Foundations of Workers' Compensation Program 2026
Join Us Virtually
About
What is it?
The Foundations Program offers a comprehensive look at workers' compensation administrative and regulatory topics at a theoretical and practical level, examining how differences play out across systems. The entire program runs from June through September and content is shared virtually through self-paced learning modules, live webinars, and discussions. There are several assignments and activities, and the program concludes with a final test.
Who is it for?
Participants may include jurisdictional members with management responsibility within workers' compensation commissions or boards, departments of labor or workforce development, divisions of workers' compensation, or departments of insurance. Participants may also include private sector organizations involved in workers' compensation, including insurers, service providers, third party administrators, and more. Many participants in the Foundations Program are new to workers' compensation.
Why attend?
Gain information and practical knowledge in a variety of topics, including administrative and regulatory structures, insurance, the claims process, dispute resolution, and medical management. Benefit from the guidance of speakers who are experts in the workers’ compensation industry. Examine and discuss similarities and differences amongst jurisdictions while building a professional network. Apply concepts through meaningful activities and showcase your skills through the Foundations of Workers’ Compensation digital credential.
How do I attend?
Check out the agenda to confirm if the dates will work for you. (Although sessions are recorded*, we encourage live participation for the best experience!) Then, register and receive a confirmation email that will include a link to join the live, virtual Orientation session. The IAIABC Education Services Manager will stay in contact with you with instructions throughout the program.
You can also download this 2026 Program At-a-Glance to keep track of dates and topics.
*Session recordings and resources will be available for participants for one (1) year following the conclusion of the program in order to ensure educate@iaiabc is maintained with up-to-date information.
Digital Credential
Participants who complete the entire program, finish all assignments, and pass the final test receive the Foundations of Workers' Compensation digital credential. Digital credentials, or badges, are a visual representation of skills or achievements earned by an individual through completion of specific programs, courses, or other activities. Badges are instantly verifiable and shareable. They serve as a way to showcase skills and achievements in a way that is not possible with a paper certificate.
The digital credential will be issued to program participants who successfully complete the following requirements:
- Attend or watch* at least 8 out of the 10 live sessions.
- Orientation and the final session are required. You may attend these live or watch the recordings in educate@iaiabc.
- Complete at least 7 out of the 8 self-paced modules in eduate@iaiabc.
- Passing score on the formal writing assignment
- Passing score on the final test
*Although recordings will be available, we highly recommend participating in the live sessions to get the most out of your Foundations experience.
Agenda
The following table includes an at-a-glance look at the 2026 Foundations Program content.
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July |
August/September |
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WEEK 1 Live Virtual Session Orientation● Meet the IAIABC Education Services Manager and fellow participants ● Understand the agenda, flow of the program, and requirements ● Understand how to access materials and content in educate@iaiabc.org ● Learn about the IAIABC and its role in the workers’ compensation industry Tuesday, June 9
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WEEK 5 Live Virtual Session Medical Topics Discussion● Identify how workers’ compensation operates within a much larger healthcare system. ● Understand the importance of medical management in ensuring the sustainability of the workers’ compensation system. ● List and define the different medical management tools available.
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WEEK 8 Live Virtual Session Hot Takes in Workers' Compensation
Tuesday, August 41:00 PM CDTSelf-Paced Work
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WEEK 2 Live Virtual Session Insurance & Self-Insurance● Why workers' compensation insurance is required and possible exclusions ● Differences between workers' compensation and commercial insurance ● What happens if an employer cannot find workers' compensation coverage ● A simple look at how workers' compensation insurance rates are set ● Different self-insurance models and how different states collect premiums, as well as the concepts of surety bonds and group self-insurance ● The state of the workers' compensation insurance industry today Tuesday, June 16
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WEEK 6 Live Virtual Session Return to Work Discussion● Define work disability and contributing risk elements ● Understand what the worker-centric approach is, and what it is not. ● Apply evidence-based best practices, tips, and strategies for preventing work disability. Tuesday, July 21
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WEEK 9 Live Virtual Session Leadership and Measuring Performance● Hear about common workers’ compensation metrics and ways to measure performance ● How legislation affects how and what we measure Tuesday, August 11
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WEEK 3 Live Virtual Session Benefits Discussion● Understand the benefits available to injured workers, including indemnity and medical benefits ● Identify differences in benefits across jurisdictions Tuesday, June 23
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WEEK 7 Live Virtual Session Dispute Resolution Discussion● Gain an overview of dispute resolution systems and alternative dispute resolution methods ● List types of disputes commonly seen in workers’ compensation cases ● Compare mechanisms and procedures for dispute resolution Tuesday, July 28
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WEEK 10 Live Virtual Session Final DiscussionBe sure to join this session as we wrap up the program and discuss the final writing assignment and exam expectations Tuesday, August 18
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WEEK 4 Live Virtual Session Permanent Impairment, Causation, Coverage Discussion● Understand how permanently injured workers are compensated ● Understand the legal standard for determining causation ● Discuss how changes in causation have impacted workers’ compensation systems ● Identify who is required to secure workers’ compensation coverage and who is entitled to benefits Tuesday, June 30
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Writing Assignment 1st Draft Due to Peers: Tuesday, August 25 Peer Feedback Due: Tuesday, September 8 Final Writing Assignment & Exam Due: Tuesday, September 15 |
Download the At-A-Glance Program
You can also download a detailed look at the program with session descriptions.
Download the Detailed Program
Program Instructors
The IAIABC appreciates the time and talents shared by its many course instructors.
Particular thanks go to Abbie Hudgens, Alan McClain, and Vickie Kennedy for assisting with program development, serving as discussion leaders and instructors, and reviewing final tests.
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Abbie Hudgens |
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Alan McClain |
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Vickie Kennedy |
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
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Foundations Attendee
Registration Ends 6/3/26 at 12:00 AM CDT
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$799.00 |
