iConference 2008
Workers’ Compensation v2.0 the next generation of claims handling
October 20, 2008 Radisson Hotel Sacramento
Title Sponsor Program Sponsor
Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens & omas
Next-Gen Education...
Claims professionals are in a unique position. To be the best in our profession, we must acquire more knowledge, more education and more hands-on experience than many other vocations. Winging it or guessing does not work well in claims, and the industry begs the obvious - seek knowledge...wherever you can get it. As the premier Workers’ Compensation association, AWCP has offered premier educational opportunities, including the renowned Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference for the past ten years. AWCP consists of a large group of workers' compensation professionals that are dedicated to providing educational programs and opportunities to Claims Examiners, Claims Managers, Attorneys, Nurses, Risk Managers, and Human Resources Managers. We are also committed to providing industry networking events to help serve our members as well as our 50 plus sponsors that include Interpreting, Investigations, Law Firms, Copy Services, Insurance, TPA’s, Staffing, Transportation, Pharmacy, Diagnostic and Medical Manage Care to name just a few. Finally, AWCP is dedicated to Philanthropy in an effort to give back to our local communities.
Letter from the Chairman
Dear AWCP Conference Guest, The Division of Workers’ Compensation has enacted a flood of changes since SB899 changed the landscape in 2004. Whether it is a new schedule for rating permanent disability, an updated medical treatment utilization schedule, revised benefit notices, or amended procedures for Qualified Medical Evaluators, claims professionals have had to read, study, interpret and put each new regulation into practice. This year’s conference aims to relieve the stress and uncertainty that comes with each new change in workers’ compensation. We will hear from many at the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) who have been instrumental in forming and enforcing new regulations including Carrie Nevans (invited) – DWC Acting Administrative Director, Anne Searcy, MD – DWC Medical Director, Destie Overpeck – DWC Chief Counsel and others. The workers’ compensation courts are also tasked with creating interpreting new rules, so we are pleased to welcome WCAB Commissioners Al Moresi and Ronnie Caplane who will provide their insight and guidance on proposed new WCAB regulations, critical WCAB decisions, and new trends in litigation. The conference will conclude with the nationally known speaker Phil Walker, who will provide an edutaining (educational and entertaining) view on the current status of workers’ compensation in California, including the latest developments in rating permanent disability. The AWCP conference is again located at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento in the Grand Ballrooms. The hotel features a convenient location, free parking, and fine dining. The conference also offers attendees a relaxed atmosphere to learn about cutting-edge products and services to meet the needs of the workers’ compensation community from the numerous exhibitors present. The seminar is intended for claims professionals, attorneys, employer risk managers, human resource specialists, case managers, rehabilitation specialists, investigators, physicians and anyone interested in the workers’ compensation field. AWCP annual education conferences are similar to iPods, in that they do so many little things right. An iPod is a whole experience with the aesthetic design, packaging, iTunes software, and clever advertising. The AWCP conference experience offers excellent logistics, entertaining speakers with relevant topics, ample networking and all the little things that just go right. We look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely, Joshua Bragg AWCP Education Conference Chairman
Itinerary at a Glance
7:30 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:00
Registration What’s New @ the DWC
Summary: Speaker: Updated information and news from inside the DWC Carrie Nevans, Administrative Director California Division of Workers' Compensation Latest news from the WCAB and an update on the new EAMS paperless WCAB system The Honorable Ronnie Caplane, WCAB Commissioner Department of Industrial Relations
9:00 - 10:00
A Look Inside the WCAB and EAMS
Summary: Speaker:
10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 12:00
Exhibits The New QME/AME Process: Challenges, Hurdles and Solutions
Summary: Speakers: Interactive discussion on how to manage the new QME/AME process Destie Overpeck, Chief Counsel ~ DWC Dr. Anne Searcy, Executive Medical Director ~ DWC The Honorable Alfonso Moresi, WCAB Commissioner ~ DIR Todd McFaren, Partner ~ Rucka, O’Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna ~CA Applicant’s Attorneys Assn Jerry Rempel, Branch Manager ~ The Law O ces of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens and Thomas Peggy Sugarman, Training Director ~ The Law O ces of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens and Thomas
Moderator:
12:00 - 1:00 1:00 - 2:00
Lunch and Exhibits Critical Legal Decisions in 2008
Summary: Speakers: Everything you need to know about 2008 litigation in the world of Workers’ Compensation Jim Pettibone, Partner ~ Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP Barry Lesch, Attorney ~ Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP
2:00 - 3:00 3:20 - 3:40 3:40 - 4:30 4:30 - 5:00
Part 1: The “State” of Workers’ Compensation
Speaker: Phil Walker, Partner Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
Exhibits Part 2: AMA Guides Made Simple
Speaker: Phil Walker, Partner Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
Closing Remarks and Ra e
California Division of Workers' Compensation
Carrie Nevans is currently serving as Administrative Director. She administers the division's diverse programs and manages a staff of 1,200, along with a budget of over $135 million. Ms. Nevans has overseen the promulgation of regulations for medical treatment guidelines, return to work provisions, pre-designation of personal physician and others. Ms. Nevans started her career as a claims adjuster for the State Compensation Insurance Fund in 1982. She is a certified self insurance administrator and is fully versed in all the specifics of workers' compensation, as well as the ethics of claims administration.
Carrie Nevans, Administrative Director
The Honorable Ronnie Caplane, Commissioner
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board
Ronnie serves as Commissioner on the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board where she reviews appeals from the 18 local workers’ compensation trial courts throughout the State. Every month the commission reviews and issues decisions on 300 to 350 cases. Ronnie received her law degree from Hastings College of the Law and was admitted to the California Bar in 1975. As a practicing attorney in San Francisco, she handled issues such as workers’ compensation, employment discrimination and personal injury.
Dr. Anne Searcy, Executive Medical Director
California Division of Workers' Compensation
Dr. Anne Searcy was appointed to the position of executive medical director for the California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) in March of 2006. Dr. Searcy manages all the division's medical and health-related programs, including the qualified medical evaluator, medical provider network, independent medical review, utilization review, health care organization and spinal surgery second opinion programs. Searcy is a licensed physician and surgeon and is board certified in family practice. Dr. Searcy worked a in occupational medicine practices before coming to the Department of Industrial Relations, where she has served as associate medical director at the Industrial Medical Council and for the DWC since 1995.
Destie Overpeck, Chief Counsel
Ms.Overpeck was appointed chief counsel for the California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) in 2005, where she has worked as an attorney since April of 2000. Ms. Overpeck served as lead attorney on regulations implementing utilization review penalties, Labor Code section 5814.6 penalties, medical provider networks, pre-designation of personal physician and return to work requirements. She's also led regulatory teams implementing supplemental job displacement benefits, audit rules, official medical fee schedules and overhauling the injured employee claim form and poster. Overpeck graduated from U.C.L.A. cum laude in 1980 and from Hastings College of Law in 1983.
California Division of Workers' Compensation
Department of Industrial Relations
The Honorable Alfonso Moresi, WCAB Commissioner
Alfonso Moresi has been appointed a commissioner on the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board in California. He has served as a workers’ compensation defense attorney and has represented insurance carriers, employers and government entities for 34 years. Mr. Moresi has served as a senior partner at the law firm, Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP since 1985.
Phil Walker,
Partner, Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard, & Smith
Phil Walker is a professional speaker, instructor, and national trial counsel for California workers’ compensation and longshore defense in San Francisco. For over 20 years, he has represented California’s largest airlines, shipyards, steel companies, retailers, universities, and insurers in workers’ compensation and longshore matters. Phil is a member of the Bars of California, New York, and the District of Columbia. He was educated at Vanderbilt University where he studied creative writing and public speaking and Washington & Lee Law School.Phil was a national legal columnist for Genre Magazine, host of his own television show in San Francisco, and appeared as “the Clerk of Court” with Gene Hackman in Class Action.
Peggy Sugarman,
Training Director
The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens and Thomas Peggy Sugarman has been a participant in the workers’ compensation community for over thirty years, beginning in Sacramento as a rehabilitation coordinator for Underwriter’s Adjusting Company/Continental Insurance. After serving as the manager of the DWC Rehabilitation Unit, she was promoted in 1992 to serve as the Chief Deputy Administrative Director. In 2006 when she joined The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens and Thomas as their Training Director. Peggy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from UC Davis, a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Sacramento State University, and is currently working on her doctorate in Organizational Psychology.
Jerry Rempel, Branch Manager, Chico & Redding
The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens and Thomas Jerry Rempel is a defense attorney and the managing attorney of the Chico/Redding office of The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Barnes, Reubens and Thomas. Jerry handles workers’ compensation, employment and labor defense issues.
Todd McFaren, Partner Rucka, O’Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna
Todd McFarren, Esq., received his J.D. from the University of San Francisco Law School in 1983. He is a President-Elect of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association. He is a certified specialist in workers compensation law (State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization).
Jim Pettibone, Managing Partner Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP
In 1986, James Pettibone began employment with Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP and in 1988, Mr. Pettibone became a Partner in 1994. Mr. Pettibone attended the University of San Francisco, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981 and his Juris Doctor in 1987. In 1992, Mr. Pettibone was a CMA panelist and lecturer on workers' compensation and the ADA. In 1996, he was a panelist and lecturer for the Counsel on Education in Management, with an emphasis on issues of workers' compensation in the ADA/FMLA issues and solutions. From 1995 to 2007, Mr. Pettibone was an occasional panelist and lecturer for the California Compensation Defense Attorney's Association and has co-authored the CEB Action Guide, Meeting Statutory Deadlines, Workers' Compensation Practice, Chapter 14.
Barry Lesch, Partner Laughlin Falbo Levy & Moresi, LLP
Barry Lesch graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law in 1975, started practicing workers' compensation law the following year. He is a senior partner at Laughlin Falbo Levy and Moresi, LLP working out of its Oakland office. Mr. Lesch is a certified specialist and a managing editor of the California Workers' Compensation Reporter, a well-regarded journal reporting on significant California decisions in workers' compensation and workers' damages for 35 years. He collaborated on the evidence chapter in the CEB book, California Workers' Compensation Practice (fourth ed.), several editions of the CEB guide to statutory deadlines in workers' compensation law and innumerable talks on current case law and significant issues in compensation law.
Exhibitor & Sponsorship Registration
AWCP is proud to offer many ways to sponsor this event and to showcase the services your company offers. We urge our sponsors and exhibitors to register early as this event sells out fast. As an added value to our sponsors and exhibitors, we will showcase your company with signage, special thanks at the luncheon, and full acknowledgement of your company.
Diamond Sponsor Rate: Non-Diamond Exhibitor Rate : Exhibit fee includes: One 8-foot table with cloth 2 chairs 1 lunch Optional Amenities/Services: Additional Lunch Electrical outlet:
(extension cord not provided)
Exhibitor Opportunities
$400 $650
Lunch Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
(3 available) (3 available) (1 available) (1 available) (1 available) Full Page Half Page Quarter Page
$500 $300 $500 $2,000 $1,000 $500 $350 $250
Breakfast Sponsors Grand Prize Attendee Bags
$ 35 $ 50 $ 20
Portfolios Syllabus Ads
Storage fee*:
(Per box or item)
Total Due: $
Company Name: Contact Person: Type of Business: Payment Information: Name (as it appears on credit card): Credit Card Number: Expires: Security Code: Visa M/C
(this name will be on name tag)
Telephone: Email: Diamond Member: Yes AmEx Check Enclosed No
Billing Zip Code:
Terms and Cancellation Policy Payment Terms: Full payment required at the time of registration. Assignment of exhibit location will not be made until full payment is received. Exhibit space is granted on a rst come rst served basis. Cancellation Policy: Exhibitors/Sponsors needing cancel must present a letter of cancellation on company letterhead before October 1, 2008. Cancellations will receive a refund only if the exhibit space/sponsorship can be re-sold. *Optional storage fee covers receiving and storing pre-shipped material and delivery to meeting room. No shipments will be accepted prior to October 16, 2008. Ship to: Radisson Hotel, AWCP October 20, 2008, 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento, CA 95815.
Mail or Fax this form with payment to: AWCP PO Box 760 ~ Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-0760 Phone: 916.290-8017 ~ Fax: 916.914.1706 For any questions: Please call or email Connie at connie@awcp.org FEIN 68-0447121
Attendee Registration
Education is growth and AWCP is proud to bring you another great seminar program again this year! If you are not already a member, sign up today for an instant savings now and on all future events. We appreciate your support and for choosing AWCP for your source of continuing education.
Registration Fees
Before October 1, 2008 AWCP Member Non-Member $100 $125 After October 1, 2008 $150 $200
Mail or Fax this form with payment to: AWCP PO Box 760 ~ Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-0760 Phone: 916.290-8017 ~ Fax: 916.914.1706 For any questions: Please call or email Connie at connie@awcp.org FEIN 68-0447121 Name: Company: Type of Business: Email: Telephone: Address: City/State/Zip: AWCP Member: Yes No
Payment Information: Name (as it appears on credit card): Credit Card Number: Expires:
Visa
M/C
AmEx
Check Enclosed
Security Code:
Billing Zip Code:
Check for Vegetarian Lunch
Terms and Cancellation Policy Payment Terms: Full payment required at the time of registration. Cancellation Policy: Attendees needing cancel must present a letter of cancellation before October 15, 2008. No refunds will be granted after October 15 due to space limitations. Special Needs If you require special accommodations to attend the seminar, please contact Connie at AWCP Association Headquarters.
General Information
When: October 20, 2008 Where:
Radisson Hotel Sacramento
500 Leisure Lane Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 922-2020
Exhibits & Prizes: Continue your learning experience by visiting exhibitors who provide services in the Continuing Education Credit: Do not forget to obtain your continuing
education certi cates. This conference quali es for 6 Hours CCM, WCCP, MCLE, California Registered Nurse, and Claims Examiner credit.
industry. Exhibitor prizes and a special Grand Prize will be given away at the close of the conference. Remember, you must be present to win the Grand Prize! Don't forget your business cards.
Registration: The attendee registration fee includes conference attendance,
complete syllabus, handout materials, continental breakfast, lunch, and continuing education credit.
Directions: The Radisson Sacramento Hotel is conveniently located 5
minutes from the Capitol, Old Sacramento, Cal Expo, Arden Fair Mall, Railroad Museum, and the Light Rail System.
PO Box 760 Rancho Cordova CA 95741-0760
Sponsored by:
A special thanks to the AWCP Conference Committee:
Joshua Bragg, Gregory Bragg & Associates Peggy Sugarman, The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander,
Reubens and Thomas
Van Haas, Probe Information Services, Inc. Ted Richards, The Law Offices of Grancell, Lebovitz, Stander, Reubens
and Thomas
Connie Conley, AWCP Executive Director