I recently saw that euphemism for dusty remodeling at a store.This week, we're proud to unveil the new look in Cookeville's courtroom. And there's no dust whatsoever.
Year: 2016
Murfreesboro Courtroom gets a Makeover
How are We Doing? And Rules, Forms Changes in the Works
By Chief Judge Kenneth M. SwitzerIf you are like me, you receive a few calls at home at night asking to take “just five minutes” of your time to respond to a survey. (Usually when they discover that I am 64, the survey ends abruptly. Seems my demographic no longer has value. This is likely … Continue reading How are We Doing? And Rules, Forms Changes in the Works
Happy Second Day of Spring
Last week, the Appeals Board looked at the Coming and Going rule for the first time in Dugger v. Home Health Care of Middle Tennessee, LLC, et al.Also, in observance of Good Friday, state offices are closed on March 25, 2016.
Congratulations to Chief Judge Switzer
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation proudly announces the induction of the Chief Judge of its Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims, Kenneth M. Switzer, as a Fellow of the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers. Chief Judge Switzer’s induction took place on Saturday, March 12, 2016, in New Orleans. The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers honors attorneys who … Continue reading Congratulations to Chief Judge Switzer
Appeals Board Opinions, March 7-11, 2016
In an effort to help practitioners and parties stay current, going forward we will periodically announce when Appeals Board opinions are released. On a related note, last week, the Tennessee Bar Association began publicizing the release of Reform Act appellate opinions as well in TBAToday. You must be a member to access TBAToday.Hamilton v. Kenco … Continue reading Appeals Board Opinions, March 7-11, 2016
Mark your Calendars
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation will be conducting an education conference targeted to medical providers and attorneys on June 11-12, 2016, in at the Embassy Suites in Knoxville. Proper techniques for using and applying the AMA Guides, 6th Edition will be discussed on Saturday the 11th, and updates on medical aspects of Tennessee Workers’ … Continue reading Mark your Calendars
Please see this month’s TBA Journal
We're excited to be featured in this month's Tennessee Bar Journal. These articles recap many of the themes we've touched upon previously in this blog, and in our various continuing legal education and other public-speaking forays. We hope you find it helpful.
Evening Things Out
By Chief Judge Kenneth M. SwitzerFrom time to time, it's important to take a look at where persons in Tennessee are becoming injured on the job, and reassess whether they truly have efficient and convenient access to the Court of Workers' Compensation Claims. Stated another way, it becomes apparent that some judges' dockets are trending too … Continue reading Evening Things Out
New Treatment Guidelines Take Effect on February 28, 2016
By Dr. Robert Snyder, M.D.Treatment Guidelines (Work Loss Data Institute, ODG) have been adopted by the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. All interested and affected parties will now be able to access and use the same information for determining the medical necessity and appropriateness of recommended treatments. The guidelines are not a mandate but are a … Continue reading New Treatment Guidelines Take Effect on February 28, 2016
Dealing with Deadlines
By Judge Robert V. Durham,CookevilleIt happens to every attorney at some point in his or her career. Your eyes pop open in the middle of the night. You’re bathed in cold sweat with your stomach tied up in knots. One thought is racing through your head—“Did I just miss a deadline?”Deadlines are a dreaded, but … Continue reading Dealing with Deadlines
In Re: Soup
By Judge Brian Addington, Court of Workers' Compensation Claims, KingsportThe temperature plummeted to a morning low in Kingsport today of 16 degrees. Tomorrow, snow is in the forecast. We're very much in the thick of soup weather. I love soup and chili. My favorites are potato soup, Italian wedding soup, and vegetable-beef soup. A bowl … Continue reading In Re: Soup
Pain Management Presents Complex Issues for UR
By Judges Brian Addington and Dale TippsIn recent years, sadly, Tennessee has struggled with issues concerning prescription pain medications. Tennessee was in the top ten states for the number of prescribed pain medications in 2012. In addition, a 2010 report for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Tennessee ranked eighth nationally nationally for drug-overdose deaths. Opioid addiction … Continue reading Pain Management Presents Complex Issues for UR
From the Bench 