Controlling Workers' Compensation Costs
The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, State College
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation in 2025: The Top 10 Takeaways That Matter
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law saw a lot of movement in 2025, and many of the year’s biggest cases have real, day‑to‑day implications for county governments. This session breaks down the ten decisions that mattered most—what the courts actually said, why it matters, and how these rulings could change the way public‑sector employers handle claims. Topics include Act 121 and mental health injuries; specific loss benefits; COVID-19; and overpayments to pharmacies. The presenters will also talk about what these cases mean in practice: how they might influence claim strategy, documentation, return‑to‑work planning, and communication with injured employees. The focus is on practical insights, so attendees can stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions in a changing legal landscape.
Presenters: Kacey Wiedt, Assistant Director of the Workers’ Compensation Department and Perry Merlo, Shareholder, Marshall Dennehey
Value Added Services for PComp Members
The CCAP Insurance Programs provides a range of value-added services, including grants, free training, online education and risk control services to help counties manage risk and strengthen operations. Join us to learn more about the Wellness Improve Grant, Sallade Safety Improvement Grant, LocalGovU, Risk Management Trainings and risk control services we provide.
Presenters: Jean Henry, Risk Control Wellness Nurse, Keith Wentz, Risk Management Director, Linda Rosito, Risk Management Training Director and Andrew Smith, Risk Control Specialist, CCAP Insurance Programs.
Causation, Treatment, and Recovery of Knee Injuries when a Claimant has Comorbid Conditions
This session aims to provide practical and evidence-based insight into knee injuries to improve clinical decision making, injury prevention and functional outcomes. Topics included:
- What happens when an injury occurs
- Mechanism of injury which causes each type of strain, sprain, tear or contusion and/or common knee injuries
- Chronic/degenerative vs acute
- Discuss whether a comorbid condition (obesity, degenerative disease) makes an injury occur at work vs caused by work
- Treatment for an acute injury vs post op vs a chronic condition.
- Recovery timeline: how long should therapy last before transitioning to a home exercise program and how a comorbid condition can prolong recovery and treatment
- How to prevent (from the therapist and then from a risk control viewpoint)
Presenter: Bernard Miklos, Physical Therapist, LHM Physical Therapist Institute
ACADEMY: Fulfills Risk Management Required Course