ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 887 By: Quinn of the Senate and Sneed of the House An Act relating to insurance; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 311.4, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 275, O.S.L. 2014 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 311.4), which relates to annual statements reporting market conduct data of insurers; authorizing imposition of civil fine; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 615.2, which relates to Biographical Affidavits; modifying time frame for Business Character Report; amending 3 6 O.S. 2011, Section 638, which relates to compliance relating to examinations; updating statutory references; requiring insurer using credit information to provide certain exceptions to how credit information is used; specifying exceptions; authorizing insurer to require certain information for granting of exception; declaring insurer in compliance with law in certain situation; construing provision; requiring i nsurer to provide notice of exceptions; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 996, which relates to assigned risks; removing prohibition on disapproval of certain market plans; authorizing the Oklahoma Automobile Insurance Plan to issue certain policies; declaring policies as proof of certain required financial responsibility; providing for liability; requiring filing of annual audited financial statement; authorizing Commissioner to establish necessary rules; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1116, as amended by Sec tion 18, Chapter 45, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1116), which relates to penalties for failure to remit taxes; removing time limits; specifying application of certain penalty; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1219, which relates to claims reimbu rsement or denial; modifying time and manner of claim payment or denial; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1250.5, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 105, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. S upp. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2020, Section 1250.5), which relates to acts by an insurer constituting unfair claim settleme nt practices; authorizing certain method of payment; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Sectio n 1250.7, as amended by Section 7, Chapter 95, O.S.L. 2018 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1250.7), which relates to property and casualty claims; modifying time for notice; ame nding 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1250.8, which relates to motor vehicle total loss or d amage claim; providing for electronic payment; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Sectio n 1435.20, as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 263, O.S.L. 2019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 143 5.20), which relates to limited lines producers; updating language; adding type of license limited lines producer may receive; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1445, which relates to fiduciary capacity; authorizing electronic payments in certain circumstances; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1450, as amended by Section 6, Chapter 294, O.S. L. 2019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1450), which relates to licensing procedure; modifying time for certain notification; requiring background reports by certain persons; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Sections 2004, 2006, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 78, O.S .L. 2014, 2007 and 2008 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 2006), which relate to the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association; modifying definition; modifying composition of Board of Directors; modifying obligations of certain insurers; spe cifying entity responsible for issuance of certain policies; adding method of certain notification; authorizing insurer Board representative to designate alternate member with duties of insurer; removing authority of Commissioner to appoint Board members i n certain circumstances; modifying duties of the Association; removing residency requirement for certain entities; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2023, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 2023), which relates to t he Oklahoma Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association; clarifying terms; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3101, which relates to definitions; modifying definition; amending 36 O.S. Supp. 2011, Section 3105, which relates to motor service club agents; updating language; clarifying persons who may be appointed; removing requirement of certain notification; modifying certain fee for producers; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 modifying length Commissioner may suspend certain license; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3108, which relates to misrepresentation; updating language; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3639.1, as amended by Section 11, Chapter 44, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 3639.1), which relates to personal residential insurance; requiring insured provide certain notification for cancellation; providing that insurer not liable after date of cancellation; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Sections 4030 and 4030.1, which relate to paying premiums for single life policies and payment of proceeds; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4055.7, which relates to the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008; amending 36 O.S. Section 4055.9, which relates to viatical settlements; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4103, which relates to schedule of premium rates; deleting exception; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4112, which relates to payment of proceeds; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6060.11, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 75, O.S.L. 2020 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6060.11), which relates to mental health and substance use disorders; modifying certain deadline for Commissioner reporting; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6060.12, as amended by Section 3, Chapter 75, O.S.L. 2020 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6060.12), which relates to calculation of premium costs; modifying penalty determination; prohibiti ng change of name of prepaid funeral benefit permit holder; requiring Insurance Commissioner approval; providing for application for change of name; authorizing waiver of approval requirement; authorizing denial of change of name application; providing for issuance of prepaid funeral benefit permit with new name; authorizing Insurance Commissioner to p rescribe rules; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6216.1, which relates to payment of claims to public adjuster; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6217, as last ame nded by Section 14, Chapter 269, O.S.L. 2013 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6217), which relates to continuing education; eliminating continuing education advisory committee; defining term; providing for dormant captive insurance company to apply for certifi cate of dormancy; listing requirements for certain dormant captive insurance companies; providing exceptions; requiring certain application prior to issuing insurance policies; providing for revocation of ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 certificate of dormancy; providing for examination; authorizing the Insurance Commissioner to promulgate rules; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6552, which relates to definitions; modifying definition; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6753, as amended by Section 38, Chapter 150, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6753), which relates to home service contracts; modifying type of authorized financial security deposit; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6904, which relates to is suance of certificates; modifying agency responsible for determining certain compliance; removing duty and notification requirements of State Commissioner of Health; modifying time frame for issuance of certificate; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6907, whi ch relates to reasonable standards of quality care and credentialing; modifying applicable a gency; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6911, which relates to grievance procedures; modifying responsible agency; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6919, which relates to examination of affairs, programs, books and records; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6920, which relates to suspension or revocation of a certificate of authority; eliminating role of State Commissioner of Health in certain hearings and determinations; modifying conditions in which Commissioner may revoke certain license; amending 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6929, which relates to contracts with qualified persons; repealing 36 O.S. 2011, Sections 1435.40, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 23, O.S.L. 2016 (O.S. S upp. 2020, Section 1435.40), 1612.1, 6221, and 6522 which relate to applicants for licensure , property for employees, Advisory Board to the Insurance Commissioner, and the Oklahoma Small Employer Health Reinsurance Program; providing for codification; and declaring an emergency . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PE OPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 311.4, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 275, O.S.L. 2 014 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 311.4), is amended to read as follows: Section 311.4. A. Insurers a uthorized to do business under the provisions of the Oklahoma Insurance Code shall annually file with the Insurance Commissioner market conduct annual sta tements reporting market conduct data of insurers on the thirty -first day of December of the previous year. The statements shall rep ort on the lines of insurance and be in such general form and context as approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and as supplemented for additional information required by the Insurance Commiss ioner by rule. The statements shall be prepared in accordance with NAIC instructions, including any supplemental filings described in the NAIC instructio ns. If no forms or instructions are available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioner s, the statements shall be in t he form and pursuant to instructions as provided by the Insurance Commissioner. Insurers not authorized by the Insurance C ommissioner to provide the lines of insurance approved by the National Association or the Insurance Commissioner shall not be require d to file market conduct annual statements. For good cause shown, the Insurance Commissioner may extend the time within wh ich market conduct annual statements may be filed. The Insurance Commissioner may provide copies of market conduct annual statements , amendments, and addendums to such ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 statements and market conduct data taken from such statements to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners only if, prior to sharing of the market conduct annual statements, amend ments, addendums to such statem ents or market conduct data taken from such statements, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners enters into a written agreement with the Insurance Commissioner to maintain the confidentiality of the shared informa tion. B. The Insurance Commiss ioner may adopt rules implementing this section including rules that: 1. Add lines of insurance to be reported in market c onduct annual statements; and 2. Require the filing of market conduct annual statements and any amendments and addendums to such sta tements with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and the payment of applicable filing fees required by the NAIC. C. Insurers shall pay a filing fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) to the Insurance Commissio ner for the filing of the marke t conduct annual statement. D. No waiver of an applicable privilege or claim of confidentiality in the documents, material s, or other information shall occur as a result of disclosure to the Insurance Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee under this section or as a result of sharing the documents, materials or other information as provided in this section. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 E. Market conduct annual statements and any amendments and addendums to such statements, f iled with the Insurance Commissioner pursuant to this section in electronic format or otherwise, shall be treated as working papers and documents as set out in subsection F of Section 309.4 of this title. F. The Insurance Commissioner may use market condu ct annual statements or amendments or addendums to such statements to assist in determining whether a market conduct examination or investigation of an insurer should be conducte d. For purposes of completing a market conduct examination of any company und er Sections 309.1 through 309.7 of this title, the Insu rance Commissioner may, in the sole discretion of the Insurance Commissioner, use market conduct annual statements or amend ments or addendums to such statements to assist in determining compliance with the laws of this state and rules adopted by the Insura nce Commissioner. G. For any violation of this section, the Insurance Commissioner may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, subject an insurer to a civil penalty of up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each occ urrence. Such civil penalty ma y be enforced in the same manner in which civil judgments may be enforced. SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 615.2, is amended to read as follows: Section 615.2. All domestic insurers and health maintenance organizations are required to keep biographical information current. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Domestic insurers and health maintenance organizations are requir ed to provide Biographical Affidavits within thirty (30) days of any change in officers, directors, ke y management or any person acquiring ten percent (10%) or more controlling interest in a domestic insurer. The information shall be on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) UCAA Biographical Affidavit Form. The Biographical Affidavit is to be certified by an independent third party acceptable to the Insurance Commissioner that has conducted a comprehensive review of the background of the applicant and has indicated that the Biographical Affidavit has no significantly inaccurate or con flicting information and is acc epted as the Business Character Report. As used in this section, "independent third party " is one that has no affiliation with the applicant and is in the business of providing background checks or investigations. The Busin ess Character Report must be cu rrent and shall not be older than one (1) year six (6) months. SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011 , Section 638, is amended to read as follows: Section 638. Every MEWA Multiple Employer Welfare Arran gement shall comply with Articl es 15 through 19 and Sections 308 309.1 through 310 309.7, 311.1 and 619 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title which pertain to examinations, deposits and solvency regulation. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 4. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 953.1 of Title 36, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads a s follows: A. Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, an insurer that uses credit information sh all, upon written request from an applicant for insurance coverage or an insured upon a form provided by the Insurance Commissioner, provide reasonable ex ceptions to the rate of the insurer, rating classifications, company or tier placement or underwriting rules or guidelines for a cons umer who has experienced and whose credit information has been directly influenced by any of the following events: 1. Catastrophic event declared by the federal or state government; 2. Serious illness or injury, or serious illness or injury to an immediate family member; 3. Death of an immediate family member; 4. Divorce or involuntary interruption of legally owed alimony or support payments; 5. Identity theft; 6. Temporary loss of employment for a period of three (3) months or more, if it results fro m involuntary termination; 7. Military deployment overseas; and 8. Other events, as determined by the Insurance Commissio ner. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. If an applicant or insured submits a request for an exception as provided in subsection A of this section, an insurer may, in its sole discretion: 1. Require the consumer to provide reasonable written and independently verifiable documentation of the event; 2. Require the consumer to demonstrate that the event had direct and meaningful impact on the credit information of the consumer; 3. Require the request be made no more than sixty (60) days from the date of the application for insurance or th e policy renewal; 4. Grant an exception despite the consumer not providing th e initial request for an exception in writing; or 5. Grant an exception to requiring a written request where the consumer asks for a consideration of repeated events or the insurer has considered this event previously. C. An insurer is in compliance with any other provision of law or Insurance Department rul e relating to underwriting, rating or rate filing notwithstanding the granting an exception under this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide a consumer or other insured with a cause of action that do es not exist in the absence of this section. D. The insurer shall provide notice to consumers, either at the time of acceptance of an insuranc e application or at policy renewal, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 that reasonable exceptions are available and information about how the consumer may inquire further. SECTION 5. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 996, is amended to read as follows: Section 996. Assigned Risks. A. Agreements may be made among insurers with respect to the equitable apportionment among the m of costs for insurance which may be afforded applicants who are in good faith entitled to, but who are unable to procure , such insurance through ordinary methods, and such insurers may agree among themselves on the use of reasonable rate modifications fo r such insurance, such agreemen ts and rate modifications to be subject to the approval of the Insurance Commissioner. Nothing in the Property and Casualty Competitive Loss Cost Rating Act shall permit disapproval of a residual market plan permitting an in surer to elect voluntary direct assignment. B. The Oklahoma Automobile Insurance Plan is authorized to issue policies of insurance in the name of the plan for the applicants described in subsection A of this section and to act on behalf of all participati ng members in connection with t he policies. The policies shall be considered proof of financial responsibility in accordance with Section 7 -600 of the Highway Safety Code. C. The participating members shall be liable to the plan for all costs, expenses a nd liabilities in proportion to its share of ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 voluntary market premium for the types of policies written under the plan in this state. D. The plan shall file an annual audited financial statement with the Commissioner. E. The Commissioner is authorized to establish rules and regulations required to implement the purposes of this section. SECTION 6. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 20 11, Section 1116, as amended by Section 18, Chapter 45, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1116), is amende d to read as follows: Section 1116. A. Any surplus lines licensee or broker who fails to remit the surplus line tax provided for by Section 1 115 of this title for more than sixty (60) days after it is due shall be liable for a civil penalty of not to exceed Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each additional day of delinquency, per policy. The Insurance Commissioner shall collect the tax by distr aint and shall recover the penalty by an action in the name of the State of Oklahoma. The Commissioner may reque st the Attorney General to appear in the name of the state by relation of the Commissioner. B. If any person, association or legal entity proc uring or accepting any insurance coverage from a surplus lines insurer where Oklahoma is the home state of the in sured, otherwise than through a surplus lines licensee or broker, fails to remit the surplus line tax provided for by Section 1115 of this titl e, the person, association or legal entity shall, in addition to the tax, be liable ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 to a civil penalty in an amou nt equal to one percent (1%) of the premiums paid or agreed to be paid for the policy or policies of insurance for each calendar month of delin quency or a civil penalty in the amount of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) whichever shall be the greater. The Insurance Commissioner shall collec t the tax by distraint and shall recover the civil penalty in an action in the name of the State of Oklahoma. T he Commissioner may request the Attorney General to appear in the name of the state by relation of the Commissioner. SECTION 7. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1219, is amended to read as follows: Section 1219. A. In the admini stration, servicing, or processing of any accident and health insurance policy, every insurer shall reimburse all clean claims of an insured, an assignee of the insured, or a health care provider within forty -five (45) calendar days after receipt of the a paper claim and thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of an electronic claim by the insurer. B. As used in this section: 1. "Accident and health insurance policy" or "policy" means any policy, certificate, contract, agreement or other instrument that provides accident and health insurance, as defined in Section 703 of this title, to any person in this state, and any subscriber certificate or any evidence of coverage issued by a health maintenance organization to any person in this state; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. "Clean claim" means a claim that has no defect or impropriety, including a lack of any required substantiating documentation, or particular circumstance re quiring special treatment that impedes prompt payment; and 3. "Insurer" means any entity that provides an accident and health insurance policy in this state, including, but not limited to, a licensed insurance company, a not -for-profit hospital service and medical indemnity corporation, a health maintenance organization, a fraternal benefit society, a multiple employer welfare arrangement, or any other entity subject to regulation by the Insurance Commissioner. C. If a claim or any portion of a claim is d etermined to have defects or improprieties, including a lack of any required substantiating documentation, or particular ci rcumstance requiring special treatment, the insured , enrollee or subscriber, assignee of the insured, enrollee or subscriber, and hea lth care provider shall be notified in writing within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the claim by the insurer. The written notice shall specify the portion of the claim that is causing a delay in processing and explain any additional informati on or corrections needed. Failure of an insurer to provide the insured, enrollee or subscriber, assignee of the insured, e nrollee or subscriber, and health care provider with the notice shall constitute prima facie evidence that the claim will be paid in accordance with the terms of ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the policy. Provided, if a claim is not submitted into the system due to a failure to meet ba sic Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and/or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPA A) edits, electronic notificati on of the failure to the submitter shall be deemed compliance with this subsection. Provided further, health maintenance organizations shall not be required to notify the insured, enrollee or subscriber, or assignee of the i nsured, enrollee or subscriber of any claim defect or impropriety. D. Upon receipt of the additional information or corrections which led to the claim 's being delayed and a determination that the information is accurate, an insurer shall either pay or den y the claim or a portion of the claim within forty-five (45) calendar days for a paper claim and thirty (30) calendar days for an electronic claim. E. Payment shall be considered made on: 1. The date a draft or other valid instrument which is equivalent to the amount of the payment is placed in the United States mail in a properly addressed, postpaid envelope; or 2. If not so posted, the date of delivery . F. An overdue payment shall bear simple interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year. G. In the event litigation should ens ue based upon such a claim, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover a ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 reasonable attorney fee to be set by the co urt and taxed as costs against the party or parties who do not prevail. H. The Insurance Commissioner shall develop a standardized prompt pay form for use by providers in reporting violations of prompt pay requirements. The form shall include a requireme nt that documentation of the reason for the delay in payment or documentation of proof of payment must be provided within ten (10) days of the filing of the form. The Commissioner shall provide the form to health maintenance organizations and providers. I. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Oklahoma Life and Health Insurance Guaranty A ssociation or to the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association. SECTION 8. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1250.5, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 105, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1250.5), is ame nded to read as follows: Section 1250.5. Any of the following acts by an insurer, if committed in violation of Section 1250.3 of this title, constitutes an unfair claim settlement practice exclusive of paragraph 16 of this section which shall be applicabl e solely to health benefit plans: 1. Failing to fully disclose to first party claimants, benefits, coverages, or other provisions of any insurance policy or insurance contract when the benefits, coverages or oth er provisions are pertinent to a claim; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. Knowingly misrepresenting to cl aimants pertinent facts or policy provisions relating to coverages at issue; 3. Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for prompt investigations of claims arising unde r its insurance policies or insurance contracts; 4. Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlement of claims submitted in which liability has become reasonably cle ar; 5. Failing to comply with the provisions of Section 1 219 of this title; 6. Denying a claim for f ailure to exhibit the property without proof of demand and unfounded refusal by a claimant to do so; 7. Except where there is a time limit specified in t he policy, making statements, written or otherwise, which require a claimant to give written notice of loss or proof of loss within a specified time limit and which seek to relieve the company of its obligations if the time limit is not complied with unles s the failure to comply with the time limit prejudices the rights of an insurer; 8. Requesting a clai mant to sign a release that ext ends beyond the subject matter that gave rise to the claim payment; 9. Issuing checks or, drafts or electronic payment in partial settlement of a loss or claim under a specified co verage which contain language releasing an i nsurer or its insured from its total liability; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10. Denying payment to a claimant on the grounds that services, procedures, or supplies provided by a tre ating physician or a hospital were not medically necessary unless the health insurer or administrator, as defined in Section 1442 of this title, first obtains an opinion from any provider of health care licensed by law and preceded by a medical examination or claim review, to the effect that the services, procedu res or supplies for which payment is being denied were not medically necess ary. Upon written request of a claimant, treating physician, or hospital, the opinion shall be set forth in a written repo rt, prepared and signed by the reviewing physician. The report shall detail which specific services, procedures, or supplies were no t medically necessary, in the opinion of the reviewing physician, and an explanation of that conclusion. A copy of each report of a reviewing physician shall be mailed by the health insurer, or administrator, postage prepaid , to the claimant, treating phy sician or hospital requesting same within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the written request. As used in this paragraph, "physician" means a person holding a valid license to practice medicine and surgery, osteopathic me dicine, podiatric medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, or optometry, pursuant to the state licensing provisions of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 11. Compensating a reviewing physician, as defined in paragraph 10 of this subsection, on the basis of a pe rcentage of the amount by which a claim is reduced for payment; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 12. Violating the provisions of the Health Care Fraud Prevention Act; 13. Compelling, without just cause, policyholders to institute suits to recover amounts due under its insurance policies or insurance contracts by offe ring substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered in suits brought by them, when the policyholders have made cl aims for amounts reasonably similar to the amounts ultimately recovered; 14. Failing to maintain a co mplete record of all complaints which it has received during the preceding three (3) years or since the date of its last financial examination conducted o r accepted by the Commissioner, whichever time is longer. This record shall indicate the total number of complaints, their classific ation by line of insurance, the nature of each complaint, the disposition of each complaint, and the time it took to proces s each complaint. For the purposes of this paragraph, "complaint" means any written communication primarily expressing a grievance; 15. Requesting a refund of all or a portion of a payment of a claim made to a claimant or health care provider more than t wenty- four (24) months after the payment is made. This pa ragraph shall not apply: a. if the payment was made because of fraud commit ted by the claimant or health care provider, or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 b. if the claimant or health care provider has otherwise agreed to make a refund to the insurer for overpayment of a claim; 16. Failing to pay, or requesting a refund of a paym ent, for health care services c overed under the policy if a health benefit plan, or its agent, has provided a preauthorization or precertification and ver ification of eligibility for those health care services. This paragraph shall not apply if: a. the claim or payment was made because of fraud committed by the claimant or health care provider, b. the subscriber had a preexisting exclusion under the policy related to the service provided, or c. the subscriber or employer failed to pay the applicable premium and all grace periods and extensions of coverage have expired; or 17. Denying or refusing to accept an application for life insurance, or refusing to r enew, cancel, restrict or otherwise terminate a policy of life insurance, or charge a different rate based upon the lawful travel des tination of an applicant or insured as provided in Section 4024 of this title. SECTION 9. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1250.7, as amended by Section 7, Chapter 95, O.S.L. 2018 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020 , Section 1250.7), is amended t o read as follows: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 1250.7. A. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by a property and casualty insurer of properly executed proofs of loss, the first party claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer, or if fu rther investigation is necessary. No property and casualty insurer shall deny a claim because of a specific policy provisi on, condition, or exclusion unless reference to such provision, condition, or exclusion is included in the denial. A denial shall be given to any claimant in writing, and the claim file of the property and casualty insurer shall contain a copy of the deni al. If there is a reasonable basis supported by specific information available for review by the Commissioner that the first party c laimant has fraudulently caused or contributed to the loss, a property and casualty insurer shall be relieved from the requ irements of this subsection. In the event of a weather-related catastrophe or a major natural disaste r, as declared by the Governor, the Insurance Commissioner may extend the deadline imposed under this subsection an additi onal twenty (20) days. B. If a claim is denied for reasons other than those described in subsection A of this section, and is made by any other means than writing, an appropriate notation shall be made in the claim file of the property and casualty insure r until such time as a written confirmation can be made. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. Every property and casualty insurer shall complete investigation of a cla im within sixty (60) days after notification of proof of loss unless such investigation cannot reasonably be completed within such time. If such investig ation cannot be completed, or if a property and casualty insurer needs more time to determine whether a claim should be accepted or d enied, it shall so notify the claimant within sixty (60) days after receipt of the proofs of loss, giving reasons why more time is needed. If the investigation remains incomplete, a property and casualty insurer shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of the initial notification, send to such claimant a letter setting forth the reasons additional time is needed for invest igation. Except for an investigation of possible fraud or arson which is supported by specific information giving a reasonable basis for the investigation, the time for investigation shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of proof of loss. Provided, in the event of a weather -related catastrophe or a major natural disaster, as declared by the Governor, the Insuran ce Commissioner may extend this deadline for investigation an additional twenty (20) days. D. Insurers shall not fail to s ettle first party claims on the basis that responsibility for payment should be assumed by others except as may otherwise be provided by policy provisions. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 E. Insurers shall not continue or delay negotiations for settlement of a claim directly with a clai mant who is neither an attorney nor represented by an attorney, for a length of time which causes the claimant's rights to be affecte d by a statute of limitations, or a policy or contract time limit, without giving the claimant written notice that the time limit is expiring and may affect the claimant's rights. Such notice shall be given to first party claimants thirty (30) days, and to third party claimants sixty (60) days, before the date on which such time limit may expire one year after the date of the loss. F. No insurer shall make stateme nts which indicate that the rights of a third party claimant may be impaired if a form or release is not completed within a given period of time unless the statement is given for the purpose of notifying a third part y claimant of the provision of a statute of limitations. G. If a lawsuit on the claim is initiated, the time limits provided for in this section shall not apply. SECTION 10. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1250.8, is amended to read as follows: Section 1250.8. A. If an insurance policy or insurance contract provides for the adjustment and settlement of first party motor vehicle total losses, on the basis of actual cash value or replacement with another of like kind and quality, one of the following methods shall apply : ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. An insurer may elect to offer a replacement motor vehicle which is a specific comparabl e motor vehicle available to the insured, with all applicable t axes, license fees, and other fees incident to the transfer of evidence of ownership of the motor vehicle paid, at no cost to the insured other than any deductible provided in the policy. The offer and any rejection thereof shall be documented in the clai m file; or 2. An insurer may elect a cash settlement based upon the actual cost, less any deductibl e provided in the policy, to purchase a comparable motor vehicle, including all applicable ta xes, license fees and other fees incident to a transfer of evid ence of ownership, or a comparable motor vehicle. Such cost may be determined by: a. the cost of a comparable motor vehicle in the local market area when a comparable motor vehicle is currently or recently available in the prior ninety (90) days in the local market area, b. one of two or more quotations obtained b y an insurer from two or more qualified dealers located within the local market area when a comparable motor vehicle is not available in the local market area, or c. the cost of a comparable motor vehicle as quoted in the latest edition of the National Aut omobile Dealers Association Official Use d Car Guide or monthly edition ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 of any other nationally recognized published guidebook. B. If a first party motor vehicle total loss is settled on a basis which deviates from the methods described in subsection A of this section, the deviation shall be sup ported by documentation giving particulars of the condition of the motor vehicle. Any deductions from such cost, including, but not limited to, deduction for salvage, shall be measurable, discernible, itemized and specified as to dollar amount and shall b e appropriate in amount. The basis for such settlement shall be fully explained to a first party claimant. C. If liability for motor vehicle damages is re asonably clear, insurers shall not recommend that third part y claimants make claims pursuant to the third party claimants ' own policies solely to avoid paying claims pursuant to such insurer 's insurance policy or insurance contract. D. Insurers shall not require a claimant to travel unreasonably either to inspect a replacement motor vehicle, obtain a re pair estimate or have the motor vehicle repaired at a specific repair shop. E. Insurers shall, upon the request of a claimant, include the deductible of a first party claimant, if any, in subrogation demands. Subrogation recoveries shall be shared on a p roportionate basis with a first party claimant, unless the deductible amount has ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 been otherwise recovered. No deduction for expenses shall be made from a deductible recovery unless an outside attorney is retained to collect such recovery. The deduction s hall then be made for only a pro rata share of the allocated loss adjustment expense. F. If an insurer prepares an estimate of the cost of automobile repairs, such estimate shall be in an amount for which it reasona bly may be expected that the damage can be repaired satisfactorily. An insurer shall give a copy of an estimate to a claimant and ma y furnish to the claimant the names of one or more conveniently located repair shops, if requested by the claimant. G. If an amount claimed is reduced because of betterment or depreciation, all information for such reduction shall be contained in the claim file. Such deductions shall be itemized and specified as to dollar amount and shall be appropriate for the amount of deductions. H. An insurer or its represent ative shall not require a claimant to obtain motor vehicle repairs at a specific repair facility. An insurer or its representative shall not require a claimant to obtain motor vehicle glass repair or replacement at a specific motor vehicle glass repair or replacement facility. An insurer shall fully and promptly pay for the cost of the motor vehicle repair services or products, less any applicable deductibl e amount payable according to the terms of the policy. The claimant shall be furnished an itemized priced statement of repairs by the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 repair facility at the time of acceptance of the repaired motor vehicle. Unless a cash settlement is made, if a claimant selects a motor vehicle repair or motor vehicle glass repai r or replacement facility, the insurer s hall provide payment to the facility or claimant based on a competitive price, as established by that insurer through market surveys or by the insured throu gh competitive bids at the insured's option, to determine a fair and reasonable market price for sim ilar services. Reasonable deviation from this market price is allowed based on the facts in each case. I. An insurer shall not use as a basis for cash set tlement with a first party claimant an amount which is less than the amount which an insurer would pay if repairs were made, other than in total loss situations, unless such amount is agreed to by the insured. J. An insurer shall not force a claimant to e xecute a full settlement release in order to settle a proper ty damage claim involving a personal inj ury. K. All payment or satisfaction of a claim for a motor vehicle which has been transferre d by title to the insurer shall be paid by check or, draft or electronic payment, payable on demand. L. In the event of pa yment of a total loss to a third party claimant, the insurer shall include any registered lienholder as copayee to the extent of the lienholder's interest. M. As used in this section, "total loss" means that the vehicle repair costs plus the salvage value of the vehicle meets or exceeds ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the actual cash value of the motor vehicle prior to the loss, as provided in used automobile dealer guidebooks. N. An insurer shall not offer a cash settlement as provided in paragraph 2 of subsection A of this section for the purchase of a comparable motor vehicle and then subsequently sell the motor vehicle which has been determined to be a total loss back to the claimant if the insurer has determined that the re pair of the vehicle would not result in the vehicle being re stored to operative condition as provided in Section 1111 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes unless the claimant specifies in writi ng or via an electronic signature that the claimant understands that the motor vehicle shall be titled as a "junked vehicle". SECTION 11. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1435.20, as last amended by Section 1, Chapter 263, O.S.L. 2 019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1435.20), is amended to read a s follows: Section 1435.20. A. A limited lines producer ma y receive qualification for a license in one or more of the following categories: 1. Prepaid legal liability insurance, which means the assumption of an enforceable contractual obligation to prov ide specified legal services or to reimburse policyholders f or specified legal expenses, pursuant to the provisions of a group or individual policy; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. Crop - insurance providing protection ag ainst damage to crops from unfavorable weather conditions, fire or lightning, flood, hail, insect infestation, disease or o ther yield-reducing conditions or perils provided by the private insurance market, or that is subsidized by the Federal Crop Insuranc e Corporation, including Multi-Peril Crop Insurance; 3. Car rental - insurance offered, sold or solicited in connection with and incidental to the rental of renta l cars for a period of two (2) years, whether at the rental office or by preselection of cove rage in master, corporate, group or individual agreements that: a. is nontransferable, b. applies only to the rental car th at is the subject of the rental agreement, and c. is limited to the following kinds of insurance: (1) personal accident insurance for renters and other rental car occupants, for accidental death o r dismemberment, and for medical expenses resulting from an accident that occurs with the rental car during the rental period, (2) liability insurance that provides protection to the renters and other authorized drivers of a rental car for liability arisin g from the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 operation or use of the rental car during the rental period, (3) personal effects insuran ce that provides coverage to renters and other vehicle occupants for loss of, or damage to, personal effects in the rental car during the rental period, (4) roadside assistance and emergency sickness protection insurance, or (5) any other coverage designat ed by the Insurance Commissioner. A car rental limited lines license issued to a rental or le asing company shall authorize any employee or authorized repres entative of the rental or leasing company to sell or offer c overage at each location at which the re ntal or leasing company operates. Employees or authorized representatives are not required t o be individually licensed; 4. Credit - credit life, credit di sability, credit property, credit unemployment, involuntary unemployment, mortgage life, mortgage guaranty, mortgage disability, guaranteed automobile protection insurance, or any other form of insurance offered in connection with an extension of credit th at is limited to partially or wholly extinguishing that cred it obligation and that is designated by the Insurance Commissioner as limited line credit insurance; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5. Surety - insurance or bond that covers obligations to pay the debts of, or answer for the d efault of another, including faithlessness in a position of public or private trust. For purpose of limited line licensing, surety does not include surety bail bonds; 6. Travel; and 7. Self-service storage insurance, pursuant to Section 2 of this act 1435.20a of this title; and 8. Motor Service Club limited lin es producer, pursuant to Sections 3101 et seq. of this title. B. 1. An insurance producer or limited lines producer may solicit applications for and issue travel accident policies or baggage insurance by means of mechanical vending machines supervised by the insurance producer or limited lines producer only if the Insurance Commissioner shall determine that the form of policy to be sold is reasonably suited for sale and issuance through vending machines, that use of vending machines for the sale of polici es would be of convenience to the public , and that the type of vending machine to be used is reasonably suitable and practical for th e sale and issuance of policies. Policies so sold do not have to be countersigned. 2. The Commissioner shall issue to the insurance agent or limited insurance re presentative a special vending machine license for each such machine to be used. The license shall specify the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 name and address of the insurer and licensee , the kind of insurance and type of policy to be sold, and t he place where the machine is to be in operation. The license shall expire, be renewable, and be suspended or revoked coincidentally with the insurance agent license or limited representative lic ense of the licensee. The license fee for each vending mach ine shall be that stated in the provisio ns of Section 1435.23 of this title. Proof of existence of the license shall be displayed on or about each machine in such manner as the Commissioner may reasonably require. SECTION 12. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1445, is amended to read as follows: Section 1445. A. All insurance charges or premiums collected by an administrator for an insurer or trust and all return premiums received from the insurer or trust shall be held by the administrator in a fiduciary capacity. The se funds shall be immediately remitted to the person entitled to the funds or shall be deposited promptly in a fiduciary bank account established and maintained by the administrator. B. If charges or premiums deposi ted in a fiduciary account have been collected for more than one insurer or trust, the administrator shall keep records showing the d eposits to and withdrawals from the account for each insurer or trust. The administrator, upon request of an insurer or trust, shall furnish copies of the records ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 pertaining to deposits to and withdrawals from the account for that insurer or trust. C. The administrator shall not pay any claim by withdrawals from a fiduciary account unless provisions for said withdrawals are included in the written agreement betwee n the insurer or trust and the administrator. The written agreement shall authorize withdrawals by the administrator from the fiduciary account only for: 1. remittance Remittance to an insurer or trust entitled to a remittance; or 2. deposit Deposit in an account maintain ed in the name of an insurer or trust; or 3. transfer Transfer to and deposit in an account established for payment of claims, as provid ed for by subsection D of this section; or 4. payment Payment to a group policyholder for remittance to the insurer or trust entitled t o such remittance; or 5. payment Payment of commission, fees, or charges to the administrator; or 6. remittance Remittance of return premiums to the person entitled to such retur n premiums. D. All claims paid by the administrator from funds collected on behalf of the insurer or trust shall be paid on drafts or, checks or electronic payment authorized by the insurer or tr ust. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 13. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 1450, as amended by Section 6, Chapter 294, O.S.L. 2019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 1450), is amended to read as foll ows: Section 1450. A. No person shall act as or present himse lf or herself to be an administrator, as defined by the prov isions of the Third-party Administrator Act, in this state, unless the person holds a valid license as an administrator which is issu ed by the Insurance Commissioner. B. An administrator shall no t be eligible for a nonresident administrator license under this section if the administrator does not hold a home state certificate of authority or licens e in a state that has adopted the Thir d-party Administrator Act or that applies substantially similar provisions as are contained in the Third-party Administrator Act to that administrator. If the Third -party Administrator Act in the administrator 's home state does not extend to stop-loss insurance, but if the home state otherwise applies substantially similar provisions as are contained in the Third-party Administrator Act to that administrator, then that omission shall not operate to disqualify the admin istrator from receiving a nonresident administrator license in this state. 1. "Home state" means the United States jurisdiction that has adopted the Third-party Administrator Act or a substantially similar law governing third-party administrators and whic h has been designated by the administr ator as its principal regulator. The ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 administrator may designa te either its state of incorporation or its principal place of business within the United States if that jurisdiction has adopted the Third -party Administrator Act or a substantially similar la w governing third-party administrators. If neither the administrator's state of incorporation nor its principal place of business within the United States has adopted the Third - party Administrator Act or a substantial ly similar law governing third-party administrators, then the third-party administrator shall designate a United States jurisdiction in which it does business an d which has adopted the Third-party Administrator Act or a substantially similar law governing third-party administrators. For purposes of this definition paragraph, "United States jurisdiction " means the District of Columbia or a state or territory of th e United States. 2. "Nonresident administrator " means a person who is applying for licensure or is licensed in any state other than the administrator's home state. C. In the case of a partnershi p which has been licensed, each general partner shall be named in the license licensed and shall qualify therefore as though an individual licensee. The Commissioner shall charge a full additi onal license fee and a separate license shall be issued for eac h individual so named in such a license. The partnership sh all notify the Commissioner within fifteen (15) thirty (30) days if any individual licensed on ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 its behalf has been terminated, or is no longer associated with or employed by the partnership. Any entity or partnership person making application as an admini strator or currently licensed as administrators an administrator under the Third-party Administrators Act shall provide a National Association of Insurance Commissioner (NAIC) Biographical Affidavits Affidavit and a comprehensive review of the background report by an independent third-party NAIC-approved vendor as required for domestic insurers purs uant to the insurance laws of this state. D. An application for an administrator 's license shall be in a form prescribed by the Commissioner and shall be accomp anied by a fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). This fee shall not be refundable if the appli cation is denied or refused for any re ason by either the applicant or the Commissioner. E. The administrator's license shall continue in force no longer than twelve (12) months from the original month of issuance. Upon filing a renewal form prescribed by the Commissioner, accompanied by a fee of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), the license may be renewed annually for a one-year term. Late application for renewal of a license shall require a fee of double the amount of the original license fee. The adminis trator shall submit, together with the application for renewal, a list of the names and addresses of the persons with whom the administrator has contracted in ac cordance with Section 1443 of this title. The Commissioner shall hold this ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 information confidential except as provided in Section 14 43 of this title. F. 1. The administrator 's license shall be issued or renewed by the Commissioner unless, after notice a nd opportunity for hearing, the Commissioner determines that the administrator is not competent, trustworthy, or financially responsi ble, or has had any insurance license denied for cause by any s tate, has been convicted or has pleaded guilty or nolo conte ndere to any felony or to a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or dishonesty. 2. The administrator shall report to the Insurance Commissioner any administrative or criminal action taken agains t the administrator in another jurisdiction or by another go vernmental agency in this state within thirty (30) calendar days of the final disposition of the matter. This report shall include a copy of the order, consent to order, copy of any payment requi red as a result of the administrative or criminal action, or other relevant legal documents. 3. Any entity making application to the Oklahoma Insurance Department as a third-party administrator (TPA) or within thirty (30) days of a change for a licensed T PA shall provide current National Association of Insurance C ommissioners (NAIC) Biographical Affidavits and independent third -party background reports from a NAIC-approved vendor on behalf of a ll officers, directors and key managerial personnel of the TPA, and individuals with a ten percent ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (10%) or more beneficial ownership in the TPA and the TPA 's ultimate controlling person (affiant) as required for insur ers pursuant to the laws of this state . G. After notice and opportunity for hearing, and upon determining that the administrator has violated any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Insurance Code or upon finding reasons for which the issuance or nonrenewal of such license could have been denied, the Commissioner may either suspend or revoke an administrator's license or assess a civil penalty of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for each occurrence. The payment of the penalty may be enforced in the same manner as civil judgments may be enforced. H. Any person who is acting as or presenting himself or herself to be an administrator without a valid li cense shall be subject, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dolla rs ($10,000.00) for each occurrence. This fine shall be in add ition to any other penalties which may be imposed for violat ions of the Oklahoma Insurance Code or other laws of this state. I. Except as provided for in subsections F and G of this section, any person convicted of violating any provisions of the Third-party Administrator Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00). ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 39 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 14. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2004, is amended to read as follows: Section 2004. As used in the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act: 1. "Affiliate" means a person who directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person o n December 31 of the year next preceding the date the insure r becomes an insolvent insurer; 2. "Association" means the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association as created in Section 2005 of this title; 3. "Assumed claims transaction " means: a. policy obligations that have been assumed by the insolvent insurer, prior to the entry of a final order of liquidation, pursuant to a plan, appr oved by a domestic commissioner of the assuming insurer, which transfers the direct policy obligation s and future policy renewals from one insurer to another insurer, or b. an assumption reinsurance transaction in which all of the following have occurred: (1) the insolvent insurer assumed, pri or to the entry of a final order of liquidation, the claim ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 40 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 or policy obligations of another insurer under the claims or policies, (2) the assumption of the claim or policy obligations has been approved, if an approval is required, by the appropriate regula tory authorities, and (3) as a result of the assumption, the cl aim or policy obligations became the direct obligations of the insolvent insurer through novation of the claims or policies; 4. "Claimant" means any person instituting a covered claim; provided that no person who is an affiliate of the insolvent insurer may be a claimant; 5. "Commissioner" means the Insurance Com missioner of Oklahoma; 6. "Control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the m anagement and policies of a person, whether through the ownersh ip of voting securities, by contract other than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement services, or otherwise, unless the power is the result of an official position with or corporate office held by the person. Control shall be presumed to exist if a person, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing ten percent (10%) or more of the vot ing ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 41 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 securities of any other person. This p resumption may be rebutted by a showing that control does not e xist in fact; 7. "Covered claim" means: a. an unpaid claim, including one of unearned premiums, submitted by a claimant, which arises out of and is within the coverage and is subject to the ap plicable limits of an insurance policy to which this act applies, if the insurer becomes an insolvent insurer after the effective date of this act and the policy was issued by the insurer, and: (1) the claimant or insured is a resident of this state at the time of the insured event, provided that for entities other th an an individual, the residence of a claimant or insured is the state in which its principal place of business is located at the time of the insured e vent, or (2) the property from which the cl aim arises is permanently located in this state , b. "Covered claim" shall not include: (1) any amount awarded as punitive o r exemplary damages, (2) any amount sought as a return of premium under any retrospective ratin g plan, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (3) any amount due any reinsur er, insurer, insurance pool, or underwriting association, healt h maintenance organization, hospital plan corporation, professional health service corporation or self-insurer as subrogation recoveries, reinsurance recov eries, contribution, indemnification or otherwise. No claim for any amount due any reinsurer, insure r, insurance pool, or underwriting association, health maintenance organization, hospital plan corporation, professional health service corporation or self-insurer may be asserted against a person insured under a policy issued by an insolvent insurer other than to the extent the claim exceeds the association obliga tion limitations set for in Section 2007 of this title, (4) any claims excluded pursuant to Sec tion 15 of this act due to the high ne t worth of an insured, (5) any first party claims by an insured that is an affiliate of the insolvent company, (6) any fee or other amount relating to goods or services sought by or on behalf of any attorney or other provider of goods and services retained ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 by the insolvent insurer or an insured prior to the date it was determined to be insolvent, (7) any fee or other amount so ught by or on behalf of any attorney or other provider of goods and services retained by any in sured or claimant in connection with the assertion or prosecution of any claim, covered or otherwise, against the Association, (8) any claims for interest, or (9) any claim filed with the association or a liquidator for protection afforded under the policy of the insured for incurred -but-not- reported losses, or (10) notwithstanding any other provision of this act or any other law to the contrary, a claim that is filed with the association on a date that is later than eighteen (18) months after the date of the order of liquidation or that is unk nown and unreported as of said date; provided, however, that this shall not include any claim for workers' compensation benefits pursuant to Title 85A of the Oklahoma Statutes and the applicable rules of OAC Title 810 ; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8. "Insolvent insurer" means an insurer that is licensed to transact insurance in this state either at the time the policy was issued, when the obligation with respect to the covered claim was assumed under an assumed claims transaction, or when the insu red event occurred and against whom a final order of liquidation has been entered after the effective date of this act with a finding of insolvency by a court of competent jurisdiction in the state of domicile of the insurer; 9. "Insured" means any named insured, any additional insured, any vendor, lessor or any other party identified as an insured under the policy; 10. a. "Member insurer" means any person who: (1) writes any kind of insurance to which the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act applies pursuant to S ection 2003 of this title, including the exchange of reciprocal or inter-insurance contracts, and (2) is licensed to transa ct insurance in this state, except those insurers enumerated in Section 110 of this title or those insurers that are otherwise exempted by law or order of the Commissioner. b. An insurer shall cea se to be a member insurer effective on the day following the termination or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 expiration of its license to transact the kinds of insurance to which the Oklah oma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act applies; however, the insurer shall be l iable as a member insurer for any and all obligations, inclu ding but not limited to obligations for assessments levied after the termination or expiration, which relate to any insurer that becomes an insolvent insurer prior to the termination or expiration of the license of the insurer; 11. "Net direct written pre miums" means direct gross premiums written in this state on insurance policies to which this ac t applies, including but not limited t o policy and membership fees, less the following amounts: a. return premiums, b. premiums on policies not taken, and c. dividends paid or credited to policyholders on direct business. "Net direct written premiums " does not include premiums on contracts be tween insurers or reinsurers; 12. "Novation" means that the assumed claim or policy obligations became the direct obligati ons of the insolvent insurer through consent of the policyholder and that thereafter the ceding insurer or entity initially obligated under the claims or policies ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 46 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 is released by the policyholder f rom performing its claim or policy obligations. Consent sha ll be express and an implied novation shall not be allowed for the purposes, implementation and application of the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act; 13. "Person" means the individual or other entities as defined in Section 104 of this title; 14. "Receiver" means liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator or ancillary receiver, as the context requires; and 15. "Self-insurer" means a person who covers its liability through a qualified individual or group self -insurance program or any other formal program created for the specific purpose of covering liabilities typically covered by insurance. SECTION 15. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2006, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 78, O.S.L. 2014 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 2006), is amended to read as follows: Section 2006. A. The business and functi ons of the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association shall be managed and administered by a board of twelve (12) directors composed of two members selected by the American Insurance Association who are member insurers; at the expiration of the terms of the members selected by the Alliance of American Insurers who are serving on November 1, 2014, two members selected by the Property and Casualty Insurers Association of America who are member ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 47 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 insurers; at the expiration of the terms of the members selected by the National Association of Independent Insurers who are serving on November 1, 2014, two members selected by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies who are member insurers; two Oklahoma domestic insurers who are member insurers; two nonaffiliated foreign or alien insurers who are member insurers; two insurance agents who shall serve as ex officio members on the board domestic, foreign and alien insurers who are member insurers, including a minimum of two domestic insurers, and two insurance agents who shall serve as ex officio members. In determining candidates to fil l the member insurer positions, the board shall consider whe ther all insurers are fairly represented, including workers ' compensation insurers and other property and casualty insurers . One of the ex officio members shall be the Executive Director of the I ndependent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma, Inc.; the other ex officio member shall be a licensed, resident property and casualty insurance agent chosen by th e Governor. Each member of the board of directors shall designate a full-time salaried employee to r epresent it on the board of directors. Each member except f or the ex officio members shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The ex officio member who i s appointed by the Governor shall serv e at the pleasure of the Governor. Each appointed member insur er representative may designate an alternate representative to represent the insurer at any meeting of the board. Any person serving as an alternate ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 48 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 representative shall, while serving, have a ll the powers and responsibilities of the appointed insurer rep resentative. The members of the board of directors except f or the ex officio members shall be subject to approval by the Insurance Commissioner. Vacancies on the board except for the ex offic io members shall be filled for the remaining period of the term by a majority vote of the remaining board members, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. If no members are selected and appointed within sixty (60) days after the effective date of thi s act, the Commissioner may appoint the initial members of the board of directors. B. In approving selections to the board , the Commissioner shall consider, among other things, whether all member insurers are fairly represented. C. Members of the board s hall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed from the assets of the Association for expenses incurred by them as m embers of the board of directors. SECTION 16. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2007, is amended to read as f ollows: Section 2007. A. The Oklahoma Property and Casualty I nsurance Guaranty Association shall: 1. Be obligated to pay the covered claims existing prior to the determination of insolvency if the claims arise withi n thirty (30) days after the determina tion of insolvency, or before the policy expiration date if les s than thirty (30) days after the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 49 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 determination, or before t he insured replaces the policy or causes its cancellation, if the insured does so within thirty (30) days of the determination. The obligation shall be satisfied by paying to the claimant an amou nt as follows: a. the full amount of a covered claim for ben efits under a workers' compensation insurance coverage, b. an amount not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) per policy for a covered claim for the return of unearned premium, and c. an amount not exceeding One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) per claimant for all other covered claims. In no event shall the Association be obligat ed to pay a claimant an amount in excess of the obligation of the insolvent insurer under the policy or coverage from which the claim arises or in excess of the limits of the obligation of the Association existing on the date on which the order of liquidat ion is filed with the court clerk; 2. Any obligation of the association to defend an insured shall cease upon the payment or tender by the association of an amo unt equal to the lesser of the covered claim obligation limit of the association or the applica ble policy limit; 3. Be deemed the insurer to the extent of the obligations on covered claims and to that extent subject to the limitations provided in the Okla homa Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Association Act shall As payor of last resort, have all rights, duties and obligations of the insolvent insurer as if the insurer had not become insol vent, including, but not limited to, the right to pursue and retain salvage and subrogation recoverable on covered claim obligations to the extent paid by the association. The association shall not be deemed the insolvent insurer for the purpose of conferring jurisdiction; 4. Allocate claims paid and expenses inc urred among the three accounts set out in Section 2005 of this title separately, and assess member insurers separately for each accou nt amounts necessary to pay the obligations of the Association under this section subsequent to a member insurer becoming a n insolvent insurer, the expenses of handling covered claims subsequent to an insolvency, and other expenses authorized by the Oklaho ma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act, Se ctions 2001 through 2020 of this title and Sections 14 2020.1 and 15 2020.2 of this act title. The assessments of each member insurer shall be in the prop ortion that the net direct written pre miums of the member insurer for the calendar year preceding the assessment on the kinds of insurance in the account bear to the net direct written premiums of all participating insurers for the calendar year preceding the assessment on the kinds of insuran ce in the account. Each member insurer shall be notified in wr iting of the assessment not later than thirty (30) days befo re it is due. No member insurer may be ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 51 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 assessed in any year an amount greater than two percent (2%) of the net direct written premiu ms of that member or one percent (1%) of that surplus of the me mber insurer as regards policyholders for the calendar year preceding the assessment on the kinds of insurance in the account, whichever is less. If the m aximum assessment, together with the other assets of the Association, does not provide in any one (1) year in any account an amount sufficient to make all necessary payments from that account, the funds available may be prorated and the unpaid portion shal l be paid as soon thereafter as funds become available. The Association shall pay claims in any order which it deems reasonable, including the payment of claims as the claims are received from the claimants or in groups or categories of claims. The Assoc iation may exempt or defer, in whole or in part, the assessment of any member insurer, if the assessm ent would cause the financial statement of the member insure r to reflect amounts of capital or surplus less than the minimum amounts required for a certificate of authority by any jurisdiction in which the member insurer is authorized to transact insurance . During the period of deferment, no dividends shall be pai d to shareholders or policyholders. Deferred assessments shall be paid when the payments will not reduce capital or surplus below re quired minimums. The payments may be refunded to those compani es receiving larger assessments by virtue of the deferment, or, at the election of any company credited against future assessments. Each member insurer ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 52 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 serving as a servicing facility may set off against any assessment authorized payments made on covered claims and expenses incurred in the payment of covered claim s by a member insurer if they are chargeable to the account for which the assessment is made; 5. Investigate claims brought against the Association and adjust, compromise, settle and pay covered claims to the extent of the obligation of the Association an d deny all other claims. The Association shall pay claims in any order that it may deem reasonable, including, but not limited to, t he payment of claims as they are received from claimants or in groups of categories of claims. The Association shall have the right to select and to direct legal counsel under liability insurance policies for the defense of covered claims; 6. Notify claimants in this state as deemed necessary by the Commissioner and upon the request of the Commissioner, to the extent records are available to the Association . Notification may include, but shall not be limited to, a le gal posting on the website of the Association; 7. a. Handle claims through employees or through one o r more insurers or other persons incorporated and resident i n the State of Oklahoma designated as servicing facilities. Designation of a servicing facilit y is subject to approval of the Commis sioner, but such designation may be declined by a member insure r. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 53 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 b. The Association shall have the right to review and contest as set forth in this paragraph, settlements, releases, compromises, waivers and judgments to which the insolvent insurer or its insureds were parties prior to the entry of the order of liquid ation. In an action to enforce settlements, releases and ju dgments to which the insolvent insurer or its insureds were parties prior to the entry of the o rder of liquidation, the Association s hall have the right to assert the following defenses: (1) the Association shall not be bound by a settlement, release, comp romise or waiver executed by an insured or the insurer, or any judgment entered against the ins ured or the insurer by consent or thro ugh a failure to exhaust all appeals, if the settlement, releas e, compromise waiver or judgment was: (a) executed or entered within one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the entry of an order of liquidation, and the i nsured or the insurer did not use reas onable care in entering into the settlement, release, compromise, waiver or judgment, or did not ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 pursue all reasonable appe als of an adverse judgment, or (b) executed by or taken against an insured or the insurer based on default, fraud, collusion or the failure of the insurer to defend, (2) if a court of competent ju risdiction finds that the Association is not bound by a sett lement, release, compromise, waiver or judgment for the releases provided for in division (1) o f subparagraph b of this paragraph, th e settlement, release, compromise, waiver or judgment shall be set aside and the Association shall be permitted to defend any covered claim on the merits. The settlement, release, compromise, waiver or judgment shall not be considered as evidence of liability in connection with any claim brought against the Associati on or any other party pursuant to the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act, and (3) the Association shall have the right to as sert any statutory defenses or rights of offset against any settlement, release, compromise or waiver executed by an insured or the insurer, or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 any judgment taken against the insured or the insurer. c. As to any covered claims arising from a judgment under any decision, verdict or finding base d on the default of the insolvent insurer or its failure to def end, the Association, either on its own behalf or on behalf of an insured, may apply to have the judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding set aside by the same court or administrator that entered the judgment, claim, decision, verdict or finding and s hall be permitted to defend on the merits; 8. Reimburse each servicing facility for obligations of the Association paid by the facility and for reasonable expenses incurred by the facility whi le handling claims on behalf of the Association and pay the oth er expenses of the Association authorized by the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act; and 9. Have standing to appear before any court of this state which has jurisdiction over an impaired or insolvent insurer for whom the Association is or may become obligated pursuant to the provisio ns of the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act. Standing shall ex tend to all matters germane to the pow ers and duties of the Association including, but not limited to , proposals for rehabilitation, acquisition, merger, reinsur ing, or guaranteeing ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 56 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the covered policies of the impaired or insolvent insurer, and the determination of covered policies and contrac tual obligations of the impaired or insolvent insurer ; and 10. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act , an insurance policy issued by a member insur er and later allocated, transferred, assumed by or otherwise made the sole responsibility of another insurer pursuant to any provision of law providing for the division of an insurance company, or the statutory assumption or transfer of designated policies under which there is no remaining obligation to the transferring entity, shall be considered to have been issued by a member insurer which is an insolvent insur er for the purposes of this Act in the event that the insurer to which the policy has been allo cated, transferred, assumed or otherwi se made the sole responsibility of is placed in liquidation. A n insurance policy that was issued by an insurer who is not a member insurer and subsequently allocated, transferred, assumed by or otherwise made the sole responsibility of a member insurer un der any provision of law providing for the division of an insur ance company shall not be considered to have been issued by a member insurer pursuant to this Act. B. The Association may: 1. Employ or retain persons as are necessary to handle claims and perform other duties of the Association; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 57 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. Borrow funds necessa ry to effect the purposes of the Oklahoma Property and Casua lty Insurance Guaranty Association Act in accordance with the plan of operation; 3. Sue or be sued; 4. Negotiate and become a party to contracts as are necessary to carry out the purpose of the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Associatio n Act; 5. Refund to member insurers in proportion to the contribution of each member insurer t hat amount by which the assets of the Association exceed its liabilities, if at the end of any calend ar year the board of directors finds that the assets of the Association exceed the liabilities as estimated by the board of directors for the coming year; 6. Lend monies to an insurer declared to be impaired by the Commissioner. The Association, with app roval of the Commissioner, shall approve the amount, length and terms of the loan. "Impaired Insurer" for purposes of this paragraph section shall mean an insurer potentially unable to fulfill its contractual obligations, but shall not mean an insolvent i nsurer; 7. Perform other acts as are necessary or proper to effectuate the purpose of the Oklahoma Property and C asualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act; 8. Intervene as a party in interes t in any supervision, conservation, liquidation, rehabilitation , impairment or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 receivership in which policyholders ' interests and interests of the Association may be or are affe cted; and 9. Be designated or may contra ct as a servicing facility for any entity which may be recommended by the board of directors of the Association and shall be approved by the Commissioner. SECTION 17. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2008, is amended to read as fol lows: Section 2008. A. The Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association shall subm it to the Commissioner a plan of operation and any amendment s thereto necessary or suitable to assure the fair, reasonable and equ itable administration of t he Association. The plan of operatio n and any amendments thereto shall become effective upon approv al in writing by the Commissioner. B. If the Association fa ils to submit a suitable plan of operation within ninety (90) days fol lowing the effective date of this act June 27, 1980, or if at any time thereafter the Association fails to submit suitable ame ndments to the plan, the Commissioner shall, after notice an d hearing, adopt and promulgate reasonable rules as are necessary or advisable to effectuate the provisions of this act Section 2001 et seq. of this title. Any rules promulgated shall continue in force until modified by the Commissioner or superseded by a plan submitted by the Association and approved by the Commissioner. All member insurers shall comply with the plan of operation. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. The plan of operation shall: 1. Establish the procedures whe reby all the powers and duties of the Association under this act will be performed; 2. Establish procedures for handling assets of the Association; 3. Require the amount and method of reimbursing members of the board of directors under Section 2006 of th is title; 4. Establish procedures by which claims may be fi led with the Association and establish acceptable forms of proof of covered claims; 5. Establish regular places and tim es for meetings of the board of directors; 6. Require that the written procedures be established for records to be kept of all financia l transactions of the Association, its agents and the board of directors; 7. Provide that any m ember insurer aggrieved by any final action or decision of the Association may appeal to the Commiss ioner within thirty (30) days after the action or decision; 8. Establish the procedures whereby selections for the board of directors will be submitted to the Commissioner; and 9. Contain additional provisions necessary or proper for the execution of the powers and duties of the Association. D. The plan of opera tion may provide that any or all powers and duties of the Association, except those under paragr aph 3 of subsection A and paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 2007 of this ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 60 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 title, are delegated t o a corporation, association or other organization incorporated and resident in the State of Oklahoma which performs or will perform functions similar to th ose of this Association, or its equivalent. The corporation, association or organization shall be r eimbursed as a servicing facility would be reimbursed and shall be paid for its performance of any other functions of the Association. A delegation under t his subsection shall take effect only with the approval of both the board of directors and the Commi ssioner, and may be made only to a corporation, association or organization which extends protection not substantially less favorable and effective than tha t provided by this act Section 2001 et seq. of this title. SECTION 18. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 2023, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 384, O.S.L. 2019 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 2023), is amended to read as follows: Section 2023. A. There is created a non profit legal entity to be known as the Oklahoma Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association. All member insurers shall be and remain members of the Association as a condition of their authority to transact insurance as a or health maintenance organizat ion business in this state. B. The Association shall perform its functions under a plan of operation established and appro ved in accordance with this act and shall exercise its powers through the Board of Directors est ablished ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 61 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in this act. For purposes o f administration and assessment, the Association shall maintain three accounts: 1. The health account; 2. The life insurance account; and 3. The annuity account. C. The Association shall come under the immediate sup ervision of the Insurance Commissione r and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the insurance laws of this state. SECTION 19. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3101, is amended to read as follows: Section 3101. The words and phrases as As used in this act, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, shall have the following meanings: 1. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Insurance, his or her assistants or deputies, or other persons authorized t o act for him. or her; 2. "Company" means any person, firm, copartnership, company, association or corporation engaged in selling, furnishing or procuring, either as principal or agent producer, for a consideration, motor club service .; 3. "Agent" "Producer" means a limited insurance repres entative who solicits the purchase of service co ntracts or transmits for another any such contract, or application therefor , to or from the company, or acts or aids in any manner in the delivery or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 62 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 negotiation of any su ch contract, or in the renewal or con tinuance thereof. This, however, shall not incl ude any person performing only work of a clerical nature in the office of t he motor club.; 4. "Towing service" means any act by a company which consists of towing or moving a motor vehicle from one place to another under other than its own power.; 5. "Emergency road service" means any act by a company to adjust, repair or repla ce the equipment, tires or mechanical parts of a motor vehicle so it may operate under its own p ower; or reimbursement of expenses in curred by a member when his or her motor vehicle is unable to operate under its own power.; 6. "Insurance service" means any act to sell or give to the holder of a service contract or as a result of membership in or affiliation with a company a policy of insurance covering the holder for liability or loss for personal injury or property damage resulting from the ownership, ma intenance, operation or use of a motor vehicle.; 7. "Bail bond service" means any act by a comp any to furnish or procure a cash deposit, bond or other undertaking required by law for any person accused of a law violation of this state, pending the trial.; 8. "Discount service" means any act by a company resulting in special discounts, rebates or re ductions of price on gasoline, oil, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 63 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 repairs, insurance, parts, accessories or service for motor vehicles to holders of service contracts.; 9. "Financial service" means any act by a company to loan or otherwise advance monies, with or without security, to a service contract holder.; 10. "Buying and selling service" means any act by a comp any to aid the holder of a service contract in the purchase or sale of an automobile.; 11. "Theft service" means any act by a company to locate, identify or recover a sto len or missing motor vehicle owned or controlled by the holder of a service contract or to detect or apprehend the person guilty of such theft .; 12. "Map service" means any act by a company to furnish road maps without cost to holders of service contracts .; 13. "Touring service" means any act by a company to furnish touring information w ithout cost to holders of service contracts.; 14. "Legal service" means any act by a company to furnish to a service contract holder, wit hout cost, the services of an att orney.; 15. "Motor club service" means the rendering, furnishing or procuring of, or reimbursement for, towing service, emergency road service, insurance servi ce, bail bond service, legal service, discount service, financi al service, buying and selling se rvice, theft service, map service, to uring service, or any three or more thereof, to any person, in connection with the ownership, operation, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 64 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 use or maintenance of a motor vehicle by such person , that has membership, for consideration.; and 16. "Service contract" means any written agreement whereby any company, for a consideration, promis es to render, furnish or procure for any person motor club service. SECTION 20. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3105, is amended to read as follo ws: Section 3105. A. Each motor ser vice club operating in this state pursuant to ce rtificate of authority issued hereunder shall file with the Commissioner, w ithin ten (10) days of the date of employment, a notice of appo intment of any agent limited lines producer, resident or nonresident, appointed by the automobile club to sell memberships in the motor service club to the public. This notification shall be u pon such form as the Commissioner may prescribe and shall conta in the name, address, age, sex, a nd Social Security number of such clu b agent producer, and shall also contain proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that such applicant is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, is of good reputation, and has received training from the club or is other wise qualified in the field of motor service club service contracts and knowledgeable of the laws of this state pertaining thereto. Upon termination of any agent's employment by the motor service club, such motor service club shall notify the Commissioner , in writing, within five (5) days of such termination. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 B. A registration licensing fee for agents limited lines producers, resident or nonresident, shall be Twenty Dollars ($20.00) annually, and such registration shall ex pire on July 1 of each year unless sooner revoked or suspended as prov ided for in this section Forty Dollars ($40.00) biennially. C. Upon notice and hearing, the Commissioner may suspend for not over twelve (12) months, censure, revoke, or refuse to renew any agent's license of a producer if he finds as to the licensee that any one or more of the following causes exist: 1. Any violation of or noncompliance with any provision of this act; 2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain any such license through misrepresentation or fraud; 3. Oral or written misrepresentation of the te rms, conditions, benefits, or privileges of any motor service club service contract issued or to be issued by the motor ser vice club he represents or any other motor service club; 4. Misappropriation or conversion to h is own use or illegal holding of monies, belonging to members or others, received in the conduct of business under his license; 5. Pleading nolo contendere or guilty to a felony or conviction by final judgment of a felony; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 66 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 6. Demonstration of incompetenc e sufficient in the opinion of the Commissioner to make the agent producer a source of injury and loss to the public; 7. Fraudulent or dishonest practices; 8. Willful solicitation of membership from an individual who is or has been a member of another mo tor service club by giving said person credit for his years of membership with the ot her motor service club; 9. Waiving the enrollment fee or otherwise reducin g the usual fees and charges for a new member when soliciting membership from an individual who is or has been a member of another mo tor service club. D. In addition to the penalti es provided for in this section, a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollar s ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each occurrence may be levied. SECTION 21. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3108, is amended to read as follows: Section 3108. A motor service club or an officer or agent producer thereof shall not in any manner misrepresent the terms, benefits or privileges of a ny service contract issued or to be issued by it or by another motor service club. SECTION 22. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 3639.1, as amended by Section 11, Chapter 44, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 3639.1), is amen ded to read as follows: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 67 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 3639.1. A. No insurer shall cancel, refuse to renew or increase the premium of a homeowner's insurance policy or any other personal residential insurance coverage, which has been in effect more than forty-five (45) days, solely because the insured filed a first claim against the policy. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the cancellation, nonrenewal or increase in premium of a homeowner 's insurance policy for the following reasons: 1. Nonpayment of premium; 2. Discovery of frau d or material misrepresentation in the procurement of the insurance or with respect to any claims submitted thereunder; 3. Discovery of willful or reckless acts or omissions on the part of the named insured which incre ase any hazard insured against; 4. A change in the risk which substantially increases any hazard insured against after insurance coverage has been issued or renewed; 5. Violation of any local fire, health, safety, building, or construction regulation or ordinance with respect to any insured property or the occupancy thereof which substantially increases any hazard insured against; 6. A determination by the Ins urance Commissioner that the continuation of the policy would place the insurer in violation of the insurance laws of this state; or ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 68 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7. Conviction of the named insured of a crime having as one of its necessary elements an act increasing any hazard insured against. B. An insurer shall give to the named insured at the mailing address shown on a homeo wner's policy, a written renewal noti ce that shall include new premium, new deductible, new limits or coverage at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of the policy. If the insurer fails to provide such notice, the premium, deductible, limits and coverage provided to the named insurer prior to the change shall remain in effect until notice is given or until the effective date of replacement covera ge obtained by the named insured, whichever occurs first. If notice is given by mail, the notice shall be deemed to have been given on the day the notice is mailed. If the insured elects not to renew, any earned premium for the period of extension of the terminated policy shall be calculated pro rata at the lower of the current or previous year 's rate. If the insured accepts the rene wal, the premium increase, if any, and other changes shall be effective the day following the prior policy's expiration or anniversary date. C. In the event an insured cancels a homeowner's insurance policy or any other per sonal residential insurance cove rage, notice shall be provided to the prior insurer and shall include the date of the policy cancellation and the date of policy inception of the new policy. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 69 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 D. An insurer canceling a policy under subsection C of thi s section shall not be liable for claim s arising after the date of cancellation. SECTION 23. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4030, is amended to read as follows: Section 4030. A. Except as may be otherwise approved by the Insurance Commissioner, no single premium pol icy of life insurance or single premium annuity contract shall be delivered or issued for delivery in Oklahoma for a consid eration other than cash, cashier 's check, check, bank draft, money order, or premium note or electronic payment. This act shall not apply to the transfer of securities to an insurer pursuant to the insuring of a pension or profit sharing plan qualified under the Federal Internal Revenue Code. B. This act shall not be held to repeal or alter any l aw now in effect, but shall be construe d as cumulative with and supplemental to other laws and acts now in effect or enacted hereafter. SECTION 24. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4030.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 4030.1. A. Within ten (10) days after an insurer receives written notification of the d eath of a person covered by a policy of life insurance, the insurer shall pr ovide to the claimant the necessary forms to be completed to establish proof of the death of the insured and, if required by the poli cy, the interest of the claimant. If the polic y contains a provision requiring surrender of ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the policy prior to settlement , the insurer shall include a written statement to that effect with the forms to be completed. Forms to establish proof of death and proof of the interest of the claimant shall be approved by the Insurance Commissioner. B. An insurer shall pay the procee ds of any benefits under a policy of life insurance not more than thirty (30) days after the insurer has received proof of death of t he insured. If the proceeds are not paid within this period, the insurer shall pay interest on the proceeds, at a rate whi ch is not less than the current rate of interest on death proceeds on deposit with the insurer , from the date of death of the insured to the date when the proceeds are paid. Should the insurer hold its deposits in a noninterest bearing account, the rate of interest to be paid shall be the same rate of interest as the average United States Treasury Bill rate of the preceding calendar ye ar, as certified to the Insurance Commissioner by the State Treasurer on the first regular business day in January of each year, plus two (2) percentage points, which shall accrue from the thirty-first day after recei pt of proof of loss until the proceeds are paid. Payment shall be deemed to have been made on the date an electronic payment is made or the date a check, draft or other valid instrument which is equivalent to payment was placed in the U.S. mails in a prop erly addressed, postpaid envelope; or, if not so posted, on the date of delivery of su ch instrument to the beneficiary. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 71 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. Subsection B of this section shall not apply to any life insurance policy issued before October 1, 1978, which contains specific provisions to the contrary. SECTION 25. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4055.7, is amended to read as follows: Section 4055.7. A. 1. The Insurance Commissioner may conduct an examination under the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008 of a licensee as often as the Commissio ner in his or her discretion deems appropriate after considering the factors set forth in this paragraph. In scheduling an d determining the nature, scope, and frequency of the examinations, the Commissioner shall con sider such matters as the consumer comp laints, results of financial statement analyses and ratios, changes in management or ownership, actuarial opinions, report of independent certified public accountants, and other relevant criteria as determined by the Commissioner. 2. For purposes of compl eting an examination of a licensee under the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008, the Commissioner may examine or investigate any person, or the business of any person, insofar as the examination or investigation is, in the sole discretion of the Commissioner , necessary or material to the examination of the licensee. 3. In lieu of an examination under the Viatical Settlements Ac t of 2008 of any foreign or alien licensee licensed in this state, the Commissioner may, at th e Commissioner's discretion, accept an ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 72 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 examination report on the licensee as prepared by the Commissioner for the licensee's state of domicile or port -of-entry state. 4. As far as practical, the examination of a foreign or alien licensee shall be made in cooperation with the insurance supervis ory officials of other states in which the lice nsee transacts business. B. 1. A person required to be licensed by the Via tical Settlements Act of 2008 shall for five (5) years for all settled policies and for two (2 ) years for all policies which are not settled retain copies of all: a. proposed, offered or executed contracts, purchase agreements, underwriting documents, poli cy forms, and applications from the date of the proposal, offer or execution of the contract o r purchase agreement, whichever is later, b. all checks, drafts, electronic payment or other evidence and documentation related to the payment, transfer, deposit or release of funds from the date of the transaction, and c. all other records and documents r elated to the requirements of the Viati cal Settlements Act of 2008. 2. This subsection does not relieve a person of the obligation to produce these documents to the Commissioner after the retention period has expired if the person has retained the documen ts. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 73 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. Records required to be retained by this subsection must be legible and complete and may be retained in paper, photograph, microprocess, magnetic, mechanic al, or electronic media, or by any process that accurately reproduces or forms a durable mediu m for the reproduction of a record. C. 1. Upon determining that an examination should be conducted, the Commissioner shall issue an examination warrant appointing one or more examiners to perform the examination and instructing them as to the scope of th e examination. In conducting the examination, the examiner shall observe those guideli nes and procedures set forth in the Examiners Handbook adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The Commissioner may also employ such othe r guidelines or procedures as the Commissioner may deem appropriate. 2. Every licensee or person from whom information is sought, its officers, directors and age nts shall provide to the examiners timely, convenient and free access at all reasonable hours at its offices to all books, records, a ccounts, papers, documents, assets and computer or other recordings relating to the property, assets, business and affairs of the licensee being examined. The officers, directors, employees and agents of the licensee or person shall facilitate the examina tion and aid in the examination so far as it is in their power to do so. The refusal of a licensee, by its officers, directors, employees or agents, to submit to examination ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 or to comply with any reasonable written r equest of the Commissioner shall be grounds for suspension or refusal of, or nonrenewal of any license or authority held by the licensee to engage in the viatical settlement business or other business subject to the Commissioner 's jurisdiction. Any procee dings for suspension, revocation or ref usal of any license or authority shall be conduc ted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. 3. The Commissioner shall have the power to issue subpoenas, to administer oaths and to examine under oath any person as to any matter pertinent to t he examination. Upon the failure or refusal of a person to obey a subpoena, the Commissioner may petition a court of competent jurisdiction, and upon proper showing, the Court may enter an order compelling the witnes s to appear and testify or produce documentary evidence. Failure to obey the court ord er shall be punishable as contempt of court. 4. When making an examination under the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008, the Commissioner may retain attorneys, appraisers , independent actuaries, independent ce rtified public accountants or other professionals and specialists as examiners, the reasonable cost of which shall be borne by the licensee that is the subject of the examination. 5. Nothing contained in the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008 shall be construed to limit the Commissioner's authority to terminate or suspend an examination in order to pursue other legal ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 75 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 or regulatory action pursuant to the insurance laws of this state. Findings of fact and conclusions mad e pursuant to any examination shall be prima facie evidence in any legal or regulatory action. 6. Nothing contained in the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008 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 licensee workpapers or ot her 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, in his or her sole discret ion, deem appropriate. D. 1. Examination repor ts shall be comprised of only facts appearing upon the books, records or ot her documents of the licensee, its agents or other persons examined, or as ascertained from the testimony of its officers or agents o r other persons examined concerning its affairs, and such conclusions and recommendations as the examiners find reasonably warranted from the facts. 2. No later than sixty (60) days following completion of the examination, the examiner in charge shall fil e with the Commissioner a verified written repor t of examination under oath. Upon receipt of the verified report, the Comm issioner shall transmit the report to the licensee examined, together with a notice that shall afford the licensee examined a reasona ble opportunity of not more than ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 76 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 thirty (30) days to make a written submission or rebuttal with respect to any matters cont ained in the examination report. 3. In the event the Commissioner determines that regulatory action is appropriate as a result of an examination, the Commissioner may initiate any proceedings or actions provided by law. E. 1. Names and individual identi fication data for all viators shall be considered private and confidential information and sha ll not be disclosed by the Commissioner , unless required by law. 2. Except as otherwis e provided in the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008, all examination reports , working papers, recorded information, documents and copies thereof produced by, obtained by or disclosed to the Commissioner or any other person in the course of an examination ma de under the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008, or in the course of analysis or investigation by the Commissioner of the financial condition or market conduct of a licens ee shall be confidential by law and pri vileged, shall not be subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act, shall not be subject to subpoena, and shall not be subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action. The Commissioner is autho rized to use the documents, materials o r other information in the furtherance of any regulatory or legal action brought as part of the Commissioner 's official duties. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 77 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. Documents, materials or other information, including, but not limited to, all working papers, and copies thereof, in the possession or control of the NAIC and its affiliate s and subsidiaries shall be confidential by law and privileged, shall not be subject to subpoena, and shall not be subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action if they are: a. created, produced or obtained by or disclosed to t he NAIC and its affiliates and subsidiaries in the course of assisting an examination made under this act, or assisting a Commissioner in the analysis or investigation of the financial condition or market conduct of a licensee, or b. disclosed to the NAIC and its affiliates and subsidiaries under paragraph 4 of this subsection by a Commissioner. For the purposes of paragraph 2 of this subsection, "act" means the law of another state or jurisdiction that is sub stantially similar to the Viatical Settlements A ct of 2008. 4. Neither the Commissioner nor any person that received the documents, material or other information while acting under the authority of the Commissioner, including the NAIC and its affiliates and subsidiaries, shall be permitted to testify i n any private civil action concerning any confidential documents, materials or information subject to paragraph 1 of this subsection. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 78 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5. In order to assist in the perfo rmance of the Commissioner 's duties, the Commissioner: a. may share documents, material s or other information, including the confidential and privileged documents , materials or information subject to paragraph 1 of this subsection, with other state, federa l and international regulatory agencies , with the NAIC and its affiliates and subsidiar ies, and with state, federal and international law enforcement authorities, provided that the recipient agrees to maintain the confidentiality and privileged status of t he document, material, communication or other information, and b. may receive documents , materials, communications or information, including otherwise confidentia l and privileged documents, materials or information, from the NAIC and its affiliates and sub sidiaries, and from regulatory and law enforcement officials of other foreign or domestic jurisdictions, and shall maintain as confidential or privileged any docu ment, material or information received with notice or the understanding that it is confidentia l or privileged under the laws of the j urisdiction that is the source of the document, material or information. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 6. No waiver of any applicable privilege or claim of confidentiality in the documents, materials or information shall occur as a result of disc losure to the Commissioner under this section or as a result of sharing as authorized i n paragraph 5 of this subsection. 7. A privilege established under the law of any state or jurisdiction that is substantially similar to the privilege established under this subsection shall be available and enforced in any proceeding in, and in any court of, this state. 8. Nothing contained in the Viatical Settlements Act of 2 008 shall prevent or be construed as prohibiting the Commissioner from disclosing the content of an examination report, preliminary examination report or results, or any matter rela ting thereto, to the Commissioner of any other state or country, or to law enforcement officials of this or any other state or agency of the federal government at any time or to the NAIC, so long as such agency or office receiving the report or matters rel ating thereto agrees in writing to hold it confidential and in a manner con sistent with the Viatical Settlements Act of 2008. F. 1. An examiner may no t be appointed by the Commissioner if the examiner, 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 under the Viatical ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 80 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Settlements Act of 20 08. This section shall not be construed to automatically preclude an examiner from being: a. a viator, b. an insured in a viaticated insurance policy, or c. a beneficiary in an i nsurance policy that is proposed to be viaticated. 2. Notwithstanding the re quirements of this paragraph, the Commissioner may retai n 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 these persons may from time to time be similarly employed or retained by persons subject to examination under the V iatical Settlements Act of 2008. G. 1. No cause of action shall arise nor shall any liability be imposed against the Commissioner, the Commissioner 's authorized representatives or any examiner appointed by the Commissioner for any statements made or cond uct performed in good faith while carrying out the provisions of the Viatic al Settlements Act of 2008. 2. No cause of action shall arise, nor shall any liability be imposed against any person for the act of communicating or delivering information or data to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's authorized representative or exam iner pursuant to an examination made under the Viatical Settlements Act of 20 08, if the act of communication or delivery was performe d in good faith and ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 81 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 without fraudulent intent or the intent to deceive. This paragraph does not abrogate or modify in any way any common law or statutory privilege or immunity heretofore enjoyed by a ny person identified in paragraph 1 of this subsection. 3. A person identified in paragraph 1 or 2 of t his subsection shall be entitled to an award of attorney fees and costs if he or she is the prevailing party in a civil cause of action for libel, slander or any other relevant tort arising out of activities in carrying out the provisions of this act and t he party bringing the action was not substantially justified in doing so. For purposes of this section a proceeding is "substantially justified " if it had a reasonable basis in law or fact at the time that i t was initiated. H. The Commissioner may invest igate suspected fraudulent viatical settlement acts and persons engaged in the business of viatical settlements. SECTION 26. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4055.9, is amended to read as follows: Section 4055.9. A. 1. A viatica l settlement provider entering into a viatical settlement contract shall fi rst obtain: a. if the viator is the insured, a written statement from a licensed attending physician that the viator is of sound mind and under no constraint or undue influence to enter into a viatical settlement contract, and ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 82 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 b. a document in which the in sured consents to the release of his or her medical records to a licensed viatical settlement provider, viatical settlement broker and the insurance company that issued the life insurance policy covering the life of the insured. 2. Within twenty (20) days after a viator executes documents necessary to transfer any rights under an insurance policy or within twenty (20) days of entering any agreement, option, promise or any other form of understanding, expressed or implied, to viaticate the policy, the viatical settlement provider shall give written notice to the insurer that issued that insurance policy that the policy has or will become a viaticated policy. The notice shall be accom panied by the documents required by paragraph 3 of this subsection. 3. Within twenty (20) days after a viator executes documents necessary to transfer any rights under an insurance policy or within twenty (20) days of entering any agreement, option, promi se or any other form of understanding, expressed or implied, to viaticate t he policy, the viatical provider shall deliver a copy of the medical release required under subparagraph b of paragraph 1 of this subsection, a copy of the viator's application for the viatical settlement contract, the notice required under paragraph 2 of this subsection and a request for verification of coverage to the insurer that issued the life policy that is the subject of the viat ical transaction. The National Association of I nsurance Commissioner's ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 83 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (NAIC's) form for verification of coverage shall be used unless another form is developed and approved by the Insurance Commissioner. 4. The insurer shall respond to a request for ver ification of coverage submitted on an approved f orm by a viatical settlement provider or viatical settlement broker within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the request is received and shall indic ate whether, based on the medical evidence and documents provided, the insurer intends to pursue an inve stigation at this time regarding the validity of the insurance contract or possible fraud. The insurer shall accept a request for verification of cover age made on an NAIC form, any form agreed upon by the in surer and the requestor, or any other form approved by the Commissioner. The insurer shall accept an original or facsimile or electronic copy of such request and any accompanying authorization signed by the viator. Failure by the insurer to meet its obli gations under this subsection shall be a violation of subsection C of Section 10 and Section 15 of Enrolled Senate Bill No. 1980 of the 2nd Session of the 51st Oklahoma Legislature. 5. Prior to or at the time of execution of the viatical settlement contract, the viatical settlement provider shall obtai n a witnessed document in which the viator consents to the viatical settlement contract, represents that the viator has a full and complete understandin g of the viatical settlement contract, that he ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 or she has a full and complete understanding of the benef its of the life insurance policy, acknowledges that he or she is entering i nto the viatical settlement contract freely and voluntarily and, for persons with a terminal or chronic illness or condition, acknowledges that the insured has a terminal or chronic illness and that the terminal or chronic illness or condition was diagnose d after the life insurance policy was issued. 6. The insurer shall not unrea sonably delay effecting change of ownership or beneficia ry with any life settlement contract entered into in this state or with a resident of this state. 7. If a viatical settlem ent broker performs any of these activities required of the viatical settleme nt provider, the provider is deemed to have fulfilled th e requirements of this section. B. All medical information solicited or obtained by any licensee shall be subject to the a pplicable provisions of state law relating to confidentiality of medical info rmation. C. All viatical settlement contracts entered i nto in this state shall provide the viator with an absolute right to rescind the contract before the earlier of thirty (30) calendar days after the date upon which the viatical settlement contract is executed by all parties or fifteen (15) calendar days af ter the viatical settlement proceeds have been s ent to the viator. Rescission by the viator may be conditioned upon the vi ator both giving notice and repaying to ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 85 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the viatical settlement provider with in the rescission period all proceeds of the settlement and any premiums, loans and loan interest paid by or on behalf of the viatical settlement provider in connection with or as a consequence of the viatical settlement. If the insured dies during the re scission period, the viatical settlement contract shall be deemed to have been rescinded, subject to repayment to the viatical settlement provider or purchaser of all viatical settlement proceeds, and any premiums, loans and loan interest that have been pa id by the viatical settlement provider or purchaser, which shall be paid within sixty (60) calendar days of the death of the insured. In the event of any rescission, if the viatical settlement provider has paid commissions or other compensation to a viati cal settlement broker in connection with the rescinded transaction, the viatical settlement broker shall refund all such commissions and compensation to the viatical settlement provider within five (5) business days following receipt of written demand from the viatical settlement provider, which demand shall be accompanied by either the viator's notice of rescission if rescinded at the election of the viator, or notice of the death of the insured if rescinded by reason of the death of the insured within the applicable rescission period. D. The viatical settleme nt provider shall instruct the viator to send the executed documents required to effect the change in ownership, assignment or change in beneficiary directly to the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 86 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 independent escrow agent. Within three (3) business days after the date the escrow agent r eceives the document or from the date the viatical settlement provider receives the documents, if the viator erroneously provides the documents directly to the provider, the provider shall pay or transfer the proceeds of the viatical settlement into an esc row or trust account maintained in a state - or federally-chartered financial institution whose deposits are insur ed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Upon payment of the settlement proceeds into th e escrow account, the escrow agent shall deliver the original change in ownership, assi gnment or change in beneficiary forms to the viatical settlement provider or related provider trust or other designated representative of the viatical settlement provider. Upon the escrow agent 's receipt of the acknowledgment of the properly completed tra nsfer of ownership, assignment or designation of beneficiary from the insurance company, the escrow agent shall pay the settlement proceeds to the viator. E. Failure to tender consideration to the viator for the viatical settlement contract within the tim e set forth in the disclosure pursuant to paragraph 7 of subsecti on A of Section 8 of Enrolled Senate Bill No. 1980 of the 2nd Session of the 51st Oklahoma Legislature r enders the viatical settlement contract voidable by the viator for lack of consideratio n until the time consideration is tendered to and accepted by the viator. Funds shall be deemed sent by a viatical settlement provider to a viator ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 as of the date that t he escrow agent either releases funds f or wire transfer to the viator or, places a check for delivery to the viator via United States Postal Service or other nationally recognized delivery service or make an electronic payment to the viator . F. In order to assure that a viator, at the time of the viatical settlement has a life expectancy of less than two (2) years, receives reasonable return for viaticat ing an insurance policy, the following shall be minimum discounts: Minimum Percentage of Face Insured's Life Value Less Outstanding Loans Expectancy Received By Viator Less than six (6) months 80% At least six (6) but less than twelve (12) months 70% At least twelve (12) but less than eighteen (18) months 65% At least eighteen (18) months but less than twenty-four (24) months 60% G. Contacts with the insured for the purpose of determining the health status of the insured by the viatical settlement prov ider or viatical settlement broker after the viatical settlement has occurred shall only be made by a vi atical settlement provider or broker licensed in this state or its authorized represent atives and shall be limited to once every three (3) months for in sureds with a ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 88 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 life expectancy of more than one (1) year, and to no more than once per month for insureds with a life expectancy of one (1) year or less. The provider or broker shall explain the procedure for these contacts at the time the viatical settlem ent contract is entered into. The limitations set forth in this subsection shall not apply to any contacts with an insured for reasons other t han determining the insured's health status. Vi atical settlement providers and viatical settlement brokers shall be responsible for the actions of their authorized representatives. SECTION 27. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 4103 , is amended to read as follows: Section 4103. A. No policy of group life insurance shall be delivered in this state unless a schedule of the premium rates pertaining to the form thereof is filed with the Insurance Commissioner and unless it contains in substance the following provisions, or provision s which are more favorable to the persons insured, or at least as favorable to the persons insured and more favorable to the policyholder ,; provided, however, (a) that provisions six (6) to ten (10) inclusive : 1. Paragraphs 6 through 10 of this section shall not apply to policies issued to a creditor to insure debtors of such creditor; (b) that ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. That the standard provisions required for individual life insurance policies shall not apply to group life insur ance policies; and (c) that 3. That if the group life insurance policy is on a plan of insurance other than the term plan, it shall contain a nonforfeiture provision or provisions which is or are equitable to the ins ured persons and to the policyholder, b ut nothing herein shall be construed to require that group life insurance policies contain the same nonforfeiture provisions as are required for individual life insurance policies: 1. B. A provision that the policyho lder is entitled to a grace period of thirty-one (31) days for the payment of any premi um due except the first, during which grace period the death benefit coverage shall continue in force, unless the policyholder shall have given the insurer written notic e of discontinuance in advance of the date of discontinuance and in accordance with the terms of the policy. The policy may provide that the policyholder shall b e liable to the insurer for the payment of a pro rata premium for the time the policy was in f orce during such grace period. 2. C. A provision that the validity of the policy shall not be contested, except for nonpayment of premiums, after it has been in force for two (2) years from its date of issue ;, and that no statement made by any person insu red under the policy relating to ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 90 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 his or her insurability shall be used in contesting th e validity of the insurance with respect to which such statement was made a fter such insurance has been in force prior to the contest for a period of two (2) years durin g such person's lifetime nor unless it is contained in a written instrument signed by h im or her. 3. D. A provision that a copy of the application, if any, of the policyholder shall be attached to the policy when issued, that all statements made by the po licyholder or by the persons insured shall be deemed representations and not warranties , and that no statement made by any person insured shall be used in any con test unless a copy of the instrument containing the statement is or has been furnished to such person or to his or her beneficiary. 4. E. A provision setting forth the conditions, if any, under which the insurer reserves the right to require a person elig ible for insurance to furnish evidence of individual insurability satisfactory to the insurer as a condition to part or all of his or her coverage. 5. F. A provision specifying an equitable adjustment of premiums or of benefits or of both to be made in th e event the age of a person insured has been misstated, such provision to contain a clear statement of the method of adjustment to be used. 6. G. A provision that any sum becoming due by reason of the death of the person insured shall be payable to the beneficiary designated by the person insured, subject to the provisions of the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 91 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 policy in the event there is no designated beneficiary a s to all or any part of such sum, living at the death of the person insured, and subject to any right reserved by the insurer in the policy and set forth in the certificate to pay at its option a part of such sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00 ) to any person appearing to the insurer to be equitably entitled thereto by reason of having incurred funeral or oth er expenses incident to the last illness or death of the person insured. 7. H. A provision that the insurer will issue to the policyholder for delivery to each person insured an individu al certificate setting forth a statement as to the insurance protecti on to which he is entitled, to whom the insurance benefits are payable, and the rights and condition s set forth in paragraphs (8), (9) and (10) of this section:. 8. I. A provision that if the insurance, or any portion of it, on a person covered under the policy ceases because of termination of employment or of membership in the class or classes eligible for coverage under the policy, such pe rson shall be entitled to have issued to him or her by the insurer, without evidence of insurability, an individual p olicy of life insurance without disability or other supplementary benefits, provided an application for the individual policy shall be made , and the first premium paid to the insurer, within thirty-one (31) days after such termination, and provided further that: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (a) a. the individual policy shall, at the option of such person, be on any one of the forms, except term insurance, then customaril y issued by the insurer at the age and for the a mount applied for;, (b) b. the individual policy shall be in an amoun t not in excess of the amount of life insurance which ceases because of such termination, less, in t he case of a person whose membership in the class or classes eligible for coverage term inates but who continues in employment in another class, the amount o f any life insurance for which such person is or becomes eligible within thirty-one (31) days after such termination under any other group policy; provided that any amount of insurance which shall have matured on or before the date of such termination as a n endowment payable to the person insured, whether in one sum or in installments or in the form of a n annuity, shall not, for the purposes of this provision subparagraph, be included in the amount which is considered to cease because of such termination ;, and (c) ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 c. the premium on the individual policy shall be at the insurer's then customary rate applic able to the form and amount of the indi vidual policy, to the class of risk to which such person then belongs, and to his or her age attained on the effectiv e date of the individual policy. 9. J. A provision that if the group policy terminates or is amended so as to terminate the insurance of a ny class of insured persons, every person insure d thereunder at the date of such termination whose insurance terminat es and who has been so insured for at least five (5) years prior to such termination date shall be entitled to have issued to him or her by the insurer an individual policy of life insura nce, subject to the same conditions and limitations as are provided b y paragraph (8) 8 of this section, except that the group policy may provide that the amount of such individual policy shall not exceed the smaller of (a): a. the amount of the person 's life insurance protection ceasing because of the termination or amendme nt of the group policy, less the amount of any life insurance for which he or she is or becomes eligible under any group policy issued or r einstated by the same or another insurer within thirty-one (31) days after such termination, and (b) b. Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 94 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 10. K. A provision that if a person insured under the group policy dies during the period within which he or she would have been entitled to have an individual poli cy issued to him or her in accordance with paragraph (8) I or (9) J of this section and before such an individual policy shall have become effective, the amount of life insurance which he or she would have been entitled to have issued to him or her under such individual policy shall be payable as a claim under the group pol icy, whether or not application for the individual policy or the payment of the first premium theref or has been made. 11. L. In the case of a policy issued to a creditor to insure debtors of such creditor, a provision that the insurer will furnish to the policyholder for delivery to each debtor insured under the policy a form which shall contain a state ment that the life of the debtor is insured under the policy and that any death benefit paid thereunder by reason of his or her death shall be applied to re duce or extinguish the indebtedness. SECTION 28. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, S ection 4112, is amended to read as foll ows: Section 4112. An insurer shall pay the pro ceeds of any benefits under group life insurance policy not more than thirt y (30) days after the insurer has received proof of death of the insured. If the proceeds are not paid within this period, the insur er shall pay interest on the proceeds, at a rate which is not less than the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 95 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 current rate of interest on death proceeds on d eposit with the insurer, from the date of death of the insured to the date when the proceeds are paid. Payment shall be deemed to ha ve been made on the date an electronic payment i s made or a check, draft or other valid instrument which is equivalent to p ayment was placed in the U.S. mails in a properly addressed, postpaid envelope; or, if not so posted, on the date of delivery of such instrument to the beneficiary. SECTION 29. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6060.11, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 75, O.S.L. 2020 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6060.11), is amended to read as follows: Section 6060.11. A. Subject to the limitations set forth in this section and Sections 6060.12 and 6060.13 of this title, any health benefit plan that is o ffered, issued, or renewed in this state on or after the effective date of this act shall provide benefits for treatment of ment al health and substance use disorders. B. 1. Benefits for mental health and substance use disorders shall be equal to benefits for treatment of and shall be subject to the same preauthorization and utilization review mechanisms and other terms and condit ions as all other physical diseases and disorders including, but not limited to: a. coverage of inpatient hospital services for either twenty-six (26) days or the limit for other covered illnesses, whichever is g reater, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 96 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 b. coverage of outpatient services, c. coverage of medication, d. maximum lifetime benefits, e. copayments, f. coverage of home health visits, g. individual and family deductibles, and h. coinsurance. 2. Treatment limitations applicable to mental health or substance use disorder benefits sh all be no more restrictive than the predominant treatment limitations applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the plan. There shall be no separate treatment limitations that are app licable only with respect to mental health o r substance abuse disorder benefits. C. A health benefit plan shall not impose a nonquantitative treatment limitation with resp ect to mental health and substance use disorders in any classification of benefits u nless, under the terms of the health benefit plan as written and in operation, any processes, strategies, evidentiary standards or other factors used in applying the nonqua ntitative treatment limitation to mental health disorders in the classification are comparable to and applied no more stringently than to medical and surgical benefits in the same classification. D. All health benefit plans must meet the requirements of t he federal Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 97 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Addiction Equity Act of 2008, as amended, and federal guida nce or regulations issued under these acts including 45 CFR 146.136, 45 CFR 147.160 and 45 CFR 156.115(a)(3). E. Beginning on or after the effective date of this act, each insurer that offers, issues or renews a ny individual or group health benefit plan providing mental health or substance use disorder benefits shall submit an annual report to the Insurance Commissioner on or before April 1 of each year that contains the following: 1. A description of the proces s used to develop or select the medical necessity criteria for mental health and substance use disorder benefits and the process used to develop or select the medical necessity criteria for medical and surgical benefits; 2. Identification of all nonquanti tative treatment limitations applied to both mental health and substance use disorder benefits and medical and surgical benefits within each classification of benefits; and 3. The results of an analysis that demonstrates that for the medical necessity cri teria described in paragraph 1 of this subsection and for each nonquantitative treatment limitation identified in paragraph 2 of this subsection, as written and in operation, the processes, strategies, evidentiary standards or other factors used in applyin g the medical necessity criteria and each nonquantitative treatment limitation to mental health and substance use disorder benefits within each classification of benefits a re ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 comparable to and are applied no more stringently than to medical and surgical in the same classification of benefits. At a minimum, the results of the analysis shall: a. identify the factors used to determine that a nonquantitative treatment limitatio n will apply to a benefit including factors that were considered but rejected, b. identify and define the specific evidentiary s tandards used to define the factors and any other evidence relied upon in designing each nonquantitative treatment limitation, c. provide the comparative analyses including the results of the analyses performed t o determine that the processes and strategie s used to design each nonquantitative treatment limitation, as written, and the as written processes and strategies used to appl y the nonquantitative treatment limitation to mental health and substance use disord er benefits are comparable to and applied no more stringently than the processes and strategies used to design each nonquantitative treatment limitation, as written, and the as written processes and strategies used to apply the nonquantitative treatment li mitation to medical and surgical benefits, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 99 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 d. provide the comparative analyses including the results of the analyses performed to determine that the processes and strategie s used to apply each nonquantitative treatment limitation, in operation, for mental health and substance use disorder benefits are comparable to and applied no more stringently than the processes or strategies used to apply each nonquantitative treatment l imitation for medical and surgical benefits in the same classification of benefits, and e. disclose the specific findings and co nclusions reached by the insurer that the results of the analyses required by this subsection indicate that the insurer is in compliance with this section and the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Pa rity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, as am ended, and its implementing and related regulations including 45 CFR 146.136, 45 CFR 147.160 and 45 CFR 156.115(a)(3). F. The Commissioner shall implement and enforce any applicable provisions of the Paul Wellst one and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, as amended, and federal guidance or regulations issued under these acts including 45 CFR 146.136, 45 CFR 147.136, 45 CFR 147.160 and 45 CFR 156.115(a)(3). ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 100 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 G. No later than June 1, 2021 December 31, 2021, and by June 1 December 31 of each year thereafter, the Commissioner shall make available to the public the reports submitted by insurers, as required in subsection E of this section, during the most recent annual cycle; provided, however, that any information that is confidential or a trade secret shall be redacted. 1. The Commissioner shall identify insurers that have failed in whole or in part to comply with the full extent of reporting required in this section and shall make a reasonable attempt to obtain missing reports or information by June 1 of the following year. 2. The reports submitted by insurers and the identification by the Commissioner of noncompliant insurers shall be made available to the public by posting on the Internet website of the Insuran ce Department. H. The Commissioner shall promulgate rules pursuant to the provisions of this section and any provisions of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, as amended, that relate to the business of insurance. SECTION 30. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6060.12, as amended by Section 3, Chapter 75, O.S.L. 2020 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6060.12), is amended to read as follows: Section 6060.12. 1. A health benefit plan that, at the end of its base period, experiences a greater than two percent (2%) ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 101 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 increase in premium cost s pursuant to providing benefits for treatment of mental health and substance use disorders sh all be exempt from the provisions of Section 6060.11 of this title. 2. To calculate base-period-premium costs, the health benefit plan shall subtract from premiu m costs incurred during the base period, both the premium costs incurred during the period immediately preceding the base period a nd any premium cost increases attributable to factors unrelated to benefits for treatment of mental health and substance use d isorders. 3. a. To claim the exemptio n provided for in subsection A paragraph 1 of this section a health benefit plan shall provide to the Insurance Commissioner a written request signed by an actuary stating the reasons and actuarial assumptions upon whic h the request is based. b. The Commissioner shall verify the information provided and shall approve or disapprove the request with in thirty (30) days of receipt. c. If, upon investigation, the Commissioner finds that any statement of fact in the request is found to be knowingly false, the hea lth benefit plan may be subject to suspension or loss of license or any other penalty as determined by the Commissioner, or the State Commissioner of Health with regard to health maintenance organizations. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 102 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 31. NEW LAW A new s ection of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 6124.2 of Title 36, unless t here is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows: A. No prepaid funeral benefit permit holder shall change the name under which the permit holder oper ates except as provided in this section. The prepaid fun eral benefit permit holder shall obtain approval from the Insurance Commissioner at least thirty (30) days prior to changing the name of the permit holder. The application for change of name of a pr epaid funeral benefit permit holder shall be in a form pr ovided by the Insurance Commissioner and shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: 1. The name of the permit holder; 2. The proposed new name of t he permit holder; and 3. The date the name change will become effective. B. The Insurance Co mmissioner may waive the approval requirement provided for in subsection A of this section upon good cause shown. C. The Insurance Commissioner may deny the chan ge of name of the prepaid funeral ben efit permit holder upon good cause shown. D. Upon approval of a change of name, the Insuranc e Commissioner shall issue a prepaid funeral benefit permit with the new name. The prepaid funeral benefit permit holder shal l display in a conspicuous place at a ll times on the premises of the organization all permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 103 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 section. No organization may consent to or allow the use or display of the permit by a person other than the persons au thorized to represent the organizatio n in contracting prepaid funeral benefits. E. The Insurance Commissioner may prescribe rules concerning matters incidental to this section. SECTION 32. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6216.1, is amended to read as follows: Section 6216.1. No insurance company authorized to transact insurance in this state shall make pay ment of any insurance claim, or any portion of a claim, to a public adjuster on account of services rendered by a public adjus ter to an insured unless the name of the insured is added as a joint payee on any claim check or, draft or electronic payment . The payment, whether by check, draft, electronic payment or otherwise, shall be sent to the address or electronic mail address designated by the insured. SECTION 33. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Sectio n 6217, as last amended by Section 1 4, Chapter 269, O.S.L. 2013 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6217), is amended to read as follows: Section 6217. A. All licenses issued pursuant to the provisions of the Insurance Adjusters Licensing Act shall continue in force not longer than twenty -four (24) months. The renewal dates for the licenses may be staggered throughout the year by notifying licensees in writing of the e xpiration and renewal date being ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 104 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 assigned to the licensees by the Insurance Commissioner and b y making appropriate adjustments in the biennial licensing fee. B. Any licensee applying for renewal of a license as an adjuster shall have completed not less th an twenty-four (24) clock hours of continuing insurance education, of which three (3) hours shall be in ethics, within the previou s twenty-four (24) months prior to renewal of the license. The Insurance Commissioner shall approve courses and providers of continuing education for insurance adjusters as required by this section. The Insurance Depart ment may use one or more of the foll owing to review and provide a nonbinding recommendation to the Insurance Commissioner on approval or disapproval of courses an d providers of continuing education: 1. Employees of the Insurance Commissioner; 2. A continuing education advisory committee . The continuing education advisory committee is separate and distinct from the Advisory Board established by Section 6221 of th is title; 3. An independent service whose normal business activities include the review and a pproval of continuing education cour ses and providers. The Commissioner may negotiate agreements with such independent service to review documents and other mate rials submitted for approval of cours es and providers and present the Commissioner with its no nbinding recommendation. The Commis sioner may require such independent service to collect the fee charged by ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the independent service for reviewing materials prov ided for review directly from the cou rse providers. C. An adjuster who, during the time perio d prior to renewal, participates in an approved professional designation program shall be deemed to have met the biennial requirement for continuing education. Each course in the curriculum for the program shall total a minimum of twenty -four (24) hours. Each approved professional designat ion program included in this section shall be reviewed for quality and compliance every three (3) years in accordance with standardized criteria promulgated by rul e. Continuation of approved status is contingent upon th e findings of the review. The list of professional designation programs approved under this subsection shall be made available to producers and providers annually. D. The Insurance Department may p romulgate rules providing that courses or programs offere d by professional associations shall qualify for presumptive continuing education credit approval. The rules shall include standardized criteria for reviewing th e professional associations' mission, membership, and other relevant information, and shall pr ovide a procedure for the Department to disallow a presumptively approved course. Professional association courses approved in accordance with this subsection sh all be reviewed every three (3) years to determine whether they continue to qualify for continuing education credit. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 106 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 E. The active service of a licensed adjuster as a member of a continuing education advisory committee, as described in paragraph 2 of subsection B of this section, shall be de emed to qualify for continuing education credit on an hou r-for-hour basis. F. 1. Each provider of continuing education shall, after approval by the Commissioner, submit an annual fee. A fee may be assessed for each course submission at the time it is fi rst submitted for review and upon submission for renewal at expiration. Annual fees and cour se submission fees shall be set forth as a rule by the Commissioner. The fees are payable to the Insurance Commissioner and shall be deposited in the State Insura nce Commissioner Revolving Fund, created in Section 307.3 of this title, for the purposes of fulfilling and accomplishing the conditions and purposes of the Oklahoma Producer Licensing Act and the Insurance Adjusters Licensing Act. Public-funded educational institutions, federal agencies, nonprofit organization s, not-for-profit organizations and Oklahoma state agencies shall be exempt from this subsection. 2. The Commissioner may assess a civil penalty, after notice and opportunity for hearing, against a continuing education provider who fails to comply with th e requirements of the Insurance Adju sters Licensing Act, of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for each occ urrence. The ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 107 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 civil penalty may be en forced in the same manner in which civil judgments may be enforced. G. Subject to the right of the Commissioner to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license of an adjuster, any such license may be renewed by filing on the form prescribed by the Commis sioner on or before the expiration date a written request by or on behalf of the licensee for such renewal and proof of completion of the continuing education requirement set forth in subsection B of this section, accompanied by payment of the renewal fee. H. If the request, proof of compliance with the continuing education requirement and fee fo r renewal of a license as an adjuster are filed with the Commissioner prior to the expiration of the existing license, the lic ensee may continue to act pursuant to said license, unless revoked or suspended prior t o the expiration date, until the issuance o f a renewal license or until the expiration of ten (10) days after the Commissioner has refused to renew the license and has m ailed notice of said refusal to the licensee. Any request for renewal filed after the date of expiration may be considered by the Commissioner as an application for a new license. SECTION 34. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codif ied in the Oklahoma Statutes as Secti on 6470.35 of Title 36, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 108 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 A. As used in this section, "dormant captive insurance company" means a captive insurance company that has: 1. Ceased transacting the business of insurance, inc luding the issuance of insurance policies; and 2. No remaining liabilities associated with i nsurance business transactions or insurance policies issued prior to the filing of its application for a certificate of dorman cy under this section. B. A dormant captive insurance company domiciled in this state that meets the criteria of subsection A of this section may apply to the Insurance Commissioner for a certificate of dormancy. The certificate of dormancy shall be subj ect to renewal every five (5) years and shall be forfeited if not renewed within such t ime. C. A dormant captive insurance compan y that has been issued a certificate of dormancy shall: 1. Possess and thereafter maintain unimpaired, paid -in capital and surplus of not less than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00); 2. Submit on or befo re March 1 of each year to the Insurance Commissioner a report of its financial condition, verified by an oath of two of its executive officers, in a form prescribed by the Insurance Commissioner; and 3. Pay a nonrefundable renewal fee of Five Hundred Dol lars ($500.00). ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 109 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 D. A dormant captive insur ance company shall not be subject to or liable for the payment of any tax under Section 6753 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statu tes. E. A dormant captive insurance company shall apply to the Insurance Commissioner for approval to surrender its certificate o f dormancy and resume conducting the business of insurance prior to issuing any insurance policies. F. A certificate of dorma ncy shall be revoked if a dormant captive insurance company no longer meets the criteri a of subsection A of this section. G. A dormant captive insurance company may be subject to examination under Section 6470.13 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes for any year when it did not qualify as a dormant captive insurance company. The Insurance Commissioner may examine a dormant captive insurance company pursuant to Section 6470.13 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes. H. The Insurance Commissioner may promulg ate and adopt rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this section. SECTION 35. AMENDATORY 3 6 O.S. 2011, Section 6552, is amended to read as follows: Section 6552. As used in the Hospital and Medical Services Utilization Review Act: 1. "Utilization review" means a system for prospectively, concurrently and retrospectively reviewing the appropri ate and ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 110 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 efficient allocation of hospital resources and medical services given or proposed to be given to a patient or group of patients. It does not include an in surer's normal claim review process to determine compliance with the specific terms and condi tions of the insurance policy; 2. "Private review agent" means a person or entity who performs utilization review on behalf o f: a. an employer in this state, or b. a third party that provides or administers hospi tal and medical benefits to citizens of thi s state, including, but not limited to: (1) a health maintenance organization issued a license pursuant to Section 2501 et seq . of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statute s, unless the health maintenance organization is f ederally regulated and licensed and has on file with the Insurance Commissioner of Health a plan of utilization review carried out by health care professionals and providing for complaint and appellate procedures for claims, or (2) a health insurer, not-for-profit hospital service or medical plan, health insurance service organization, or preferred provider organization ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 111 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 or other entity offering health insurance policies, contracts or benefits in this state; 3. "Utilization review plan " means a description of util ization review procedures; 4. "Commissioner" means the Insurance Commissioner; 5. "Certificate" means a certificate of registration granted by the Insurance Commissioner to a private review agent; and 6. "Health care provider" means any person, firm, co rporation or other legal entity that is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by the laws of this state to provide health care services, procedures or supp lies in the ordinary course of busine ss or practice of a professi on. SECTION 36. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6753, as amended by Section 38, Chapter 150, O.S.L. 2012 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Section 6753), is amended to read as fo llows: Section 6753. A. Home servic e contracts shall not be iss ued, sold or offered for sale in this state unless the provider h as: 1. Provided a receipt for, or other written evidence of, the purchase of the home service contract to the contract holder ; and 2. Provided a copy of the home service contract to the ser vice contract holder within a reasonable period of time from the date of purchase. B. Each provider of home service contracts sold in this state shall file a registration with, and on a form prescribed by, the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Insurance Commissioner consisting of their na me, full corporate physical street address, telephone number, con tact person and a designated person in this state for service of process. Each provider shall pay to the Commissioner a fee i n the amount of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) upon initial registration and every three (3) years thereafter. Each provider shall pay to the Commissioner an Antifraud Assessment Fee of Two Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($2,250.00) upon initial registration and every three (3) years thereafter. The registration need only be updated by written notification to the Commissioner if material changes occur in the registration on file. A proper registration is de facto a license to conduct bu siness in Oklahoma and may be suspended as provided in Section 67 55 of this title. Fees recei ved from home service contract provi ders shall not be subject to any premium tax, but shall be subject to an administrative fee equal to two percent (2%) of the g ross fees received on the sale of all home service contracts issu ed in this state during the p receding calendar quarter. The fees shall be paid quarterly to the Commissioner and submitted along with a report on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. However, service contract providers may e lect to pay an annual administrative fee of Three Thousan d Dollars ($3,000.00) in lieu of the two-percent administrative fee, if the provider maintains an insurance policy as provided in paragraph 3 of subsection C of this section. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 113 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 C. In order to assure t he faithful performance of a provider's obligations to its contract holders, each provider sh all be responsible for complying with the requirements of paragraph 1, 2 or 3 of this subsection: 1. a. maintain a funded rese rve account for its obligations under its contracts issued and ou tstanding in this state. The reserves shall not be less than for ty percent (40%) of gross consideration received, less claims paid, on the sale of the service contract for all in-force contracts. The reserve account shall be subject to examination and re view by the Commissioner, and b. place in trust with the Commissi oner a financial security deposit, having a value of not less than five percent (5%) of the gross consideration received, less claims paid, on the sale of the serv ice contract for all service contracts issued and in forc e, but not less than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00), consisting of one of the following: (1) a surety bond issued by an authorized surety, (2) securities of the type eligible for deposit b y authorized insurers in thi s state, (3) cash, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 114 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (4) a letter of credit issued by a qualified financial institution, or (5) (4) another form of security prescribed by rule promulgated by the Commissioner; 2. a. maintain, or together with its parent company maintain, a net worth or stockholders ' equity of Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00), excluding goodwill, intangible assets, customer lists and affiliated receivables, and b. upon request, provide the Commission er with a copy of the provider's or the provider's parent company's most recent Form 10-K or Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within the last calendar year, or if the company does not file with the SEC, a copy of the compan y's financial statements, which shows a net worth of the provider or its parent company of at least Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00) based upon Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) accounting standards. If the provider's parent company's Form 10-K, Form 20-F, or financial statements are filed to meet the provider's financial stability requirement, then the parent company shall agree to guarantee the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 115 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 obligations of the provider relating to service contracts sold by the provider in thi s state; or 3. Purchase an insurance policy which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Ins urance Commissioner that one hundred percent (100%) of its claim exposure is covered by such policy. The insurance shall be obtained from an insurer that is lice nsed, registered, or otherwise author ized to do business in this state, that is rated B++ or b etter by A.M. Best Company, Inc., an d that meets the requirements of subsection D of this section. For the purposes of this paragraph, the insurance policy shall contain the following provisions: a. in the event that the provider is unable to fulfill its obligation under contracts issued in this state for any reason, including insolvency, bankruptcy, or dissolution, the insurer shall pay losses and unearned premiums under such plans directly to the p erson making the claim under the contract, b. the insurer issuing the insurance policy shall assume full responsibility for the administration of claims in the event of the inability of the provider to do so, and c. the policy shall not be canceled or not renewed by either the insurer or the provider unless sixt y (60) days' written notice thereof has been given to the ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 116 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Commissioner by the insurer before the date of such cancellation or nonrenewal. D. The insurer providin g the insurance policy used to satisf y the financial responsibility requirements of paragraph 3 of subsection C of this section sh all meet one of the following standards: 1. The insurer shall, at the time the policy is filed with the Commissioner, and con tinuously thereafter: a. maintain surplus as to policyholders and paid -in capital of at least Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), and b. annually file copies of the audited financial statements of the insurer, its National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Annual Statement, and the actuarial certification required by and filed in the state of domicile of the insurer ; or 2. The insurer shall, at the time the policy is filed with the Commissioner, and continuously thereafter: a. maintain surplus as to policyholders and paid -in capital of less than Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), b. demonstrate to the satisfa ction of the Commissioner that the company maintains a ratio of net written premiums, wherever written, to surplus as to ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 117 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 policyholders and paid-in capital of not greater than three to one, and c. annually file copies of the audited financial statements of the insurer, its NAIC Annual Statement, and the actuarial certification required by and filed in the state of domicile of the insurer. E. Except for the registrat ion requirements in subsection B of this section, provide rs, administrators and other persons marketing, selling or offering to sell home service contracts are exempt from any licensing requirements of this state and sh all not be subject to other registration information or security requirements. Home service contract providers as defined in Sect ion 6752 of this title and properly registered under this law are exempt from any treatment pursuant to the Service Warranty A ct. Home service contract providers applying for registration under the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act that have not been reg istered in the preceding twelve (12) months under the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act may be subject to a thirty-day prior review before their registration is deemed complete. Said applications shall be deemed comple te after thirty (30) days unless the Commissioner takes action in that period under Section 6755 of this title, for cause shown, to suspend their registration. F. The marketing, sale, offering for s ale, issuance, making, proposing to make and administrati on of home service contracts by ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 118 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 providers and related service contract sellers, administrators, and other persons, including but not limited to real estate licens ees, shall be exempt from all other p rovisions of the Insurance Code. SECTION 37. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011 , Section 6904, is amended to read as follows: Section 6904. A. 1. Upon receipt of an application for issuance of a certifi cate of authority, the Insurance Comm issioner shall forthwith transmit copies of such applicat ion and accompanying documents to the State Commissioner of Health. 2. The State Commissioner of Health shall within forty-five (45) days determine whether the a pplicant for a certificate of authority, with respect to health care services to be furnished, has complied with the provisions of Section 7 6907 of this act title. 3. Within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an application for issuance of a certificate of authority from the Insurance Commissioner, the State Commissioner of Health shall certify t o the Insurance Commissioner that th e proposed health maintenance organization meets the requirements of Section 7 of this act, or shall notify the Insurance Comm issioner that the proposed health maintenance organization does not meet such requirements and shall specify in what respects the applicant is deficient. B. The Insurance Commissioner shall, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a certification of determining compliance or notice of deficiency from the State Commissioner of Health , issue a ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 119 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 certificate of authority to a person fi ling a completed application upon receipt of the prescribed fees and upon the Insurance Commissioner's being satisfied that: 1. The persons responsible for the co nduct of the affairs of the applicant are competent and t rustworthy, and possess good reputations; 2. Any deficiency identified by the State Commissioner of Health has been corrected and the State Commissioner of Healt h has certified to the Insurance Commissioner has determined that the health maintenance organ ization's proposed plan of operation meets the requirements of Section 7 6907 of this act title; 3. The health maintenance organization will effectively provide or arrange for the provision of basic health care services on a prepaid basis, through insuran ce or otherwise, except to the exten t of reasonable requirements for copayments or deductibles, or both; and 4. The health maintenance organization is in complia nce with the provisions of Sections 13 6913 and 15 6915 of this act title. C. A certificate of authority shall be denied only after the Insurance Commissioner complies with the requirements of Section 20 6920 of this act title. No other criteria may be u sed to deny a certificate of authorit y. SECTION 38. AMENDATORY 36 O.S . 2011, Section 6907, is amended to read as follows: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 120 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 6907. A. Every health maintenance organization shall establish procedures that ensure that health c are services provided to enrollees shall be rendered under reasonable standards of quality of care consistent with prevail ing professionally recognized standards of medical practice. The procedures shall include mechanisms to assure availability, accessib ility and continuity of care. B. The health maintenance organization shall have an ongoing internal quality assurance pro gram to monitor and evaluate its health care services, including primary and specialist physician services and ancillary and preventiv e health care services across all institutional and noninstitutional settings. The program sh all include, but need not be limited to, the following: 1. A written statement of goals and objectives that emphasizes improved health status in evaluating the q uality of care rendered to enrollees; 2. A written quality assurance plan that describes the following: a. the health maintenance organization's scope and purpose in quality assurance, b. the organizational structure responsible for quality assurance activities, c. contractual arrangements, where appropriate, for delegation of quality assurance ac tivities, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 121 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 d. confidentiality policies and procedures, e. a system of ongoing evaluation activities, f. a system of focused evaluation activities, g. a system for credentialing and recredentialing providers, and performing peer review activities, and h. duties and responsibilities of the designated physician responsible for the quality assurance activities; 3. A written statement describing the system of ongoing qu ality assurance activities including: a. problem assessment, identification, selection and study, b. corrective action, mo nitoring, evaluation and reassessment, and c. interpretation and analysis of patterns of care rendered to individual patients by indiv idual providers; 4. A written statem ent describing the system of focused quality assurance activities based on representa tive samples of the enrolled population that identifies method of topic selection, study, data collection, analysis, interpretation an d report format; and 5. Written plans for taking appropriate corrective action whenever, as determined by the quality assurance p rogram, ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 122 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 inappropriate or substandard services have been provided or services that should have been furnished have not been pro vided. C. The organization shall rec ord proceedings of formal quality assurance program activ ities and maintain documentation in a confidential manner. Quality assurance program minutes shall be available to the State Insurance Commissioner of Health. D. The organization shall ensure the u se and maintenance of an adequate patient record system w hich will facilitate documentation and retrieval of clinical information for the purpose of the health maintenance organization's evaluating continuity and coordi nation of patient care and assessing the quality of health and medical care provided to enrollees. E. Enrollee clinical records s hall be available to the State Insurance Commissioner of Health or an authorized designee for examination and review to ascert ain compliance with this section, or as deemed necessary by th e State Insurance Commissioner of Health. F. The organization shall establish a mechanism for periodic reporting of quality assurance program activities to the governing body, providers and app ropriate organization staff. G. The organization shall be req uired to establish a mechanism under which physicians participating in the plan may provide input into the plan's medical policy including, but not limited to, coverage of new technology and pro cedures, utilization review ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 123 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 criteria and procedures, quality, credentialing and recredentialin g criteria, and medical management p rocedures. H. As used in this section "credentialing" or "recredentialing", as applied to physicians and other health care providers, means the process of accessi ng and validating the qualifications of such persons to p rovide health care services to the beneficiaries of a health maintenance organization. "Credentialing" or "recredentialing" may include, but need not be limited to, an evaluation of licensure status , education, training, experience, competence and profess ional judgment. Credentialing or recredentialing is a prerequisite to the final decision of a health maintenance organization to permit initial or continued participation by a physician or other hea lth care provider. 1. Physician credentialing and recred entialing shall be based on criteria as provided in the uniform credentialing application required by Section 1-106.2 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, with input from physicians and other health care providers. 2. Organizations shall make information on credentialing and recredentialing criteria available to physician applicants and other health care providers, participating physicians, and other participating health care providers and shall pro vide applicants with a checklist of materials required in the application process. 3. When economic considerations are part of the credentialing and recredentialing decision, objective criteria shall be used and ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 124 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 shall be available to physician applicants and participating physicians. When graduate medical educ ation is a consideration in the credentialing and recredentialing process, equal recognition shall be given to training programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Graduate Medical Education an d by the American Osteopathic Association. When graduate medical education is considered for optometric physicians, consideration shall be given for educational accreditation by the Council on Optometric Education. 4. Physicians or other health care prov iders under consideration to provide health care services under a managed care plan in this state shall apply for credentialing and recredentialing on the uniform credentialing application and provide the documentation as outlined by the plan's checklist of materials required in the application process. 5. A health maintenance organization (HMO) shall determine whether a credentialing or recredentialing application is complete. If an application is determined to be inc omplete, the plan shall notify the applicant in writing within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the application. The written notice shall specify the portion of the application that is causing a delay in processing and explain any additional informati on or corrections needed. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 125 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 6. In reviewing the application, th e health maintenance organization (HMO) shall evaluate each applicat ion according to the plan's checklist of materials required in the application process. 7. When an application is deemed comp lete, the HMO shall initiate requests for primary source verif ication and malpractice history within seven (7) calendar days. 8. A malpractice carrier shall have twenty-one (21) calendar days within which to respond after receipt of an inquiry from a health maintenance organization (HMO). A ny malpractice carrier th at fails to respond to an inquir y within the allotted time frame may be assessed an administrative penalty by the State Insurance Commissioner of Health. 9. Upon receipt of primary source verif ication and malpractice history by the HMO, the HMO shall dete rmine if the application is a clean application. If the application is deemed clean, the HMO shall have forty-five (45) calendar days within which to credential or recredential a physician or o ther health care provider. As used in this paragraph, "clean application" means an application that has no defect, misstatement o f facts, improprieties, including a lack of any required substantiating documentation, or particular circumstance requiring sp ecial treatment that impedes prompt credentialing or recredent ialing. 10. If a health mainten ance organization is unable to credential or recredential a physician or other health care provider ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 126 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 due to an application's not being clean, the HMO may extend th e credentialing or recredentialing pr ocess for sixty (60) cale ndar days. At the end of sixty (60) calendar days, if the HMO is awaiting documentation to complete the application, the physician or other health care provider shall be notified of the delay b y certified mail. The physician or o ther health care provider may extend the sixty-day period upon written notice to the HMO with in ten (10) calendar days; otherwise the application shall be deemed withdrawn. 11. In no event shall the entire credentialin g or recredentialing process exceed o ne hundred eighty (180) c alendar days. 12. A health maintenance organization shall be prohib ited from solely basing a denial of an application for credentialing or recredentialing on the lack of board certification or board eligibility and from adding new requirements solely for the purpose of delaying an appli cation. 13. Any HMO that violates t he provisions of this subsection may be assessed an administrative penalty by the State Insurance Commissioner of Health. I. Health maintenance organizations shal l not discriminate against enrollees with expensive medic al conditions by excluding practitioners with practices containing a substantial number of these patients. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 127 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 J. Health maintenance organizations shall, upon reques t, provide to a physician whose contr act is terminated or not renewed for cause the reasons fo r termination or nonrenewal. Health maintenance organizations shall not contractually prohibit such requests. K. No HMO shall engage in the practice of medicine or any other profession except as pr ovided by law nor shall a n HMO include any provision in a provider contract that precludes or discourages a health maintenance organization's providers from: 1. Informing a patient of the care the patient requires, including treatments or services not pro vided or reimbursed under the patient's HMO; or 2. Advocating on behalf of a patient before the HMO. L. Decisions by a health maintenance organization to authorize or deny coverage for an emergency service shall be ba sed on the patient presenting symptom s arising from any injury , illness, or condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of suff icient severity, including severe pain, such that a reasonable and prudent layperson could expect the absence of medical atten tion to result in serious: 1. Jeopardy to the health of the p atient; 2. Impairment of bodily function; or 3. Dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 128 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 M. Health maintenance organizations shall not deny an otherwise covered emergency service based solely upon lack of notification to the HMO. N. Health maintenance organizations shall compensate a provider for patient screening, eva luation, and examination services that are reasonably calculated to assist the provider in determining whether the condition of the patient requires emergency serv ice. If the provider determines that the patient does no t require emergency service, coverage for services rendered subsequent to that determination shall be governed by the HMO contract. O. If within a period of thir ty (30) minutes after receiving a request from a hospital emergency department for a specialty consultation, a health maintenance organization fails to identify an appropriate specialist who is available and willing to assume the care of the enrollee, the emergency department may arrange for emergency services by an appropriate specialist that are medically necessary to attain stabil ization of an emergency medical condition, and the HMO shall not deny coverage for the services due to lack of prior authorization. P. The reimbursement policies and patient transfer requirements of a health maintenance organization shall not, directly or indirectly, require a hospital emergency department or provider to violate the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. If a member of an HMO is transferred from a hospital emergency ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 129 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 department facility to another medical facility, the H MO shall reimburse the transferring facility and provider for services provided to attain stabilization of the emergency medic al condition of the member in accorda nce with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. SECTION 39. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6911, is amended to read as follows: Section 6911. A. Every health maintenan ce organization shall establish and maintain a grievance procedure that has been approved by the Insurance Commissioner , after consultation with the State Commissioner of Health, to provide for the resolution of grievances initiated by enrollees. Such gri evance procedure shall be approved by the Insurance Commissioner within thirty (30) days of su bmission. The health maintenance or ganization shall maintain a record of grievances received since the date of its last examination of grievances. B. The Insurance Commissioner or the State Commiss ioner of Health may examine the grievance procedures. C. Health maintenance organizations sh all comply with the requirements of an insurer as set out in Sections 1250.1 through 1250.16 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statu tes this title. SECTION 40. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6919, is amended to read as follows: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 130 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Section 6919. A. The Insurance Commissioner may make an examination of the affairs of any health maintenance organization, producers and providers with whom the organiz ation has contracts, agreements or other arrangements pur suant to the provisions of Sections 309.1 through 309.7 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title. B. The State Insurance Commissioner of Health may require a health maintenance organization t o contract for an examination concerning the quality assu rance program of the health maintena nce organization and of any providers with whom the organization has contracts, agreements or other arrangements as often as i s reasonably necessary for the protec tion of the interests of the people of this state, but no t less frequently than once every th ree (3) years. C. Every health maintenance organization and provider shall submit its books and records for examination and i n every way facilitate the completion of an examination. For the purpose of an examination, the Insurance Commissioner and the State Commissioner of Health may administer oaths to, and examine the officers and agents of the health maintenance organization and the principals of the providers concerning their business. D. Any health maintenance org anization examined shall pay the proper charges incurred in such examination, including the actual expense of the Insurance Commissioner or State Commissioner of ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 131 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Health or the expenses and compensati on of any authorized representative and the expense and c ompensation of assistants and examiners employed therein. All expenses incurred in such examination shall be verified by affidavit and a copy shall be filed in the office of the Insurance Commission er or the State Commissioner of Health . E. In lieu of an examination, the Insurance Commissi oner or State Commissioner of Health may accept the report of an examination made by the health maintenance organization regul atory entity of another state. SECTION 41. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, S ection 6920, is amended to read as f ollows: Section 6920. A. A certificate of authority issued under the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 2003 may be susp ended or revoked, and an application for a certificate of authority may be denied, if the Insurance Commissioner finds that any of the following conditions exist: 1. The health maintenance organization (HMO) is operating significantly in contravention of its basic organizational document or in a manner contrary to that described in any other infor mation submitted under Section 3 6903 of this act title, unless amendments to those submissions have been filed with and approved by the Insurance Commissioner; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 132 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2. The health maintenance organizatio n issues an evidence of coverage or uses a schedule of ch arges for health care services that does not comply with the requirements of Sections 8 6908 and 16 6916 of this act title; 3. The health maintenance organizatio n does not provide or arrange for basic health care services; 4. The State Commissioner of He alth certifies to the Insurance Commissioner determines that: a. the health maintenance organization does not meet the requirements of Section 7 6907 of this act title, or b. the health maintenance o rganization is unable to fulfill its obligations to furni sh health care services; 5. The health maintenance organization is no longer financially responsible and may reasonably be expected to be unable to meet its obligations to enrollees or prospective e nrollees; 6. The health maintenance organization has fai led to correct, within the time fram e prescribed by subsection C of this section, any deficiency occurring due to the health maintenance organization's prescribed minimum net worth being impaired; 7. The health maintenance organization has failed to imple ment the grievance procedures requir ed by Section 11 6911 of this act title in a reasonable manner to resolve valid complaints; ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 133 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8. The health maintenance organiz ation, or any person on its behalf, has advertised or merchandised its services in an untrue, misrepresentative, misleading, decep tive or unfair manner; 9. The continued operation of the health maintenance organization would be hazardous to its enrollees or to the public; or 10. The health maintenance organization has otherwise failed to comply with the provisions of the Health Mai ntenance Organization Act of 2003, or applicable rules promulgated by the Insurance Commissioner pursuant thereto , or rules promulgated by the State Board of Health pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 2003 . B. In addition to or in lieu of suspension or revocation of a certificate of authority pursuant to the provisions of this se ction, an applicant or health mainten ance organization who knowingly violates the provisions o f this section may be subject to an administrative penalty of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for each occurrence. C. The following shall apply when insufficie nt net worth is maintained: 1. Whenever the Insurance Commissioner finds that the net worth maintained by any health maintenance organization subject to the provisions of this act is less than the minimum net worth required to be maintained by Section 13 6913 of this act title, the Insurance ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 134 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Commissioner shall give written notice to the health mai ntenance organization of the amount of the deficiency and require filing with the Insurance Commissioner a plan for correction of the deficiency that is acceptable to the Insurance Commissioner, and correction of the deficiency within a reasonable time, no t to exceed sixty (60) days, unless an extension of time, not to exceed sixty (60) additional days, is granted by the Insurance Commissioner. A deficiency shall be deemed an impairment, and failure to correct the impairment in the prescribed time shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the certificate of authority or for placing the health maintenance organization in conservation, rehabilitation or liquidation; or 2. Unless allowed by the I nsurance Commissioner, no health maintenance organization or person acting on its behalf may, directly or indirectly, renew, issue or deliver any certificate, agreement or contract of coverage in this state, for which a premium is charged or collected, whe n the health maintenance organization writing the coverage is impaired, and the fact of impai rment is known to the health maintenance organization or to the person; provided, however, the existence of an impairment shal l not prevent the issuance or renewal of a certificate, agreement or contract when the enrollee exercises an option granted under the plan to obtain a new, renewed or converted coverage. ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 135 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 D. A certificate of authority shall be suspended or revoked or an application or a certificate of authori ty denied or an administrative penalty imposed only after compliance with the requirements of this section. 1. Suspension or revocation of a certificate of authority, denial of an application, or imposition of an admin istrative penalty by the Insurance Commissioner, pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be by written order and shall b e sent to the health maintenance organization or applicant by certified or registered mail and to the State Commissioner of He alth. The written order shall state the grounds, charges or conduct on which the suspension, revocation or denial or administrati ve penalty is based. The health maintenance organization or applicant may, in writing, request a hearing within thirty (30) d ays from the date of mailing of the order. If no written request is made, the order shall be final upon the expiration of thirty (30) days. 2. If the health maintenance organization or applicant requests a hearing pursuant to the provisions of this secti on, the Insurance Commissioner shall issue a written notice of hearing and send such notice to the health maintenance organization or applicant by certified or registered mail and to the State Commissioner of Health stating: ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 136 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 a. a specific time for the hear ing, which may not be less than twenty (20) nor more than thirty (30) days after mailing of the notice of hearing, and b. that any hearing shall be held at the office of the Insurance Commissioner. If a hearing is requested, the State Commissioner of Healt h or a designee shall be in attendanc e and shall participate in the proceedings. The recommen dations and findings of the State Commissioner of Health with respect to matters relating to the quality of health care services provided in connection with any decision regarding denial, suspension or revocation of a certificate of authority, shall be con clusive and binding upon the Insuran ce Commissioner. After the hearing, or upon failure of the health maintenance organization to appear at the hearing, the Insu rance Commissioner shall take whateve r action is deemed necessary based on written findings. The Insurance Commissioner shall mai l the decision to the health maintenance organization or applicant and a copy to the State Commissioner of Health . E. The provisions of the Administrative Procedu res Act shall apply to proceedings under this section to the extent they are not in conflict with the provisions of Section 313 of Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes this title. F. If the certificate of authority of a h ealth maintenance organization is suspended, the health maintenance organization shall ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 137 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 not, during the period of suspension, enrol l any additional enrollees except newborn children or other newly acquired dependents of existing enrollees, and shall not eng age in any advertising or solicitation whatsoever. G. If the certificate of authority of a he alth maintenance organization is revoked, the HMO shall proceed, immediately following the effective date of the order of revocation, to wind up its affairs and shall conduct no further business exce pt as may be essential to the orderly conclusion of the a ffairs of the organization. The HMO shall engage in no further advertising or solicitation whatsoever. The Insurance Commissioner may, by written order, permit further operation of the HMO if found to be in the best interests of enrollees, to the end tha t enrollees will be afforded the greatest practical opportunity to obtain continuing health care coverage. SECTION 42. AMENDATORY 36 O.S. 2011, Section 6929, is amended to read as follows: Section 6929. The State Insurance Commissioner of Health, in carrying out his or her obligations under the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 2003, may contract with qualified persons to make recommendations concerning the determination s required to be made by the State Insurance Commissioner of Health. The recommendations may be accepted in full or in part by the State Insurance Commissioner of Health. The State Insurance Commissioner ENGR. S. B. NO. 887 Page 138 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 of Health shall adopt procedures to ensure that su ch persons are not subject to a conflict of interest that would impair their ability to make recommendations in an impartial manner. SECTION 43. REPEALER 36 O.S. 2011, Sections 1435.40, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 23, O.S.L. 201 6 (36 O.S. Supp. 2020, Sections 1435.40), 1612.1, 6221 and 6522, are hereby repealed. SECTION 44. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval. Passed the Senate the 10th day of March, 2021. Presiding Officer of the Senate Passed the House of Representatives the ____ day of __________, 2021. Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives