texas 2014 oklahoma - the conference board · 2014-08-21 · international paper company lance inc...

Continuing Education Credits:HRCI Recertification credits applied forAttorneys: MCLE Credits applied in Texas and OklahomaInsurance Adjusters: CEUs applied forNo partial credit issued

Texas& Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Forum

2014

October 9–10, 2014Hilton Anatole • Dallas, TX

Presented in Partnership with

conferenceboard.org/txokwc

DISCOVER how stakeholders are being

impacted by the implementation of new workers’ compensation reforms in Oklahoma and

the HB 7 reforms in Texas

LEARN innovative strategies to solve your most difficult

claims management and cost-containment challenges

FIND OUT how leading Texas and Oklahoma employers are

implementing successful return to work and injury prevention programs that mitigate employer exposure

and dramatically improve employee outcomes

GAIN critical updates on recent workers’

compensation court decisions and how to avoid litigation risks and costly fines

Discover Proven Solutions to Workers’ Compensation Cost-Containment and Claims Management Challenges and Vital Case Law and Legislative Updates

Partial List of Previous AttendeesAetna Workers’ CompAccessAmerican AirlinesAmeriCredit CorporationAnheuser-Busch IncBlue Cross Blue Shield of TexasBoeingBrinks Home SecurityChaparral SteelChildren’s Medical Center DallasCity of AustinConcentraCVSDell Computer CorpDillards

Dr Pepper Snapple GroupExpress JetFirestoneFirst HealthGeneral MotorsInternational Aluminum CorpInternational Paper CompanyLance IncLennox InternationalLockheed Martin Aeronautics CompanyMitsubishi CaterpillarForklift AmericaOld Castle GlassOwens CorningQuaker Oats

Scott & White Memorial HospitalSeaworld San AntonioService MasterTexas A&M UniversityTexas Association of School BoardsTexas Department of TransportationTexas Mutual Insurance CompanyToshibaTyco Fire & Building ProductsUniversity of Texas at AustinUS Steel CorporationVulcan MaterialsWeyerhaeuser Company

Conference ChairsStuart D. Colburn, Esq., ShareholderDowns Stanford, P.C.

Todd Estes, Esq., PartnerPierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, LLP

5 reasons to attend1. Gain critical legislative updates and the very latest case law developments.

2. Discover real-world solutions from Texas and Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys and doctors, and experts in risk management, claims management, and safety.

3. Protect your bottom line by learning proven strategies to reduce workers’ compensation costs, prevent workplace injuries, and minimize your liability risks.

4. Attend cutting-edge presentations, including an interactive workshop, enlightening panel discussions, and case study success stories of Texas and Oklahoma employers.

5. Network with leading experts and industry practitioners from across the states of Texas and Oklahoma.

Who should attendThis conference is a must attend for leaders in Workers’ Compensation, Risk Management, Claims Management, Safety, Human Resources, Disability Management, Occupational Health, Case Management, and those responsible for workers’ compensation cost containment and compliance.

Keynote SpeakersMark Walls Vice President Communications & Strategic AnalysisSafety National

Rod Bordelon Commissioner of Workers’ CompensationTexas Department of Insurance—Division of Workers’ Compensation

Troy Wilson, Sr.Chairman Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission


2014

REGISTER NOW! Call 212.339.0345 • E-mail [email protected]

Registration InformationOnline conferenceboard.org/txokwc

E-mail [email protected]

Phone 800-942-4494 8:30 am to 5:30 pm ET Monday through Friday

2014 TEXAS & OKLAHOMA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FORUM

(K07015) October 9–10, 2014Register on or before August 1, 2014 ........... $899Register on or before September 12, 2014 ....$999Register after September 12, 2014 .............. $1,199

Pre-Conference Workshop October 9, 2014 Workshop Fee .................................................$200 Workers’ Compensation Claims Management Boot Camp: A Strategic Approach to Building Your Arsenal for Defending Workers’ Compensation Claims and Controlling Costs

Hotel AccommodationsFees do not include hotel accommodations. For discounted reservations, contact the hotel directly no later than the cut-off date and mention Texas and Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Forum and the Group Code: TWC.

The Hilton Anatole2201 N Stemmons FreewayDallas, TX 75207Tel. 214-748-1200

Hotel Reservations Cut-off Date September 18, 2014

Cancellation PolicyFull refund until three weeks before the meeting. $500 administration fee up to two weeks before the meeting. No refund after two weeks before the meeting. Confirmed registrants who fail to attend and do not cancel prior to the meeting will be charged the entire registration fee.

Team Discounts per PersonFor a team of three or more registering from the same company at the same time, please contact Amy Thyberg at 212-339-0407 or e-mail [email protected] for generous group discounts. One discount per registration. Multiple discounts may not be combined.

Exhibits and SponsorshipsFor information and pricing, please contact Sam Norton at [email protected] or 704-258-8912.

Workshop • 8:30am – 11:30am

Registration & Continental Breakfast • 7:15am – 8:30am

Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall • 9:45am – 10:15am

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS MANAGEMENT BOOT CAMP:A Strategic Approach to Building Your Arsenal for Defending Workers’ Compensation Claims and Controlling CostsAre you doing everything you can to reduce litigation risks and control your workers’ compensation costs?Texas and Oklahoma employers continue to face a challenging environment for managing workers’ compensation risks and controlling high costs. In order to achieve the best outcomes and safeguard their bottom line, it is essential for employers to take a strategic approach to managing workers’ compensation claims. This comprehensive 3-hour workshop will provide you with a claims management strategy utilizing a cost-benefit analysis. You will leave this session with practical tools to successfully defend workers’ compensation claims, minimize your risks, and maximize cost containments

Topics to be addressed include:• Initial Investigation: Clarification on when and how to conduct a

thorough investigation, and who should do it • Independent Medical Examination: Navigating the Process

—Selecting your IME/RME doctors and getting them the vital information they will need

•Utilization Review: Using the big-picture approach to UR• AMA Impairment Ratings: Deciphering how they can be used to

your benefit• Nurse Case Managers: When is it beneficial to assign a Nurse

Case Manager, and what is his/her role?• Vocational Rehabilitation Plan: When should you implement a

Voc Rehab Plan?• Insurance Adjuster/Third-Party Administration: Partnering with

your TPA or insurance company•Case Studies: Analysis of real-life scenarios

Stuart D. Colburn, Esq., Shareholder, Downs Stanford, P.C.

Sam J. McMurry, ARM, Executive Director, Texas Self-Insurance Association, Executive Director, Texas Certified Self Insurers Guaranty Association, Former Administrator, Workers’ Compensation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

Robert Powell, Esq., Attorney, Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, LLP

Main Conference Registration & Networking Lunch • 11:00am – 12:10pm

Opening Remarks • 12:10pm – 12:15pm

A Opening Keynote Session • 12:15pm – 12:45pm WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ISSUES TO WATCH—A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Discover How National Trends in Workers’ Compensation Will Impact Texas and OklahomaIn this enlightening presentation, Mark Walls, Senior Vice President and Workers’ Compensation Market Research Leader at Marsh will focus on the national trends in workers’ compensation that will impact the workers’ compensation industry in Texas and Oklahoma.

Mark Walls, Vice President Communications & Strategic Analysis Safety National

B General Session • 12:45PM – 2:15PMTOP TEN SCORING PLAYS IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Performance Improvement and Cost Containment Strategies to Ensure You Keep Your Competitive EdgeIncreasing workers’ compensation claims costs continue to threaten the bottom line of employers. Our panel of esteemed workers’ compensation industry leaders will provide you with winning solutions in workers’ compensation performance that balance quality benefits to injured workers with reasonable costs to employers.

Moderator: Stuart D. Colburn, Esq., Shareholder, Downs Stanford, P.C.

Panelists: Shelly Bordonaro, Suzette Walker, Vice President, Business Development Review Med, L.P.Gregory Stevens, RN, CCM, Vice President Nursing and Case Management Services, HIPAA Privacy Officer, CorVel Corporation

Break in Exhibit Hall • 2:15pm – 2:45pm

C1 Concurrent Session • 2:45pm – 3:30pmPREEXISTING CONDITIONS, REPEAT CLAIMS, AND CAUSATION

Safely Navigating the Legal Snares When Dealing with Preexisting Conditions, Repeat Claims, and Other Causation Issues Discover tactics for investigating, defending, and leveraging your case.Leading workers’ compensation defense attorney Maggie Knott will provide you with strategies to decipher which workers’ compensation claimants you are legally responsible to pay, and how to successfully build your defense against claims resulting from preexisting conditions or prior injuries. Get an update on recent cases, and find out how you can minimize your exposure and safeguard your bottom line.

Margaret M. Knott, Esq., Partner, Knott & Doyle

C2 Concurrent Session • 2:45pm – 3:30pmPREEXISTING INJURIES AND CAUSATIONIdentifying Preexisting Injuries and Non-Work-Related

Conditions to Determine Whether Claimants are Entitled to Workers’ Compensation • Howdomedicalexpertsdeterminewhetheraninjuryisafirst-time

injury or an exacerbation of a preexisting condition?• Howdoyouknowifaninjuryisrelatedtoworkoraresultofthenormal

aging process?

MAIN CONFERENCE – DAY 1 Thursday, October 9, 2014PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP Thursday, October 9, 2014


KEY LEGEND

Oklahoma attendees only

Texas attendees only

Continental Breakfast • 7:30am – 8:15am

Opening Remarks • 8:15am – 8:20am

F Keynote Session • 8:20am – 9:00amTHE FUTURE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA

Why the Nation is Looking at These Two Innovative StatesThis informative Keynote Address will provide you with an update on the innovative approaches that Texas and Oklahoma are taking to make significant improvements in their respective workers’ compensation systems.

Rod Bordelon, Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation, Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ CompensationTroy Wilson, Sr., Chairman, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission

G1 Concurrent Session • 9:00am – 9:30am TEXAS DIVISION OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATIONUpdate from the Texas Division of Workers’

Compensation and What’s on the Horizon for 2015 Commissioner Rod Bordelon will provide you with an update on the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation and what’s on their agenda for 2015.

Rod Bordelon, Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation, Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation

G2 Concurrent Session • 9:00am – 9:30am OKLAHOMA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Update from the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission and What’s on the Horizon for 2015 Chairman Troy Wilson will provide you with an update on the new Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission and their goals for the coming year.

Troy Wilson, Sr., Chairman, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission

H1 Concurrent Session • 9:30am – 10:30am TEXAS CASE LAW UPDATEThe Latest Texas Workers’ Compensation Court

Decisions and How They Will Impact EmployersThis lively panel discussion featuring leading workers’ compensation defense attorneys will provide you with the critical updates on recent and noteworthy Texas workers’ compensation cases and how they will impact employers and other stakeholders in the Texas workers’ compensation system.

Moderator:Stuart D. Colburn, Esq., Shareholder, Downs Stanford, P.C.

Panelists: Darryl J. Silvera, Esq., Partner, The Silvera Firm W. Mark Midkiff, Esq., Partner, Watson, Caraway, Midkiff & Luningham, LLPBarbara Lombrano-Williamson, Esq., Attorney, David Klosterboer & Associates

H2 Concurrent Session • 9:30am – 10:30am OKLAHOMA’S NEW LAW & ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM What You Need to Know About the New Oklahoma

Workers’ Compensation Act and Administrative Dispute Resolution SystemThe new Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act, Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act, and Workers’ Compensation Arbitration Act (SB 1062) went into effect early this year. The new Oklahoma Administrative System began hearing claims on February 1, 2014.

MAIN CONFERENCE – DAY 1 Thursday, October 9, 2014 MAIN CONFERENCE – DAY 2 Friday, October 10, 2014

Get answers to these questions and more as our leading medical expert, Dr. Gregory Zeiders, addresses preexisting injury and causation issues. You will leave this session with clarification on the medical evaluation of injuries that will help determine whether a claimant is entitled to workers’ compensation.

Gregory J. Zeiders, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Edmond Orthopedic Group

D1 Concurrent Session • 3:30pm – 4:20pm BACK INJURY CLAIMSProactive Strategies for Keeping Workplace

Back Injuries from Escalating into Million Dollar ClaimsBack injury claims have potential to become the costliest workers’ compensation claims, making it critical that you have best practices in place in order to keep these claims under control. Find out what you can do to prevent a routine back injury from spiraling into chronic pain, opioid addiction, long term disability, and a 7-figure claim. Our leading spine expert will provide you with the strategies for identifying red flags early in the claims process and tips for early intervention, treatment options, utilizing the best resources to avoid malingering, and get injured employees back to work as soon as possible.

Stephen Ozanne, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Cedar Hill Spine

D2 Concurrent Session • 3:30pm – 4:20pm SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTIONTaking a Winning Approach to Injury Prevention

through Implementation of Innovative Safety and Risk Management Programs and Federal and State MandatesLeading Texas and Oklahoma employers will provide you with safety program models that resulted in a significant decrease in workplace injuries and lost time, and a positive impact on the bottom line. You will leave this presentation with proven strategies for implementing innovative accident investigation, safety audit, and training techniques, as well as an update on how to ensure compliance with new federal OSHA and state safety mandates.

Charles “Buddy” Gillenwater, Risk Manager, City of Mesquite, TexasJeff Wargo, Director Human Resources, Orchids PaperJenny Johnson, AAI, ARM, Risk Manager, Nichols Brothers, Inc., President, Eastern Oklahoma RIMSRobert Graves, Esq., Partner, Burns Anderson Jury & Brenner, LLP

E General Session • 4:20pm – 5:15pmCLAIMS MANAGEMENT Avoiding the Costliest Claims Management

Fumbles When Handling Challenging Workers’ Compensation Cases Discover proven strategies, including early intervention and troubleshooting tactics for managing your nightmare workers’ compensation claims.Our panel of leading workers’ compensation experts will provide you with strategies for preventing the biggest claims-management missteps that result in higher workers’ comp costs, poor employee outcomes, and lingering claims.

Becky Johnson, Benefits Administrator, Peterbilt Motors, A PACCAR CompanyCindy Grant, Risk Manager Gulf Coast and Southwest Regions, Airgas USA, LLCJenny Johnson, AAI, ARM, Risk Manager, Nichols Brothers, Inc.,President, Eastern Oklahoma RIMS

Cocktail Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall • 5:15pm – 7:00pm


Find out how this is playing out in the first year and how provisions of the new Act are being interpreted. What are the successes and challenges? Is it easier to navigate? What is the predicted impact on costs to employers and quality of care for employees?

Denise Engle, CPCU, CIIP, AIC, Commissioner, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation CommissionTish Sommer, Administrative Law Judge, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court

Networking Refreshment Break with Exhibitors • 10:30am – 11:00am

I1 Concurrent Session • 11:00am – 12:00pm SELF-INSURANCE IN TEXASThe Advantages of Self-Insurance in Texas:

Understanding the Implications for Costs and Claims ManagementThis session will focus on key issues for Texas self-insureds and others who are considering becoming self-insured. Find out about the recent trends in self-insurance and get clarification on the process for becoming self insured. Topics to be addressed include taking control of claims, the importance of structural flexibility, and management involvement, as well as an update on legal issues.

Sam J. McMurry, ARM, Executive Director, Texas Self-Insurance Association, Executive Director, Texas Certified Self Insurers Guaranty AssociationSuzann Bylund, Senior Director, Associate Risk Management Programs, Ascension HealthCarolyn Mitchell, Esq., Attorney, Law Office of Carolyn Mitchell, Of Counsel, Downs Stanford, P.C.

I2 Concurrent Session • 11:00am – 12:00pm OKLAHOMA CASE LAW UPDATEThe Latest Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court

Decisions and How They Will Impact EmployersLeading Oklahoma workers’ compensation defense attorneys will provide you with the critical updates on recent and noteworthy Oklahoma workers’ compensation cases and how they will impact employers and other stakeholders in the Oklahoma workers’ compensation system. You will also get clarification on how the appeals process works.

Moderator: Todd Estes, Esq., Partner, Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, LLP

Panelists: Jerrod Geiger, Esq., Partner, Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger and Green, LLP Connie Wolfe, Esq., Partner, Connie M. Wolfe and Associates

J1 Concurrent Session • 12:00pm – 12:45pm TEXAS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Update on New Legislation and Rules Impacting

Texas Workers’ Compensation and How Employers and Other Stakeholders Can Influence the Legislative and Rule-Making ProcessGain an update on new and proposed legislation and regulations impacting employers and others on the frontlines of workers’ compensation in Texas. Find out which bills passed and which ones did not, and learn what employers and other stakeholders in Texas can do to influence the legislative and rule-making process.

Robert Graves, Esq., Partner, Burns Anderson Jury & Brenner, LLP

J2 Concurrent Session • 12:00pm – 12:45pm TOUR FROM THE BENCH: OKLAHOMA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COURT OF EXISTING CLAIMS

Update on the Status of Existing Claims and the Transition into the New System Judge L. Brad Taylor and Judge Michael Harkey will provide an update on remaining claims in the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court and how the transition to the new Administrative Dispute Resolution System will impact existing claims.

L. Brad Taylor, Presiding Judge, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing ClaimsMichael J. Harkey, Vice-Presiding Judge and Acting Administrator, Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims

Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall • 12:45pm – 1:45pm

K1 Concurrent Session • 1:45pm – 2:45pm RETURN TO WORK Reaping the Benefits of a Successful Return

to Work Program: Implementing Tactics that Will Overcome Barriers and Dramatically Improve Employer and Employee Outcomes Employers in Texas and Oklahoma continue to struggle with the overwhelming challenges in getting injured employees back to work. Hear how employers in Texas and Oklahoma are overcoming the barriers and implementing innovative return to work strategies that work.

Lloyd A. Hudson, Integrated Disability Programs Manager, American Electric Power CompanyCarl Martincich, Vice President of HR and Risk Management, Love’s Country StoresAngela LeBlanc, Claims Manager, Love’s Country Stores

K2 Concurrent Session • 1:45pm – 2:45pmVALUABLE INSIGHTS FROM CLAIMANTS’ ATTORNEYS

Get the Inside Scoop on How to Resolve Claims Faster and Avoid Unnecessary and Costly LitigationDiscover the most common employer mistakes that result in expensive lawsuits. Find out what sends injured employees running to an attorney, and when it makes more sense to settle a matter rather than getting involved in costly, protracted litigation. Our presenters will share examples from real-life scenarios and provide you with valuable tips on keeping disputes at bay.

Matthew B. Lewis, Esq., Partner, Booker & Lewis, P.C.William E. Sparks, Esq., Partner, Eaton & Sparks, Attorneys at Law

L General Session • 2:45pm – 3:30pm THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACTUpdate on the Affordable Care Act and Its

Impact on Employers and other Workers’ Compensation StakeholdersThis session will focus on the impact of the Affordable Care Act on employers and other workers’ compensation stakeholders including the effects on employer costs, return to work, medical resources and more.

Dr. Rick Wakefield, President and CEO, International Healthcare Consultants, Inc.

Program Concludes • 3:30pm

MAIN CONFERENCE – DAY 2 Friday, October 10, 2014



2014

Discover Proven Solutions to Workers’ Compensation Cost-Containment and Claims Management Challenges and Vital Case Law and Legislative Updates


The Conference Board845 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022-6600


2014

October 9–10, 2014Hilton Anatole • Dallas, TX


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2014 The Conference Board, Inc. All rights reserved.

Program subject to change. April 2014

texas 2014 oklahoma - the conference board · 2014-08-21 · international paper company lance inc...

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