Two Years into the HB 2137 Reforms, Has the Business Climate in Illinois Improved?

Two years into the implementation of the HB 2137 workers’ compensation reforms, there are continuing challenges confronting employers and other stakeholders in Illinois. They have not seen the changes promised and are in search of solutions for improving the business climate in Illinois. Many are asking:-What is the measurable impact of the workers' comp reforms to date? -Will the medical fee schedule bring the much-needed reduction in costs? -How are this year's appellate court decisions interpreting the provisions of HB 2137? -What can be done about the backlog of disputed claims? -Is the fraud statute making a difference? -What does the future hold for workers' comp insurance in Illinois? -What are other Illinois businesses doing to prevent injuries, get injured employees back to work, and reduce costs?

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) November 1, 2007 -- The 3rd Annual Illinois Workers’ Comp Forum, taking place on March 11-12, 2008, at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, features keynote presentations from industry leaders who will address these issues and provide critical updates and solutions to the continuing challenges in Illinois workers’ comp.

Opening Keynote Addresses: Senator Terry Link, D-Lake Bluff and Senator Matt Murphy, R-27th District
Illinois State Senators Terry Link and Matt Murphy will deliver the opening keynote address and will speak to the successes and failures of HB 2137 two years into the implementation and what the legislature can do to make the Illinois workers' comp system work better for all stakeholders.

Other confirmed speakers include:

Dr. Jesse P. Butler
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, ILLINOIS BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE, LLC
Member Medical Fee Advisory Board, IWCC

Glen Boyle
Project Manager – Fee Schedule Development, IWCC
President, TRUE COURSE MEDICAL DATA ANALYSIS

John Smolk, Workers’ Compensation, UNITED AIRLINES
Member Medical Fee Advisory Board, IWCC

THE ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION
Amy Masters, Secretary
Nancy Lindsay, Commissioner
Stephen Mathis, Arbitrator
David Kane, Arbitrator

GOVERNOR’S WORKERS’ COMP ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Mark Flannery, Workers’ Compensation Director, CATERPILLAR INC.
David Buckman, Risk Management, CORE CONSTRUCTION
David B. Menchetti, Esq., Partner, CULLEN, HASKINS, NICHOLSON & MENCHETTI, P.C.

PROGRAM CHAIRS
Jay Dee Shattuck, CAE, President
SHATTUCK & ASSOCIATES CONSULTING, INC.

Christopher Gibbons, Esq.
Shareholder, NYHAN, PFISTER, BAMBRICK, KINZIE & LOWRY, P.C.
Executive Secretary, ILLINOIS SELF-INSURERS ASSOCIATION

Bridget Neuson, RN, Esq., Shareholder
NEUSON & CRONIN, P.C.

This year’s event will feature panel discussions and case study presentations from leading Illinois employers who will share their industry expertise, including proven strategies and practical cost-containment solutions. The speaking faculty has over 35 presenters, including United Airlines, Hyatt Corporation, McDonald's Corporation, Caterpillar Inc., Wal-Mart, Exelon Corporation, Core Construction, National Manufacturing Company, A Division of Stanley Works, and University of Chicago Hospitals.

Workers’ compensation attorneys will provide important case law and compliance updates with important information on how to avoid liability risks. Legal topics include recent trends in Illinois case law, demystifying complex compensability issues, how HR can have a significant impact on reducing liability risks, handling preexisting injuries, repeat claimants, and other causation issues.

Top medical experts from across the state will present best practices for the medical management of workers’ compensation claims. The program agenda includes sessions addressing medical causation issues, diagnosis, treatment options, chronic pain, modified duty, and more.

The Illinois Workers’ Comp Forum features leading service providers and offers multiple opportunities to network and exchange ideas with industry practitioners and leaders during networking lunches and casino night.

For more information, visit www.ilwcforum.com.

For over 35 years, Council has provided high-quality workers' compensation, employment law, and HR training to human resource and other business professionals across the U.S. Over one million delegates have attended our programs to date! Our events provide innovative solutions to the workplace challenges you face every day.

Media Contact:
Mike Fitton
Phone: 704-561-0255

Program Director:
Sam Norton, JD
Phone: 704-258-8912

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

Source: PRWeb: Legal / Law