The IAIABC and SIGFA is pleased to announce a formal partnership to improve sharing of information and knowledge between U.S. guaranty funds and workers' compensation regulators.

Effective January 1, 2012, the IAIABC welcomed Jennifer Wolf Horejsh, former IAIABC Assistant Director, as its new Executive Director.

The IAIABC welcomes a new Executive Committee member, Pamela Cohen.

Employers are finding it more difficult to bring injured workers back to work on modified, light or transitional duty due to the poor economy, according to a new WCRI report.

Sharon Marion, of CS Stars and a former IAIABC EDI Systems Committee Chair, lost her long-time battle with cancer on November 25, 2011.

The IAIABC is strengthening its intellectual property management program, providing increased protection to the Association's copyrighted documents and products.

Are smoke-free workplaces healthier for employees? The answer is...

It grieves his many friends at the IAIABC to learn that Ron Harris, retired Administrative Law Judge with the Missouri DWC and an active participant in IAIABC activities over the years passed away November 2.

On November 18, the IAIABC will be testifying before the U.S. National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics regarding the mandate for HHS to study the inclusion of work comp in administration simplification requirements.

On November 2, the IAIABC and ACOEM hosted a webinar to provide strategies and programs on how regulatory agencies can address the growing epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse in work comp cases. IAIABC and ACOEM members can download the presentations for free!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released a report on workplace injury and illness rates in 2010, showing a decline in overall incidence rates over 2009.

The IAIABC and ACOEM have sent a joint letter to all U.S. jurisdictional workers' compensation agencies about the prescription drug epidemic and ways the workers' compensation community can respond.

The conversion to ICD-10 diagnosis codes is coming soon, but many workers' compensation agencies are not paying attention. The transition will affect things such as provider billing and CMS reporting - can your agency afford the consequences of not converting?

At its 97th Annual Convention, a new Executive Committee and President were elected for the IAIABC.

A challenging question was asked of four workers' compensation, labor, and economic experts at the IAIABC Annual Convention: what does the big picture look like for workers' compensation in the next 100 years? 

With Gregory Krohm retiring as Executive Director at the end of 2011, the IAIABC Executive Committee has announced its selection for his replacement. 

In a fitting conclusion to the Annual Convention, IAIABC President Alan McClain conferred awards on seven individuals and organizations who have shown incredible dedication to service to the IAIABC and the greater workers' compensation community. 

Cooperation between labor and management on workers' compensation has been a stalwart to the system in many jurisdictions over the last 100 years. But has it been completely eroded in recent years?

(August 22 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin) One hundred years ago, Wisconsin made history by enacting the first constitutionally valid worker's compensation law. Worker's comp was one of many innovative laws pioneered for the country by Wisconsin's Progressive movement.

Workers’ compensation professionals will have a special opportunity to learn from industry leaders at the upcoming IAIABC Annual Convention on August 23-25, 2011, in Madison, Wisconsin. One conference highlight will be the panel discussion sponsored by the Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc.

On May 3, 1911, Wisconsin became the first state to enact a workers' compensation law. How did this come about? The IAIABC answers this question with a special dramatization of the compromise on August 24 at the Annual Convention. 

 The safety net that is workers' compensation has been supporting workers and employers for 100 years. 

After 100 years of workers' compensation in Wisconsin, there continues to be a legacy of cooperation between labor and management in the state. 

An updated draft of the IAIABC Workers' Compensation Electronic Medical Billing Model Rule is now available for review and comment (member login required). 

Opioid overdoses led to more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined in 2007, and the prevalence of narcotics abuse in workers' compensation cases continues to skyrocket. Why are so few organizations addressing this issue?

The IAIABC is calling for nominations for its 2011-2012 Executive Committee. The Executive Committee defines policy, advocates on behalf of the membership, and oversees the financial performance of the Association.

Workers' compensation experts John Burton, Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University, and Gregory Krohm, Executive Director, IAIABC, will debate the current state of the U.S. workers' compensation system at the IAIABC 97th Annual Convention.

In May 2011, Professor John Burton released Issue Two of the Workers' Compensation Resources Research Report (WCRRR). This report examines the employers' cost of workers' compensation from 1986 - 2010.

The IAIABC is proud to announce a formal partnership with NIOSH with the aim of working collaboratively to promote safer workplaces through information-sharing and joint projects.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has abolished the state's Workers' Compensation Appellate Commission, transferring responsibilities to a new Compensation Appellate Commission, which will consider appeals for both workers' compensation and unemployment.

Wisconsin became the first state in the U.S. to enact a constitutional workers' compensation law on May 3, 1911.

The IAIABC E-vent, "Strategies to Effectively Regulate Group Self Insurance," addressed strategic and proactive regulation of groups to avoid failures and excessive system costs. The E-vent is highlighted in a news story on www.workcompcentral.com.

IAIABC to publish "Workers' Compensation Centennial Commemorative Volume: Reflections on the History and Development of Workers' Compensation in the United States" in honor of 100 years of workers' compensation in 2011.

The IAIABC CMS Task Force recently sent a letter to CMS regarding four technical issues that continue to challenge workers' compensation Responsible Reporting Entities.

The IAIABC and AMA have recently partnered together to promote the IAIABC Workers' Compensation Electronic Medical Billing Model Rule to workers’ compensation jurisdictions, providers, and payers throughout the U.S.

In commemoration of 100 years of workers' compensation law in the United States, the IAIABC introduces 100 Reflections: Moving Workers' Compensation Forward. Beginning April 6, 2011, for each work day leading up to the IAIABC 97th Annual Convention, 100 reflections will be shared on the development, advancement, and relevance of workers' compensation in today's global economy. Visit www.iaiabc.wordpress.com to read each reflection.

Bickmore Risk Services has hired former Director of CA Department of Industrial Relations to help lead national regulatory consulting practice

The recent publication on prescribing patterns of Schedule II opioids from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute has created a stir well beyond the workers’ compensation community.

Providing more active support for return to work programs is in the best interest of workers' compensation systems, but many obstacles still exist that can curb the implementation of these programs. What can jurisdictions do to get past these obstacles?

The Triangle Factory Fire occurred 100 years ago on March 25. The impacts of the tragedy are still seen and felt today.

At the IAIABC 97th Annual Convention, August 22-25, in Madison, Wis., USA, the Workers' Compensation Centennial Commission will host a day-long program to examine the past, present, and future of workers' compensation through re-enactment, debate, and dialogue.

The CWCI study, "Prescribing Patterns for Schedule II Opioids in Calif. WC" finds that a relatively small percentage of medical providers are responsible for the majority of Schedule II opioid prescriptions in CA. Alex Swedlow, an author on the study, will speak about the study at The Forum's seminar "Ending the Inappropriate Use of Narcotics in Workers' Compensation" on March 15.

The IAIABC Fall 2010 Journal includes articles on when injured workers don't claim; functional capacity evaluation; duration disability guidelines; and public administration of workers' compensation. View the complete list of articles, download individual articles (members receive free access), or purchase the IAIABC Journal in its entirety here.

An NCCI research brief, "The Relationship Between Medical Utilization and Indemnity Claim Severity," includes findings on utilization as a driver of severity, impact of changes in diagnosis, and medical treatments per claim and duration.

IAIABC EDI licensing initially originated from a committee that was studying ways to create a broader and more equitable funding source for the growing outreach activities of the IAIABC EDI program. So far, the program has been met with positive reactions from the industry.

Three special seminars at The Forum will address three major challenges in workers' compensation, all with costly implications to the system: overuse and abuse of narcotics, return to work, and group self insurance.

Gregory Krohm, IAIABC Executive Director, has been recognized as a "Workers' Compensation Notable People 2010" by LexisNexis.

With medical cost containment a major concern for the workers' compensation community, it is critical to discuss medical fee schedules and their role in the cost containment process. Participate in the IAIABC E-vent: A Jurisdictional Guide to Medical Fee Schedules to learn strategies for administering and regulating medical fee schedules.

To clarify a message in the IAIABC Ennouncements on February 3, only the EDI Council will be electing a new chair and vice chair at The Forum in March 2011. EDI Committee leadership positions will be elected in 2012. We apologize for the error.

Join your peers for discussion and presentations on today's most challenging and pressing workers' compensation issues at The Forum 2011, March 14-18, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

In the IAIABC email sent on Tuesday, January 19, Learn About Effective Medical Fee Schedules in Two-Part E-vent Series, the "Register Now" link was incorrect. Registration can be found here. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The IAIABC is pleased to support the Musculoskeletal Disorders and Chronic Pain Conference in Los Angeles, California on February 10-12, 2011.

EK Health has published legislative updates for 2010, documenting workers' compensation legislation enacted in the U.S. over the last year.

Do you know how healthcare reform could impact workers' compensation? Find out some of the changes you should be aware of in Greg Krohm's research brief, "Update on the Implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for Workers' Compensation," published December 9, 2010.

On October 1, 2013, providers and payers will be required to use ICD-10-CM for diagnosis coding for HIPAA-covered transactions, and while workers' compensation is exempt from HIPAA, this will still have an impact on jurisdictions.

The U.S. House of Representatives heard testimony on November 16 on developments in state workers' compensation systems.

The IAIABC announces an exciting new format and brand for the All Committee Conference. The newly developed meeting will be called "The Forum: Dialogue to Improve Workers' Compensation." The Forum 2011 is scheduled for March 14-18 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The IAIABC has announced a task force to help workers' compensation stakeholders prepare for the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10.

IFDM 2010 keynote speaker Dame Carol Black, National Director for Work and Health in the United Kingdom, discussed her report Working for a Healthier Tomorrow which is leading to new, innovative approaches to return to work and proactive rehabilitation of injured workers.  

Emerging issues in workers' compensation claims and benefit costs were presented to attendees at the Annual Convention 2010 - find out more about these emerging issues to help your organization prepare and respond.

NCCI recently released a research brief on the decline of claim frequency for workers' compensation in 2009.

The IAIABC/WCRI joint survey, Workers' Compensation Laws, 3rd Edition, has been published and is available for IAIABC member download.

ACOEM and IAIABC have jointly published "The Guide to High-Value Physician Services in Workers' Compensation" as a resource to help identify the best available physicians to provide care for people who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses.

As the German Social Accident Insurance celebrates 125 years of the German statutory accident insurance system this year, the IAIABC congratulates them for their progressive leadership in providing insurance for injured workers.

On September 23, 2010, the IAIABC membership elected its 2010-2011 Executive Committee and new President, Alan McClain, CEO of the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission.

In her last official duty as IAIABC President, Frances Huntley-Cooper, Wisconsin Division of Worker's Compensation, recognized seven individuals and organizations at the IAIABC Annual Convention for their leadership in 2010.  

The International Executives Forum, held on September 22 in conjunction with the IFDM 2010 and IAIABC Annual Convention 2010, gave executives of regulatory agencies an opportunity to dialogue on workers' compensation issues that transcend jurisdictional borders.

The CMS Task Force has planned an informative and insightful meeting on Wednesday, September 22 at the Annual Convention - learn more about the agenda here!

The IAIABC mourns the passing of Bruno Czyrka, former Deputy Director of the Michigan Workers' Compensation Agency.

The Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims is hosting a "Stakeholders' Meeting" to discuss EDI Claims Release 3 documentation and questions on Tuesday, October 5.

Author of the IAIABC Spring 2010 Journal article, Why is the International Forum on Disability Management Important to Your Organization?, Robert Aurbach addresses the many benefits to exploring disability management as a major program and initiative of a workers' compensation system.

Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work in Great Britain, is on the IFDM 2010 program to share her experiences as the director of the British government review, Working for a Healthier Tomorrow.

Greg Krohm as written a brief on pharmaceutical fee schedules for workers' compensation and how states will get information on average wholesale price once publication of these values ceases in 2011.

The IAIABC invites you to attend the IFDM 2010, September 20-22, and IAIABC Annual Convention, September 20-23, in beautiful Los Angeles, CA. Learn about things to do in the city during breaks in the conferences.

The IAIABC has changed the delivery format of the IAIABC Journal. The new format will be a more efficient method of providing a valuable member service.

The IAIABC has a new member of the Executive Committee, Christopher Godfrey, Commissioner of the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation.

The IAIABC and ACOEM have partnered together to promote better outcomes for workers through raising awareness of workers' compensation issues that are diminishing the quality of medical care and negatively impacting employers.

MADISON, Wis. (June 8, 2010) -- Under the theme “Let’s Make History Again!” a new organization has been launched to celebrate the centennial of U.S. state workers’ compensation systems in 2011.

The May 5, 2010 edition of the Federal Register included a notice from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about upcoming stakeholder meetings and issued a request for public comment regarding the modernization of the OSHA Injury and Illness Data Collection Process.

The Associate Member Forum conference call on June 4 has been CANCELLED. We apologize for any inconvenience. We look forward to speaking with you on Friday, July 9. Please contact Heather Lore at hlore@iaiabc.org with any questions.

The IAIABC Annual Convention 2010 will highlight effective models and promote system efficiencies for workers' compensation agencies and private industry stakeholders.

Safe Work Australia has released its biennial report, Occupational Disease Indicators, providing data and analysis to "inform the development of work health and safety policies."

MADISON, Wis. ( May 4, 2010 ) -- Two governors who led Wisconsin for a combined total of nearly 22 years will serve as honorary commissioners for a national workers’ compensation centennial organization in 2011.

A number of states have made updates to policies on 3A/3C workers' compensation coverage requirement. Massachusetts provides an overview of the policy update there and what it means.

The IAIABC's new brand is being integrated into IAIABC materials and messages, promoting connectivity and progress for workers' compensation stakeholders throughout the world.

The International Labor Organization has published an updated amendment to the Recommendation concerning the List of Occupational Diseases and Recording and Notification of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (No. 194).

The 11th edition of the Comparative Performance Modeling report for Australia and New Zealand has been released; the report gauges success of different approaches to reduce the incidence of work-related injury and disease.

Over 4,700 workers' compensation stakeholders have joined the Work Comp Analysis Group on LinkedIn to engage in enlightening discussion and information-sharing.

Almost every administrator in the U.S. is concerned about rising costs of medical care in workers’ compensation. To combat this issue, many states have implemented fee schedules to guide provider reimbursement.

Join the IAIABC committees at the 2010 All Committee Conference for discussion of major issues of today and tomorrow and invaluable peer-to-peer networking.

The IFDM 2010 program has been released. Practical insights and progressive ideas on disability management and return to work will be shared - see the program now and register early!

Through an agreement with ACORD, the IAIABC will offer the XML standard format as an alternative to the IAIABC flat file format.

Greg Krohm, Executive Director of the IAIABC, writes an opinion piece on how new health care legislation may affect workers' compensation in the U.S.

Electronic medical billing is becoming a technological force in workers' compensation, and all major stakeholders should be aware of what's happening and how it may impact system administration and business.

New legislation has been proposed in the U.S. House to improve the Medicare set-asides settlement process

Nanotechnology risks are being incurred by workers' compensation systems, but research on the impacts of these risks cannot yet be adequately quantified.

Dwight Lovan, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims, has joined the IAIABC Executive Committee as an at-large member.

Reports on musculoskeletal injuries in workers' compensation point to the importance of understanding what's appropriate and inappropriate in treating these injuries.

Michael Coupland reviews evidence of positive outcomes using cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of occupational injuries in his IAIABC Journal article, "CBT for Pain Management."

IAIABC Associate Members are encouraged to participate in the Associate Members Forum to share and discuss issues and challenges impacting workers' compensation in the private sector.

Stay-at-work and return-to-work program success depends largely on effective communication between claims professionals and medical practioners. Learn more at the Disability Management Colloquium.

Seven new members have joined the IAIABC since December 2009. Welcome to the IAIABC community!

Electronic medical bill payment standard takes step forward with budding IAIABC and ASC X12 partnership

Attend the IAIABC E-vent: Federal Healthcare Reform: What it Means for Workers' Compensation in the U.S. to learn about if and how changes to healthcare will impact your workers' compensation system.

Dr. Jennifer Christian discusses the foundation and work of The 60 Summits Project in her Fall 2009 Journal article, The 60 Summits Project: A Grass Roots Initiative to Prevent Needless Work Disability by Helping People Stay Employed -- in the Real World.

Jim Elledge and Mark Priven of Bickmore Risk Services discuss the importance of accurate knowledge in self insurer's claims liabilities in their article, "Claims Liabilities and Liability Reporting" in the IAIABC Fall 2009 Journal.

The purpose of the NIOSH report, "Gentics in the Workplace," is to bring together the diverse literature and opinions on genetics in the workplace, to highlight important issues, and to provide some considerations for current and future practice. Occupational safety and health professionals and practitioners may have particular interest in this report as the understanding of gene-environment interactions at the mechanistic and population levels may result in improved prevention and control strategies.

With healthcare reform inevitably coming to the U.S., it is important to understand what impacts these reforms will have on workers' compensation.

In October 2009, IAIABC members provided feedback on some of the most important topics and challenges to them as they head into 2010.

Dr. Pamela Warren, in the article, “Behavioral Health Concerns as a Causation Issue in Workers’ Compensation and Disability Claims,” provides important insight on evaluating mental concerns, as opposed to psychosocial issues, as a genuine cause in a workers’ compensation or disability claim.

The IAIABC CMS Task Force has published, A White Paper on Section 111 CMS Reporting Peculiar to Workers' Compensation, and submitted it to CMS to respond to questions, identify issues, and propose remedies regarding new reporting requirements.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its 2008 Workplace Injury and Illness Summary, reporting on incidence rates and number of cases and comparing public versus private sector data.

The U.S. Department of Labor Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2008, gives findings on occupational injuries for various sectors and types of incidents.

Jurisdictional administrators may be asking themselves, "What role can my workers' compensation agency play in disability management?" A session at the IAIABC Annual Convention began to answer that question.

The 2009 IAIABC President's Awards were given to eight individuals and organizations who displayed extraordinary efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of workers' compensation systems throughout the world.

The IAIABC Annual Convention and Medical Institute, Sept. 21-24, 2009, received many accolades for successfully addressing issues of practical and immediate importance to workers' compensation agencies and industry professionals.

Every year, the IAIABC recognizes committee leaders and members for outstanding dedication and commitment to furthering the mission and vision of the Association. At its Annual Convention and Medical Institute Annual Banquet on September 24, 2009, four committee members and leaders were conferred awards for their efforts.

After four days of educational sessions, lively committee meetings, and elegant social gatherings, the IAIABC 95^th Annual Convention and Medical Institute concluded on September 24, 2009 with the IAIABC Annual Business Meeting. During the meeting, the IAIABC membership unanimously elected a distinguished group of individuals to serve as the IAIABC's 2009-2010 Executive Committee. 

IARC, the French-based expert organization on carcinogens, declared shift work that interferes with carcadian rhythms as a probable human carcinogen in their report released in December 2007. Since then, Denmark as accepted workers' compensaton claims for breast cancer.

As the U.S. discussion on health care reform continues, workers' compensation administrators and other stakeholders need to know how reforms might impact their laws and regulations.

Now it is easier for IAIABC members to find out how to get involved in IAIABC activities through the new 'Get Involved' section of the IAIABC website! Develop your position, build your career, and help your organization by getting involved today!

IAIABC Past President Dan Sumner has been honored with the creation of the Daniel Y. Sumner Fellowship in Law and Public Policy at the Florida Department of Financial Services.

(August 20, 2009 -- OAKLAND, CA) The IFDM 2010 hosts are excited to announce the release of the IFDM 2010 Call for Papers and invites submissions from the health, safety and workers’ compensation communities.

Workers' compensation judicial systems are becoming highly technologically advanced through a variety of programs and initiatives, decreasing innefficiencies and reducing system costs.

Based on recommendations made in the NAIC/IAIABC 2008 Independent Contractor white paper, NCOIL is currently developing a model law to address the regulation of independent contractors.

The IAIABC has resources available to help you address the issue of defining and regulating independent contractors.

The IAIABC welcomes 11 new members since January 2009!

(July 7, 2009 – Madison, WI) The IAIABC is soliciting nominations for its 2009 – 2010 Executive Committee. The Executive Committee defines policy, advocates on behalf of the membership, and oversees the financial performance of the Association.

Montana employers, employees, providers and other stakeholders have taken a new approach to eliminating injury, illness and death in the workplace.

The Idaho Industrial Commission has appointed a new commissioner, Thomas Baskin. Mr. Baskin fills the role of the attorney representative for the Commission.

Illinois has shutdown its first ever company for not holding workers' compensation insurance.

Update on the status of General Motors' bankruptcy petition, including issues regarding workers' compensation benefit coverage.

Research and assessments into the health and safety implications of nanotechnology are increasing; take a look at some of the resources available that are addressing these issues.

Learn more about how aging America will impact workers' compensation through an asbtract on Tom Lynch's IAIABC Spring 2009 Journal article.

The IAIABC would like to welcome new Jurisdictional Administrators and Commissioners from Idaho, North Dakota, South Carolina and Washington!

The IAIABC would like to clarify that it is not affiliated with OnBase, A Hyland Software Solution, or AMS Imaging. 

More than 375 delegates from over 30 countries came to Los Angeles, CA, September 20-22 for the IFDM 2010 for in-depth dialogue on disability management and return to programs and how they can be utilized to reduce and minimize the impact of injury and illness.