2013 Chapter Newsletters

February 2013

Below is a brief quarterly update providing information for our members since the last newsletter. Sorry its a few days late.  As always, feel free to contact an IARP board member at any time.  The success of this chapter depends on everyone.

 

IARP is everyone’s association and we appreciate any feedback that may assist us in making it better for all members.  You may find newsletter information and posting of board meeting minutes on the website as well.

 

  • NC WC Law:
    • As you know, NC passed the modified Workers Comp Act in June, 2011.  Specifics regarding this revision can be found on the North Carolina Industrial Commission website. (www.ic.nc.gov)
    • Reminder: North Carolina now requires that any case manager providing rehab services in the state must complete a comprehensive course entitled, “Workers Compensation Case Management in North Carolina:  A Basic Primer for Medical and Vocational Case Managers.”  In order to be recognized as a QRP (Qualified Rehab Professional) under the NCIC rules for Rehab, this course is mandatory, effective July 1, 2013.  It is to be renewed every 5 years through a Refresher Course.  ***Any Rehab Professional that doesn’t hold a certificate of completion will lose their QRP status and can only work as a CRP (Conditional Rehab Professional) for no longer than 6 months.

  • NC REHAB RULES update:
    • As most of you remember, IARP addressed potential changes/revisions to the “Proposed Revision of the Rehab Rules” for North Carolina at an August 6th hearing in Raleigh.  The information presented at the hearing was based on IARP member input.   Following numerous steps in the process, there are still no new NC Rehab Rules in place.  We will keep you informed as we are updated.  For now, the previous Rehab Rules remain in place.  We are hopeful that a fair and reasonable set of rules will be the ultimate outcome.  Specific information relative to the Proposed Revision can be found on the NCIC website at www.ic.nc.gov.

  • SC Update:
    • IARP-Carolinas Chapter is a member of the SC Chamber of Commerce.  This will allow us to stay abreast of business related issues in South Carolina. Information will be forwarded and reviewed by the IARP South Carolina Representatives. 
      • The South Carolina Chamber will host the 23rd Annual Human Resources Conference on May 15-17, 2013 at Marriott Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach.
    • New this year, the Chamber is also hosting a summit on Transforming Healthcare in South Carolina.  This summit is aimed at educating employers.  The date for this summit has not been provided.
  • IARP Board Openings:
    • IARP-Carolinas Chapter has 4 board members rotating off the board in May, 2013.  Please join me in thanking Adele Doering (secretary), Cindy Boyd (Member at Large), Chad Betters (Member at Large) and Nancy Wells (Past President) for their support and service to our membership.  Kathy Thaman (current President Elect) will assume the role of Chapter President on May 1, 2013 and I will become Past President.
    • Call for Nominations for Secretary, President Elect and 2 Member at Large positions was sent to the membership last month.  I encourage everyone to become involved through becoming a Board member or through selecting the Board.  I have attached the “Call for Nominations” for you again in case you overlooked it.  The formal ballot will go out around March 22, 2013 with a voting deadline of April 15, 2013.  New board members will be announced by April 22, 2013 and they will assume their positions on May 1, 2013.

 

  • General information:
    • IARP-Carolinas Chapter was proud to donate monetarily to the Brain Injury Association in memory of Brian Preston and to the Parkinson’s Association in memory of Nancy Stewart.   These two individuals are very missed in the rehab community and through the years made significant contributions to our profession.
    • EPC conference dates are March 21-22 in Greensboro.  Future EPC conferences will be done through IARP.
    • IARP has announced the dates and locations of the Life Care Planning Symposium and Forensic Conference.
      • Life Care Planning Symposium dates:  September 28-29 in Atlanta, GA.
      • Forensic Conference dates:  November 7-9 in Charleston, SC.
    • I was also asked to share CMSA conference information.  Their conference is being held this summer in New Orleans. (June 24-28)
    • Please visit our updated chapter website.  You may access it at www.rehabpro.org.  We are trying to assure that information on NC and SC are accessible and updated on this site.   Again, note that Board meeting minutes will be posted on this site for membership review. 
    • Job posting capabilities has now been added to our chapter section of the IARP website.  The cost of posting positions is 150/month for members and 300/month for non-members. 
    • Reminder that you have access to IARP Connect.   Through your IARP website, you may access this tool to communicate with members in other areas.  Access IARP Connect through www.rehabpro.org.  Just log in using your Username and password.  Once logged in, click on the Connect link in the top navigation.  You may then build your own profile, find colleagues, join eGroups, etc.
    • Again, please make sure your correct email address is provided to IARP.  If you change employment or change your email address, please provide that information to them.  You can do this at www.rehabpro.org.  We consistently have numerous emails that are returned due to inactive email addresses. 
    • IARP headquarters is currently working on membership benefits and better identification of IARPs “brand” in attempt to make the association more recognizable and updated.  More information will be coming regarding this and we will update you at that time.

 

I believe that covers things for the moment.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact a Board member.  We appreciate your input and suggestions.  On behalf of your IARP Board, thank you for your support and membership in this vital organization.

 

Carla Marshburn, RN, CCM

President, IARP-Carolinas Chapte