Intelligent Entrepreneurs: NYS Worker's Compensation Board Regional Conferences

The New York State Workers' Compensation Board (Board) has announced a series of three regional conferences to take place this summer in Albany, Rochester, and New York City. The half-day, afternoon sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the New York State workers' compensation system, and will highlight important advances in workers' comp, as well as provide Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses.

The conferences come on the heels of several significant Board initiatives, including New York's first drug formulary and revised medical fee schedules that provide higher reimbursements to health care providers who treat injured workers. Additionally, the Board is gearing up to implement a new law that takes effect on January 1, 2020, that enables more types of health care providers to be authorized to treat workers' compensation patients. The law is expected to bring thousands of new providers into the system, dramatically improving access to health care for injured workers.

"With the successful implementation of major legislative initiatives and more exciting improvements to come, now is a perfect time for the Board to get out and talk to our key stakeholders about the important work we're doing to advance the New York State workers' compensation system,"said Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez. "Over the years, we've gotten lots of valuable feedback, and we're excited to share how the Board has incorporated this input to make the system better for workers and better for business."
In addition to a general overview highlighting recent accomplishments, attendees can also choose other sessions to attend for a deeper dive into key topics, such as:
  • Legal update: significant case law, developments in adjudication and legislation (CLE)
  • Ethical considerations in appearing before the Board (CLE)
  • Medical marijuana in NYS workers' compensation (CLE/CME)
  • Impairment guidelines for determining schedule loss of use (CME)
  • Understanding variances and the drug formulary (CME)
  • Combatting fraud
  • Best practices in workers' compensation
  • Intro to workers' compensation for new providers

The regional schedule is below:

Albany
Monday, July 1 
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Concourse Level Albany, NY 12242
Rochester
Wednesday July 31 
Hyatt Regency Rochester
125 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604
New York City
Monday, August 5
New York Marriott Downtown
85 West Street at Albany Street
New York, NY 10006

Registration details

The cost is $50 to attend, with hardship scholarships available to those who qualify. Registration is limited and will be granted mainly on a first-come, first-served basis. However, special consideration will be given to those seeking CME/CLE credits.
For complete details and to register, visit bit.ly/WCBconference19.
More information is also available at the Board's website at wcb.ny.gov or by emailing outreach@wcb.ny.gov.

Source: NY