Sometimes a simple question can turn into an important and thought-provoking conversation. Alan McClain, CEO of the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission, sparked a dynamic panel discussion at the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) 95th Annual Convention and Medical Institute with the simple question “What role can a workers’ compensation administrative agency play in disability management?” Agency executives Christine Baker (California), Peter Federko (Saskatchewan), and Jerry Keck (Montana) along with 60 Summits Project founder, Dr. Jennifer Christian, provided some interesting responses to Mr. McClain’s question.

Mr. McClain kicked off the panel discussion, held on September 24, 2009, by asking the presenters what role they see for a workers’ compensation administrative agency in disability management. Dr. Jennifer Christian began the conversation by challenging the audience with three questions: Who is providing the moral compass for their system? Who is providing the thought leadership and creating a shared vision of what a successful workers’ compensation system would look like? And is an agency best seen as an observer or an actor within the system?

Dr. Christian then discussed the results of the 18 multi-stakeholder workshops that have been hosted across North America as part of the 60 Summits Project. Although agencies have varied in the extent to which they have been involved in the Summits, the consensus of attendees has been that agencies can and should assist as educator, promoter, and supporter of efforts to prevent needless work disability and help keep people employed.

Christine Baker, CEO of the California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC), presented a compelling case that workers’ compensation administrators can evaluate and measure the success of legislative and regulatory provisions intended to improve return to work outcomes. By collecting and analyzing data an agency can identify those provisions that are overly cumbersome or ineffective, as well as those that are producing the intended result. Because of CHSWC’s research, California’s agencies will be prepared to work with legislators and other workers’ compensation stakeholders to re-design programs that will be more effective in promoting early and safe return-to-work.

Jerry Keck, Administrator, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division, next discussed the role the State of Montana played in facilitating multi-stakeholder discussion. Montana held three Summits around the state in conjunction with The 60 Summits Project. In them, the stakeholders reached consensus on ways that an emphasis on stay at work/return to work would not only improve Montana’s workforce, but help reduce high premiums. In collaboration with labor, business, and the payer community, Mr. Keck helped found WorkSafeMT, a non-profit organization to monitor and recommend best practices in injury prevention and the stay-at-work and return-to-work process to the whole state. The workers’ compensation community looks forward to watching its development and success.

The last individual to present, Peter Federko, CEO of the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, discussed his unique position as both regulator and insurer. In his view, since Saskatchewan is a monopolistic jurisdiction, it is the responsibility of the agency to promote disability management and encourage early return to work. Mr. Federko’s persuasive argument noted that although return to work has a positive impact on outcomes for injured workers, it also makes good business sense. The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board witnessed significant savings by focusing on proactive case management, collaboration with health care providers, and promotion of speedy return to work.

As the presentation came to a close it was clear that jurisdictions can, and some already do, play a role in disability management. “What is fascinating,” commented Alan McClain “is how each jurisdiction has taken a different approach to promoting disability management. Once again North American jurisdictions are acting as incubators for new ideas and creative solutions.” What started as a simple question has turned into a dynamic discussion, refocusing energy on workers’ compensation’s two beneficiaries, employees and employers. The IAIABC will continue this important dialogue and looks forward to future conversations.

Contact Jennifer Wolf Horejsh, Manager of Events and Educational Programs, with any questions at jwolf@iaiabc.org
 

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