Landmark Workers’ Comp Reform Act of 2013 Spotlight of Workers’ Comp Conference

Special Workplace Issues To Be Addressed in Breakout Sessions

NASHVILLE – The Workers’ Compensation Reform Act of 2013 and its impact on the current system will be the focus of the Sixteenth Annual Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference to take place next week, June 19-21, 2013, at the Nashville Airport Marriott.

“The legislation brings Tennessee’s Workers’ Compensation system more in line with other states, a key factor in competing for new business, and streamlines the settling of claims, which will mean that injured workers will receive benefits sooner,” said Abbie Hudgens, Workers’ Compensation Administrator for the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development. “We’ll discuss the features of the reform as well as other topics of interest for employers.”

The three-day conference will have general sessions each day and specific sessions on issues such as Getting Ahead of the Prescription Drug Issue, How Safety and Health Programs Can Reduce Costs, and Navigating Pain Management. Keynoting the conference is Margaret Spence, President and CEO of Douglas Claims and Risk Consultants, Inc., and a nationally recognized expert on return-to-work strategies. A panel discussion on attorney/mediator ethics will feature Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Janice Holder.

The conference is designed to train, educate, and inform employers, attorneys, adjusters, nurse case managers, health care providers, and Division professionals about trends and changes in the Workers’ Compensation system. Hudgens said more than 600 are expected to attend, which will make this the highest ever attendance. Those attending are eligible for 12.75 hours of continuing education credit.

For more information and a registration form for the Sixteenth Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference go to http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/wcomp/TNBrochure2013FF.pdf. The fee includes conference materials and special functions, including two continental breakfasts, one luncheon, and one reception.

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