Thursday, May 28 — 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Crystal A
Speakers:
Tina Maria Rago, WCJ, WCOA, Springfield
Jaclyn Day, Esq., WCJ, WCOA, Harrisburg
Frank Comparato III, SCLA CRIS, Eastern Alliance, Lancaster
David Greene, Esq., Weber Gallagher, Philadelphia
Caroline Gentilcore, Esq., Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, Wilkes-Barre
Abigail Gross, Esq., Gross Law, Allentown
During this lively session, panelists will take on the roles of actual parties to a workers’ compensation claim. The “parties” will lead you through a claim, from the date of injury through litigation. This year’s fact pattern will focus on the issue of multiple jurisdictions.
Thursday, May 28 — 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Crystal A
Speakers:
Tina Maria Rago, WCJ, WCOA, Springfield
Jaclyn Day, Esq., WCJ, WCOA, Harrisburg
Frank Comparato III, SCLA CRIS, Eastern Alliance, Lancaster
Abigail Gross, Esq., Gross Law, Allentown
David Greene, Esq., Weber Gallagher, Philadelphia
Caroline Gentilcore, Esq., Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, Wilkes-Barre
During this lively session, panelists will take on the roles of actual parties to a workers’ compensation claim. The “parties” will lead you through a claim, from the date of injury through litigation. This year’s fact pattern will focus on the issue of multiple jurisdictions.
Thursday, May 28 - 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p. m.
Level: Advanced
Location: Wild Rose Room
Speakers:
John Cattie, Esq., Cattie & Gonzalez, PLLC, Charlotte NC
Jeffrey Gross, Esq., Gross & Kenny, Philadelphia
Christopher DiMeo, Esq., Carpenter McCadden & Lane, Media
For years, set-asides were the only Medicare concerns for the workers’ compensation world. In 2026, the world is very different. While set-asides (or MSAs) remain a concern, parties resolving workers’ compensation claims need to also worry about what information is getting reported to Medicare as well as whether Medicare has made any conditional payments from the date of loss to the date of settlement/judgment/award. To explain this rapidly evolving world of Medicare and how it relates to workers’ compensation, join Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) lawyer John Cattie and Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys Jeffrey Gross and Christopher DiMeo for a comprehensive discussion of what Medicare obligations arise when, who should be responsible to address those obligations, and what best practices should be employed in order to mitigate exposure to Medicare under the MSP Act and other laws and regulations.
Friday, May 29 – 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Wild Rose
Speakers:
Gerald Mullery, BWC, Harrisburg
Lindsay Gilmartin, RN, SWIF, Scranton
Jenna King Esq., Martin Law, Philadelphia
Kimberly Jetty, Senior Claims Counsel, Law Offices of Carol Cingranelli, Blue Bell
Jared Cunningham, MSIS, Hoover Rehabilitation Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Samantha Starr, MOT, OTR/L, CPC, LCP-C, MISCC, Hoover Rehabilitation Services Inc., Mechanicsburg
Lisa Moran, SWIF, Scranton
A Practical and accessible overview of what ancillary and unique medical treatment is and is not covered under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law. Featuring a diverse panel to discuss how treatment decisions are made, common areas of dispute, and the guidelines that shape authorization and reimbursement.
Thursday, May 28 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Magnolia Room
Speakers:
Holly San Angelo, WCJ, WCOA Director, Harrisburg
Leah Lewis, WCJ, WCOA, Harrisburg
Jeffrey Seyfried Esq., Weber Gallagher, Harrisburg
Ted Fricker, Program Manager, PMA Management Corp., Blue Bell
Maura Mundy, Commissioner, WCAB, Harrisburg
This give-and-take session will give you the opportunity to participate in an open discussion of “hot” claims issues. *Panelists will not discuss past or pending cases.
Thursday, May 28 — 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Todd Seelig, Esq., WCJ, WCOA, Philadelphia
Workers’ Compensation Judge Manager Seelig provides a basic overview of workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania, including a discussion on its history, basic entitlements, wage loss, course of employment, and disability/partial disability.
Thursday, May 28 — 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Robert O’Donnell, WCJ, WCOA, Lancaster
Alexis Berg-Townsend Esq., Partner, Cohen Feeley Altmose & Rambo, Whitehall
Joseph Romano Esq., Burns White LLC, Pittsburgh
This detailed discussion will follow the flow of the claim process from the moment of injury until the final adjudication. Speakers will address frequently asked questions about the workers’ compensation law and will give basic information about what the law is and what it does.
Friday, May 29- 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Cathleen Sabatino, WCJ, WCOA, Allentown
Ryan Tilley Esq., Pond Lehocky Giordano, Philadelphia
Heather Zambelli Esq., Partner, Cipriani & Werner, Pittsburgh
David Nottoli, President, Merge Investigations, Lancaster
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the role of surveillance in workers’ compensation claims – how it is used, when it is permissible, and the legal and ethical constraints that govern it. The panel will discuss new and developing technologies.
Friday, May 30 — 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Level: General
Location: Wild Rose Room
The mission of Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (KCPA) is to provide scholarship grants for college and vocational education to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident resulting in financial need. For the 2024-2025 school year, KCPA has awarded $195,000 to 39 deserving students. Additionally, since 1997 we have awarded over 1,100 scholarships totaling more than $3 million. Join Rob Alcock, KCPA President, and some additional Board of Directors members to learn more about the organization, how you can get involved with some of our events, and how you can help spread our mission to reach more students in need of our scholarship.
Friday, May 29- 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Crystal A Room
Speakers:
Marianne Saylor, Esq., BWC Director, Harrisburg
Vito DeLuca Esq., Chief AI Officer, DeLuca Law Offices, Kingston
Gabe Grab, Analytics Leader, Deloitte, Harrisburg
Christopher Bauer, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, DeSales University, Center Valley
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way organizations can deliver services. During this session, we will explore emerging AI trends along with policies and considerations for organizations using AI. This includes managing data and ethical concerns. Participants will gain practical strategies for selecting AI tools, avoiding common pitfalls like bias and “hallucinated” results and managing oversight to ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces professional judgement. Whether you are an employer looking to reduce costs and improve safety or an adjuster or attorney seeing to manage caseloads more efficiently, this session will provide actionable insights and a roadmap for responsible AI adoption.
Friday, May 29 — 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
John McTiernan, WCJ, WCOA, Brookville
Marla Joseph, Esq., Law Offices of Marla A Joseph, Jenkintown
Christopher DiMeo, Esq., Carpenter McCadden & Lane, Media
Edward Carpenter, Esq., Carpenter McCadden & Lane, Media,
Test your workers’ compensation knowledge. This fun & informative session takes the attendees through the nuances of workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania.
Thursday, May 28 — 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Crystal A Room
Speakers:
Gregory Fox, Associate General Counsel, J.P. Mascaro & Sons, Audubon
Twyla Jones, BWC Health & Safety Division, Harrisburg
Brett Thorius, Certified Safety Manager, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc, Strasburg
Ed Klock, Director of Safety and HR, Zartman Construction Inc., Northumberland
Scott Shimandle, Compliance Assistance Specialist, OSHA, Schnecksville
Behavior-Based Safety is not just a program. It is a mindset. By examining workplace behaviors, this session addresses how employers can foster a culture where safety is not enforced, but embraced. Attendees will learn how to identify high-risk behaviors, implement effective observation and feedback systems, and use data to drive continuous improvement. This presentation offers practical tools and insights to make behavior your most powerful safety asset.
Friday, May 29 – 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Magnolia Room
Speakers:
Tom Cleary, PCRB, Philadelphia
Kevin Chambers, Harrisburg Area Director, OSHA, Mt. Joy
Brent Otto, FCAS, MAAA, PCRB, Philadelphia
Twyla Jones, BWC Health and Safety Division, Harrisburg
The session will feature claims trends from our PCRB research, OSHA’s evolving approach to heat-related workplace standards, and insights from a safety manager or industrial hygienist on how employers are adapting in the field.
Thursday, May 28 — 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Crystal A Room
Speakers:
Gregory Fischer, Esq., Partner, Summers McDonell, Pittsburgh
Tracy Long, Bellefonte Area SD, Bellefonte
Angie Havice, PHR, SHRM-CP, Brubaker Inc., Lancaster
Tom Stenulis, EHS & Q Nabager, Stenergy Inc., Topton
These experienced employers will address evolving challenges and topics such as workforce education, pre-injury, post-injury medical care and the claims management process. The panel will discuss coordination between the adjuster, employer, medical providers, and counsel to support a successful modified duty and return to work program.
Friday, May 29 – 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Level: Basic
Location: Crystal A Room
Speakers:
Tracy Long, Bellefonte Area SD, Bellefonte
Diane Hovan, AIC, Corvel Corporation, Lancaster
Mallory Maxwell Esq., Bernard Stuczynski Barnett & Lager, Erie
Gregory Fischer Esq., Summers McDonnell, Pittsburgh
Essential steps for timely reporting, documentation, and follow-up to ensure safety, compliance, and effective claims management.
Friday, May 29 – 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Level: Advanced
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Robert Baker Esq., The Chartwell Law Offices LLP, Camp Hill
Michael McGurrin Esq., BS, JD, Galfand Berger LLP, Philadelphia
This session will address proper and effective administration of a workers’ compensation claim in the context of issues raised by the ADA, FMLA, COBRA, RTW, the Unemployment Compensation Law and privacy issues.
Thursday, May 28 – 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Cody McGraw, MS, MHA, CDMS, CCM, Chewy, Wilkes-Barre
Jenifer Kaufman Esq., Kaufman Workers’ Compensation Law, Abington
Neil Dombrowski Esq., Dombrowski Group, Paoli
Charles Scott, Esq., Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti P.C. Feasterville-Trevose
The Q&A session will tackle real-world questions on how medical marijuana and other drugs impact workers’ compensation claims and other regulations, from compliance concerns to policy enforcement. Attendees will gain clarity on legal obligations, practical strategies, and emerging trends to prepare for the future.
Thursday, May 28 — 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Magnolia Room
Moderated by:
Cody McGraw, MS, MHA, CDMS, CCM, Chewy, Wilkes-Barre
Gregory Fox, Associate General Counsel, J.P. Mascaro & Sons, Audubon
Gregory J. Fischer, Esq., Partner, Summers McDonnell, Pittsburgh
Michael V. Quatrini, Esq., Quatrini Law Group, Greensburg
In this session, the panel will present collaborative strategies and insights to facilitate the workers’ compensation claim process and avoid adversarial outcomes.
Thursday, May 28 — 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Magnolia Room
Speakers:
Norm Dastur, Esq., Carpenter McCadden & Lane, Wexford
Carl Bienais, WCJ, WCOA, Williamsport
Audrey Beach, WCJ, WCOA, Philadelphia
Cynthia Baker, WCJ, WCOA, Washington
Joseph DeRita, WCJ, WCOA, Malvern
Listen and learn as four (4) Workers’ Compensation Judges from each district offer their perspectives on best practices during litigation
Thursday, May 28 — 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. [Repeated Friday, May 29 – 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.]
Level: Intermediate
Location: Thursday - Magnolia; Friday - Wild Rose
Speakers:
Barbara L. Hollenbach, Esq., Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, Allentown
Barbara E. Holmes, Esq., Blaufield, Schiller & Holmes, Pittsburgh
Lawrence Beck, WCJ, WCOA, Philadelphia
Hendrick Penn IV, Esq., Weber Gallagher, Pittsburgh
An annual favorite, join this discussion of the leading cases and current, potentially problematic issues facing workers’ compensation practitioners.
Thursday, May 28 — 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Wild Rose Room
Speakers:
Kelli Chapman, CPCU, Eastern Alliance, Lancaster
Andy Greenberg Esq., Chartwell Law, King of Prussia
Daniel Linn Esq., Aversa & Linn, Philadelphia
A history of statutory law within the PA Supreme Court over the last 10 years and more. This will be demonstrated by legal precedent, reducing the application, and the exclusive remedy provision under the Workers’ Comp Act. A review of the recent Yoder vs McCarthy Construction ruling will also be included in the discussion.
Thursday, May 29 — 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Level: Advanced
Location: Wild Rose Room
Speakers:
Bill Dempsey, MBA, Northeast Rehab, Scranton
Christopher Connor, DO, Northeast Rehab, Wilkes-Barre
Allister Williams, MD, Mountain Valley Orthopedics, Broadheadsville
Lower spine injuries remain the leading cause of lost workdays and escalating claim costs in the workers’ compensation system. This session provides a comprehensive look at the anatomy of the lumbar spine, common mechanisms of injury, and the latest evidence-based treatment protocol. Join our panel of experts as they discuss the implications of these advancements and how they are reshaping the future of injured workers’ recovery.
Thursday, May 28 — 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Level: Intermediate
Location: Empire Room
Speakers:
Ann Marie Loiseau, DNP, MS, RN, CSN, CCM, DeSales University, Center Valley
Gillian Beauchamp, MD, FASAM, FACEP, FACMT, LVHN, Allentown
Rob Guillory, MSN, RN, CEAP, SAP, OHC, MossRehab, Willow Grove
Jenifer Kaufman, Esq., Kaufman Workers’ Compensation Law, Abington
As medical and recreational cannabis use increases- and new substances enter the market- employers must make complex decisions about workplace safety, compliance, and testing practices. This session brings together experts in toxicology, drug testing, and employment law to demystify what current testing methods can (and cannot) tell you. Participants will learn the differences among test methods, understand the scientific limitations of THC screening, and explore the legal landscape surrounding DOT versus not-DOT testing. The panel will also outline the critical role of reasonable-suspicion assessments and the importance of clear, consistent workplace policies
Thursday, May 28 — 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Level: Advanced
Location: Wild Rose Room
Speakers:
Joe Huttemann, Esq., Martin Law, Philadelphia
John Kline, MD, Northeast Rehab, Wilkes-Barre
Jon Meyers Esq., Hill Wallack LLP, Yardley
Tatiana Martinez, JBS Foods, Souderton
Panelists will discuss the nuances in determining what is work-related vs. degenerative injury with repetitive trauma claims.