How Florida’s New Opioid Bill is Impacting Injured Workers
The opioid epidemic is no stranger to Florida. In 2016, there were 2,798 reported opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, a rate of 14.4 deaths per 100,000 persons. The national average is 13.3 deaths per 100,000.[1] While there is no single fix to the opioid epidemic, states across the country have employed various approaches and […]
Can an Injured Worker Receive Medical Marijuana Through Workers’ Compensation?
Most of us are probably aware that effective March 18, 2019, Senate Bill 182 went into effect which allows for the possession and use of medical marijuana in the form of smoking for eligible patients. Only a qualified physician can issue a physician certification, which authorizes a patient to receive medical marijuana or delivery devices […]
Special Needs Trust Basics: What Should I Consider?
Krista Johnson, Director of Special Programs, Ametros Navigating through complex settlement options can be difficult. Having a resource, like a professional administrator, can be beneficial in deciphering post-settlement solutions and how best to move forward in protecting your client and their future. Recently, our team has recognized an increasing number of cases including a trust […]
2nd DCA Decision Issued Regarding Injured Worker Billing Disputes
2nd DCA HOLDS THAT STATE COURTS HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR DEBT COLLECTION HARASSMENT LAWSUITS BROUGHT BY INJURED WORKERS AGAINST WORKERS’ COMP MEDICAL PROVIDERS OVER ERRONEOUS BILLS By Richard K. Peck, IV, Esq., FWA Sponsor On October 16, 2019, in Davis v. Sheridan Healthcare, 2019 Fla. App. LEXIS 15461 (Fla. 2d DCA 2019), the 2nd DCA […]
8 Questions from Attorneys about Medicare Set Aside Administration
By Porter Leslie, President of Ametros. 1. “What is my risk if my client makes mistakes with their MSA?” 2. “What’s the chance that Medicare denies my client’s care because they misused or misreported their Medicare Set Aside funds? 3. “Why can’t my client just find coverage through another private insurance plan?” Determining the best […]
Protecting the Settlements of Undocumented Workers & Claimants
By Josh Pettingill, Vice President of Synergy Settlements, Medicare Secondary payer Compliance The feeling can be overwhelming for any claimant who receives a large windfall of settlement money, but more so for an unbanked, undocumented worker who is unfamiliar with common banking laws in The United States. There is a large contingent of undocumented workers […]
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2019 FWA EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE
It’s almost that time of year again: the annual FWA Educational Conference. This year, from June 6-7, the FWA heads back to the “landmark of luxury and service”: the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This towering, yet welcoming, hotel is the site of many weddings and events, and overlooks its beautifully-sculpted golf course. […]
2018 Top Ten Workers’ Compensation Fraud Cases
We are sharing the 2018 Top Ten Workers’ Compensation Fraud Cases compiled by North Carolina attorney Leonard T. Jernigan, Jr. and his law clerk, Alondra Bribiesca. He compiles this top 10 list every year. Non-Employee Fraud Cases – 10 $99.7 Million Employee Fraud Cases – 0 $ 0 Million Total $ 99.7 Million Three of the top ten cases in […]
What is a Case Management System?
By: Prevail Case Management Simply put, a case management system is a piece of computer software that allows you to make fewer trips to the filing cabinet by tracking a great deal of client information right on the computer, and then using that information to help you run your practice. Although different systems have different […]
How Florida’s New Opioid Bill is Impacting Injured Workers
By Danielle Jaffee Director of Legal & Government Affairs, Injured Workers Pharmacy Injured Workers Pharmacy (IWP) is a specialized workers’ compensation home delivery pharmacy that helps injured workers access their prescription medications without delays, denials, or out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about IWP, visit their website at www.IWPharmacy.com. The opioid epidemic is no stranger to […]
Hey Nineteen: Reporting Earnings and the Dreaded DWC-19
By John F. Sharpless I don’t think Steely Dan was contemplating the DWC-19s when they wrote “Hey Nineteen” and crooned about how the Cuervo gold and fine Columbian make tonight a wonderful thing! But we all have come to know and love the Employee Earnings Reports (hereinafter “DWC-19”s) which are sent to our clients in […]
Past President Profile – Brian Sganga
In this segment of our Past President Profile, we were able to speak with Brian Sganga regarding his background and leadership of FWA. You can read his responses below. How did you first get into Workers’ Comp? I struck out on my own in a small town and looked for an area of law that […]