NOSSCR News – May, 2023

Learn more about NOSSCR operations and get a peek at upcoming programs and initiatives.

2023 Annual Conference

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Annual Conference in Washington, DC—the new home of NOSSCR! The event was a huge success, drawing more than 900 attendees from across the nation.

During the conference, NOSSCR bestowed Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) with the Mental Health Leadership Award as a thank you for her longtime dedication toward supporting access to mental and behavioral health care.

NOSSCR also thanked her for protecting the Social Security program and for advancing key NOSSCR initiatives. And, during her keynote, the Senator announced she would be introducing a new version of the We Can’t Wait Act, which would provide a pathway for Social Security disability beneficiaries to escape the five-month waiting period. To learn more about We Can’t Wait, visit the coalition website here.

The Conference also featured an update from Deputy Chief ALJ Chris Dillon, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Florence Lawson, and Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner Jim Parikh. The three officials answered questions about existing policies at SSA and also provided insights into potential changes coming from the agency down the line.

Conference attendees had ample opportunity to acquire CLE, with most states approving about 16 total credits for attendees. Topics ranged from best practices for questioning vocational experts to tips on running a firm to advice on navigating thorny ethical issues.

Finally, the Conference provided a chance for attendees to reconnect with old colleagues—and build new connections. Built in free time and supplemental events such as the Tom Scully Award Dinner, NextGen Reception and Women Wine Down provided attendees a chance to gather with other claimant representatives from across the nation. And—due to strong demand—NOSSCR plans to expand these events and offer additional networking opportunities in the future.

Be sure to check out your colleagues’ thoughts on the conference by searching for #NOSSCR2023 on social media sites.

NOSSCR Code of Conduct Policy

NOSSCR recognizes that we owe all of our conference attendees a safe and welcoming environment at our events. While the Conference was a major success, some attendees were subjected to harassing behavior.  We are going to do all we can to educate membership and work to eliminate this conduct in the future.

NOSSCR CEO Steve Gardner has begun working with the Executive Committee on a NOSSCR Code of Conduct to submit to the Board of Directors; this Code of Conduct will be in place for all future NOSSCR events.

NOSSCR is also creating systems for people to safely report inappropriate conduct.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to Lea Robbins

It’s with a heavy heart and deeply conflicted feelings we announce that NOSSCR Senior Staff Attorney Lea Robbins will be moving on from NOSSCR in early June. She has accepted a position with the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), where she will no doubt excel and thrive.

Lea has been at NOSSCR for seven years and was instrumental in the transition to Washington. During that time, Lea stepped up in every way imaginable: managing member requests, writing The Forum, teaching and training new staff members, and serving as a steady presence for all us here at NOSSCR. And all of this came on top of her own day-to-day responsibilities.

The entire team will deeply miss Lea, but we are all excited and thrilled for her as she moves on to this new opportunity. Her last day will be June 9.