As used in this chapter:

"Association" means the joint underwriting association established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

"Incidental coverage" means any other type of liability insurance covering activities directly related to the continued and efficient delivery of health care that: (i) cannot be obtained in the voluntary market because medical malpractice insurance is being provided pursuant to this chapter; and (ii) cannot be obtained through other involuntary market mechanisms.

"Liability insurance" includes the classes of insurance defined in §§ 38.2-117 through 38.2-119 and the liability portions of the insurance defined in §§ 38.2-124, 38.2-125, and 38.2-130 through 38.2-132.

"Medical malpractice insurance" means insurance coverage against the legal liability of the insured and against loss, damage, or expense incident to a claim arising out of the death or injury of any person as the result of negligence in rendering or failing to render professional service by any provider of health care.

"Net direct premiums written" means gross direct premiums written in this Commonwealth on all policies of liability insurance less, (i) all return premiums on the policy, (ii) dividends paid or credited to policyholders, and (iii) the unused or unabsorbed portions of premium deposits on liability insurance.

"Provider of health care" means any of the following deemed by the Commission to be necessary for the delivery of health care: (i) a physician and any other individual licensed or certified pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ 54.1-2900 et seq.) of Title 54.1; (ii) a nurse, dentist, or pharmacist licensed pursuant to Title 54.1; (iii) any health facility licensed or eligible for licensure pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Title 32.1 or Article 2 (§ 37.2-403 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 37.2; and (iv) any other group, type, or category of individual or health-related facility that the Commission finds to be necessary for the continued delivery of health care after providing notice and opportunity to be heard.

1976, c. 85, § 38.1-775; 1986, c. 562.