ERISA stands for the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement and health benefit plans in private industry. Among other things, ERISA requires individuals who manage plans (and other fiduciaries) to meet certain standards of conduct. The law also contains detailed provisions for reporting to the government and disclosure to participants. Other provisions help assure that plan funds are protected and that participants who qualify receive their benefits. [October 2012, 371 word article]