1. Discuss the current issues facing the Illinois Workers’ Compensation System in light of the newly legislated Reform and the implementation of HB 1698.

2. Provide an interactive forum that allows leading workers’ compensation experts to discuss the challenges associated with workers’ compensation claims management, as well as engage in debate on the impact of HB 1698 from each stakeholder’s perspective.

3. Educate attendees, from an insider’s perspective, on the Menard Correctional Center scandal that resulted in widespread public policy and reform changes.

4. Provide attendees with a synopsis of the changes and ramifications pertaining to the treatment of injured workers embodied by HB 1698.

5. Provide a forum for the attendees to discuss the meaning of a preferred provider network of medical professionals for treatment of work related injuries. Discuss all the parameters and opinions regarding whether this option will actually control the course and cost of treatment for the injured worker.

6. Discuss potential strategies and solutions to enhance the reality of the cost savings promised in HB 1698.

7. Explore the impact of the 30 % reduction in the new workers’ compensation fee schedule and limiting of Geo-Zips to four, as opposed to 29, and how this dramatic change in medical charge reimbursement will affect medical providers across the State.

8. Evaluate the perceived effect of Utilization Review (UR), when it will be used and what its ultimate relevance will be.

9. Educate attendees on why employee intoxication by alcohol, illicit drugs or controlled substances creates a new statutory defense with presumptions and mandates associated with testing procedures.

10. Explore the impact of arbitrator termination, mandated by HB 1698, and how the Governor will be appointing new arbitrators and commissioners. Will this change positively affect the management of workers’ compensation claims?

11. Explore best practices for both workplace injury prevention and safety and how employers can achieve optimal cost savings by avoiding work injuries in the first place through the implementation of a proactive stance.

12. Educate attendees on the use of AMA Guidelines for permanent impairment rating and potential acceptance by IWCC arbitrators for PPD awards.

13. Provide a brief update on the changes in workers’ compensation fraud prosecution and its effect on preventing fraud claims.