As we enter the 20th anniversary year of the WCCP Association, we once again begin our membership drive.  Over the next several months, adjusters, case managers, their employers, and other professionals throughout Florida’s workers’ compensation industry will again consider the question of membership in the WCCP.

By far, however, the reason cited most by those who have shared the vision, passion and growth of the WCCP is something not easily found in today’s fast-paced world of work.  It’s that “one thing” that often means the most to those who spend their lives toiling in this most challenging claims environment -- that “one thing” that says you are not alone...that there is someone out there working on your behalf to help and support you, and that is the sense of community...a sense of FAMILY...that you can have as an active member of the WCCP.

A New Role for the WCCP
Beginning in 2009, the Association will take advantage of its respected position in Florida’s workers compensation community by actively participating in the legislative and regulatory process.  The Association’s goal is to assist in the development of laws and rules that are fair, balanced, effective and efficient for the entire workers’ compensation claims handling community, its employers, and injured employees.There are currently three areas that the WCCP will attempt to influence:

• An exception to statutory authority allowing the DFS to intervene in litigated files when performing their "patterns and practices" audits or investigations -- at least until the litigation is over.  Such an exception should preserve the interests of regulatory oversight, while protecting the integrity of confidentiality in the litigation process and potential interference in the overall result.
   
• An exception to the requirement that rehabilitation efforts, i.e. job search, labor market surveys, etc. cannot be performed by any expert vendor who is assigned the "rehab assessment" more than sixty days post accident.  This limitation makes no sense, adds to the cost of workers’ compensation, and jeopardizes the effectiveness and integrity of an employer/carrier’s efforts to return an employee to gainful employment.  Beginning immediately, the WCCP will join IARP (International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals), on behalf of the claims community, in pursing this initiative.
   
• Last but not least, a reduction in adjuster CE requirements similar to the agents’ rule.  If successful, the CE requirement for adjusters with six years licensure would be 20 hours.  The CE requirement for individuals with twenty-five years of licensure would be reduced to 10 hours for every 24-month compliance period.

A New Face - A New Beginning
Members will also notice the WCCP’s new look and a new interactive website in January 2009!  Secure, online membership renewals, self-managed member profiles, online event registration, job boards and resume listings, reduced “members-only” online licensing and CE, newscasts and blogging, and much, much more...!

As a nonprofit entity, the WCCP relies heavily on the support of its members in everything it strives it achieve.  We hope the tradition of the WCCP, and the addition of these initiatives, will provide even more reason to join or renew your membership and be a part of a family of claims professionals who exist for no purpose other than YOU!  Renewing your membership is easy!  Just click here to JOIN or RENEW ONLINE or  Download a Membership Application and mail or fax your dues payment to Association Headquarters.

We really do appreciate your support.

The WCCP Board of Directors