SFM's Agent Agenda Online December-January 2008

	AGENT AGENDA ONLINE December - January 2008
	A publication for independent insurance agents. From SFM-The Work Comp Experts.
	TOP STORIES
	Wisconsin cost control -- Treatment guidelines go into effect
	Medical treatment guidelines establishing reasonable and necessary treatment for workers’ compensation injuries were recently adopted in Wisconsin and went into effect Nov. 1.
	Growth as regional carrier -- SFM to expand business in South Dakota
	SFM has announced plans to expand writing workers’ compensation coverage in South Dakota. SFM is inviting direct-contract agents with South Dakota-based clients to let SFM quote their South Dakota policies.
	Loss prevention -- SFM helps employers handle disruptive behavior
	Two SFM Loss Prevention representatives are trained in nonviolent crisis intervention in order to help policyholders prevent or better manage disruptive behavior.
	Certificates of insurance -- Language can't be altered
	With E&O claims on the rise nationally due to mishandling of certificates of insurance, agents are reminded not to alter the language on certificates prepared for clients.
	New federal rule -- SFM helps employers understand illegal worker rule
	SFM’s claims experts and in-house attorneys have been fielding questions from policyholders and agents on the hot-button issue of hiring undocumented workers.
	BRIEFS
	SFM logo for agency websites
	SFM's HR approach in the news
	Mainstreet Minute for small businesses
	Minnesota Assigned Risk Plan volume
	Healthcare dominates fastest-growing jobs
	CALENDAR
	Dec. 24-25 Christmas holiday--SFM closed Jan. 1 New Year’s Day--SFM closed Jan. 22-23 SFM 2-part seminar: “Responding to work injuries” and “Return-to-work” Feb. 1-April 30 Post OSHA log Feb. 12 Minnesota legislative session begins Feb. 12 Wisconsin legislative session begins April 1 MCPAP and WCPAP deadlines

	Agent Agenda Online is published bimonthly by SFM Companies, 3500 American Blvd. West, Suite 700, Bloomington, MN 55431-4434. Inquiries about the publication, call (952) 838-4284 or email AgentAgenda@sfmic.com. To subscribe, send your name, telephone number and email address to AgentAgenda@sfmic.com Feedback about Agent Agenda Online is welcome. Email comments to AgentAgenda@sfmic.com. Agent Agenda archives can be accessed online at www.sfmic.com/agents/aaarchives.cfm. Visit SFM's agent webpage at www.sfmic.com. VICE PRESIDENT strategic business OPERATIONS Frances M. Kaitala, EDITOR Mark A. Ladwig, ASSISTANT EDITOR Jennifer Kopp, Staff Writer Brook Matthiesen Copyright © 2007 SFM Companies. All rights reserved.