Continuing Education Credits:
- HRCI – 2 HR(General) Credits
- SHRM – 2 PDC’s
Schedule: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Attending the ERISA Certificate Program is essential for HR professionals, managers, and supervisors to ensure they are well-versed in the complexities of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This program is meticulously designed to provide a thorough understanding of ERISA’s requirements, helping participants navigate the regulatory landscape and avoid costly compliance errors. By gaining insights into the historical context, evolution, and key terminology of ERISA, attendees will be equipped to implement and manage employee benefit plans effectively, ensuring they meet all legal obligations and safeguard their organizations against potential penalties.
Moreover, the program delves into the critical aspects of plan design and administration, emphasizing the responsibilities of HR professionals in maintaining ERISA-compliant plans. Participants will learn about the intricacies of fiduciary duties, participant rights, and the necessary steps for plan amendments and terminations. This knowledge is crucial for those involved in the daily administration of benefit plans, as it empowers them to make informed decisions that protect both the employer and the employees. Understanding the nuances of compliance and reporting requirements, such as annual reporting, recordkeeping, and navigating audits, further ensures that HR professionals can maintain meticulous records and stay prepared for any regulatory reviews.
Finally, the program’s focus on advanced topics and real-world case studies offers a practical perspective on ERISA compliance. By exploring the implications of ERISA preemption of state laws, health and welfare plan compliance, and retirement plan regulations, attendees will be prepared for the challenges and trends shaping the future of employee benefits. The inclusion of case studies provides valuable lessons from recent compliance issues, fostering a deeper understanding of best practices. This comprehensive training will not only enhance the expertise of HR professionals, managers, and supervisors but also contribute to the overall success and compliance of their organizations’ benefit programs.
Program Features
- Expert trainer with extensive HR experience and legal expertise
- Comprehensive coverage of essential HR topics and legal compliance requirements
- Interactive and engaging training format with practical examples and case studies
- Pre- and post-test to assess learning outcomes and measure program effectiveness
- Opportunity for Q&A and networking with peers and HR professionals
- Certificate of completion upon successful program completion
Why Attend This Training Program
- Comprehensive ERISA Knowledge: Gain a thorough understanding of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and its significance in employee benefits.
- Plan Design and Administration Expertise: Acquire skills in designing ERISA-compliant benefit plans, understanding plan documents, and summary plan descriptions.
- Fiduciary Responsibility and Best Practices: Understand the role and responsibilities of a fiduciary under ERISA.
- Participant Rights and Communication: Gain insights into the rights of plan participants and the importance of clear communication and disclosure requirements.
- Compliance and Reporting Mastery: Learn the intricacies of annual reporting, including Form 5500 filing requirements and deadlines.
Topics Covered
- Overview of ERISA
- ERISA Terminology
- Types of Plans Covered by ERISA
- Historical Context and Evolution
- ERISA Compliance Basics
- Plan Design Fundamentals
- Plan Administration Responsibilities
- Participant Rights and Responsibilities
- Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan Amendments and Terminations
- Annual Reporting and Disclosure (Form 5500)
- ERISA Recordkeeping Requirements
- ERISA Audits and Investigations
- Prohibited Transactions and Exemptions
- Correction Programs and Self-Audit
- ERISA Preemption of State Laws
- Health and Welfare Plan Compliance
- Retirement Plan Compliance
- Case Studies in ERISA Compliance
- Future Trends and Developments
Target Audience
- Current HR Directors: Professionals already holding HR Director positions seeking to update their skills and stay abreast of the latest trends and practices in the field.
- Senior HR Managers: Experienced HR Managers looking to take the next step in their careers and prepare for roles at the director level.
- Aspiring HR Leaders: Individuals aiming to transition into senior HR roles, such as HR Directors or Vice Presidents of HR, and seeking the necessary skills and credentials.
- HR Business Partners: HR professionals who work closely with senior management and need to understand strategic HR management at a higher level.
- Talent Development Managers: Those responsible for employee development and succession planning who are looking to expand their strategic HR capabilities.
- Organizational Development Professionals: Individuals focused on organizational change and development, looking to enhance their understanding of strategic HR’s role in these processes.
- HR Consultants and Advisors: Independent consultants and advisors who provide strategic HR guidance to organizations and need to stay current with industry best practices.
- Small Business Owners/CEOs: Leaders of small to medium-sized businesses who often take on HR responsibilities and need a deeper understanding of strategic HR management.
- HR Professionals in Transition: Individuals between roles or looking to shift their career path within HR, aiming to increase their marketability and job prospects.
- HR Academics and Educators: Educators and researchers in the field of human resources or related fields looking to update their knowledge and incorporate current practices into their teaching and research.
- Non-HR Executives: Executives from other departments who collaborate closely with HR and need to understand the strategic importance and functions of HR within an organization.
- Benefits Administrators: Professionals responsible for managing employee benefits who need in-depth knowledge of ERISA compliance.
- Compensation and Benefits Managers: Managers overseeing compensation and benefits strategies, looking to ensure ERISA compliance in their plans.
- Employee Relations Managers: Managers handling employee relations who need to understand ERISA to address employee benefits issues effectively.
- Payroll Managers: Professionals overseeing payroll operations and the integration of benefit plans who need to stay informed on ERISA regulations.
- Legal and Compliance Officers: Legal professionals and compliance officers ensuring organizational adherence to ERISA and other related laws.
- Retirement Plan Administrators: Specialists managing retirement plans and pensions requiring detailed knowledge of ERISA standards and compliance.
- Insurance and Financial Advisors: Advisors providing financial planning services to companies and individuals, ensuring their advice aligns with ERISA regulations.
- Corporate Training Managers: Professionals responsible for corporate training programs who need to include ERISA compliance in their training curriculum.
- HRIS Managers: Managers overseeing Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) who need to integrate ERISA compliance within HR systems and data management.
Agenda
3:00 PM – 3:10 PM: Welcome and Introduction
- Introduction to the program
- Overview of objectives and agenda
3:10 PM – 3:25 PM: Module 1: Introduction to ERISA
- Overview of ERISA
- ERISA Terminology
- Types of Plans Covered by ERISA
- Historical Context and Evolution
- ERISA Compliance Basics
3:25 PM – 3:40 PM: Module 2: Plan Design and Administration
- Plan Design Fundamentals
- Plan Administration Responsibilities
- Participant Rights and Responsibilities
- Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan Amendments and Terminations
3:40 PM – 3:55 PM: Module 3: Compliance and Reporting Requirements
- Annual Reporting and Disclosure (Form 5500)
- ERISA Recordkeeping Requirements
- ERISA Audits and Investigations
- Prohibited Transactions and Exemptions
- Correction Programs and Self-Audit
3:55 PM – 4:10 PM: Module 4: Advanced Topics and Case Studies
- ERISA Preemption of State Laws
- Health and Welfare Plan Compliance
- Retirement Plan Compliance
- Case Studies in ERISA Compliance
- Future Trends and Developments
4:10 PM – 4:50 PM: In-Depth Discussion and Interactive Activities
- Scenario analysis
- Group discussions
- Practical exercises
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM: Q&A Session
- Open floor for questions
- Clarifications on discussed topics
- Final thoughts and closing remarks
