A. Upon determining that an examination should be conducted, the Insurance Commissioner shall issue an examination warrant appointing one or more examiners to perform the examination and instructing them as to the scope of the examination. In conducting the examination, the examiner shall observe those guidelines and procedures set forth in the Examiners' Handbook adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as supplemented by rules of the Commissioner. The Commissioner may also employ such other guidelines or procedures as the Commissioner may deem appropriate.

B. Every company or person from whom information is sought, including all of its officers, directors, employees and agents, shall provide to the Commissioner and examiners timely, convenient, and free access at all reasonable hours at its offices to all books, records, accounts, papers, documents, and any or all computer or other recordings relating to the property, assets, business and affairs of the company being examined. The officers, directors, employees and agents of the company or person shall facilitate such examination and aid in such examination so far as it is in their power to do so. The refusal of any company, by its officers, directors, employees or agents, to submit to examination or to comply with any reasonable written request of the examiners shall be grounds for suspension or refusal of, or nonrenewal of any license or authority held by the company to engage in an insurance or other business subject to the Commissioner's jurisdiction. Any such proceedings for suspension, revocation or refusal of any license or authority shall be conducted pursuant to Section 619 of this title.

C. The Commissioner or examiners shall have the power to issue subpoenas, to administer oaths and to examine under oath any person as to any matter pertinent to the examination. Upon the failure or refusal of any person to obey a subpoena, the Commissioner may petition a court of competent jurisdiction, and upon proper showing, the Court may enter any order compelling the witness to appear and testify or produce documentary evidence. Failure to obey the court order shall be punishable as contempt of court.

D. When making an examination under Sections 309.1 through 309.7 of this title, the Commissioner may retain attorneys, appraisers, independent actuaries, independent certified public accountants or an accounting firm or individual holding a permit to practice public accounting, certified financial examiners or other professionals and specialists as examiners, the cost of which shall be borne by the company which is the subject of the examination.

E. Nothing contained in Sections 309.1 through 309.7 of this title shall be construed to limit the Commissioner's authority to terminate or suspend any examination in order to pursue other legal or regulatory action pursuant to the insurance laws of this state. Findings of fact and conclusions made in any examination report shall be prima facie evidence in any legal or regulatory action.

F. Nothing contained in Sections 309.1 through 309.7 of this title shall be construed to limit the Commissioner's authority to use and, if appropriate, to make public any final or preliminary examination report, any examiner or company workpapers or other documents, or any other information discovered or developed during the course of any examination in the furtherance of any legal or regulatory action which the Commissioner may deem appropriate.

Added by Laws 1991, c. 204, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 418, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.