Subdivision 1. Grounds. Where an insurer, or an agent of an insurer, has been guilty of fraud, misrepresentation, or culpable, persistent, and unreasonable delay in making payments or settlements under this chapter, the commissioner of commerce shall revoke the license of the insurer to write workers' compensation insurance.

Subd. 1a. Additional grounds. Where an insurer or agent of an insurer has failed to comply with provisions of this chapter, other than the provisions in subdivision 1, the commissioner of commerce may revoke the license of the insurer to write workers' compensation insurance.

Subd. 2. Commencement of proceedings. The commissioner of commerce may act under subdivision 1 or subdivision 1a upon the commissioner's own motion, the recommendation of the commissioner of labor and industry, the chief administrative law judge, or the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, or the complaint of any interested person.

Subd. 3. Complaint, answer; hearing. A complaint against an insurer shall include a notice and order for hearing, shall be in writing and shall specify clearly the grounds upon which the license is sought to be suspended or revoked. The insurer shall file a written answer to the complaint within 20 days of service of the complaint. The hearing shall be conducted under chapter 14.

Subd. 4. [Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]

Subd. 5. [Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]

Subd. 6. [Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]

Subd. 7. Report to commissioner of commerce. The commissioner may send reports to the commissioner of commerce regarding compliance with this chapter by insurers writing workers' compensation insurance. A report may include a recommendation for revocation of an insurer's license under this section and may also recommend the imposition of other penalties which may be imposed upon insurers by the commissioner of commerce.

History: 1953 c 755 s 25; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1973 c 388 s 55,56; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1983 c 289 s 114 subd 1; 1983 c 290 s 126-128; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 92; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82; 1987 c 332 s 55