§ 27-20.7-15. Grounds for suspension or revocation of certificate of authority. (a) The certificate of authority of an administrator shall be suspended or revoked if the commissioner finds that the administrator is:

(1) In an unsound financial condition;

(2) Using any methods or practices in the conduct of its business so as to render its further transaction of business in this state hazardous or injurious to insured persons or the public; or

(3) Has failed to pay any judgment rendered against it in this state within sixty (60) days after the judgment has become final.

(b) The commissioner may in his or her discretion, suspend or revoke the certificate of authority of an administrator if the commissioner finds that the administrator:

(1) Has violated any lawful rule or order of the commissioner or any provision of the insurance laws of this state;

(2) Has refused to be examined or to produce its accounts, records and files for examination, or if any of its officers has refused to give information with respect to its affairs or has refused to perform any other legal obligation as to an examination, when required by the commissioner;

(3) Has, without just cause, refused to pay proper claims or perform services arising under its contracts or has, without just cause, caused covered individuals to accept less than the amount due them or caused covered individuals to employ attorneys or bring suit against the administrator to secure full payment or settlement of the claims;

(4) Is affiliated with or under the same general management or interlocking directorate or ownership as another administrator or insurer that unlawfully transacts business in this state without having a certificate of authority;

(5) Has at any time failed to meet any qualification for which issuance of the certificate could have been refused had the failure then existed and been known to the department;

(6) Has been convicted of, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony without regard to whether adjudication was withheld; or

(7) Is under suspension or revocation in another state.

(c) The commissioner may in his or her discretion and without advance notice or hearing immediately suspend the certificate of an administrator if the commissioner finds that one or more of the following circumstances exist:

(1) The administrator is insolvent or impaired;

(2) A proceeding for receivership, conservatorship, rehabilitation or other delinquency proceeding regarding the administrator has been commenced in any state; or

(3) The financial condition or business practices of the administrator pose an imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare of the residents of this state.

(d) If the commissioner finds that one or more grounds exist for the suspension or revocation of a certificate of authority issued under this part, the commissioner may, in lieu of suspension or revocation, impose a fine upon the administrator.

History of Section. (P.L. 2001, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 242, § 1.)