|
Dr. Torem will
review the definitions of psychiatric disability and impairment as they
apply to the individual employee and the circumstances relating to the job
requirements and conditions of the workplace. He will discuss specific
structured interview and examination techniques used to obtain the
information needed to assess psychiatric disability and psychiatric
impairment. Dr. Torem will explain the structured and organized manner
used to provide a detailed and comprehensive report assessing questions
relating to an employee's condition and ability to return to work as well
as the employer's questions on modifying the work environment if so
needed. Dr. Torem will offer practical advice on how to communicate with
employees and employers in assessing impairment and disability and
workplace stressors.
Moshe S. Torem, MD, is a Professor of
Psychiatry at Northeastern Ohio University's College of Medicine and the
Founder and Medical Director for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine at the
Akron General's Health and Wellness Center in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Torem
received his MD at Hebrew University and Hadassah School of Medicine and
did his residency in Psychiatry at Long Island Jewish-Hillside Medical
Center. Dr. Torem is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology and has written and lectured extensively on psychiatry,
impairment, and disability. He is the co-author of Psychiatric
Impairment and Disability (book chapter) and the author of
Psychiatric Disability in Disability Evaluation (book chapter). Dr.
Torem has been the recipient of numerous awards for his teaching and
writing in the field of psychiatry. Questions and Answers
|
| 2:30-3:25 |
Breakout
Sessions |
|
Avoiding
Violence In the Workplace
By Paul Michael Viollis, Sr., MPA
|
|
Mr. Viollis
will discuss the inherent risks associated with workplace violence and the
obligation to mitigate these life threatening hazards. He will review the
standard of care as it relates to providing a safe work environment. Mr.
Viollis will illustrate the various "vehicles of violence" and the
employer's duty to protect. He will describe the offender and victim
profile as well as the associated behavioral red flags. Mr. Viollis will
discuss the required preventative approaches including the safe handling
of "at risk terminations." Mr. Viollis will provide a comprehensive list
of needed internal controls. Paul Michael Viollis, Sr., MPA, received his
BS from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, his MPA from the University
of Central Florida, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business. Mr.
Viollis is Senior Managing Director and Practice Leader of the Security
Services Practice for Citigate Global Intelligence & Security (CGIS) based
in New York. Mr. Viollis has extensive experience in both security and law
enforcement, having spent the last 22 years in this arena. Currently, Mr.
Viollis is recognized as one of the foremost experts in workplace violence
avoidance worldwide. Mr. Viollis has authored books on Avoiding
Violence in our Workplace, Avoiding Domestic Violence in our Workplace,
Avoiding Violence in our Schools, Conflict Resolution and is currently
the author and lead editor for Jane's Publishing's new book on
Workplace Security. In addition, he has both authored articles and
spoken widely on "Global Security Strategies," "Corporate Security," "
Counter Terrorism," and "Reengineering America's Corporate Culture Post
9-11." Questions and Answers |
| OR |
Return to
Work After an Upper Extremity Disorder: What Works
By William S. Shaw, PhD
|
|
Dr. Shaw will
explain the effects of integrated case management and standard
occupational care on employees with work-related upper extremity
disorders. He will review the impact of patient satisfaction, integrated
case management, and other factors on return to work. Dr. Shaw will offer
practical, cost-effective advice on how employers can positively influence
the early return to work in employees with an upper extremity disorder.
William S. Shaw, PhD, is an instructor at
the University of Massachusetts Medical School and a researcher at the
Center for Disability Research in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Dr. Shaw
received a post-doctoral fellowship in occupational health psychology at
Georgetown University. He received his PhD from the San Diego State
University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in
Clinical Psychology with a study emphasis in behavioral medicine. Prior to
his graduate studies, he worked as a consulting civil engineer for ten
years. He earned his BS in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State
University. Dr. Shaw's research focuses on improving return to work
outcomes for work-related musculoskeletal conditions through the
integration of clinical and workplace factors. Dr. Shaw has written and
lectured extensively on occupational medicine and return to work.
|
| OR |
Impact of a
National Occupational Health and Safety Standard: Z-10 and Beyond
By Ann M. Zaia, NP-C, MHA, RN, CHS-III,
CHE, COHN-S, and
Donna Ward, RN, ADN
|
|
Ms. Zaia and
Ms. Ward will discuss the impact of the ANSI Z-10 document which will be
felt at many levels of occupational health and safety. Standardization of
management systems will create a common "language" across industries such
that the safety and health of workers will be monitored and understood by
participating organizations that have business relationships. This process
allows for the integration of health services into the overall operations
of the organization's existing management systems. Its far reaching
applicability will be felt not only at the level of the corporate OHS
programs, but it will have a ripple affect on the workers' compensation
carriers that insure the organizations and the occupational health clinics
who provide care to their workers. Companies wishing to trade in a global
market may be forced to comply with the voluntary standard to remain on a
level playing field with their US counterparts. Other economic factors may
come into play if companies who do not comply are excluded from the
market. Initially, implementation will require significant changes in most
organizations. Development of new policies and procedures, as well as
their execution and maintenance will present challenges to even the most
organized entities. Initial costs of implementation often run into the
thousands. However, this integration eventually leads to gains realized
through greater efficiencies and increased market share.
Ann Morris Zaia, NP-C, MHA, RN, CHS-III,
COHN-S, is the Director of Network Consulting for Operations for CareGroup
Occupational Health Network in Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Zaia received
her BS in Nursing from Emmanuel College, her RN from Massachusetts General
Hospital School of Nursing, Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
from Simmons College, and is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of
Science in Occupational Health Services Research and Policy program at the
Harvard School of Public Health. Ms. Zaia has extensive knowledge of
regulatory agencies and is the co-author of Occupational Safety and
Health Management Systems: The Potential Outcome of the ANSI Z-10
Accredited Standards Committee.
Donna M. Ward, RN, ADN, is a consultant
in workers' compensation/occupational health services at DWA Consulting in
Quincy, Massachusetts. Ms. Ward received her RN and ADN from Massasoit
Community College. She is the former Director, Office of Health Policy for
the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. Ms. Ward has written
and lectured extensively on workers' compensation and worker health
issues. |
| 3:30-4:30 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
The Epidemic
of CRPS-1 (formerly known as RSD) Claims: Accept Such Claims at Your Own
Risk, and with Considerable Risk for the Claimant
By Robert J. Barth, PhD
|
|
Professional
literature has clarified that claims of CRPS-1/RSD are usually false. Dr.
Barth will explain the validity and reliability problems that plague this
diagnostic concept. Topics will include the contra-indications of
injury-relatedness, common evaluation shortcomings, confounding factors,
and common treatment proposals that are actually harmful and
unjustifiable. Dr. Barth will offer practical, cost-effective suggestions
on how to deal with CRPS-1 claims.
Robert J. Barth, PhD is a
neuropsychologist and a Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology.
His practice, Southeastern Neuroscience, has offices in Chattanooga,
Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama. His educational background includes
Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital post-doctoral
fellowship training, and Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General
Hospital pre-doctoral internship training, following his PhD work at the
University of South Florida. Dr. Barth has developed a specialized focus
on creating clinical protocols specifically for workers' compensation
cases and personal injury claims. Dr. Barth has written and lectured
extensively on psychological and occupational health issues |
| OR |
Common Classes of Medications for
Injured Workers: Controlling Costs
By Michael K. McQuilken, PharmD, RPh
|
|
Dr. McQuilken
will discuss past trends in medications and compare it to today's common
classes of drugs. He will review the use of generic medications, over the
counter drugs, and the cost of common medications. He will explore the new
trends for treating injured workers. Dr. McQuilken will explain why some
medications are prescribed and the ways in which the cost of medications
can be monitored.
Michael K. McQuilken, PharmD, RPh, is
currently the Vice President of Payor Services for Direct CompRx. He sits
on the Board of Advisors for the Florida Board of Pharmacy and is an
advisor for the National Pharmacy Technician Program. He is a graduate of
the University of Florida where he received his Bachelor Degree in
Chemistry. He also attended Mercer University School of Pharmacy, where he
received his BS and Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy. Dr. McQuilken completed
his residency and fellowship in Infectious Disease and Pain Management at
Emory University School of Medicine and Emory Hospital in Atlanta,
Georgia. Dr. McQuilken has published numerous articles addressing the use
of medications for the injured worker. He has helped develop national
formularies specific for injured workers and regularly lectures regarding
the proper use of medications for the injured worker.
|
| OR |
Minimizing Lost Days From Work Due to
Workers' Compensation Injuries: Light Duty, Alternative Employment, and
Earning Capacity
By Lawrence P. Postol, Esquire |
| |
Attorney Postol will review in detail
how employers can set up light duty programs, and also how they can show
the availability of suitable alternative employment in the open labor
market. Light duty programs must be carefully managed so they reduce
liability, while still remaining productive. Time limits should be
placed on enrollment of workers in such programs, and the requirements
of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) must also be considered.
Where light duty is not available, an employer can still show suitable
alternative employment in the open labor market through a vocational
rehabilitation counselor. He will explain how to set up and manage a
light duty program, and how to utilize vocational rehabilitation experts
to either show the availability of suitable light duty employment - a
labor market survey, or to actually try to place an injured worker in
such work. Attorney Postol will discuss the pros and cons of light duty
programs, and how to carefully manage them. The use of vocational
experts will also be discussed. Attorney Postol will offer practical
advice on how to set up light duty programs, when to retain a vocational
rehabilitation counselor, and how to effectively use such an expert. |
| 4:45-6:00 |
Reception-Hors
d'Oeuvres |
| |
|
| Wednesday
July 21, 2004 |
| 8:00-9:00 |
Registration,
Continental Breakfast, and Exhibits |
| 9:00-10:00 |
How Employers Can Positively Impact
State Workers' Compensation Reform: Making a Difference
By Eric J. Oxfeld, Esquire |
|
Attorney Oxfeld will review the political
process for enacting positive changes in state workers' compensation
programs, including the role of state officials (the governor, state
legislators, and the workers' compensation agency), as well as
individual employers, state business associations, and other interest
groups such as insurance carriers and agents, labor unions, the
claimants' bar, and the medical community. He will discuss the
importance of establishing and insisting on solid financial goals for
reform - e.g., to eliminate imminent rate increases and ensure stable
costs in the future. Attorney Oxfeld will explain the common cost
drivers that must be addressed in many states as well as how to identify
corrective changes that address cost drivers unique to each state. He
will demonstrate that government officials do listen when business has
the right message and is united. Attorney Oxfeld will offer practical
advice on how an employer can improve its bottom line by becoming
engaged in efforts to enact meaningful system changes and by staying
involved.
Eric J. Oxfeld, Esquire, serves as
President of UWC - Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers'
Compensation located in Washington, DC. It is the only national
association exclusively devoted to providing legislative/regulatory
representation for the business community in connection with the
unemployment insurance and workers' compensation programs. Attorney
Oxfeld is a member of the District of Columbia bar and holds a JD from
the National Law Center at George Washington University and a BA from
Yale University in Russian Studies. Attorney Oxfeld previously served as
Assistant General Counsel at the American Insurance Association (AIA),
where he headed the Law Department workers' compensation reform
legislation nationwide. Questions and Answers |
| 10:00-11:00 |
Presenteeism in the Workplace:
Implementing Programs That Work
By Pamela Hymel, MD, MPH, FACOEM
|
|
Dr. Hymel will
review the basic components of presenteeism and of programs that address
the issues surrounding both absenteeism and presenteeism. She will discuss
how to implement programs that focus on improving the health related
productivity of the workforce, with an emphasis on wellness, disease
management and integrated disability programs. She will explain a
disability management program and offer suggestions on easing
implementation, avoiding pitfalls and focusing on metrics to understand
the impact of the program. She will offer practical, cost-effective advice
on how to evaluate metrics to determine which programs and interventions
might have the most significant impact on a population. She will
demonstrate the savings generated at one company over the past seven
years, discuss a pilot project underway at Hughes Electronics and suggest
how other organizations might want to approach similar initiatives.
Pamela Hymel, MD, MPH, FACOEM, is Vice
President, Human Resources-Medical Services, Benefits, and HR Systems at
Hughes Electronics Corporation in El Segundo, California. She received her
BS from the University of California, Irvine and her MD from Louisiana
State University. Dr. Hymel is board certified in occupational medicine
and internal medicine and has written and lectured extensively on
occupational medicine, work loss, and workplace productivity. Dr. Hymel
developed, designed, negotiated, implemented, and administered all
benefits, disability, occupational medicine, EAP, and workers'
compensation programs for the corporation worldwide. Dr. Hymel is
Treasurer of the American College of Occupational and Environmental
Medicine and co-chair of the ACOEM Health and Productivity Task Force.
|
| 11:00-11:10 |
Break and
Networking Opportunity |
| 11:10-12:00 |
Reducing Workers' Compensation
Litigation and Costs: How Occupational Health Professionals Can Help
By H. Douglas Jones, Esquire
|
|
Attorney Jones
will review the interrelationship between patient care, client
expectations, and costs. He will explore whether it is really possible to
keep everyone happy, collaborative goals, and responsibilities. Attorney
Jones will discuss care and its effect on outcomes and costs including
timely access, pain management and other specialists, conservative
treatment vs. surgical intervention, utilization review, maximum medical
improvement, residual functional capacity, and return to work. Attorney
Jones will offer practical advice on maximizing care while at the same
time reducing litigation.
H. Douglas Jones, Esquire, is the
managing partner and trial lawyer in the Florence, Kentucky law firm of
Jones Dietz & Schrand PLLC. He received his BA from the University of
Kentucky in Journalism and his JD from Northern Kentucky University -
Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where he also teaches a course in workers'
compensation law. Attorney Jones has written extensively and lectured both
nationally and internationally on all aspects of workers' compensation
law. He is a member of the Steering Committee of the Kentucky Workers'
Compensation Research Institute, Kentucky Defense Counsel, Inc., and was
selected as a member of The Best Lawyers in America, 2003-2004. He is
co-author of three editions of Workers' Compensation In Kentucky.
|
| 12:00-1:30 |
Seminar
Luncheon (Provided) |
| 1:30-2:55 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
FMLA Compliance In Depth:
Practical, Cost-Effective Solutions
By Elizabeth M. McIntyre, Esquire
|
|
Attorney McIntyre will provide practical
instruction on the use of notice forms and medical certification forms,
when and why to send incomplete or confusing medical certification back
to the physician for clarification, the prohibition on direct
communication with physicians, and what to do if the employee returns
the medical certification late or not at all. She will explain when and
why getting second and third opinions can be beneficial or simply a
waste of time, how to select doctors for a second and third opinion, and
how to compromise over conflicting medical diagnosis, as well as the
steps to take when the employee fails to cooperate with the second and
third opinion process. Recognizing that employees diagnosed with chronic
conditions often present unique problems, Attorney McIntyre will focus
on practical solutions for these employees and demonstrate strategies
for how to avoid, catch, and/or stop FMLA abusers. Attorney McIntyre
encourages questions from attendees and will use real life examples in
her presentation.
Elizabeth M. McIntyre is a member of
the Grand Rapids, Michigan business and employment law firm of Miller,
Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey. Attorney McIntyre received her BA from
Michigan State University and her JD from Wayne State University Law
School. Attorney McIntyre is a frequent speaker to professional
organizations on the topics of harassment in the workplace, the Family
and Medical Leave Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age
Discrimination on Employment Act, legal considerations in hiring and
firing, diversity and discrimination, alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
methods and practice, employee privacy rights, the independent
contractor relationship, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and many other
employment-related topics. Attorney McIntyre is a past Vice Chair of
Miller, Johnson's Employment and Labor Relations Section. Attorney
McIntyre has given workshops, seminars, and spoken extensively on FMLA
compliance and practical solutions. |
| OR |
Optimizing Return to Work:
Understanding the Incentives
By Elizabeth Genovese, MD
|
|
Dr. Genovese
will discuss how one can never fully craft a solution for a given problem
without understanding the incentives that influence the behaviors of the
involved parties. She will review the very different incentives of
patients, employers, insurers, and physicians, and how these are then
reflected in their behaviors. Dr. Genovese will explain what questions one
should ask in analyzing any situation where there are actual or potential
indemnity costs associated with lost time in order to understand the
viewpoints of all parties involved. She will demonstrate how understanding
the answers to these questions can allow one to proactively manage
situations in a way that begin to minimize lost time costs. Dr. Genovese
will offer practical, cost-effective suggestions for how to improve the
number of patients who return to work, or, better yet, stay at work, by
effecting alterations in policy and procedures that promote desired
outcomes.
Elizabeth Genovese, MD, MBA, FAADEP,
received her BA from Harvard, her MD from the University of Pennsylvania,
and her MBA from the Wharton School. She is board certified in Internal
Medicine and Preventative (Occupational) Medicine. Dr. Genovese is Medical
Director and part-owner of IMX (Independent Medical Management Services,
Inc.) in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. She consults for Mercy WorkCare, and
maintains a small Internal Medicine practice focusing primarily on
preventative medicine and the management of menopausal women. Dr. Genovese
is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Medicine and has also lectured for the American College of Occupational
and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), the American Academy of Disability
Evaluation Physicians (AADEP) and various non-medical audiences. She
chairs ACOEM's Coding and Classification Committee, and is on other ACOEM
committees, the AMA CPT coding advisory panel, and the AADEP Board of
Directors. |
| OR |
Work and
Well-being: Putting the Pieces Back Together
By Lee S. Tonet, MS, RN, CRC
Mark Kenneth Benander, PhD, and
Charles D. Del Tatto, PT
|
|
Ms. Tonet, Dr.
Benander, and Mr. Del Tatto will discuss the early identification and
integration of work background/history in the recovery process for
injured/ill workers. They will explain the value of work and its effect in
the restoration of the highest level of functioning. Ms. Tonet, Dr.
Benander, and Mr. Del Tatto will offer practical, cost-effective advice on
the "when" and "how" to progress in the physical restoration process.
Lee S. Tonet, MS, RN, CRC, is a
disability nurse consultant in Springfield, Massachusetts. She received
her RN from Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, her BS from St. Joseph's
College, and her MS from the University of Southern Maine. She is a
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Case Manager.
Mark Kenneth Benander, PhD, is a
consulting psychologist in Amherst, Massachusetts and is a clinical
instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine. He received his BS, MEd,
and PhD from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Charles D. Del Tatto, PT, is a physical
therapist, Clinical Director of Industrial Rehabilitation Associates in
Holyoke, Massachusetts, and owner of Injury Risk Management in
Easthampton, Massachusetts. He received his Certificate of Physical
Therapy and his BS from New York University.
|
| 3:00-4:30 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
Ergonomics
in the Workplace: Cost-Effective Solutions
By Mark A. Anderson, MA, PT, CPE
|
|
Mr. Anderson will discuss job performance
strategies, people factors, work station design, and environmental and
management factors which lead to feasible, cost-effective ergonomic
solutions. Mr. Anderson will demonstrate effective use of ergonomic
applications in the workplace through the use of case studies from
numerous industries. He has used videotape to capture data over the past
fifteen years. The presentation format is interactive, involving the
attendees by asking them to enter into the role of consultant to assess
and offer suggestions and then view the actual changes made. With an
emphasis on reasonable and feasible applications, the attendees walk
away with added insight into the use of practical ergonomics in their
workplace.
Mark A. Anderson, MA, PT, CPE, is
President of ErgoSystems Consulting Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He
received his BS from the University of North Dakota, and his MA and CPE
from the University of Iowa. Mr. Anderson is certified as an ergonomist
and physical therapist and has worked in the health care field for 25
years. He authored the chapter, "Ergonomics: Analyzing Work from a
Physiological Perspective" in The Comprehensive Guide to Work Injury
Management and most recently The Science of Ergonomics Study
Guide. Mr. Anderson has developed well-received workshops including
Reducing Injuries in the Workplace and Ergonomics - The Tool Box
Approach and is the course director for the Federal Occupational Safety
and Health Applied Ergonomics (OSHA 225) course. Mr. Anderson has
written and lectured extensively on ergonomics in the workplace.
|
| OR |
Essential
Job Duties: Making Recommendations for Appropriate Accommodations/Modified
Duties
By Stefanos N. Kales, MD, MPH, FACP
|
|
Dr. Kales will
review strategies for making appropriate modified duty recommendations for
injured employees, as well as the medical decision process for deciding
whether reasonable accommodations can be made for employees with
disabilities. He will illustrate both areas with case vignettes of varying
complexity. Dr. Kales will emphasize the need for effective communication
between health providers, supervisors and human resources to develop the
most practical recommendations. He will discuss modified duty as a key
element in successful return to work and cost-containment strategies.
Stefanos N. Kales, MD, MPH, FACP, is the
Medical Director, Employee Health & Industrial Medicine at the Cambridge
Health Alliance and Assistant Professor at the Harvard Medical School &
Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. He received his
BS from Bucknell University, his MD from Harvard Medical School, his MPH
from Harvard School of Public Health, and is Board Certified in both
Occupational and Internal Medicine. Dr. Kales has lectured and conducted
occupational health research on three continents, and has published over
30 scientific articles. He is particularly interested in fitness for duty
and has extensive experience conducting independent medical examinations.
In his current role, Dr. Kales coordinates the occupational health needs
of over 4,000 internal employees and numerous external clients.
|
| OR |
Latest
Developments in Disability Law for Occupational Health Professionals
By Miguel Escalera Jr., Esquire
|
| |
Attorney Escalera will review the latest
legal developments that impact on occupational health professionals. He
will discuss the most recent court decisions and EEOC regulatory guidance
and their impact on the role of occupational health professionals in
rendering medical opinions with regard to injured, impaired and disabled
workers. Attorney Escalera will explain the changing obligations of
occupational health professionals with regard to the substantive content
of medical reports, patient confidentiality, and the appropriate factual
and legal basis for medical opinions with regard to an employee's capacity
to safely perform their job functions. He will demonstrate the best
practices for occupational health professionals in rendering medical
opinions that are well grounded factually and legally. Attorney Escalera
will offer practical, cost-effective advice on how occupational health
professionals can render medical opinions that are most useful to
employers, employees, insurers, attorneys, hearing officers and judges.
Miguel A. Escalera Jr., Esquire, is a
partner and trial lawyer at the Hartford, Connecticut law firm of Kainen,
Escalera & McHale, PC. He received his BS degree in history and diplomacy
from Georgetown University, his JD degree from Washington College of Law,
American University, and his Masters of Law degree from The Judge Advocate
General's School. The emphasis of Attorney Escalera's practice is labor
and employment law and litigation. He served with the Army Judge Advocate
General's Corps for nine years where he engaged in extensive criminal and
civil litigation. Attorney Escalera was last stationed at the Pentagon
where he acted as lead counsel defending Army and Department of Defense
officials in employment discrimination suits for the Army Litigation
Division. Since 1990, Attorney Escalera has been exclusively defending
private and public sector employers in labor and employment matters.
Attorney Escalera has defended numerous employment discrimination and
wrongful termination suits in various state courts, federal district
courts, and United States Courts of Appeal. He has written and lectured
extensively on the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment,
drug testing, wage and hour compliance, and avoiding wrongful termination
suits. |
| |
|
| Thursday
July 22, 2004 |
| 8:00-9:00 |
Continental
Breakfast and Exhibits |
| 9:00-10:00 |
Characteristics of Successful Worksite Wellness Programs: Reducing Health
Care Costs, WC Costs, and Absenteeism
By Don R. Powell, PhD |
|
Dr. Powell will review the key components
that enable wellness programs to achieve a Return on Investment (ROI).
He will discuss how comprehensive a wellness program should be and a
variety of program options. Dr. Powell will demonstrate how to maximize
employee participation and why it is important to offer programming with
immediate benefits. He will explain the legal implications of worksite
wellness. Dr. Powell will also offer practical, cost effective advice on
how to design and implement wellness programs. Finally, peer reviewed
research studies will be presented that document the health and economic
benefits of worksite wellness in order to convince executive management
of its importance.
Dr. Don R. Powell is the President and
CEO of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine located in
Farmington Hills, Michigan. The Institute is a leading developer and
provider of wellness programs and self-care publications. Dr. Powell is
a licensed psychologist who earned his BA, MSW, MA, and his PhD from the
University of Michigan. He also taught in the University's Psychology
Department for eight years where he was nominated for the "Distinguished
Teaching Award" and presently serves as a guest lecturer. He is the
author of eighteen best-selling self-care books including Health at
Home: The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care, the
HealthyLife Self-Care Guide, which was the winner of the National
Health Information's "Excellence in Health Education Award" and A
Year of Health Hints. He also wrote a nationally syndicated
newspaper column and has published many professional articles. Dr.
Powell has received numerous awards for his work in health promotion,
including the 2001 Hod Ogden Medal from the Centers for Disease Control
and the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from the Association
for Worksite Health Promotion |
| 10:00-11:00 |
Examination
of the Spine: Physical Examination and Imaging
By Gunnar B.J. Andersson, MD, PhD
|
|
Dr. Andersson
will discuss the physical examination and different imaging techniques
used to evaluate patients with back pain. He will review the knowledge
about the sensitivity and specificity of these different tests, discuss
the utility of the tests and offer practical advice on how to examine a
patient with back pain and relate the examination to clinical syndromes of
back pain.
Gunnar B.J. Andersson, MD, PhD, is the
Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush-Presbyterian-St.
Luke's Medical Center and the William A. Hark, MD - Susanne G. Swift
Professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois. He received his MD
and PhD degrees from the University of Goteborg in Goteborg, Sweden. Dr.
Andersson is on the board of eight journals including Spine, Journal of
Occupational Rehabilitation, Journal of Biomechanics, and Journal of Back
and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. He is the author of 212 original
papers, 143 books or book chapters, and 337 abstracts on orthopedics, back
pain, disability, and related medical topics. He has also lectured
nationally and internationally on these topics. He was the senior editor
of the 5th Edition of the AMA Guides.
|
| 11:00-11:10 |
Break and
Networking Opportunity |
| 11:10-12:00 |
Golden Age
Problems Equals Workers' Compensation Gold: The Aging Workforce
By James E. Pocius, Esq. and David R.
Cooper, MD |
|
Attorney Pocius
and Dr. Cooper will discuss and provide specific information and practical
advice as to what medical conditions can be work-related and what
conditions are age related. Attorney Pocius and Dr. Cooper will deal
primarily with musculoskeletal conditions. Attorney Pocius and Dr. Cooper
will invite the attendees to participate in the session.
James E. Pocius, Esquire, is a trial
attorney and partner with the Scranton, Pennsylvania law firm of Marshall,
Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin. He received his BA from Penn State
University and his JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Attorney
Pocius has written and lectured extensively in the field of workers'
compensation. Attorney Pocius is a member of the Pennsylvania Defense
Institute and concentrates his practice in the defense of workers'
compensation and Federal Black Lung claims.
David R. Cooper, MD, is a board certified
orthopedic surgeon with offices in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He received
his BA from Harpur College and his MD from Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Cooper has lectured and spoken extensively on orthopedic injuries, the
AMA Guides, and the medical aspects of the disability impairment
evaluation. Dr. Cooper was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy for nine
years and is currently attending orthopedic surgeon for the Pocono
International Raceway.
|
| 12:00-1:30 |
Lunch (On Your
Own) and Exhibits |
| 1:30-2:25 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
DOT Medical
Examinations: Current Issues and Latest Developments in Commercial Driver
Medical Examinations
By Natalie P. Hartenbaum, MD, MPH
|
|
There are many
considerations that must go into the determination of whether a commercial
driver meets the medical and regulatory requirements for certification.
Regulations are occasionally updated and new guidance information and
medical literature becomes available. This session will review new and
pending regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
regarding the examination and supporting information. Topics will include
the new cardiovascular guidelines and the exemption program for drivers
taking Insulin. Reports from FMCSA research and related recommendations
from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will also be
reviewed.
Natalie P. Hartenbaum, MD, MPH, is the
Chief Medical Director of OccuMedix in Dresher, Pennsylvania. She received
her BA from Temple University, her MD from Temple University School of
Medicine, and her MPH from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr.
Hartenbaum is board certified in both internal and occupational medicine
as well as a Certified Medical Review Officer. Dr. Hartenbaum is the
author of the DOT Medical Examination: A Guide to the Commercial Driver
Medical Certification and is Editor in Chief of the Commercial
Driver Medical Examiner. Dr. Hartenbaum has written and lectured
extensively on the DOT Medical Examination and other occupational health
issues.
|
| OR |
How to
Expand Your Practice: Legal Nurse Consulting and Life Care Planning
By Michael F. Saulino, MD, PhD, and
Ellen M. Barker, MSN, RN, APN, CLCP
|
|
Ms. Barker and
Dr. Saulino will discuss how nurses can serve as a liaison between the
legal and healthcare communities. They will explain the collaborative
relationship between physicians, attorneys, and insurance companies, or
payors, in the litigation process. Dr. Saulino and Ms. Barker will review
a case study to demonstrate how to prepare a Life Care Plan for
litigation. They will demonstrate the benefits of a Life Care Plan for
individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic debilitating diseases.
Ms. Barker and Dr. Saulino will offer practical suggestions on how to get
started as a legal nurse consultant (LNC) and Life Care Planner (LCP) and
become familiar with legal theory and the litigation process.
Michael F. Saulino, MD, PhD, is an
Attending Physiatrist at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and Assistant
Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson
University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Saulino received his BS from
Villanova University and his MD and PhD from Hershey Medical Center,
College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Saulino has
written and lectured extensively on stroke and spinal cord injuries, and
is co-author with Ms. Barker for a chapter in the ACLM: Legal Medicine,
6th edition, on Life Care Planning: Ethical and Legal Issues.
Ellen M. Barker, MSN, RN, CNRN, is in
private practice and the President of Neuroscience Nursing Consultants
located in Greenville, Delaware. She received her BSN from the University
of Delaware and her MSN from Widener University with a clinical
specialization in Neuroscience Neurorehabilitation Nursing. Ms. Barker is
a nationally recognized speaker, has written and lectured extensively on
stroke and spinal cord injury, and teaches a course on legal nurse
consulting and life care planning at the University of Delaware. |
| OR |
Medical Care
in Workers' Compensation Cases: Reasonableness, Necessity, Compensability,
and Utilization Review
By Donald B. Kirkpatrick, II, Esquire
|
|
Attorney
Kirkpatrick will review the necessity and usefulness of Utilization
Review. He will discuss the implementation of the UR program. Attorney
Kirkpatrick will explain the "team effort" to accomplish the goals of UR.
Attorney Kirkpatrick will offer practical, cost-effective suggestions on
how employers, self-insureds, and insurers can use this mechanism in their
day to day handling or workers' compensation matters. Donald "Bo"
Kirkpatrick, II, is a trial attorney with the Birmingham, Alabama law firm
of Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson, PC. He received his BA
from Auburn University and his JD from Cumberland School of Law of Samford
University. Attorney Kirkpatrick is a member of the American Bar
Association, Alabama State Bar, Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, and
Defense Research Institute. He has lectured extensively on workers'
compensation issues to business, health, and insurance groups, and
represents a number of insurance companies, self-insureds, and
corporations.
|
| 2:30-3:25 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
The Impact
of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on Employers and Occupational Health Practice
By David A. Cossi, Esquire
|
|
Attorney
Cossi's presentation will address the impact on employers of the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's ("HIPAA") medical
information privacy rule. While employers are not covered entities under
HIPAA, the Act's Privacy Rule impacts the occupational health practices of
employers to a great extent. Employers can have covered components that
they are required to designate as covered entities under the Rule. The
Privacy Rule also raises questions for employers such as how to address
occupational health issues like workers' compensation, the Americans with
Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Department of
Transportation screenings. How do employers interact with covered
occupational health providers under HIPAA? How do they interact with their
own covered components? When will employers need authorizations to comply
with the Privacy Rule and what is the required content of authorizations?
Within the context of the above discussion, covered entities, protected
health information, and permitted uses and disclosures of protected health
information will be defined and reviewed.
David A. Cossi, Esquire, received his BS
from Western Michigan University and his JD from Hamline University School
of Law. He is a partner in The General Counsel Ltd. law firm and Director
of the Effective Employment Practices Institute. He is certified by the
National Institute for Trial Advocacy to teach lawyers trial skills and
has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, in the
division of Occupational Health and Safety in the School of Public Health
where he teaches classes on the ADA and FMLA to graduate students. He has
been twice named as a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine in the
field of Employment Law. Attorney Cossi has had more than twenty years of
providing legal advice to business clients. His extensive litigation and
risk management experience enables him to readily communicate effective
methods for reducing the risk of employee lawsuits. He is the author of
the 10 Ways the New HIPAA Medical Information Privacy Rule Impacts
Employers, Employment Law Compliance Manual, Medical Inquiries and Exams
in the Workplace, and co-author of FMLA Alert and Work and Family:
Policy and Program Options Affecting Occupational Health. He has
lectured extensively on employment related issues.
|
| OR |
Preventing
Acute Low Back Pain From Becoming Chronic: Psychosocial Yellow Flags
By Julie M. Fritz, PhD, PT, ATC
|
|
Dr. Fritz will
review psychosocial factors that have been shown to adversely impact the
recovery of an individual from an acute onset of low back pain. She will
discuss the specific implications of heightened fear avoidance beliefs
about work activities, and how these attitudes and behavior can negatively
affect a worker's ability to rapidly and safely return to work. Dr. Fritz
will explain how yellow flags, including fear avoidance beliefs can be
screened for as part of a comprehensive assessment of an injured worker.
Dr. Fritz will offer practical, cost-effective advice on the management of
individuals who exhibit yellow flags in an effort to decrease the
likelihood of prolonged disability and work loss.
Julie M. Fritz, PhD, PT, ATC, is an
Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the
University of Pittsburgh. She received her BA from Hope College, her MS in
Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and her PhD from the
University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Fritz has written and lectured extensively
on occupational low back pain and has done substantial research in the
area as well. Dr. Fritz is a Licensed Physical Therapist as well as a
Certified Athletic Trainer. Dr. Fritz is the recipient of the Jack Walker
Award and the Rose Excellence in Research Award for her physical therapy
work. |
| OR |
Using
Functional Capacity Evaluations in Occupational Health Settings: Best
Practices
By Sandra J. Simpson, APRN, BC, COHN-S,
CCM
|
|
Ms. Simpson
will review components of a functional capacity evaluation. She will
discuss reasons for conducting a FCE. Ms. Simpson will explain limitations
of the evaluation. Ms. Simpson will offer practical advice on utilizing
functional capacity evaluations in an occupational health setting.
Sandra J. Simpson, APRN, BC, COHN-S, CCM,
is manager for Occupational Health Services at Schering-Plough in Memphis,
Tennessee. She received her BS in Nursing from Northern Michigan
University, her MS from the University of Memphis, and her MS in Nursing
from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Simpson has lectured and written
extensively on workers' compensation and occupational health issues. She
is the author of The Role of Functional Capacity Evaluations in
Occupational Health Settings and is a past recipient of the State
Award for Excellence from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. |
| 3:30-4:30 |
Breakout
Sessions: |
|
Does Disc
Degeneration Disease Cause Pain and Disability?
By Gunnar B.J. Andersson, MD, PhD
|
|
Dr. Andersson will discuss the basic science of disc degeneration and
how it potentially could be the source of back pain. He will talk about
the difference of diagnosing disc degeneration and diagnosing pain
originating from the discs. He will review the different treatment
alternatives for disc degeneration. He will emphasize the uncertain
relationship between disc degeneration and back pain and explain which
basic clinical features best fit with the diagnosis of painful disc
degeneration. |
| OR |
Settlement
of Workers' Compensation Cases: The Impact of the Medicare Secondary Payor
Act on Workers' Compensation Settlements
By Donald B.Kirkpatrick, II, Esquire
|
|
Attorney
Kirkpatrick will explain the "recent revival" of the Medicare Secondary
Payor Act. He will discuss the effects it has on workers' compensation
settlements. Attorney Kirkpatrick will review recent case law and examples
of the utilization of Medicare Set-Asides. Attorney Kirkpatrick will offer
practical advice on how employers, self-insureds, and insurers can use
this process so that all are protected. |
| OR |
Latest
Developments on Spine and Stroke Rehabilitation
By Michael F. Saulino, MD, PhD, and
Ellen M. Barker, MSN, RN, APN, CLCP
|
|
Dr. Saulino and
Ms. Barker will review stroke and spine as two major neurologic diseases
that can result in permanent functional impairment. They will discuss the
latest research findings on body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT)
for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Dr. Saulino and Ms. Barker will
review two important ongoing multicenter trials. Part one will summarize
the use of partial body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for
ambulation recovery in acute spinal cord injured patients. Part two will
review the application of constraint induced therapy (CIT) for upper
extremity dysfunction in subacute stroke patients. They will offer
practical advice on spine and stroke rehabilitation. |
|
|
