Speaker:
Stephen Nevels
Charles W. Ehrhardt Marshal
Emeritus Professor First District Court of Appeal
Florida State University College of Law Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, FL
An actual workers’ compensation appeal will be argued live
End the morning with one of the evidence greats! Professor before a panel of Judges of the Florida First District Court of
Ehrhardt will address issues troubling all adjudicators. Despite Appeal. The briefs will be made available to attendees prior
the differences between state evidence codes, this speaker’s to the conference and the Court’s opinion will be published
thirty plus years of study, reflection, lecture and publication on the Court’s website several weeks after the oral argument
takes place. The Court’s opinion will also be published in the counter point” presentation will illuminate the subject, make
NAWCJ’s “Lex and Verum” newsletter. you think, and at the same time entertain.
2:00 – 2:15 pm Break and Transition 5:15 – 6:15 pm NAWCJ Reception
to Grand Ballrooms 1 - 6 Grand Ballrooms 1 & 2
2:15 – 4:10 pm Neuroscience and Psychology Non-judicial members of NAWCJ are cordially invited to attend
of Judicial decision-Making this reception in honor of the Judges and regulators from various
states attending the “Regulators Round Table” sponsored
For Workers’ Compensation by the Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation
Adjudicators Administrators (SAWCA).
Introduction:
Honorable Melodie Belcher
Atlanta, GA
Speaker:
Kimberly Papillon
California Judicial Council,
Administrative Office of the Courts
San Francisco, CA
All Judges recognize that bias has no place in a trial. What
many do not recognize, however, is that bias can be implicit in
everyday life, and as a result, this may accompany the adjudicator
to the hearing room. Kimberly Papillon is a leading national
expert on the subject of implicit bias. She has been a pioneering Judges Hopens (TX) and Torrey (PA)
force in the quest to identify, dismantle and overcome these
biases using proven methods. She has conducted this training
for the California Judicial Council, various state and federal court
conferences, and state and local bar associations. This program
will not only change what you think about bias, it will help you
first to understand how you think about bias.
4:10 – 4:20 pm Break
4:20 – 5:10 pm Code of Judicial Conduct for
Workers’ Compensation
Adjudicators
Introduction:
Honorable Jennifer Hopens
Austin, TX Judge Imahara (GA) interviewed by FWCI TV for conference
broadcast.
Panel:
Honorable Rick Thompson
State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Atlanta, GA
Honorable David Langham
Florida Office of Judges of
Compensation Claims
Pensacola, FL
Can there be a more perplexing (or frankly sometimes onerous)
topic? Various states are struggling with the disqualification
and recusal process. Refinements and resolutions have been
proposed, discussed, and found wanting. This program will
address the focus of the Code of Judicial Conduct on the specifics
of unbiased adjudication of issues, and on the ever-ubiquitous
“appearance of impropriety.” This highly interactive “point/ Judge Lazzara is awarded recognition plaque for his service as
NAWCJ President by Judge Lorenzen and Judge Rosen.
Registration Form
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name First Name for Badge
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Agency Name (as you wish it to appear on name badge) Title
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Business Mailing Address Agency Website
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City State ZIP
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number Fax Number Email Address
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Continuing Legal Education License Number State/Association
Hotel Accommodations: For your convenience a block of sleeping rooms has been reserved at the
Courtyard at Marriott Village (8623 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821-6499; (407) 938-9001) for this event. Please
complete the following information and a reservation will be processed for you. The sleeping room rate is $69. Cut-off
date is July 15, 2011. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the Marriott World Center from the Courtyard at
Marriott Village (approximately 3 miles).
Number of Rooms______ Arrival Date_______________ Departure Date_______________
Check here if you have special needs that require attention.
College Registration Fee: Advance Registration for Members of NAWCJ - $200; $225 after August
5, 2011. Advance Registration for Non-Members of NAWCJ - $240; $265 after August 5, 2011. Call for discounted
registration fees for five or more judges from the same agency.
Association Membership: To become a member of NAWCJ please select from the following:
Member $75 ~ one year (Workers’ Compensation Judges) Associate Member $250 ~ one year
Member $195 ~ three years (Workers’ Compensation Judges)
Sponsorships: Please select sponsorship type:
Judiciary College Sponsorship $1000 Table-Top Booth $500 ~ Select Monday or Tuesday
Beverage Break Sponsorship ~ $200 per break $450 per day
Advertising in Judiciary College Handbook ~ Quarter Page Ad $150 Half Page Ad $250 Full Page Ad $400
Method of Payment: Check Mastercard VISA American Express Discover
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Credit Card Account Number Expiration Date Signature
Make Checks Payable To:
The National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Inc.
FEIN # 26-4598530
Online Registration Available At www.NAWCJ.org.
Registration: To register, mail the completed registration form, along with credit card information (VISA/
MC/AmX/Discover) or a check made payable to: The National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary, Inc.,
P.O. Box 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32302-0200; fax form to (850) 521-0222; or register online at www.nawcj.org.
Registration for the Judiciary College will include conference handout materials, access to the exhibit area, Monday
night reception, and participation in the Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. The registration fee
is $200.00 for members of the NAWCJ; $240.00 for non-members. Onsite Registration is $225.00 for judiciary members;
$265.00 for non-members, or if received after August 5, 2011. Course materials from the 2010 Judiciary College are
available for download at http://www.nawcj.org/EdJudCol.htm. For more information, contact the National Association
of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary at (850) 425-8156 or 425-8155. This is a “business casual” program. YOU MUST
BE AN ADJUDICATOR TO ATTEND.
Contributions, gifts or dues to the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
You Must Be An Adjudicator To Attend.
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