37TH ANNUAL MWCEA CONFERENCE

October 1-4, 2023 - Ocean City, Maryland  

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The MWCEA is far more than just a standard workers' compensation conference. Annually, like-minded individuals get together to network, share best practices, and learn new business strategies from some of the most reputable industry experts in the nation. Our three-day program focuses on presentations on the most relevant topics and various viewpoints of professionals in workers' compensation. This year, our theme, the Wild West of Workers' Compensation focuses on doing business using the Western Rule of integrity, hard work and honor.

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MWCEA offers 17.5 CEU and CLE credits to registrants. Additionally, the annual expo features two floors of exhibitors. There is simply no better place to find and compare the products, tools and services available to help you solve your toughest workers’ comp and disability management challenges.

 

Learn about FCE's with a live demonstration; medical costs and fees; the cost of medical marijuana; long-term psychological work injuries; advanced skills for vocational rehabilitation; and, much more. New for this year: two breakout sessions will be available during our regularly scheduled Tuesday program for attorneys on hearing skills and procedures, a panel on advanced vocational rehabilitation skills, and a panel discussion about the difficulties faced by case managers, adjusters, and vocational rehabilitation. The attorney breakout sessions were created with newer workers' compensation attorneys in mind, with an emphasis on trying cases before the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission.

 

MWCEA's Tuesday night closing gala will round out the schedule of events, featuring live music and a "boots and bling celebration of folks in their best western wear! Giddy up and get registered today at mwcea.net.

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​Complimentary shuttle service, sponsored by Transcend,  runs every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday between overflow hotels and conference hotel. Other times can be requested.

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Sunday, October 1

 

2:00 - 8:00 p.m. REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)
2:00 - 6:00 p.m. EXHIBITOR SET UP
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. OPENING RECEPTION (Atlantic Ballroom)
Join your colleagues for the kick-off networking reception for the MWCEA Conference!
SPONSORED BY: Franklin & Prokopik

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Monday, October 2

7:00 a.m. - NOON       REGISTRATION                                    (Atrium Level)

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.          CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST        (Upper Exhibits)

7:00 a.m.                         EXHIBITS OPEN
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.          OPENING REMARKS                         (Atlantic Ballroom)

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME:  Matthew J. Peffer, Esq., CHASENBOSCOLO      

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME:  Hon. Maureen E. Quinn, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission

ANDREA J. BALL, MWCEA Executive Director 

MICHAEL H. DANEY, Esq., 2nd Vice President & Program Planning Chair,  Erlandson, Vernon & Daney, LLC

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9:00 - 10:00 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS -Moses Brings Plenty

Moses Brings Plenty helps craft a juicy story packed with drama and intrigue on TV’s biggest western drama, Yellowstone. He plays “Mo”, the steady right hand and loyal fixer of the Native American power broker Chief Thomas Rainwater. Along with, John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, and the rest of the well-known cast, Moses Brings Plenty also helps portrays the Native American perspective for audiences.

As the 2023 MWCEA Annual Conference Keynote Speaker, Mo will talk about his journey as a Native American performer and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in life and the workplace. He will share his understanding and life experiences on how different backgrounds come with diverse points of view, which ultimately leads to better innovations, ideas, and solutions for better living and working together. Above all, Mo is a man who wholeheartedly believes in human kindness, and he trusts the good in humanity still exists and feels it just needs to be dusted off a bit. Out of respect and honor for those who have come before us, Mo knows we have a profound obligation to leave a livable planet for those who will follow when we are gone, and he starts and ends every day, with thoughts of how he and we can make the world a better place while we are here and will share his ideas on better ways for better days.

Mo's acting credits are extensive, and he is also known for his off screen work as a Native American film consultant. 

His traditional name -- given to him as a young boy -- is Ta Sunke Wospapi ("catches his horse"); it befits a man who spends more time on his horses than anywhere else, in his career and at home. He is a direct descendant of Brings Plenty, an Oglala Lakota warrior who fought in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Moses Brings Plenty was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation, in South Dakota and when he’s not acting, makes his home on a cattle ranch in Kansas with his wife, Sara Ann Haney-Brings Plenty, a former rodeo competitor and Miss Rodeo Kansas finalist.

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10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. KIDS’ CHANCE UPDATE Thomas J. Phelan, President, Kids' Chance of Maryland

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10:15 - 10:30 a.m. EXHIBITOR BREAK

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10:30 - 11:30 a.m.  Functional Capacity Evaluation Two experienced and certified FCE evaluators will take you through the evolution of a Functional Capacity Evaluation—from start to finish. Our experts will detail what information is needed before an evaluation can be completed, put a test subject through modified paces of an actual FCE, and will conclude by delving into the written report and how to glean information when reading it. Join us as we breakdown the Functional Capacity Evaluation to ensure comprehension across all benefiting stakeholders.
Moderators: Matt Drzik, MS, CWPE, REHAB AT WORK/Erin Cornett, Baltimore Work Rehab
Panel: Jeffrey Winston, DC, CWDC, Baltimore Work Rehab, Excelsia Injury Care
Nate Paraska, MPT, REHAB AT WORK
Commissioner: Hon. Asha J. Jefferson

 

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.  EXHIBITOR Break 

 

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.  Not the Regular Rodeo Medical Controversions, Orders of Nisi, and the Prescription Docket - This panel will explore the less prominent dockets that are often specially set to address medical billing only.  The discussion will include when such issues arise, ways to resolve without litigation, and the circumstances where a hearing is required and the best practices on to proceed. 

Moderator: Brian Katzenberg, Esq., Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.

Speakers: Robert Garza, Esq., ChasenBoscolo
Merissa E. Hall, Esq., Erlandson, Vernon & Daney, LLC
Commissioner: Hon. James Forrester    

 

12:15 - 2:00 p.m.  LUNCH & LEARN Marijuana Is Legal, Does the Employer and Insurer Have to Pay for It?  We will discuss the arguments as to why the Claimant should receive the Marijuana and whether, the Employer and Insurer may be required to pay for it.

SPONSORED BY: Semmes
Moderator: Barry Bernstein, Esq., Semmes

Speakers: Jillian M. Petrella Esq., Semmes

Warren S. Alperstein, Esq., Alperstein and Diener, P.A.

Commissioner: Hon. Allan Kittleman

2:30 p.m. Kids’ Chance Cornhole Event

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  Bonfire on the Beach Join colleagues on the beach, for some fire, fun and s'mores!
SPONSORED BY: ChasenBoscolo

  

Tuesday, October 3

7:00 a.m. - NOON           REGISTRATION                   

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.             CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST        

7:00 a.m.                            EXHIBITS OPEN

8:30 a.m.                           Welcome and Daily Prize Draw     

           

8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Dust Bowl Blues: Work Related Psychological Injuries

This seminar explores the nuances of psychological injuries from compensability to permanency.   The discussion will include discussion of psychological conditions that result from over-time, from physical injuries, and occur without direct physical injury. Additionally, panelists will consider issues of causation and validity of a diagnosis from a medical point of view as well as presentation at hearing.  Lastly, this seminar will consider how to evaluate and what to expect from impairment ratings and potential outcomes for permanent partial disability and settlement.
Moderators:  Brian D. Katzenberg, Esq., Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.

Panel: Erin Snyder, Esq., Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A.

Carlos Nieto, Esq., Law Office of Jacqueline Kramer (Selective Insurance House Counsel)

Aaron R. Noonberg, PhD

Commissioner: Hon. Kathleen A. Evans

 

9:30 a.m. Getting the Worker Back on the Saddle
A panel discussion about challenges faced by case managers, adjusters, and vocational rehabilitation.

Moderators: Eric Buchner, MD, Sinai Hospital and Matthew D. Gordon, Esq., Law Office of Mitchel M. Gordon

Panel: Sarah Cunningham, BS, WCP, Chesapeake Employers' Insurance

Stephanie Dubicki, CRC, MCRSP/MS, Allegiant Managed Care

Kelly Barben, BSN, RN, CCM, First Rehabilitation Resources
 

9:30 a.m. Breakout Room Part 1: Are You New to the Rodeo? A Hearing Boot Camp for Compensability Cases
This breakout room is designed for newer workers’ compensation attorneys with a focus on trying accidental injury and occupational disease compensability Commission cases. Hear from the Commissioners and experienced attorneys about exhibits needed and specific questions that should be addressed for the purposes of building your case or defense.

Moderator: Lyndsey B. Meninger, Esq., MBA, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company/Injured Workers Insurance Fund

Panel:Timothy McLaughlin, Esq., Humphreys, McLaughlin & McAleer, LLC

Charles Schultz, Esq., Berman, Sobin, and Gross, LLP

Commissioners: Hon. Morrisann Martin and Hon. Delia T. Schadt

 

10:30 a.m. PORTH AWARD

10:45 a.m. EXHIBITOR Break Prize DRAWING

 

11:15 a.m. Taking the Bull by its Horns with Vocational Rehabilitation
Our guest panel will discuss advanced vocational rehabilitation skills to get those problem cases back on track. Topics such as motivating claimants, tailoring services to mitigate barriers, communicating clear expectations, and knowing how and when to end vocational rehabilitation services will be addressed. Panel members will also share success stories and the factors that led to positive outcomes.

Moderator: Shelby Dubato, MSW, LCSW-C, CRC, CLCP, CCM, CDMS, MalcolmDubato, LLC

Panel: Samantha Kieley, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM, First Rehabilitation Resources

Daniel Lentscher, CAM, PT

Defense: Sheryl Tirocchi, Esq., GodwinTirocchi, LLC

Claimant:  Sara El-Shall, Esq., Law Office of Sara El-Shall

Commissioner: Hon. Ju Y. Oh

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11:15 a.m.   Breakout Room Part 2: Are you New to the Rodeo? A Hearing Boot Camp for Subsequent Injury Fund Cases
A Hearing Boot Camp for Compensability Cases This breakout room is designed for newer workers’ compensation attorneys with a focus on Subsequent Injury Fund Commission cases. Hear from the Commissioners and experienced attorneys about how to best present evidence and questions for a successful and smooth hearing.

Moderator: Lyndsey B. Meninger, Esq., MBA, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company/Injured Workers' Insurance Fund
Panel: Edward W. Goldsmith, Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Subsequent Injury Fund

Laura McKenzie, Esq., Franklin & Prokopik, P.C.

Jason Shultz, Esq., Shultz Legal, LLC

Commissioners: Hon. Allan Kittleman and Hon. James Forrester      

 

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. LUNCH & LEARN The Wild West of Medicine

Virtual Reality & Regenerative Medicine - Learn about the good, the bad and the ugly side of virtual reality therapy and regenerative medicine.
SPONSORED BY: Support Claim Services

Moderator: Ashlee K. Smith, Esq., The Office of Ashlee K. Smith, and J. Michael Harrison, Assistant Attorney General, Uninsured Employer’s Fund

Presenters: Thomas Lee, M.D., Sinai Rehabilitation Center, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for LifeBridge Health and Gerry Stanley, M.D. Chief Medical Officer of Harvard MedTech

Panel: Jerome P. Reichmister, MD, Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission
Scott E. Brown, M.D., M.A., Sinai Rehabilitation Center, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation for LifeBridge Health

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2:30 - 4:00 p.m.  Kids’ Chance One Mile Fun Run/Walk

 

9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. MWCEA CLOSING GALA - Boots & Bling!                                    (Atlantic Ballroom)

Take a spin on the dance floor, jam along with the band and wear your favorite western!

SPONSORED BY: Dr. Jeffrey D. Gaber & Associates, P.A.

 

Wednesday, October 4

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

Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission Update

Hon. Maureen E. Quinn, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission

Moderator:  Matthew J. Peffer, Esq., CHASENBOSCOLO

SPONSORED BY: RescueMeds

 

9:30 - 10:15 a.m. LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW
Remarks by legislative members of the Workers’ Compensation Benefit and Insurance Oversight Committee, and presentation of 2023 proposed and passed legislation impacting Workers’ Compensation in Maryland.
Moderators: J. Michael Harrison, Assistant Attorney General, Uninsured Employers' Fund; Ashlee K. Smith, Esq., The Law Office of Ashlee K. Smith; and James A. Lanier, Esq., Warnken, LLC
Invited: Senator Kathy Klausmeier, Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes

 

10:15 - 10:45 a.m. RECENT CASES
The Honorable Steven B. Gould, Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland, 7th Appellate Judicial Circuit, will participate in our panel discussion, RECENT CASES and provide insight on handling Appellate matters before the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland. The recent workers' compensation rulings from the Appellate Court of Maryland and Supreme Court of Maryland will be discussed along with practice pointers for handling appellate matters. Judge Gould will participate together with Wendy Karpel, Esq., Office of the Montgomery County Attorney, Kenneth Berman, Esq., Berman, Sobin & Gross, LLP, and Moderator Fatima H. Garland, Esq.

Moderator: Fatima H. Garland, Esq., Office of the Montgomery County Attorney
Speakers: The Honorable Steven B. Gould, Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland, 7th Appellate Judicial Circuit
Kenneth Berman, Esq., Berman, Sobin & Gross, LLP
Wendy Karpel, Esq., Office of the Montgomery County Attorney

 

10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MSBA’s NEW SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT GENERATOR Learn about and view this exciting new template which will help all members of the community streamline and simplify the drafting, review, and approval of Agreements of Final Compromise and Settlement. See how the generator addresses all issues in compliance with the WCC’s regulations and with CMS’s requirements and produces a unique settlement agreement.
Moderator: J. Michael Harrison, Assistant Attorney General, Uninsured Employers' Fund
Speakers: Nancy J. Courson Cooke, Esq., Dirska & Levin, LLC
Robert Bershad, MSBA’s Director of Member Engagement

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11:00 a.m.  GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

You must be present to win.  Limit one prize per attendee.

Andrea Ball, Executive Director, MWCEA

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