DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "2020 Employee Benefits Law Update - 17th Annual Advanced Seminar" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
This seminar is designed as a timely, thorough and highly enjoyable update that analyzes sophisticated, up-to-the-minute issues and developments along with their real-world impact. The seminar explores the highly complex benefits challenges you face and provides techniques for managing and solving the problems, liabilities, and contradictions they can pose. A talented team of attorneys will present these dynamic seminars.
With the intensified scrutiny by enforcement agencies, dramatic increases in benefits-related litigation, and the potential for severe liabilities for missteps, the information presented is as timely as it is critical. Designed as an annual update for past Certificate in Employee Benefits Law Seminar participants, attorneys and other experienced employee benefits professionals, the seminar will be one of the most professionally important and satisfying programs you can attend. Take advantage of the organizer's experience and of this opportunity to become fully updated, to meet your colleagues from around the country, to empower your career, and to improve your job performance and your effectiveness in your organization.
Agenda:
2020 Topics will include:
Washington Update: What's New? Recent Guidance and Current Employee Benefit Projects
Qualified Plans
- Identifying Plan Errors and Developing Solutions to the Errors
- Implementation of Best Practices - Corporate Governance Standards in Employee Plan Administration
- Employee Plan Fiduciaries: Why You are One, What Your Duties Are, What Your Liability is
- Trimming Your Employee Plan Administration Expense Budget - What Expenses Can You Charge to Your Plan?
- Cost-Effective Management of Your Plan's Service Providers: Getting the Services You Pay For and are Entitled to Receive
- Implementation of an Employee Plan Compliance Calendar
Identifying Plan Errors and Developing Solutions to the Errors
Focus on both IRS and Department of Labor guidance that addresses correcting plan errors including a case study analysis of the voluntary compliance programs that both the IRS and DOL administer. An analysis of the multiple types of correction methods, as well as the venue appropriate for the particular error, will be analyzed.
IRS and DOL Audits: How to Manage
Focus on the practical and legal aspects of managing an audit by either the DOL or the IRS. Included in this discussion will be specific areas the DOL is currently concerned with.
Plan Administrators: Enhancing Communication and Avoiding Pitfalls
Focus on various administrative functions with respect to employee benefit plans including a detailed discussion of electronic plan administration guidance and other recent developments.
When the Auditors Come Knocking: Top 10 Health Plan Traps to Avoid in 2020
The last year has seen a significant increase in agency audit activity with the DOL and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) leading the way. This session will help you identify and avoid the top 10 exposure items we see in DOL agency investigations under the ACA, the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPAEA), wellness programs and ERISA. We will also focus on increased OCR investigations related to data breach (including the rise of email hacking incidents) under HIPAA.
Health Care Reform Compliance Boot Camp
Now that the dust has settled, what plan changes and compliance risks exist, and how can exposure be limited? Latest update on Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules and regulations. Compliance initiatives for play or pay and avoiding the so-called Cadillac tax.
Defined Contribution Healthcare in a Post-ACA World: Private Exchange Compliance Issues and Opportunities
Now that the agencies have issued new HRA regulations significantly expanding employer options, many employers are looking for ways to fix their health care contribution obligation while continuing to offer an array of valuable coverage options to employees. What tax and benefits compliance issues arise? Can employers offer health coverage through individual policies? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a fully insured versus a self-funded exchange? Will a private exchange arrangement satisfy the ACA requirements (including the employer pay or play: obligation)? This session focuses on the compliance aspects of private exchange arrangements with an emphasis on what can be done today, and what legislative or regulatory changes must be made to fully realize the benefits of a defined contribution approach.
Deja-vu all over again: The Brave New World of Onsite Clinics: What compliance issues and traps arise in connection with onsite clinics. Potential impact on HSAs and health care reform implications.
HIPAA Compliance and Big Data Breach: How to Limit Your Exposure.
We all know the rules (we think) but what do you do when a data breach occurs. Walk through real-life data breaches and resolution.
Wellness Programs and Disease Management: Overcoming Legal Compliance Hurdles
As the popularity of wellness, disease management, and health risk assessment programs continues to grow, many employers have overlooked the many legal compliance issues that may arise in connection with a successful program. Hidden compliance costs associated with the carrots and sticks need to be considered. Also, are mandatory participation requirements allowed? What about smoker rate differentials? Attendees of this session will be able to identify and avoid potential compliance traps under the new ACA wellness regulations, under HIPAA's non-discrimination and privacy requirements, the Americans with Disabilities Act and COBRA.
Discrimination Testing Basics
- Which Health & Welfare plans must comply
- Basic operating rules
- What to do if you fail
Speakers
Dominic DeMatties, Esq., Partner at Alston & Bird, LLP
September 28, 2020
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
John R. Hickman, Esq., Partner at Alston & Bird, LLP and Ashley Gillihan, Esq., Counsel at Alston & Bird, LLP
September 29, 2020
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ctfg3i
