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Foundations of Workers' Compensation Program 2026

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM (CDT) to Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM (CDT)

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. 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.

Foundations of Workers' Compensation Digital Credential

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 8 out of the 10 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.

June

July

August/September

WEEK 1

Live Virtual Session

Orientation
Tuesday, June 9 
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • History of Workers’ Compensation
  • Puzzle Pieces of the Workers’ Compensation Industry

WEEK 5

Live Virtual Session

Medical Topics Discussion
Tuesday, July 14
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Return to Work Module

WEEK 8

Live Virtual Session

Hot Takes in Workers' Compensation

Tuesday, August 4
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Review Writing Assignment & Draft an Outline.

WEEK 2

Live Virtual Session

Insurance & Self-Insurance
Tuesday, June 16
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Benefits Summary

WEEK 6

Live Virtual Session

Return to Work Discussion
Tuesday, July 21
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Dispute Resolution Module

WEEK 9

Live Virtual Session

Leadership and Measuring Performance
Tuesday, August 11
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Peer Review Outline

WEEK 3

Live Virtual Session

Benefits Discussion
Tuesday, June 23
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Permanent Impairment, Causation, and Coverage

WEEK 7

Live Virtual Session

Dispute Resolution Discussion
Tuesday, July 28
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Lifecycle of a Claim
  • Creating a Customer Centric Agency (Optional)

WEEK 10

Live Virtual Session

Final Discussion

Tuesday, August 18
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Writing Assignment
  • Comprehensive Exam
  • Survey

WEEK 4

Live Virtual Session

Permanent Impairment, Causation, Coverage Discussion
Tuesday, June 30
1:00 PM CDT

Self-Paced Work

  • Medical Topics

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.

Abbie Hudgens
Alan McClain
Vickie Kennedy








Registration Options

Credits Price
Foundations Attendee
Registration Opens 4/17/26 at 12:00 AM CDT
$799.00

For More Information:

Amaya Diaz
Amaya Diaz
Education Services Manager IAIABC (608)410-2219