58-2-133. Conflict of interest; cost of examinations; immunity from liability.

(a) No person may be appointed as an examiner by the Commissioner if that person, either directly or indirectly, has a conflict of interest or is affiliated with the management of or owns a pecuniary interest in any person subject to examination. This section does not preclude an examiner from being:

(1) A policyholder or claimant under an insurance policy;

(2) A grantor of a mortgage or similar instrument on the examiner's residence to an insurer if done under customary terms and in the ordinary course of business;

(3) An investment owner in shares of regulated diversified investment companies; or

(4) A settler or beneficiary of a blind trust into which any otherwise nonpermissible holdings have been placed.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of G.S. 58-2-131, the Commissioner may retain from time to time, on an individual basis, qualified actuaries, certified public accountants, or other similar individuals who are independently practicing their professions, even though they may from time to time be similarly employed or retained by persons subject to examination under the Examination Law. In the case of an examination of an insurer, the insurer shall bear the cost of retaining those persons.

(c) The refusal of any insurer to submit to examination is grounds for the revocation, suspension, or refusal of a license. The Commissioner may make public any such revocation, suspension, or refusal of license and may give reasons for that action.

(d) The provisions of G.S. 58-2-160 apply to examinations conducted under the Examination Law.