Foundations of Workers' Compensation Program 2025
Zoom Meeting
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 2025 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 jurisdictional agency staff 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 2025 Foundations Program content.
June/ July |
July/August |
August/September |
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WEEK 1 Live Virtual Session OrientationTuesday, June 24
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WEEK 5 Live Virtual Session Medical Topics DiscussionTuesday, July 29
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WEEK 9 Live Virtual Session Emerging Trends
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WEEK 2 Live Virtual Session Insurance & Self-InsuranceTuesday, July 8
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WEEK 6 Live Virtual Session Dispute Resolution DiscussionTuesday, June 24
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WEEK 10 Live Virtual Session Final Discussion
Tuesday, September 9
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WEEK 3 Live Virtual Session Benefits DiscussionTuesday, July 15
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WEEK 7 Live Virtual Session Return to Work DiscussionTuesday, June 24
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Writing Assignment 1st Draft Peer Feedback Due: Tuesday, September 23rd |
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WEEK 4 Live Virtual Session Permanent Impairment, Causation, Coverage DiscussionTuesday, July 22
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WEEK 8 Live Virtual Session Leadership & Measuring PerformanceTuesday, August 19
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Final Writing Assignment & Tuesday, September 30th |
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 and Liz Crum 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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Liz Crum |
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Matt Bryant President, WorkComp Strategies |
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Greg Krohm WorkComp Strategies |
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Vickie Kennedy VP- Workers' Compensation, Linea Solutions |
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Allen Kassebaum Regulatory Programs Manager, Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court |
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Wes Marshall Commissioner, Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission |
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Christy Culkin Manager of Medication Services, Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation |
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Chrissy Witters Eastern Alliance Insurance Holdings Inc. |
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Frank Comparato Eastern Alliance Insurance Holdings Inc. |
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Jennifer Conlan Eastern Alliance Insurance Holdings Inc. |
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Ryan Guppy Vocational Recovery Partners, LLC |
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David Cicola Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry |
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Jeff Francis Assistant Administrator, Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation |
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Clarissa Rodriguez Chair, New York State Workers' Compensation Board |
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Tara Addison Director Board Services, Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board |
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Jeff Nelson Commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation |
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Charles Cordova Economist, New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration |
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
|---|---|
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Foundations Early Bird Rate
Registration Opens 4/28/25 at 12:00 AM CST
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$709.00 |
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Foundations Standard Rate
Registration Opens 5/16/25 at 12:00 AM CST
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$759.00 |
