CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTSThis year’s conference is highlighted by our GAME SHOW theme, presenting intriguing sessions including a unique presentation of a shoulder surgery. With the opioid epidemic getting worse and getting more attention, we will give practitioners an eye-opening view of how those addicted can be weaned.

The Maryland Legislature has now enacted a law to allow medi-cal marijuana, so everyone should be joining a distinguished panel on the medical, ethical, and legal aspects of the usage of marijuana.

Do you ever wonder what mistakes you make in handling a workers’ compensation claim? Well, here are the biggest dos and dont’s that are made by attorneys, adjusters, rehabilitation counselors, and nurse case managers—a must-attend for all.

MWCEA Annual ConferenceSeptember 23-26, 2018 ~ Clarion Resort, Ocean City, Maryland

First time attendees will be invited to a special reception one hour before the opening reception. Do you wonder how a me-diation can help in resolving your claims? Then attend a diverse panel on the ins and outs of settling your case using this process. What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation? What good is it and how will it help in return to work for the claimant?

The programs slated this year are meant to deal with every level of practitioners, from beginners to the seasoned veterans, in all fields. As usual, our powerhouse band, The Deviations, will be presenting new fast-paced songs. There is also going to be a prize giveaway at the end of each session, so make your plans to attend all the sessions.

Introducing Our Keynote Speaker...Dr. Humor!Dr. Stuart Robertshaw

Dr. Stuart Robertshaw, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Edu-cation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an attorney, currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Association for the Humor Impaired.

Dr. Robertshaw, a national speaker and humor-ist, is known throughout the nation as “Dr. Hu-mor”®. His review of research led him to con-clude that, “15 percent of people in America are humor impaired and another 15 percent are ‘at risk,’ and it’s no laughing matter.”

Since founding the association In 1990, Dr. Rob-ertshaw has presented to over 1,100 business, government, healthcare, and education organi-zations in 50 states and four Canada.

Maryland Workers’ Compensation Educational Association

Dr. Robertshaw has published a book entitled, “Dear Dr. Humor: A Collection of Humorous Stories for All Occasions,” which is now in

its seventh printing. It is a collection of wonder-fully funny true stories that have happened to people (many of the selections have come from stories submitted by membership). Robertshaw contends that real funny stories are much richer and more powerful than jokes.

Robertshaw says, “Jokes provide an instant burst of laughter, but these true stories stay with you much longer and provide humor from the heart—you will find yourself two or three days later still laughing inside.”

MWCEA looks forward to Dr. Humor setting the tone for the 2018 Annual Conference!

Sunday, September 23

MWCEA Conference Agenda MWCEA Conference Agenda

2:00 - 8:00 p.m. REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. PRE-RECEPTION (Crystal Ballroom)

SPONSORED BY: Multi-Specialty HealthCare Claims professionals and lawyers are exclusively invited to join us for the “First Things First” pre-reception. This event, held prior to the opening reception, will allow these colleagues to network outside of their daily responsibilities.6:00 - 8:00 p.m. OPENING RECEPTION (Crystal Ballroom)Join your colleagues for the kick-off networking reception for the MWCEA Conference! SPONSORED BY: Franklin & Prokopik

Monday, September 24

7:00 a.m. - NOON REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)7:00 - 9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Exhibit Halls) 7:00 a.m. EXHIBITS OPEN

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Voc Presentation: Staying Out of JeopardyOur three contestants will answer questions on the vocational process. Categories will include Scheduling a Functional Capacity Evaluation, What Makes an Effective FCE, Work Hardening/Conditioning, and Job Site Visits. Final Jeopardy will focus on Language and Cultural Difference Issues that exist in the vocational rehabilitation process. Moderators: Shelby Dubato, MSW, LGSW, MCRSP, CCM, CDMS, Malcolm & Associates, LLC and Matt Drzik, MS, CWPE, Rehab at WorkSpeakers: Anita Kirby, Key Risk Carlos Martinez, PT, DPT, CAM Physical TherapyMaria Raimundi, MA, MCRSP, CRP, Aurora Case Management Commissioner: Hon. Delia Turano Schadt

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Improve Your Game! Top Mistakes You Should AvoidLearn from the pros as this distinguished panel highlights the most glaring mistakes seen in all areas of a workers’ compensation claim. Whether you’re a claimants’ attorney, defense attorney, claims adjuster, voc rehab counselor, or nurse case manager, this program is loaded with useful tips. Don’t make the mistake of missing this program!Moderators: Matthew D. Gordon, Esq., Law Offices of Mitchel M. Gordon Panel: John Handscomb, Esq., Franklin & Prokopik P.C.Janet Middleton, RN, First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.Leslie G. Rice, MS, CRC, CCM, MCRSP, N2507, Rice Rehab, LLCAaron Schwartz, Esq., Ingerman & Horwitz, LLPKathryn Willner, Key RiskHon. Jeffrey T. Weinberg (Commissioner, Retired)

11:00 - 11:15 a.m. BREAK

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Join us for a simulated mediation as we explore the motivations- both obvious and not so obvious - on both sides of the table. Moderator: Angela Kozlowski, Esq., Franklin & ProkopikPanel: Alfredo J. Antezana, Esq., Antezana & Antezana, LLCAlyson Bishop, PMA Insurance CompaniesRuth-Ann Lopez, Esq., Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance CompanyHon. L. Mark Vincent, Esq. (Commissioner, Retired)Commissioner: Hon. Lauren Sfekas Godwin

12:15 - 1:45 p.m. LUNCH & LEARN: The Joker’s Wild: Medical Marijuana in the Workers’ Comp Arena—The Jury is Still Out!This Lunch and Learn will get down in the weeds exploring the legal, ethical, and clinical aspects of utilizing medical m arijuana a s a t reatment m odality for the injured worker. With the emergence of the legalization o f medical marijuana in the state of Maryland, many questions surrounding i ts u se a s a n opioid alternative, a n analgesic, a n anti-anxiety/depressant, an ap petite stimulant, etc., will be discussed and debated. This session is not to be missed and may ultimately pose more questions than answers, but can no longer be avoided. No samples will be provided.Moderaor: Erin Thorne, Multi-Specialty HealthCarePanel: H. Scott C urtis, AAG, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission Kevin I. Goldberg, Esq., GoldbergFinnegan Albert B. Randall, Jr., Esq., Franklin & ProkopikPamela Reed, Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance CompanyManeesh C. Sharma, MD, Interventional Pain Institute Kathy N. Stone, Stone Vocational Services, LLCCommissioner: Hon. Tracey Warren

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Kids’ Chance One Mile Fun Run/Walk 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES!MWCEA PARTY Featuring The Deviations!SPONSORED BY: Dr. Jeffrey D. Gaber & Assoc., PA

Tuesday, September 25

7:00 a.m. - NOON REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)7:00 - 9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Exhibits/Halls)7:00 a.m. EXHIBITS OPEN8:30 - 9:00 a.m. OPENING REMARKS (Crystal Ballroom) PRESIDENT’S WELCOME: Michael Schaffer, CorVel Corporation

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME: Hon. R. Karl Aumann, Workers’ Compensation Commission

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Dr. Stuart Robertshaw “Dr. Humor” Laughter is the Best Medicine!

10:00 - 10:15 a.m. KIDS’ CHANCE UPDATE

10:15 a.m. BREAK

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Break the Bank: Weaning Opioids and Pain Management Alternatives Using case studies, the panel will discuss the medical and legal aspects of weaning workers’ compensation claimants from opioids. The panel will discuss their approach to weaning, treatment alternatives, restoration of functioning, and legal issues in addressing the weaning of opioids. The case studies will address fact patterns that are part of the workers’ compensation process a nd how t he attorneys, doctors an d Commission address the weaning of opioids.Moderator: Michael H. Daney, Esq., Godwin, Erlandson & Daney, LLC Panel: Jason Brokaw, MD, Physiatrist, Pain Management, OrthoMaryland Ira Kornbluth, MD, SMART Pain Management, LLC Theresa M. Colwell, Esq., Humphreys, McLaughlin, & McAleer, LLC Gretchen A. Rogers, Esq., Berman Sobin Gross Feldman & Darby, LLPCommissioner: Hon. Maureen E. Quinn

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. You ARE the Weakest Link (and how to fix it): A peek inside a living shoulder and its repair. Watch as Dr. Buchalter performs and describes a shoulder surgery (on tape delay – not live). Moderator: Edward W. Goldsmith, Esq., Subsequent Injury FundPanel: David P. Buchalter, MD, OrthoMarylandTimothy P. Coffman, Esq., Henry Holzman & Associates, LLCErinn F. Grzech, Esq., SemmesCommissioner: Hon. James R. Forrester

12:30 - 2:00 p.m. LUNCH & LEARN: Workplace SafetyCome hear experienced practitioners and insurance representatives discuss past and current trends in workplace violence and its effect on our communities. Moderator: Matthew J. Peffer, Esq., ChasenBoscoloPanel: William P. Konstas, Esq., Law Office of William P. Konstas Michelle Mtimet, Esq., Zauner & Mtimet, P.A.Commissioner: Hon. Kathleen A. Evans

9:00 p.m.– 12:00 a.m. Fun and Games by the Pool(Clarion Pool and Tiki Bar)Join your colleagues and friends for a night of magic, mojo, and mystery by the pool...SPONSORED BY: ChasenBoscolo

MWCEA Conference Agenda

Exhibitor InformationHOURS:

Monday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Prize Drawings: Wednesday at 11 a.m. (after the final speaker)

PASSPORT TO PRIZES Enter to win great door prizes by completing the

form in your registration packet.

INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING?

VISIT www.MWCEA.com

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors(as of 5/1/18)

Opening Reception: Franklin & ProkopikPre-Reception: Multi-Specialty HealthCare

Conference Bags: Multi-Specialty HealthCareBreakfast with the Commissioners:

Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.Monday Evening Social: ChasenBoscolo

Tues. Lunch & Learn: Maryland Defense Council & Ileen Ticer Notepad: Macht Medical Group

Lanyards: Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal InstitutePassport to Prizes: Rollins, Smalkin, Richards & Mackie, LLC

Fun Run: Princess Royale HotelHotel Shuttle: Transcend Services, Inc.

Registration Staff: Workers' Compensation CommissionPhoto Booth: Godwin, Erlandson & Daney, LLC

Pens: Health Quest Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Contact us at info@mwcea.com for additional sponsorship opportunities!

TRANSPORTATION

Transcend Services, Inc. is offering a complimentary shuttle service from the overflow hotels to the host hotel.

The shuttle runs every 15 minutes during the times indicated:Monday & Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 26

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. BREAKFAST WITH THE COMMISSIONERS

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION UPDATEHon. R. Karl Aumann, Chairman, MD WCCSPONSORED BY: Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A. Moderator: Michael Schaffer, CorVel Corporation

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. REGULATORY/COMAR & LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW: A $64,000 QUESTION, The “$64,000 question” is one that is very important and/or difficult to answer. Taken from the title of a 1950’s television game, it is actually based on an earlier radio program called “Take It or Leave It”. When crafting and voting on legislation, there are several very important and difficult-to-answer “$64,000 dollar questions” to be considered. Is the proposed legislation just? Is it fair? Is it affordable? Is it feasible? The Maryland Workers’ Compensation community is fortunate to have legislators and advocates who work to address each of these questions and never have a “Take It or Leave It” position. Panel: Hon. Katherine “Kathy” Klausmeier, MD State Senate Hon. Brian J. Feldman, MD State SenateHon. Kriselda “Kris” Valderrama, MD House of DelegatesHon. Cheryl D. Glenn, MD House of DelegatesEdgar G. Dodd, III, Director, Subsequent Injury FundJames MacAlister, Esq., Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.Moderator: Ileen M. Ticer, Esq., Law Office of Ileen M. Ticer

10:15 - 11:00 a.m. RECENT CASES: Win, Lose, or DrawModerator: Brian D. Katzenberg, Esq., Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.Panel: Thomas J. Dolina, Esq., Bodie LawCraig A. Coxen, Esq., Law Office Of Joseph Jagielski11:00 a.m. DRAWING FOR PRIZESYou must be present to win! Limit one prize per attendee!

Presenters: Regina Brown, MD WCCAndrea Ball, Executive Director, MWCEA

Conference Lodging

CLARION RESORT (Conference Location)1-800-638-2100 ClarionOC.com10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842Please note: The Clarion hotel requires a SEVEN day cancellation policy in advance of this conference.

OVERFLOW HOTELS: CAROUSEL RESORT 800-641-0011PRINCESS ROYALE 800-476-9253

Shuttles provided by Transcend Services, Inc.

Music sponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Gaber

IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES!Featuring:

Tuesday, September 259:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

The Deviations

Mark your Calendar for the next

MWCEA Conference!

September 22 - 25, 2019

CRC, CDMS, CCM: The MWCEA is offering pre-approved CEU credits. Participants who wish to qualify to receive these credits must sign in and sign out daily at the CEU table located near registration. Attendance will be monitored and strictly enforced. CEU Certificates will be available to qualified participants. VISIT THE REGISTRATION AREA FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AND FOR DAILY SIGN IN AND SIGN OUT. For information: info@mwcea.com

REHABILITATION SERVICE PROVIDERS: The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission will award one (1) MCRSP credit for each day of attendance at educational sessions during the MWCEA Conference. Important Instructions: (1) Pick up certificate sign-in sheet each morning between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at the continuing education registration table located near registration; (2) return the completed certificate sign-in sheet to the continuing education registration table between 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. each day to receive your attendance certificate.

Official Attendance LetterThe Maryland Workers' Compensation Educational Association's Annual Conference will offer an official letter of attendance for registered attendees to use for Continuing Education purposes in their various jurisdictions and disciplines not already approved under the programs listed above. In order to receive a letter of attendance, please notify the registration desk upon registering for the conference. There is a $10 fee for each letter requested, payable to the Maryland Workers' Compensation Educational Association by cash, check or credit card on-site. This fee is not applicable for the CEU credit programs listed above. This letter of attendance is not being offered to attendees requesting CEU's for these certifications: CCM, CRC, or CDMS. This letter of attendance is not being offered as verification of WCC credits.

CE Credits MCRSP Certification

MWCEA1750 K Street, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 20006