§ 83-71-105. Definitions

MS Code § 83-71-105 (2019) (N/A)
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(a) “Abuse” means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts by a current or former family member, household member, intimate partner or caretaker:

(i) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing another person bodily injury, physical harm, severe emotional distress, psychological trauma, rape, sexual assault or involuntary sexual intercourse;

(ii) Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances that place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or physical harm;

(iii) Subjecting another person to false imprisonment; or

(iv) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing damage to property so as to intimidate or attempt to control the behavior of another person.

(b) “Abuse-related medical condition” means a medical condition sustained by a subject of abuse which arises in whole or in part out of abuse.

(c) “Abuse status” means the fact or perception that a person is, has been or may be a subject of abuse, irrespective of whether the person has sustained abuse-related medical conditions.

(d) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Mississippi.

(e) “Confidential abuse information” means information about acts of abuse or abuse status of a subject of abuse, the address and telephone number (home and work) of a subject of abuse or the status of an applicant or insured as a family member, employer or associate of, or a person in a relationship with, a subject of abuse.

(f) “Insurance professional” means an agent, insurance producer, adjuster or third-party administrator as defined in the insurance laws of this state.

(g) “Insured” means a party named on a disability income policy or certificate as the person with legal rights to the benefits provided by the policy or certificate. For group insurance, “insured” includes a person who is a beneficiary covered by a group policy or certificate.

(h) “Insurer” means a person or other legal entity engaged in the business of disability income insurance in this state.

(i) “Policy” or “certificate” means a contract of insurance or indemnity, including endorsements, riders or binders issued, proposed for issuance or intended for issuance by an insurer or insurance professional.

(j) “Subject of abuse” means a person: against whom an act of abuse has been directed; who has current or prior injuries, illnesses or disorders that resulted from abuse; or who seeks, may have sought or had reason to seek medical or psychological treatment for abuse or protection, court-ordered protection or shelter from abuse.