MWCEA is a cornerstone in the industry … the annual gathering of like-minded professionals uniting to exchange ideas, share best practices and learn new ways of doing business from some of the country’s largest and most respected industry experts. Our three-day program highlights presentations of MWCEA's latest research findings while drawing upon the diverse perspectives of highly respected workers' compensation experts and policymakers from across the state. September 19 - 22, 2022 Ocean City, MD. Register today at mwcea.com
This year, the MWCEA Conference features a compel- ling keynote from Travis Falstad , AI & Emerging Tech- nology Strategist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation across industries. His session will explore AI’s evolving role in the workplace, examin- ing its profound impact on jobs, industries, and how professionals must adapt to the accelerating wave of technological change. MWCEA is ... TURNING THE TIDE IN 2025!
This year’s programming includes expert analysis of appellate rulings from Maryland’s newly named Appellate Court and Supreme Court, helping profes- sionals understand the implications of recent cases. A mock hearing will showcase arguments around suitable gainful employment, with attorneys debat - ing alternative job options for an injured worker and a Workers’ Compensation Commissioner weighing in on the decision. Medical recovery and rehabilitation take center stage, with a session dedicated to guiding injured workers through prosthetic support and wound care, ensuring smoother transitions post-injury. For those handling Subsequent Injury Fund (SIF) claims, a panel of attorneys and SIF representatives will break down the intricacies of the process, including financial structures and strategic case approaches. Meanwhile, compliance challenges will be tackled in a session on employer procedures, clarifying is- sues surrounding exemptions, exclusions, and hear - ing notices to ensure businesses stay on track with regulations. Beyond the educational sessions, the MWCEA Con - ference is home to Maryland’s largest workers’ com- pensation expo, where attendees can explore claims management software, cost containment solutions, medical and pharmaceutical advancements, return- to-work services, and risk management tools. This extensive exhibitor space allows professionals to compare innovations, seek solutions, and connect with industry experts, all under one roof. The conference concludes with the much-antic - ipated Tuesday night Parrot Head party, a lively, Jimmy Buffett-style celebration featuring live music, Buffett-inspired beachwear, and exciting prize give - aways. Attendees can unwind, reflect on new in - sights, and enjoy an unforgettable finale filled with coastal vibes and camaraderie.
Whether managing claims, overseeing return-to- work programs, monitoring medical expenses, or simply aiming to stay ahead in the evolving workers’ compensation landscape, this conference provides unmatched educational value.
MWCEA Conference Agenda
Monday, September 15 cont.
Sunday, September 14
2:00 – 8:00 p.m. REGISTRATION (Atrium Level) 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. EXHIBITOR SETUP 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. OPENING RECEPTION (Atlantic Ballroom) Join colleagues for the kick-off networking reception for the MWCEA Conference! Sponsored by: Franklin & Prokopik
Tuesday, September 16 Stacey L. Roig, – MD Workers' Compensation Commission H. Scott Curtis, Esq. – MD Workers' Compensation Commission Commissioner: Hon. Stephane P. Romano 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Chance Cornhole Event 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Bonfire on the Beach Join your colleagues on the beach for networking, a cozy fire, and lots of fun! SPONSORED BY: CHASENBOSCOLO 7:00 a.m. - noon REGISTRATION (Atrium Level) 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Lower Exhibits) 7:00 a.m. EXHIBITS OPEN Cindy Cauthorne, DOA, MD Workers' Compensation Commission Dorothy M. Thompson, DOO, MD Workers' Compensation Commission 12:15 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch and Learn: SIF Demystified / Employer Compliance: A Tale of Two Citings SIF Panel: A case involving the Subsequent Injury Fund can seem complex and confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. This session provides a clear breakdown of how to handle SIF cases, featuring insights from attorneys representing Claimants, Employers, and the SIF itself. Additionally, the SIF will offer an overview of its payment schemes. (~40 mins) Employer Compliance: This session will focus on the key distinctions between LE 9-402 and LE 9-1005, the difference between exemption and exclusion, and the nuances between Show-Cause Orders issued for Employer Compliance versus Hearing Notices related to claims. It will also cover Certificates of Compliance vs. Exclusion Forms. (~40 mins) Moderator: Anthony F. Perrotta, Esq. – MD Subsequent Injury Fund Panel: Edward Goldsmith, Esq. – MD Subsequent Injury Fund James A. Lanier, Esq. – Warnken, LLC David M. Schoenfeld, Esq. – Kiernan Trebach LLP 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. A Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling: Prosthetic and Wound Care after a Work Injury Navigating the Waves of Recovery: From the first injury to the final resolution, we guide injured workers through the tides of workers’ compensation claims, ensuring smooth sailing in wound care and prosthetic support. Whether it’s adjusting to new shores or overcoming rough waters, we handle the complexities of prosthetics with expertise and care. Moderator: Erin Cornett, Excelsia Injury Care Panel: James J. Temple III, Esq., Franklin & Prokopik, P.C. Theodore M. Ehudin, Esq., W orkers' Comp Law LLC Tracy Williams, MS, BSN, RN, WCCM G2918, WCP®, Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company Atiq Ur Rahman, M.D., MedStar Harbor Hospital and Ascension Saint Agnes Commissioner: Hon. Delia T. Schadt 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Offsetville: Welcome to Offsetville, where the sand is warm, the statutes are evolving, and the math matters. This panel dives into the intricacies of retirement offsets under LE §§ 9-503 & 9-610 and SPP § 29- 118. Our panelists will guide you through when offsets apply, how to calculate them, and the latest legislative changes. Whether you're navigating smooth waters or choppy claims, we've got your map. (No Flip-Flops Required) Moderator: Fatima Garland, Esq., Office of the Montgomery County Atty Panel: Anthonia St. John, JD, RN, Prince Georges County, Maryland Wendy Karpel, JD., Office of the Montgomery County Attorney Blaine Kolker, Esq., MaxLawLegal Anthonia St. John, Esq., Prince George’s County Office of Law
Monday, September 15
7:00 a.m. - noon 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
REGISTRATION
(Atrium Level) (Lower Exhibits)
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
7:00 a.m.
EXHIBITS OPEN OPENING REMARKS
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
(Atlantic Ballroom)
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Michael H. Daney, Esq. Erlandson, Vernon & Daney, LLC
WCC CHAIR’S WELCOME Hon. Maureen E. Quinn Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Legislative Update Remarks by legislative members of the Joint Committee on Workers’ Compensation Benefit and Insurance Oversight , and presentation of 2025 proposed and passed legislation impacting Workers’ Compensation in Maryland. Moderator: Ashlee K. Smith, Esq., The Law Office of Ashlee K. Smith Panel: Senator Pamela Beidle, District 32, Anne Arundel County Senator Arthur Ellis, District 28, Charles County Delegate Andrea Fletcher Harrison, District 24, Prince George's County
Charles S. Schultz, Esq., Berman |Sobin |Gross LLP Michael L. Dailey, Esq., Schmidt, Dailey & O'Neill, LLC 9:30 a.m.
KIDS' CHANCE OF MARYLAND UPDATE Edgar G. Dodd, III, President, Kids' Chance of Ma ryland
9:40 - 10:25 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Travis Falstad, AI Innovation Leader, Emerging Tech Strategist Learn how AI’s evolving role in the workplace is transforming jobs and industries as technology advances. 10:25 - 10:45 a.m. EXHIBITOR BREAK 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. Flesh and Bone: Join us for a medical update on the diagnosis and treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. Moderator: Eric J. Buchner, MD, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore Panel: Angelina C. Chilcoat, OTR/L, CHT, AIPCC Brian A. Janz, MD, The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics, Orthopedics Associates of Central Maryland Division Commissioner: Hon. Kathleen A. Evans 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Son of a Union Sailor: The Interaction between Workers' Compensation and Other, Separate Employment Benefits For certain private sector and many public sector employees, the employer and worker may have entered into an individual employment agreement, be covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement, or receive a distinct benefit under Maryland law. When these situations arise, injured workers must understand their available options to proceed appropriately and in their best interest. Moderator: Brian D. Katzenberg, Esq., Stavisky, Yoffe & Castro, P.A. Christine N. Peterson, Esq., Baltimore City Department of Law Jeffrey S. Stavisky, Esq., Stavisky, Yoffe & Castro, P.A. Commissioner: Hon. James K. MacAlister 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. One Particular Harbor – CompHub Questions and Answers (Industry-Only Breakout) This 45-minute breakout session will provide an overview of CompHub, covering everything from signing up as a Practitioner and uploading CEUs for registration renewal to utilizing its day- to-day features for records and filings. Moderator: Matthew Drzik, MS, CWPE, REHAB AT WORK Panel: Theresa A. Cornish, CEO, MD Workers' Compensation Commission
Commissioner: Hon. James R. Forrester 10:30 - 10:45 a.m. EXHIBITOR BREAK
10:45 - 11:30 a.m. Searchin’ for My Lost Compensation: Our panel will explore what is suitable gainful employment. By way of a mock hearing, the Vocational Rehabilitation Expert will present alternative employment options being considered by a sample injured worker. Hear the arguments from experienced attorneys for and against these alternative options, and the decision reached by our panel’s WCC Commissioner.
MWCEA Conference Agenda
Tuesday, September 16 cont. Moderator: Shelby Dubato, LCSW-C, CCM, CDMS, CLCP, CRC (Moderator and Vocational Expert Witness) Panel: Matthew D. Trollinger, Esq. – Trollinger Law, LLC Nancy Courson Cooke, Esq. – The Law Offices of Dirska & Levin, LLC Commissioner: Hon. Allan H. Kittleman 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Only Time Will Tell: Recent Case Law Updates and Their Impact An in-depth look at workers' compensation decisions from the newly named Appellate Court of Maryland and Supreme Court of Maryland, featuring expert commentary on appellate cases heard since October 2024. Explore key rulings and their implications for future claims and legal interpretations. Moderator: Lyndsey B. Meninger, Esq., MBA, Chesapeake Employers 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Learn: Fins to the Left, Claims to the Right: Death Benefits Demystified When the music stops, the claims begin. This session cuts through the fog of Workers' Compensation death benefits—how to file, who gets paid, how much, which statute applies, and more. Whether you're new to the topic or need a refresher, come ready to demystify the process! Moderator: Matthew D. Gordon, Esq., Law Offices of Mitch Gordon Panel: Rachel W. Samakow, Esq.—Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company Kenrick F. Roberts, Esq.—Berman, Sobin, Gross, LLP Commissioner: Hon. Asha Joseph Jefferson 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Chance One Mile Fun Run/Walk (Beach side/Hotel) 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. : Fins Up Party (Atlantic Ballroom) SPONSORED BY: Dr. Jeffrey D. Gaber & Associates, P.A. Insurance Company/Injured Workers Insurance Fund Panel: Matthew Engler, Esq. Berman, Sobin, and Gross, LLP Lauren Waltrop, Esq., Humphreys, McLaughlin & McAleer, LLC Commissioner: Hon. Tracey Parker-Warren 12:15 PM- Break /Get Box Lunch
SAVE THE DATE Sept. 27-30, 2026
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors (as of 5/1/25) Opening Reception: Franklin & Prokopik Conference Bags: Excelsia Injury Care Conference Program Book: Semmes Breakfast with the Commissioners: RescueMeds Monday & Tuesday Continental Breakfasts: Monday Evening Social: CHASENBOSCOLO Lanyards: Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute Directory Bookmarker: MN Lawyers Mutual Insurance Co Hotel Shuttle: Transcend Services, Inc. Registration Staff: Workers' Compensation Commission Monday Photo Booth: GodwinTirocchi, LLC GodwinTirocchi, LLC Tuesday Photo Booth: Erlandson, Vernon & Daney, LLC Erlandson, Vernon & Daney, LLC Speaker Sponsor: CORVEL Contact us at info@mwcea.net for additional sponsorship opportunities!
Wednesday, September 17
8:30 a.m. BREAKFAST WITH THE COMMISSIONERS: SPONSORED BY: RESCUE MEDS 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. ALFRED M. PORTH MEMORIAL AWARD 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. MD Workers' Compensation Commission Report Hon. Maureen E. Quinn, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission 9:45- 10:00 a.m. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
You must be present to win! Limit one prize per attendee! Presenter: Andrea J. Ball, Executive Director, MWCEA CONFERENCE LODGING
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. CAROUSEL RESORT 800-641-0011 PRINCESS ROYALE 800-476-9253 Shuttles provided by Transcend Services, Inc. ASHORE RESORT (Conference Location) 410-524-3535 ashoreresortoceancity.com 10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Please note: The hotel requires a SEVEN day cancellation policy in advance of this conference. OVERFLOW HOTELS:
Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Other times can be requested...
MWCEA 1750 K Street, NW, Suite 710 Washington, DC 20006
MCRSP Certification
CE Credits
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.
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.net
Official Attendance Letter The 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.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Powered by FlippingBook