ADA and FMLA: Must Know for Employers
Sept. 26, 1 – 2 p.m., Weyerhaeuser
Charlotte Hodde
With a complex web of state and federal laws that guarantee employee leave, it is important for employers to have a working understanding of the basic provisions of leave laws. This presentation will provide an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as well as the overlap between the two. Employers will gain a better understanding of their obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, as well as a differentiation for which accommodations are considered reasonable.
An Ounce of Prevention and Planning
Sept. 26, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Weyerhaeuser
Vladimir Fiks, MD
The "Easy Plan." Prescription of long-term opioid therapy should not be entered into lightly nor should it be the first line of defense again chronic pain. Unfortunately, many pain specialists are faced with the reality that the typical pain patient is referred to them as a last resort. This patient has a history of chronic pain disorder that dates back five or more years, and has been prescribed opioids for just as many years. Often times, this patient has been prescribed opioids by a physician who does not have advanced training in treating chronic pain conditions. In addition, the patient may not have received the proper evaluation; assessment; setting and agreement on treatment goals; and the provider may lack adequate means of measuring functionality and compliance. We call this last part, "The Easy Plan."
Appellate Update
Sept. 26, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Weyerhaeuser
Greig Lowell
An informative, entertaining, and irreverent journey through the latest case decisions from the Oregon courts and Workers’ Compensation Board. Get ready for a fast-paced and fun presentation covering course and scope, medical issues, time loss, case processing, the interplay of rules and laws. The ever-changing world of workers’ compensation will be broken down into the key concepts you need to know.
Avoiding 873s and Claims Penalties
Getting Important Forms and Paperwork Completed Right the First Time
Sept. 26, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m., Weyerhaeuser
Garilee Brown, Kim Ritts
Lately, have you received penalties due to missing documents or information? Have you received those pesky 873 letters that ask for corrections or more claim information on Forms 1502, 1503, and Notices of Closure? Come to this session to discover the top reasons for penalties and 873s, and what you can do to reduce or eliminate them.
Compensation Injuries and Costs Through Safety Programs
Sept. 26, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Cliff Butler
Investing in safety programs can be money well spent, but there is no greater pay back then investing in the people most at risk. The key to effective management of injury is employee engagement and leadership, open communication, and pre-emptive tools to address incidents before they become injuries. Identifying and eliminating hazards; reporting and investigating near miss events; and management and pro-active involvement of our most valuable resources and people are a proven cornerstone of SHARP Alliance and VPP companies' ability to sustain injury rates well below industry averages.
Common Pitfalls and Emerging Trends for Oregon Employers
Sept. 27, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Kay Thrash, David Waki
This presentation offers perspectives on employer coverage issues. Each presenter will share services available to employers, as well as address the emerging workers’ compensation issues employers face. Speakers will also answer audience questions and address tips to avoid common mistakes. Both employers and insurance professionals will find information to assist them in their work during this interactive hour.
Evidence Based Treatment to Improve Functional Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Pain
Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – noon, Crown-Zellerbach
Catriona Buist
Managing chronic pain for patients and providers can be complex. A team-based biopsychosocial approach focused on improving function and quality of life provides the most effective outcomes. This presentation will cover treatment strategies that can prevent disability and improve functional outcomes by including pain-focused behavioral health and graded exercise. This class also explores the focus on pain management in the era of the opioid epidemic. It also includes an introduction to the Oregon Pain Commission’s new online pain model that addresses the five-key domains of care that increase successful treatment outcomes.
Keynote Session: #WordsMatter and so do Attitudes and Actions
Sept. 27, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Mark Pew
The longer someone is in the workers’ compensation system, it seems the more cynical they become. This cynicism can creep into attitudes and actions that often perpetuate the stereotypes. Individuals can spend so much time dealing with the “bad actor” representatives (from all stakeholders) that they forget the vast majority of participants who are motivated by and do the right thing for the right reasons. Audience members will actively participate in this session by discussing some of the words, attitudes, and actions that reflect that cynicism and how to reverse the trend by changing how we speak, think, and behave.
Developing the Attitude for Leadership Success
Sept. 26, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Griff Lindell
In this presentation, attendees will learn seven steps to developing the attitude for leadership success. Participants will walk away equipped with tools to maximize the resources they already have to become effective and respected leaders.
Making the "Me" Generation Work for You
Millennials in the Workplace
Sept. 27, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, Weyerhaeuser
Jennifer Webster
This workshop will help participants learn how to embrace younger generations as they move up and into many of our workplaces. In this session, you will learn how to communicate, motivate, and engage both the Millennials and Generation Z.
Marijuana and the Workplace
Sept. 26, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Chris Morgan
Now that recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon, and a number of other states (including Washington), employers continue to see an increase in drug-related workplace issues. This presentation will cover the challenges that many employers face including employee health, workforce development, workplace safety, effects on business climate, and financial costs. It will also provide an overview of key legal issues surrounding workplace drug use at both the state and federal level. Finally, it will explore what makes a good substance abuse policy and how to enforce it.
Navigating Mild-Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in the Workers' Compensation Environment
Sept. 26, 1 – 2 p.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Danielle Erb
This program will cover the terminology used in mild-traumatic brain injury; discuss its frustrating symptoms (vision, balance, headaches, cognitive complaints, fatigue); and describe the timing and types of referrals (OT, PT, SLP, PhD, neuropsych testing, ENT, vestibular testing, neuro-optometry, endocrinology, osteopathy, imaging, acupuncture, driving, and sleep evaluation). It will also summarize the CTE controversy and other recent developments in mild-traumatic brain injury.
Opening Session: The State of Oregon Workers' Compensation
Sept. 26, 8 – 9 a.m., Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Lou Savage, Sally Coen
Kick off the conference with a warm welcome from our WCD Administrator Lou Savage and Deputy Administrator Sally Coen. Get an update on Oregon workers’ compensation since last year’s conference, as well as current issues that could affect you. Lou and Sally will also discuss what the division sees on the horizon and ways to provide input to determine the course of workers’ compensation in our great state.
Oregon's Return-to-Work Programs: Not too Good to be True
Sept. 26, 1 – 3:15 p.m., Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Tim Kessel
This presentation describes the legislative purpose and program benefits of Oregon’s Employer-at-Injury and Preferred Worker Programs. Participants will review case studies that provide real examples of the programs in action. This training will also help participants determine how the programs can help their organization.
Recordable, Reportable, or Both? - Oregon OSHA 300 Log and the 801 Form
Sept. 27, 9:45 a.m. – noon, Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Dave McLaughlin, Robert Hamre
This class will review reporting requirements for Form 801 and the Oregon OSHA 300 log. Presenters will talk about real-life scenarios to help participants determine how an injury or illness should be documented.
Return-to-Work: Success Stories
Sept. 26, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Brian Nease
Worksite modification provides tools, equipment, and worksite redesigns to allow preferred workers to overcome injury-caused limitations, while performing their work duties. Come learn about worksite modifications and the unique situations and successes that the Preferred Worker Program has helped with.
Run, Hide, Fight: Dealing with Active Shooter Situations
Sept. 26, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m., Weyerhaeuser
Joe Fangon
This presentation will help attendees understand what an active shooter is and provide a simple game plan to improve the odds of survival in the face of major acts of violence.
Locate More Money: Third-Party Claims, Supplemental Disability, and Reimbursements
Sept. 27, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., Weyerhaeuser
Samantha Craig, Barbra Hall, Jill Westerberg
This presentation will talk about recovery and third-party claims. Presenters will discuss how employers benefit from the pursuit of third-party claims and how recovery will help offset claims caused by outside entities. Presenters will also discuss the third-party process and how recoveries are applied to the claim.
The Worker's Weekly Wage Calculation for Temporary Disability and Vocational Assistance
Sept. 26, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m., Crown-Zellerbach
Julia Hier, Katie Bruns
This presentation will focus on the calculation of the worker’s weekly wage for temporary disability and vocational assistance. Presenters will discuss the framework for these calculations, the recent rule changes that have happened, and how the worker’s weekly wage is subsequently applied in a claim. It will also provide an update on recent or anticipated publications that are related to the latest rule changes.
WC101: From Injury to Closure
Sept. 26, 9:15 – 11:30 a.m., Mt. St. Helens Ballroom
Jennifer Flood, Dan Schmelling
Tune in to this class and learn how to successfully navigate the workers’ compensation process. This interactive session will take participants on a journey from filing a claim to acceptance and beyond.