Breakout Sessions 
Basic Workers' Compensation Law [Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WCJ David Torrey provides a basic overview of workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania, including a discussion on its history, basic entitlements, wage loss, course of employment and disability/partial disability
David B. Torrey, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Pittsburgh
Out and About: Off-Site Injuries [Intermediate]
Monday, June 11 – 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Does workers’ compensation cover injuries that occur off the employer’s worksite and outside traditional work hours? Speakers will answer what is considered in the course of employment and related thereto. Attendees will gain an understanding as to when workers’ compensation coverage may apply when injuries occur in a nonconventional work setting. Speakers will concentrate on work-at-home injuries and injuries to home health care providers.
Moderated by: Tom Cook, Esq., SchmidtKramer, Harrisburg
Shawn Gooden, Esq., Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, Harrisburg
WC Forms & Procedures: BWC Presentation [Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Presenters will provide instruction on the proper completion of forms as well as review updates to previous forms. Attendees will learn where to go on the Web to access forms and information, as well as tutorials online. Attendees to this session may also enjoy the 11 a.m. session on Forms & Procedures to be provided by members of the WC community.
Moderated by: Leandra Kilgore, manager, Regulatory Adherence & Educational Outreach Sec., BWC, Harrisburg
Pamela Minckler, manager, Fee Review Section, BWC, Harrisburg
Patricia Robinson, manager, UR Section, BWC, Harrisburg
How to Use Provider Panels & Networks[Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Attendees of this session will learn how to manage postings, panels and paperwork. Specific topics will include notice of rights and duties and information on panel provider groups.
Moderated by: Debra Novakovich, chief, Health Care Services Review Division, BWC, Harrisburg
Thomas Howell, Esq., PA Dept of L&I, Office of Chief Counsel, BWC – Legal Division, Harrisburg
Mary Hicks, claims manager, Delaware Valley Insurance Trust, Willow Grove
Marc Jacobs, Esq., Galfand Berger LLP, Philadelphia
As the Claim Turns - Part 1 of 2 [Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Participate in this interactive session and vote on the decision. The “parties” will lead you through a claim, from the time an employee is injured through litigation and the workers’ compensation judge’s decision, discussing legal requirements that employers, employees and attorneys must follow from the date of injury, with a focus on undocumented workers and translation issues.
Moderated by: Joseph Hakun, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Malvern
Sylvester Beozzo, Esq., Marcus & Shapira LLP, Pittsburgh
Michael Brown, adjuster, Broadspire Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Jason Krasno, Esq., Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, Philadelphia
Sara Meyer, HR manager, Kunzler & Company Inc., Lancaster
Julia Tat, Esq., German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Philadelphia
Medicare: What's Next? [Advanced]
Monday, June 11 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, June 12 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Get an update on Medicare set-asides, reporting requirements and conditional payments. Panelists will also discuss the procedures to follow in the event Medicare denies payment.
Moderated by: Colin Vroome, Esq., Post & Schell, Philadelphia
Charles Katz, Esq., Charles S. Katz, Jr. and Assocs. LLC, Paoli
Karen McKendry, ACS, Mechanicsburg
Michael Sherman, Esq., Fried, Kane, Walters, Zuschlag & Grochmal, Pittsburgh
WC Forms & Procedures: WC Community Presentation [Intermediate]
Monday, June 11 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Panelists will present practical tips from the defense and employee perspectives on proper use and completion of forms. This workshop will also cover traps and pitfalls that arise if forms are not completed correctly nor properly filed.
Moderated by: Jerry Lehocky, Esq., Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano, Philadelphia
Jane Lombard, Esq., Swartz Campbell, Philadelphia
Life After URO Decision: UR Appeal Process [Intermediate]
Monday, June 11 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.
What happens after the URO sends out its decision? Learn about the appeal process, the evidence you need for an appeal and the end result.
Moderated by: William Conwell, Esq., Swartz Campbell, Pittsburgh
John Bednarz, Jr., Esq., Bednarz Law Offices, Wilkes-Barre
Robert O’Donnell, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Lancaster
Paulette Williams, CCU case manager, Travelers Insurance, Wyomissing
As the Claim Turns - Part 2 of 2 [Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Continuation of Part 1.
Moderated by: Joseph Hakun, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Malvern
Sylvester Beozzo, Esq., Marcus & Shapira LLP, Pittsburgh
Michael Brown, adjuster, Broadspire Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Jason Krasno, Esq., Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, Philadelphia
Sara Meyer, HR manager, Kunzler & Company Inc., Lancaster
Julia Tat, Esq., German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Philadelphia
Legal Updates [Advanced]
Monday, June 11 – 1:45 p.m - 3 p.m.., Tuesday, June 12 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
An annual favorite, join in this discussion of the leading cases and current, potentially problematic issues facing workers’ compensation practitioners.
Moderated by: Thomas Kuzma, Esq., PA Dept. of L&I, Office of Chief Counsel, BWC – Legal Division, Harrisburg -and- Geoffrey Dlin, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Allentown
Barbara Holmes, Esq., Blaufeld, Schiller & Holmes LLP, Pittsburgh
Peter Weber, Esq., Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, Philadelphia
Distracted Driving: It's Everyone's Problem [Basic]
Monday, June 11 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Buckle your seat belts for an eye-opening and emotional ride through the rights, duties and responsibilities of all drivers. If you ever get behind the wheel, this session is for you
Moderated By: Bernadette Heckman, Duncannon
State Police Trooper Edward Asbury, Troop H, Chambersburg
Joel Feldman, Esq., Anapol, Schwartz, Weiss, Cohan, Feldman & Smalley, P.C., Philadelphia
Bob Holman, commercial EHS support leader, U.S. Sales, MERCK Global Safety & The Environment, West Point
New Frontiers in Closed Head Injuries [Advanced]
Monday, June 11 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.
This session will address the diagnosis, testing and treatment of closed head injuries and include the physiological responses of the brain and methods to improve the outcome of these injuries. Learn about ImPACT testing and other cutting edge diagnostic tools.
Moderated by: Donna Sponaugle, senior staff specialist, PPL, York Haven
Michael Collins, PhD, neuropsychologist, UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh
Undocumented Workers [Advanced]
Monday, June 11 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
The panelists will review constitutional and statutory provisions and case law relating to undocumented workers and workers’ compensation. This session will give attendees an overview of the rights of undocumented workers under the WC Act, the obligations of the employers under the act and burdens of proof for each party.
Moderated by: Gary Hunter, Esq., German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Philadelphia
Sandra Craig, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Philadelphia
Diane Fenner, Esq., Fenner & Boles LLC, Philadelphia
Joseph Frattone, IV, Esq., Cipriani & Werner PC, Blue Bell
Violation of Positive Work Rules [Advanced]
Monday, June 11 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
A must see presentation. Learn when the violation of a work rule takes you out of the course of employment.
Moderated by: Larry Chaban, Esq., AlpernSchubert P.C., Pittsburgh
Burke McLemore, Esq., Thomas Thomas & Hafer, Harrisburg
Mock IME [Intermediate]
Monday, June 11 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Are independent medical examinations (IME) an effective tool in the disability process, or a land mine? Attendees to this session will observe a simulated IME. Panelists will address questions such as what is an IME, what goes into the examination, what are the correct questions to ask and how do I ask those questions? The panel will explain the IME process, the goal of the IME, why and when an IME is needed and the procedural and legal impacts of an IME.
Moderated by: Patricia Raskauskas, claims adjuster, ACS Claim Service Inc., Mechanicsburg
Karl Rosenfeld, M.D., Comprehensive Diagnostic Center, Pottstown
Deborah Schwartz, Esq., PA Dept. of L&I, Office of Chief Counsel, BWC – Legal Division, Harrisburg
Jeffrey Seyfried, Esq., White & Williams, Center Valley
How WC Relates to Employment Law - Part 1 of 2 [Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Back by popular demand! These panelists will discuss the interface between workers’ compensation and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Title VII (Workplace Harassment and Discrimination) and return-to-work programs. Topics will cover how long ADA lasts, employer/employee responsibilities with regard to FMLA and issues relating to separation of employment, including COBRA
Moderated by: Andrew Greenberg, Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices LLP, Eagleville
Mary Walsh-Dempsey, Esq., O’Malley & Langan PC, Scranton
Neurosurgical Trends - Part 1 of 2: Surgery and Recovery[Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Dr. Shah will describe relevant anatomy and terminology of the spine, x-ray reports, MRI evaluations and relevant surgeries. Attendees will gain an understanding of these tests and the treatment plan for workers’ compensation injuries.
Moderated by: Cheryl LaPotin, School Districts Insurance Consortium, Lansdale -and- Barbara Ritz, manager, WC claims administration, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia
Nirav Shah, M.D., Princeton Brain & Spine Care LLC, Langhorne
Employer Fraud [Intermediate]
Tuesday, June 12 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
The panel will discuss misclassification of employees, the new independent contractor law, Construction Misclassification Act or Act 72 of 2010, failure to insure and other illegal insurance practices.
Moderated by: Marc Jacobs, Esq., Galfand Berger LLP, Philadelphia
Mark Bellavia, assistant state attorney general, Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg
Jennifer McCambridge assistant DA, NEPA Ins. Fraud Task Force, Scranton
Joseph Micco, executive vice president, RLD Associates, Lebanon
John Zavada, underwriter chief, SWIF, Scranton
WC Insurance Options [Basic]
Tuesday, June 12 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Panelists will address the importance of workers’ compensation insurance for employers, including requirements for self-insurance, how insurance rates are set, deductibles, experience modification factors, selecting the right level of insurance for your risk and establishing a cost effective program.
Moderated by: George Knehr, chief, Self-Insurance Division, BWC, Harrisburg
Robert J. Scullin, ARM, VP – sales manager, The Graham Company, Philadelphia
Kevin Smith, ARM, VP, Technical Development Department, The Graham Company, Philadelphia
How WC Relates to Employment Law - Part 2 of 2 [Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Continuation of Part 1.
Moderated by: Andrew Greenberg, Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices LLP, Eagleville
Mary Walsh-Dempsey, Esq., O’Malley & Langan PC, Scranton
Neurosurgical Trends - Part 2 of 2: Neurosurgery Show & Tell [Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 10:15 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Part 2 of this session offers attendees the unique opportunity to participate in an interactive demonstration and experience the hands on use of tools, devices and therapies.
Moderated by: Cheryl LaPotin, School Districts Insurance Consortium, Lansdale -and- Barbara Ritz, manager, WC claims administration, Temple University Health Systems, Philadelphia
Jennifer Carroll, regional workers’ compensation manager, ATI Physical Therapy, Newark, Delaware
Nirav Shah, M.D., Princeton Brain & Spine Care LLC, Langhorne
Avoiding Claim & Litigation Errors [Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Back for a repeat performance, this popular 2010 session will give tips on how to properly handle claims, prepare successful litigation strategies and avoid common errors.
Moderated by: Richard McCarty, Jr., district manager, SWIF, Harrisburg
Victoria Marazini, Esq., Ferren, William J. & Associates, Philadelphia
Barbara Welton, Esq., Welton Law, Erie
MRI's: Contrasting Views [Intermediate]
Tuesday, June 12 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Learn about advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and its effect on diagnosing injury and course of treatment. The effectiveness of standing, closed and open MRI will be discussed along with an explanation on the strength of these MRI machines. Dr. Brooks will also discuss MRI results and their potential relationship between MRI results and clinical findings.
Moderated by: Ann Marie Loiseau, director of services, NE Rehabilitation Associates PC, Scranton
Michael Lee Brooks, M.D., Raytel Imaging Network, Collegeville
Employers Unplugged [Basic]
Tuesday, June 12 – 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
These experienced state and national employers will address topics such as educating the workforce, before-injury training, post-injury treatments, their part in the claims management process, modified duty, return to work, working with the adjuster, communications with the insurance carriers and panel providers.
Moderated by: Christine Wendt, WC claims manager, Exelon Business Services, Philadelphia
Bill Beddow, safety manager, Herr’s Food, Nottingham
Bart Shaffer, risk manager, Weis Markets, Sunbury
Wheel of Misfortune [Intermediate]
Tuesday, June 12 – 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Test your workers’ compensation knowledge. We have the answers – do you have the questions?
Moderated by: Dennis McKendry, director of claims, ACS Claim Service Inc., Mechanicsburg
William Conn, district office manager, SWIF, Sunbury
Richard Lafferty, Esq., Steffish & Lafferty PC, Butler
George Steffish, III, Esq., Steffish & Lafferty PC, Butler
Statutory Employer/Independent Contractor [Advanced]
Tuesday, June 12 – 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
When is a worker your employee? When do you become a statutory employer? Panelists will distinguish between an employee and independent contractor and discuss the impact of the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act or Act 72 of 2010.
Moderated by Daniel Bricmont, Esq., Caroselli, Beachler, McTiernan & Conboy LLC, Pittsburgh
Robert Benischeck, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Bristol
Donald Eckerle, senior premium auditor, PMA, Blue Bell
Diane Lee Newman, Esq., Sand & Saidel, P.C., Philadelphia
Judges Unplugged [Intermediate]
Tuesday, June 12 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Workers’ compensation judges will offer their perspectives on the litigation process. Suitable for all parties to a workers’ compensation claim, the judges will discuss fee review appeals, medical evidence, witness credibility, surveillance and more.
Moderated by: Robert Keenan, Esq., Davies, McFarland and Carrol, Pittsburgh
Michael Hetrick, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Lancaster
Michael Koll, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Clearfield
Todd Seelig, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Philadelphia
Jean Wright, WCJ, WC Office of Adjudication, Erie
Vocational Rehab: Where are we now?[Basic]
Tuesday, June 12 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Expert panelists provide a comprehensive review of the status quo in vocational rehabilitation. Discussions will cover legal updates, labor market surveys, notice of ability to return to work and answer the age-old question, “Where is Kachinski now?”
Moderated by Suzanne Emmet, senior VP of claims, Eastern Alliance Insurance Group, Lancaster
Ronald Fonner, Esq., QuatriniRafferty P.C., Greensburg
Terry Leslie, licensed professional counselor, Leslie Vocational Consulting Inc., Lancaster
Linda Yoxtheimer, adjuster, SEPTA Vocational Rehabilitation, Philadelphia
