The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a self-compliance tool for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provisions related to part 7 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). 

The tool is designed to assist those involved in operating a group health plan to understand the laws and related responsibilities. The information is presented as general guidance and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for any regulations or interpretive guidance. 

The document includes:

• an informal explanation of the statutes;
• the most recent regulations and interpretations; and
• citations to the underlying legal provisions. 

Some of the provisions discussed involve issues for which the rules have not yet been finalized. Proposed rules, interim final rules and transition periods generally are noted, but users should check www.dol.gov/ebsa for publication of final rules.

Part 7 of ERISA:  HIPAA and Other Health Care-Related Provisions

Part 7 of ERISA:  Affordable Care Act Provisions