As spring unfolded, the 2025 Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) Compliance Conference brought together absence management professionals from across the nation to explore emerging trends, compliance strategies, and innovative solutions in the world of leave management. Held in Columbus, Ohio, this year’s conference offered in-depth sessions on pressing issues, including compliance, mental health accommodations, technological advancements, and diversity in the workplace. Here’s a look at some of the key topics that were discussed:

1) Navigating Complex Compliance Challenges

With the ever-changing landscape of leave and accommodation laws, staying compliant remains a top priority for employers. This year’s conference offered valuable insights into managing the intersection of federal and state regulations. Experts shared practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes and streamline compliance efforts across diverse workforces. Here are some noteworthy sessions:

  • DOL Updates: 2025 and Beyond

This session offered a deep dive into upcoming changes to the Department of Labor’s regulations and what HR teams need to do to stay ahead of the curve.

  • When the PWFA, ADA, PUMP Act and FMLA Intersect: How to Unravel from a Tangled Mess

Speakers unpacked the complexities of these intersecting laws and shared strategies for managing situations where they overlap.

  • Navigating the Bermuda Triangle: PFML Private Plan v. State Plans

Our team was joined by a regulator, attorney, carrier, and employer to outline the different use cases and provide audience members with a framework for making a decision about whether they should file a private plan or stay with the state.

2) Mental Health Support

Mental health remains a cornerstone of today’s workplace benefits, and the conference didn’t shy away from tackling this critical issue. Sessions focused on creating a supportive environment for employees experiencing mental health challenges. These discussions provided actionable strategies for maintaining compliance while prioritizing employee well-being:

  • I’m Stressed! Managing Psychological Disability Claims in the Workplace

Experts explored best practices for managing mental health claims, with a focus on the unique complexities of psychological disabilities in the workplace.

  • Balancing Care and Compliance in the Complex Landscape of Mental Health Accommodations and Leaves

This session helped employers navigate the delicate balance of offering accommodations while staying compliant with ADA and FMLA guidelines.

  • The Mental Health LTD Challenge: Because Parity is Not a Priority… Yet

A deep dive into how mental health conditions are handled under Long-Term Disability (LTD) policies and the ongoing challenge of achieving true mental health parity in benefits.

3) Innovations in Leave and Accommodation Management

Technology continues to transform the way employers manage leave and disability claims. This year’s conference highlighted cutting-edge tools and strategies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline compliance processes, as well as other technologies to support for disability management. These sessions explored how employers can leverage technology and data-driven insights to improve leave management and drive better outcomes:

  • Artificial Intelligence, Automated Systems, and Leave and Accommodation Compliance

This session explored how AI is reshaping leave management, helping employers automate compliance and improve accuracy in decision-making.

  • Transforming Disability Management: Evidence-Based Solutions with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

One of the most forward-thinking sessions, this presentation discussed the growing role of psychedelic-assisted therapies in managing mental health conditions in the workplace.

  • Remodeling Your RTW/SAW Program with 5 Innovative Tools

Participants learned about five new tools designed to optimize Return-to-Work (RTW) and Stay-at-Work (SAW) programs, improving the experience for both employers and employees.

The 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing HR and absence management professionals today. From navigating complex compliance requirements to embracing new technologies and supporting employee mental health, the conference highlighted the evolving nature of leave and accommodation management. With valuable insights and actionable strategies, attendees left the conference better equipped to address the needs of their diverse workforces while staying compliant with an ever-changing legal landscape. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s conference will bring!