• Define FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA and describe a current issue associated with each By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
  • Competency 5: Analyze the effects of laws and regulatory agencies on compensation and benefits strategies.
    • Explain the FMLA in relation to employer issues of concern.
    • Explain COBRA in relation to employer issues of concern.
    • Explain HIPAA in relation to employer issues of concern.
    • Explain ERISA in relation to employer issues of concern.

Questions to Consider

• To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
  • The definition of family has changed considerably over the years. Who should be covered under these highly regulated benefits?
  • Should the definition of family be altered or deleted when structuring benefit plans?
  • Much of the rationale is directed at the unfair bias in benefits for traditional families versus nontraditional families. With a divorce rate hovering at 50 percent, an increase in the number of single households adopting children, and the debate over recognizing all committed partnerships, the issues are gaining more attention.
    • Does the current definition of family constitute an unfair bias?
    • Should the law change?
    • What is your opinion on this issue from a business standpoint?
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Resources

Suggested Resources

• The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Capella Multimedia

• Click the link provided below to view the following multimedia piece:
  • Four Laws that Govern Benefits Programs | Transcript.

Library Resources

• The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:
  • Graves, J. A. (2013, April). 6 things you need to know about the family and medical leave act. U.S. News & World Report, 1.

Course Library Guide

• A Capella University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the BUS-FP4043 – Compensation and Benefits Management Library Guide to help direct your research.

Internet Resources

• Access the following resources by clicking the links provided. Please note that URLs change frequently. Permissions for the following links have been either granted or deemed appropriate for educational use at the time of course publication.
  • U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.) Continuation of Health Coverage-COBRA. Retrieved from http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.ht…
  • U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Retrieved fromhttps://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/eri…
  • U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/f…
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/

Assessment Instructions

• Four acts—FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and ERISA—passed by Congress greatly define the arena of benefits. For this assessment, complete the following:
  • Briefly define each of the four acts.
  • Cite one current issue that employers should be or are concerned with for each act. In defining your current issues:
    • Describe why each is an issue.
    • Include an example of an organization that has violated the act.
    • Describe the violation and the penalties that were imposed.

  You may reference textbooks, your current work environment, an interview with a colleague, a head of human resources, an article from a popular business publication, or related information from the Capella library. Refer to the course library guide listed in the Resources for relevant databases and search strategies for conducting research on regulation of benefits. You may also find the Four Laws that Govern Benefits Programs multimedia piece linked in the Resources to be useful as you complete your assessment. Be sure to use proper APA style in citing and referencing your sources.