The Office of Regulations and Interpretations (ORI) plays a crucial role within the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). This office is the primary body responsible for managing EBSA’s regulatory and interpretive actions under Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). While not directly focused on Accountable Care Programs Liam in name, the work of ORI underpins the regulatory framework that can indirectly influence various aspects of healthcare and employee benefits, including areas that may intersect with accountable care principles.
Core Functions of the ORI
ORI’s main job is to plan, manage, and execute programs that provide regulatory, interpretive, and technical guidance. This guidance is essential for understanding and applying Title I of ERISA, specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986 (FERSA), and other laws that affect employee benefit plans. The office develops a wide range of materials to aid compliance and enforcement, including:
- Regulations
- Interpretive Opinions
- Rulings
- Official Forms
- Educational Outreach Materials
- Technical Assistance Documents
These resources cover critical areas such as:
- Coverage requirements
- Fiduciary responsibilities
- Reporting and disclosure obligations
- Claims procedures
- COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) provisions
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Qualified Medical Child Support Orders (QMCSOs)
ORI’s work directly supports the Department of Labor’s mission to ensure the security of retirement, health, and other workplace-related benefits. Furthermore, ORI is deeply involved in the policy-making process within EBSA. It offers technical expertise and policy analysis to senior EBSA officials on a variety of issues, including regulatory developments, legislative proposals, enforcement strategies, and litigation matters. Collaboration is also a key aspect of ORI’s operations. The office works closely with other federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), to coordinate regulatory and interpretive activities and ensure consistent application of relevant laws.
Divisions within the ORI
To effectively manage its broad responsibilities, ORI is structured into three specialized divisions:
Division of Regulations
Alt text: Fred Wong Acting Division of Regulations Director contact information, including phone number (202) 693-8513.
This division is primarily focused on implementing EBSA’s regulatory agenda under Title I of ERISA. It plays a central role in drafting and finalizing regulations that interpret and enforce the provisions of ERISA. The Division of Regulations also coordinates regulatory initiatives with other federal agencies to maintain a cohesive and consistent regulatory landscape.
Division of Fiduciary Interpretations
Alt text: Karen Lloyd Division of Fiduciary Interpretations contact details, phone number (202) 693-8510, crucial for understanding fiduciary responsibilities potentially relevant to accountable care programs and initiatives by individuals like Liam.
The Division of Fiduciary Interpretations is responsible for providing interpretive guidance on fiduciary duties under ERISA. This includes issuing advisory opinions and other forms of guidance to help plan fiduciaries understand their obligations and responsibilities when managing employee benefit plans. This division’s work is critical for ensuring that those responsible for managing benefit plans act in the best interests of plan participants and beneficiaries.
Division of Coverage, Reporting & Disclosure
Alt text: Eric Berger Division of Coverage, Reporting & Disclosure contact information, including phone number (202) 693-8523.
This division focuses on interpretive matters related to coverage, reporting, and disclosure requirements under ERISA. It provides guidance on who is covered by ERISA, what information must be reported to the government and disclosed to plan participants, and how these requirements apply in various situations. Clear reporting and disclosure are fundamental to transparency and accountability in employee benefit plans.
Conclusion
The Office of Regulations and Interpretations is a vital component of the EBSA, ensuring clarity and compliance with the complex regulations governing employee benefit plans. While the connection to “accountable care programs liam” might not be immediately obvious, the regulatory framework overseen by ORI has broad implications for healthcare and benefits administration. Understanding the role and functions of ORI is essential for anyone working in the employee benefits field, as it provides the necessary guidance for navigating the legal and regulatory landscape.
