An Online Event

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Morning, Afternoon, and Lunch Breaks

How does the pandemic continue to impact the various elements of workers' compensation claims management? How has an emphasis on worker recovery and worker-centric models impacted outcomes? What have been the most recent regulatory changes to claims management rules? With tools now available, what are the best ways to ensure the health and vocational recovery of injured workers? What happens when something goes wrong?

For our Winter Conference, we have pulled together an interdisciplinary panel of professionals with over a combined century of experience in the Washington workers' compensation system to share insights and perspectives from their areas of expertise.

Join us on January 27th to hear "What They Want You to Know"!

For one low price, this online conference offers great content and continuing education credits for professionals in: 

Self-Insured & State Fund Claims Handling | Safety & Health | TPAs | Law, Legislative & Regulatory | Nurse Case Management | Disability Management | Vocational Rehabilitation | Human Resources

Insights and Perspectives from:

Self-Insured Claims Administration
Lisa Vivian, Helmsman Eberle Vivian/Helmsman
The Department of Labor & Industries
Vickie Kennedy, Assistant Director Insurance Services, Department of Labor & Industries

Hear from two highly influential members of the Washington Workers’ Comp community, collected from life-long careers in our industry. Vicki and Lisa will share their stories and insights and perspectives as they transition into new chapters of their work in Washington.

Office of the Ombuds for Self-Insured Injured Workers
Ciara High, Department of Labor & Industries
Diana Stafford, Department of Labor & Industries
Alicia Marmolejo, Department of Labor & Industries

Hear from the Ombuds Team that assists workers when they call for help. They will share an overview of the program and how they function as a resource for workers who come to them for issues with claims management decisions. Learn ways to collaborate with this team to support injured workers.

A Legal Overview of the New and Evolving IME Rules
Ryan Miller, Attorney, Hall & Miller, P.S.
A Provider Overview of the New and Evolving IME Rules
Kristin McCoy, Regional Vice President, MES Solutions

Hear from two members of the legislatively-created working group on IMEs about the soon-to-be (as of December) released new rules on IME utilization and dispute resolution, with an emphasis on the continued effective use of independent examinations in the current climate.

The Forecast from Ground Level: An Injured Workers' Perspective
Lauren Danahy, RN, BS, MBA, CCM, LNCC, CCHP, Willamette Nurse Consultant Group LLC

Hear a powerful discussion, including the perspective of an invited injured worker, on how effective claims management and outstanding communication leads to a successful return to work outcome.

Back to Work, Back to Life: Insights and Perspectives from the Physical Therapist
Lee Caton, PT, Peoples Injury Network NW

Hear from an experienced Physical Therapist about the role of Occupational and Physical Therapy in the recovery of our injured workers. Understand some of the common challenges, successful outcomes, and key takeaways for managing claims involving these practices.

Insights and Perspectives from 35 Years of Claims Investigation
Steve Starkel, President, Miles Investigations Inc.

Hear from experienced investigator Steve Starkel on a number of topics related to investigation strategies in an ever-changing political climate and the forgotten benefits of in-person human interaction in a COVID, mask-wearing, socially-distanced, online world.

Special thanks to Conference Sponsor:

Got news, updates, services, or anything you want to share with Washington's self-insured community? Want to support the event and WSIA's broader work? We've got sponsorship recognition space throughout our lead-up to the conference, including opportunities on camera during the event. Contact Kari Heinold to work out a custom package that's perfect for your company or click here to view our sponsorship packages.

Continuing Education Credits

WSIA will award 6 continuing education credit hours for the Washington Workers' Compensation Professional (WWCP) recertification. The following additional professional development credentials will be available to attendees:

• L&I CEU - Applied for
• CRC/CDMS - Applied for
• WSBA CLE - Applied for
• SHRM  recertification credits
• CCMC - Applied for

Pricing

WSIA Members - $199

Additional members from same organization - $150 each

Non-members - $349 (Not a member? Click here to join today!)

Cancellation Information

No refunds will be given for cancellations made after January 24, 2022.