Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Administrators

Wrapping up the SAWCA All Committee Conference with Bob Wilson, BA, WRP, WRPA, a workers’ compensation industry leader we all know and love for his insight and humor, hosted ‘What I Know Now… That I Wish I Had Known Then.’ Welcoming former agency leaders Abbie Hudgens (TN), Karl Aumann (MD), Ryan Brannan (TX), and Andrew Sabolic (FL) for an engaging discussion on goals accomplished, projects left undone, and some truly invaluable unsolicited advice. #SAWCA2024 #SAWCA #AllCommitteeConference #WorkersComp

Exciting Thursday Sessions at SAWCA! ?? The Medical Committee tackled Overcoming Barriers to Care…Is There a Better Way? expertly moderated by Kenneth Eichler. ?? Self-Insurance/Insurance Committee explored the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) on Student Athletes & University Employees, with Sam J McMurry, ARM leading the discussion. ??? Rafael Gonzalez, Esq. delivered a powerful update on MSP: Civil Penalties and Reporting WCMSAs. A big thank you to all moderators and speakers for sharing such impactful insights! #SAWCA #WorkersCompensation #SAWCA2024

The Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Administrators (SAWCA) All Committee Conference is renowned for its engaging sessions, particularly the Regulators Roundtable. This session gathers representatives from jurisdictions across the country to discuss critical issues impacting workers’ compensation systems. Key focus areas of the Regulators Roundtable include: 1. Technology Innovation- Exploring advancements in digital tools, data analytics, and platforms designed to streamline claims processing, improve communication, and enhance overall system efficiency. 2. Return-to-Work Programs- Sharing strategies and success stories for helping injured employees reintegrate into the workforce effectively while balancing medical, legal, and workplace needs. 3. Interesting Case Law- Analyzing recent legal decisions and their implications on workers’ compensation policies, providing insights into evolving trends and challenges in different jurisdictions. This session offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, share best practices, and network with industry leaders focused on innovation and collaboration in the field. #SAWCA2024 #SAWCA #workerscompensation

??The first full day of sessions kicked off at the SAWCA All Committee Conference ?? SAWCA President and Commissioner of Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, Robert Rapaport welcomed attendees to the annual event with an exciting overview of the day’s sessions. ? Session Highlights: ?? Industry Roundtable- Tom Glasson, CPCU moderated a panel of work comp professionals from multiple disciplines, discussing various issues and challenges, including commercial construction, popular weight loss drug trends and changes in the regulatory industry. ?? Insurance Coverage & Its Impact on the System- Josted by SAWCA’s adjudication committee and moderated by Bob Swisher and Wade McGuffey . Discussions included current and emerging insurance trends impacting multiple industry segments, and the roles of workers compensation professional. ?? Leadership Changes & Multi-Generational Work Teams- Hosted by SAWCA’s Administration and Procedures Committee and moderated by Evelyn McGill. Discussions included recent leadership changes in various organizations impacting work comp agencies and how to navigate these changes for successful outcomes with a multigenerational workforce. ?? The Power of AI in Medical Management- Efficient, Accurate Automated: the Power of AI in Medical Management hosted by SAWCA’s Systems and Data Analytics Committee. Hosted by Ellen Heiber as she moderates a panel of regulatory and industry experts for an update on jurisdictional implementation of AI. #SAWCA2024 #WorkersCompLeadership

?? Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors! ?? The SAWCA All Committee Conference, kicks off this week, November 18-22, 2024, at the beautiful Omni Resort, Amelia Island, FL. It thrives because of the unwavering support of our sponsors. Here's why their contributions are essential:? ? Empowering Education: Sponsors help us bring high-quality speakers, innovative sessions, and cutting-edge resources to our attendees.? ? Fostering Connections: Their support ensures we create the perfect setting for professionals to network, collaborate, and share ideas.? ? Driving Industry Growth: By investing in events like ours, sponsors champion the advancement of knowledge and leadership in workers' compensation.? To all our sponsors, we can’t thank you enough for being a cornerstone of this event. Your partnership inspires us and ensures our continued success!? #SAWCA #ThankYouSponsors #Networking #Education #AmeliaIsland #Gratitude #Leadership #WorkersCompensation Safety National Verisk NCCI Sedgwick Akera Claims Solutions Concentra Optum Workers’ Comp and Auto No-Fault ODG by MCG Enlyte Ametros Meridian Wealth Management, LLC American Medical Association Workers' Compensation Institute American Association of Payers, Administrators and Networks WorkCompCollege.com M. Joseph Medical Prodigy Care Services Carlisle Medical Rehabilitation Advisors FAIR Health, Inc. Zynex Medical RefMed Catastrophic and Rehabilitation Experts

? Save the Date! ? SAWCA invites you to join us for our *must-attend* 2025 events! Mark your calendars, bring your questions, and get ready for engaging sessions and valuable networking opportunities!? ?? All Committee Conference? ?? Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO? ??? November 10-14, 2025 Plus, stay tuned for updates on the location and dates of our 77th Annual Convention —details are still in “flux,” but we promise it’ll be worth the wait! We can’t wait to see you there!

?? Welcome to the 2024 SAWCA All Committee Conference! ?? We're thrilled to gather from November 18-22, 2024 at the beautiful Omni Resort, Amelia Island, FL. As we kick off this year's event, I want to extend my warmest welcome to each of you! My Grandfather was fond of saying, “You’ll never learn anything if you only listen to people who agree with you.” While SAWCA is not about disagreeing, it is about the sharing of multiple diverse ideas and programs. We borrow from each other and exchange ideas as to how best to administer our respective workers’ compensation programs in our jurisdictions. It is with this in mind that we gather at the Omni Amelia Island Resort for the All Committee Conference. At SAWCA, we value everyone’s input. We don’t claim to know all the answers but working together we can develop the answers to the complex questions that challenge us in the most efficient delivery of workers’ compensation benefits. Every State’s program has its own particular insights on what can be done to make our programs better and more effective. Our conference creates a free space where no one is judged and everyone, and every opinion, is accepted. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Conference is being held on Amelia Island with its pristine beaches and welcoming climate. The Omni Resort is centrally located with a 36-hole championship golf course, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature tours and tennis and pickleball courts. We are very excited to have you join us for this event. Your attendance is what makes these programs meaningful and valuable. Thank you for joining us while we plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively and pursue our shared goals persistently. Warm Regards, The Honorable Bob Rapaport SAWCA President and Commissioner, Virginia Workers Compensation Commission More information about the All Committee Conference- https://lnkd.in/eCWQjKap #SAWCA2024 #AllCommitteeConference #WorkersComp

???SAWCA Member Spotlight: Raji Chadarevian, Executive Director for Actuarial Research at the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), shares valuable insights with Business Insurance into the evolving role of opioids in workers' compensation. ???? His analysis sheds light on how the landscape of opioid use has shifted, the impact of these changes on injured workers, and the ongoing efforts to promote safe and effective pain management. An essential conversation for all stakeholders committed to improving care and outcomes in workers' compensation. #WorkersCompensation. #SAWCA #NCCI #OpioidCrisis #ActuarialResearch #WorkplaceSafety #BusinessInsurance

?? Medicare Compliance Alert! ??? Live from the **SAWCA All Committee Conference** on Thursday, November 21st, where industry expert Rafael Gonzalez, Esq. is breaking down the latest on MSP Update: Civil Money Penalties & Reporting WCMSA's. Starting October 11, 2024, the civil money penalty clock begins, with mandatory reporting fines reaching $1,000 per day per file. Additionally, beginning April 4, 2025, it will be essential to report all workers' compensation MSA data and information. This session is a must-attend for a full update on: ? Mandatory reporting of claim acceptance and settlement?? ? Reimbursement of conditional payments?? ? Future Medicare interests in settlement of medical care? Don’t miss this chance to stay compliant and up-to-date on all things **Medicare Secondary Payer** in workers’ comp claims! #SAWCA #MedicareCompliance #WorkersComp #MSA

On this Veterans Day, SAWCA proudly honors all the brave men and women who have served our nation. Their sacrifice and dedication remind us of the strength and resilience that keep our communities safe and united. Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans and their families for their unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. Thank you for your service. #VeteransDay #SAWCA #HonoringHeroes