Breakout Sessions

Monday, June 10 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

David B. Torrey, WCJ, Pittsburgh

Previously offered as WC 101, 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.

Monday, June 10 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Lawrence Chaban, Esq., AlpernSchubert P.C., Pittsburgh
Thomas Strohmetz, Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP, Eagleville

These experienced speakers will present practical information for navigating the workers' compensation claims process. Attendees will receive valuable takeaways and practical tips to help navigate the workers' comp process and system towards successful claim resolution.

Monday, June 10 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Richard McCarty, Jr., SWIF, Harrisburg
Victoria Maranzini, Esq., William J. Ferren & Associates, Philadelphia
Barbara Welton, Esq., Welton Law, Erie

Back for a repeat performance, this popular 2012 session left them wanting more! Get tips on how to properly handle claims, prepare successful litigation strategies and avoid common errors.

Monday, June 10 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Gary Hunter, Esq., German, Gallagher & Murtagh, Philadelphia
Patricia Eakin, PA Assoc. of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, Conshohocken
Bernadette Heckman, Heckman Group, Duncannon
Michael O’Malley, MOAB Training Intl. Inc., Kulpsville
Barbara Ritz, Temple Univ. Health System, Philadelphia

Come learn about workplace violence and its many facets including, internal violence and violence from visitors, family members and the general public. Speakers from the healthcare field, experienced in dealing with workplace violence, will share examples of practices and procedures used in situations in which violent acts may erupt from internal or external sources. All employers will benefit from the discussion.

Monday, June 10 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

William Kovalcik, Jr., Esq., Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, Frackville
Barbara Rahke, PHILAPOSH, Philadelphia
Patricia Raskauskas, Inservco Insurance Services, Harrisburg

Speakers will address the top ten most frequently asked questions about the workers' compensation law and will give basic information about what the law is and what it does. The discussion will address concerns of injured workers and workers' bill of rights.

Monday, June 10 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Sylvester Beozzo, Esq., Marcus & Shapira LLP, Pittsburgh
Michael Brown, Broadspire Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Joseph Hakun, WCJ, Malvern
Geoffrey Dlin, Esq., Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, Philadelphia
Victor Fiore, IBEW Local 29, Bakerstown
Paul Osborn, Safeway Inc., Norristown

Always entertaining & educational, this is a conference favorite. Participate in this year's session and learn about older worker claims, pre-existing conditions, retirement, social security, ADA accommodation from work injury and job offer issues.

Monday, June 10 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Moderated by: Christine Wendt, Exelon Business Services, Philadelphia
Hilary Cornell, Esq., City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
John Filak, Employee Staffing Services LLC, Lancaster
Michael Lehr, Rite Aid Corporation, Harrisburg
David Weir, UPMC Work Partners, Pittsburgh

These experienced state and national employers will address topics such as educating the workforce, before-injury training, postinjury 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.

Monday, June 10 – 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Moderated by: Patricia Robinson, Health Care Services Review Div., Bureau of WC, Harrisburg
W. Brett Carothers, Chiropractic Evaluation Center Inc., Monroeville
Gregg Fisher, T&G Reviews, Montoursville
Eric Jones, WCJ, Washington

A primer on how utilization review works from initial filing to petition before workers' compensation judge.

Monday, June 10 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Moderated by: Marc Jacobs, Esq., Galfand Berger LLP, Philadelphia
Alfonso Frioni, Jr., Esq., WC Appeal Board, Pittsburgh
Michael Hetrick, WCJ, Lancaster
George Power, Esq., Dell, Moser, Lane & Loughney LLC, Pittsburgh

Learn the basics of the litigation process from filing petitions to litigation and appeal.

Monday, June 10 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sylvester Beozzo, Esq., Marcus & Shapira LLP, Pittsburgh
Michael Brown, Broadspire Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Joseph Hakun, WCJ, Malvern
Geoffrey Dlin, Esq., Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, Philadelphia
Victor Fiore, IBEW Local 29, Bakerstown
Paul Osborn, Safeway Inc., Norristown

Continuation of Part 1.

Monday, June 10 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Moderated by: Dennis McKendry, ACS Claim Service, Mechanicsburg
Richard Lafferty Esq., Steffish & Lafferty PC, Butler
Thomas Muzzonigro, M.D., Tri Rivers Surgical Associates, Pittsburgh
George Steffish, III, Esq., Steffish & Lafferty PC, Butler

COME ON DOWN! Test your workers' compensation knowledge at this entertaining presentation. The game show is quickly becoming a fun-filled conference favorite, and this year's version is based on the long-running TV show but with a workers' compensation twist.

Monday, June 10 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Timothy Bulman, WCJ, Philadelphia
Patrick Donan, Esq., Steiner Segal & Muller PC, Philadelphia
Michael Schaff, Esq., Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A., New Jersey

Attend this session to gain an understanding of the current processes of fee review appeals: the evidence required, the burden of proof, evidentiary issues, practical tips, avoiding common errors and understanding the statute and regulations.

Monday, June 10 – 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

PA EDI Committee Reps.

Are you responsible for administering workers' compensation claims in Pennsylvania? If so, this session is for you! In September, the Dept. of L&I, Bureau of WC, will begin receiving EDI transactions in the IAIABC Claims Release 3 format for both first reports of injury and subsequent reporting. Attend this session for information specifically designed to help you understand the requirements of this process.

Tuesday, June 11 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Andrew Greenberg, Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices LLP, Eagleville
Mary Walsh-Dempsey, Esq., O'Malley & Langan PC, Scranton

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.

Tuesday, June 11 – 8:30 a.m - 9:45 a.m.. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Thomas Kuzma, Esq., PA Dept. of L&I, Office of General Counsel, BWC Legal Division, Harrisburg - and - Steven Minnich, WCJ, Johnstown
Barbara Holmes, Esq., Blaufeld, Schiller & Holmes LLP, Pittsburgh
Peter Weber, Esq., Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, Philadelphia

An annual favorite, join in this discussion of the leading cases and current, potentially problematic issues facing workers' compensation practitioners.

Tuesday, June 11 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Moderated by: Cheryl LaPotin, School Districts Insurance Consortium, Lansdale
Michele Stuart, JAG Investigations Inc., Arizona

Hear what this leading expert has to say about the fascinating surveillance products and techniques used in today's digital world.

Tuesday, June 11 – 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Scott Weiant, Health & Safety Division, Bureau of WC, Harrisburg
Peter Phelan, PA Dept. of L&I, Centers for Workforce Info. & Analysis, Harrisburg

What is the Survey of Occupational Injury & Illness (SOII) and how is it used? Get the answer to this and more at this session, designed to provide important information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's initiatives to keep workers safe. Attendees will receive information on the injury & illness reporting capabilities of the Workers' Compensation Automation and Integration System, as well as how the data will be utilized by the PA Training for Health & Safety resource.

Tuesday, June 11 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Andrew Greenberg, Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices LLP, Eagleville
Mary Walsh-Dempsey, Esq., O'Malley & Langan PC, Scranton

Continuation of Part 1.

Tuesday, June 11 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tom Cook, Esq., SchmidtKramer, Harrisburg
Shawn Gooden, Esq., Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, Harrisburg

When is an injured worker covered under PA workers' compensation for an out-of-state injury? Who covers borrowed employees under workers' compensation? When does coverage apply when injuries occur in a nonconventional work setting or away from the employer's premises, i.e., work-at-home injuries or injuries to home health care providers? Get answers to these questions and more from these knowledgeable and entertaining speakers.

Tuesday, June 11 – 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Moderated by: Cheryl LaPotin, School Districts Insurance Consortium, Lansdale
Michele Stuart, JAG Investigations Inc., Arizona
Brian White, Litigation Solutions LLC, Pittsburgh

Now that you know about the new cutting edge information-gathering techniques available in the Information Age, find out how this information is used in Pennsylvania's workers' compensation (electronic and internet forensics).

Tuesday, June 11 – 10:15 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Moderated by: George Knehr, Self-Insurance Division, Bureau of WC, Harrisburg
Betty Ann Campbell, PA and DE Compensation Rating Bureaus, Philadelphia
Drew Kratz, PA and DE Compensation Rating Bureaus, Philadelphia

Update your knowledge of current changes in workers' compensation policy and procedures. Panelists from the PCRB will discuss the basics of experience and merit rating, how to file an appeal to the rating system including classification assignments, Act 46 and its impact on municipal Volunteer Fire Companies and Act 102 - Employee Leasing.

Tuesday, June 11 – 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Suzanne Emmet, Eastern Alliance, Lancaster
Steven Moskowitz, MD, Paradigm Management Services, Massachusetts
Kimberly Olszewski, Mid State Occupational Health Services Inc., Lewisburg

Attend this session for an overview of the current treatments for acute and chronic pain from the perspective of a national expert and Pennsylvania practitioner. Panelists will address medical guidelines in place for prescribing narcotics and information on what is being done in various states and organizations to control the problems that arise with the use of narcotics.

Tuesday, June 11 – 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Colin Vroome, Esq., Post & Schell, Philadelphia
Andrew Bonner, BHM Healthcare, West Chester
Debra Jensen, Esq., Galfand Berger, Philadelphia

An overview of the development and use of electronic health record technology in the storage, management, retrieval, sharing and discovery of personal health information, and its impact upon the administration and litigation of workers' compensation claims. This session will include discussion of: privacy issues in the context of litigation discovery and inter-provider sharing; the interplay between HIPAA and our workers' compensation statute and regulations; and "the future" of medical information and record keeping.

Monday, June 11 – 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Moderated by: Scott Weiant, Health & Safety Div., Bureau of WC, Harrisburg
John Kowalski, Beaver Valley Power Station, Shippingport
Stephen Pakosh, Health and Safety Div., Bureau of WC, Harrisburg
Mark Vandenbord, Beaver Valley Power Station, Shippingport

A positive safety culture is directly related to significantly reduced workplace accidents, efficient safety communications and employee morale. Attendees will hear from an employer who has successfully developed a safety culture as to how it has benefited their business and employees alike. An organized labor representative will share his perspective on safety committees and how a strong safety culture is a win, win situation for everyone. Attendees will hear about the impact a safety culture can have on their employees and business as well as learn the methods for establishing a safety culture and the safety culture elements that have been successful for panel members.

Tuesday, June 11 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Moderated by: Jeffrey Seyfried, Esq., Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP, Harrisburg
Robert Benischeck, WCJ, Bristol
Timothy Bulman, WCJ, Philadelphia
Kathleen Vallely, WCJ, Pittsburgh
Robert Vonada, WCJ, Altoona

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. Have a question for this session? Feel free to send questions along with your registration or email them to ra-li-bwc-helpline@pa.gov prior to the event. (Legal advice will not be given during this session nor will specific cases be discussed.)

Tuesday, June 11 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Moderated By: Linda Yoxtheimer, SEPTA Voc. Rehab., Philadelphia
Joseph Brence, Keystone Rehabilitation Systems, Bridgeville
Jon Tucker, M.D., Tucker Independent Medical Experts, Pittsburgh

How many times in a shoulder injury is there neck pain? An overview of common work-related upper extremity injuries, treatments and return to work.

Tuesday, June 11 – 2:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Moderated by: Elizabeth Crum, Director, WCOA, Harrisburg - and - Stephen Fireoved, Director, Bureau of WC, Harrisburg

An open forum, here is your chance to get answers to general questions regarding the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and the WC Office of Adjudication operations from bureau and adjudication staff. Questions for this session may be submitted along with your registration or emailed to ra-li-bwc-helpline@pa.gov prior to the event; however, questions will also be welcomed during the session. (Legal advice will not be given during this session nor will specific cases be discussed.)