Chapter 61. Dental Plan Organizations.

Sec.

§ 38.2-6100. Applicability of chapter.

  1. Except as otherwise provided by law, no dental plan organization shall be organized, conducted, or offered in the Commonwealth other than in the manner set forth in this chapter.
  2. This chapter shall not apply to a prepaid dental services plan organized under Chapter 45 (§ 38.2-4500 et seq.) of this title, a health maintenance organization or limited health care services plan licensed to provide dental services under Chapter 43 (§ 38.2-4300 et seq.) of this title, any health service plan licensed under Chapter 42 (§ 38.2-4200 et seq.) of this title, or any insurer whose activities are regulated under other provisions of this title.
  3. Nothing contained in this chapter prohibits any dentist individually, in partnership with other dentists, or as part of a professional corporation of dentists from entering into agreements directly with his own patients, or with a parent, guardian, conservator, spouse, or other family member acting on such patient's behalf, involving payment for professional services to be rendered or made available in the future.

    (2004, c. 668.)

Cross references. - As to small employer health insurance pooling, see § 38.2-3551 et seq.

§ 38.2-6101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

"Contract holder" means (i) with respect to group contracts, the organization or entity to which the dental benefit contract is issued, and (ii) with respect to individual contracts, the individual who enters into a dental benefit contract covering the individual or the individual and dependents of the individual.

"Copayment" means the amount payable for a particular service by an enrollee in accordance with the patient charge schedule or for which the enrollee is responsible as a condition for receiving benefits under a dental benefit contract. A copayment may be expressed as a specific dollar amount or as a percentage of the allowable charge for a service.

"Dental benefit contract" means a contract that provides benefits for dental services entered into between the dental plan organization and a contract holder.

"Dental plan" means a contractual arrangement for dental services provided or arranged for, that pays benefits or is administered on an individual or group basis. A dental plan includes, but is not limited to, an arrangement where fixed indemnity benefits are paid to an individual or provider for dental services.

"Dental plan organization" means a company that provides directly or arranges for a dental plan.

"Dental service" means a service included in the current Dental Terminology Manual issued by the American Dental Association.

"Dependent" means an individual who is the spouse or child of a subscriber.

"Enrollee" means an individual or a dependent of an individual who is enrolled in a dental plan.

"Evidence of coverage" means any certificate, agreement, or contract issued to a subscriber of a group that sets out the dental services to which the enrollees are entitled.

"Fixed indemnity benefits" means the payment amount or amounts stated in the reimbursement schedule of a dental plan organization that will be paid to a subscriber, or to the subscriber's dentist, for dental services.

"Plan dentist" means any dentist, licensed by the Virginia Board of Dentistry, who has contracted with the dental plan organization or with an entity acting on behalf of the dental plan organization to provide dental services to the enrollees. A dental plan organization may, but is not required to, utilize plan dentists.

"Plan dentist contract" means a contract between the dental plan organization or an entity acting on behalf of the dental plan organization and a plan dentist.

"Subscriber" means (i) with respect to group dental benefit contracts, the person who is covered by the contract, other than as a dependent, by satisfying the eligibility requirements of the group, and (ii) with respect to individual dental benefit contracts, the individual who obtains coverage of the individual only or the individual and dependents of the individual.

(2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6102. License application.

  1. No person shall establish or operate a dental plan organization in the Commonwealth without first obtaining a license from the Commission. Any business entity, which is neither an individual nor a sole proprietorship, may apply to the Commission for a license to establish and operate a dental plan organization in compliance with this chapter.
  2. Each application for a license shall be verified by an officer or authorized representative of the applicant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Commission, and shall set forth or be accompanied by the following:
    1. A copy of the basic organizational documents of the applicant including, but not limited to, the articles of incorporation, articles of association, partnership agreement, trust agreement, or other applicable documents, and all amendments to those documents;
    2. A copy of the bylaws, rules, and regulations, or any similar document regulating the conduct of the internal affairs of the applicant;
    3. A list of the name, address, official position, and biographical information on forms acceptable to the Commission of each member of the governing body and any person with authority to manage or establish policy; and a full disclosure in the application of (i) any financial interest between such person or any dentist, organization, or corporation owned or controlled by such person and the dental plan organization and (ii) the extent and nature of the financial arrangements between such person and the dental plan organization;
    4. A copy of any contract made or to be made between any dentist, sponsor, or organizer of the dental plan organization, or persons listed in subdivision 3 and the applicant;
    5. A copy of the evidence of coverage form to be issued to subscribers and the dental benefit contract to be issued to contract holders;
    6. A copy of any group contract form that is to be issued to employers, unions, trustees, or other organizations. All group contracts shall set forth the right of subscribers to convert their coverages to an individual contract issued by the dental plan organization;
    7. A financial statement or statements and any reports, certificates, or other documents the Commission considers necessary to secure a full and accurate knowledge of the applicant's affairs and financial condition;
    8. A complete description of the dental plan organization and its method of operation, including (i) the method of marketing the plan, (ii) a statement regarding the sources of working capital as well as any other sources of funding, and (iii) a description of any insurance, reinsurance, or alternative coverage arrangements proposed, including excess insurance or stop loss insurance;
    9. A financial feasibility plan that includes, but is not limited to, (i) detailed enrollment projections, (ii) the methodology for determining premium rates to be charged during at least the first three years of operations and extending one year beyond the anticipated break-even point certified by an actuary, and (iii) a projection, along with material assumptions, of balance sheets, cash flow statements showing capital expenditures and purchase and sale of investments, and income statements on a quarterly basis for at least three years and extending one year beyond the anticipated break-even point; and
    10. Any other information the Commission may require to make the determinations required pursuant to § 38.2-6103 . (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6103. Issuance of license; capital and surplus; impairment.

  1. The Commission shall issue a license to a dental plan organization after the filing of a complete application and payment of a $500 nonrefundable application fee, if the Commission is satisfied that:
    1. The persons who are responsible for conducting the affairs of the dental plan organization are trustworthy and capable of providing, arranging for, or paying benefits for the services offered by its dental plan;
    2. The dental plan organization is financially responsible and may reasonably be expected to meet its obligations to enrollees. In making this determination, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the following:
      1. The financial statements of the dental plan organization;
      2. The adequacy of working capital;
      3. Any contracts with plan dentists;
      4. The deposit of acceptable securities, which shall be in an amount of no less than $50,000; and
      5. The applicant's minimum capital and surplus, which shall be the greater of $750,000 or 45 days of anticipated operating expenses and incurred claims expenses.
    3. Nothing in the method of operation is contrary to the public interest, as shown in the information submitted pursuant to § 38.2-6102 or Chapter 58 (§ 38.2-5800 et seq.) of this title or by independent investigation.
  2. A licensed dental plan organization shall have and maintain at all times the minimum capital and surplus described in subdivision A 2 e. The licensee's capital and surplus shall be subject also to the risk-based capital requirements of Chapter 55 (§ 38.2-5500 et seq.) of this title.
    1. If the Commission finds that the minimum capital and surplus of a domestic dental plan organization is impaired, the Commission shall issue an order requiring the dental plan organization to eliminate the impairment within a period not exceeding 90 days. The Commission may by order served upon the dental plan organization prohibit the dental plan organization from issuing any new dental benefit contracts while the impairment exists. If at the expiration of the designated period the dental plan organization has not satisfied the Commission that the impairment has been eliminated, an order for the rehabilitation or liquidation of the dental plan organization may be entered as provided in Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of this title.
    2. If the Commission finds an impairment of the minimum capital and surplus of any foreign dental plan organization, the Commission may order the dental plan organization to eliminate the impairment. The Commission may, by order served upon the dental plan organization, prohibit the dental plan organization from issuing any new dental benefit contracts while the impairment exists. If the dental plan organization fails to comply with the Commission's order within a period of not more than 90 days, the Commission may suspend or revoke the license of the dental plan organization.

      (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6104. License renewals.

  1. Each dental plan organization organized under this chapter shall obtain an annual renewal of its license from the Commission by July 1 of each year. The Commission may refuse to renew the license of any dental plan organization or may renew the license, subject to any restrictions considered appropriate by the Commission, if it finds an impairment of the minimum capital and surplus or that the dental plan organization has not satisfied all of the conditions set forth in subsection A of § 38.2-6103 .
  2. The Commission shall not fail or refuse to renew the license of any dental plan organization without first giving the dental plan organization 10 days' notice of its intention not to renew the license and giving it an opportunity to be heard and to introduce evidence on its behalf. The hearing may be informal and the required notice may be waived by the Commission and the dental plan organization.

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6105. Required dental benefit contract provisions.

  1. Each dental benefit contract shall contain the following provisions:
    1. An effective date of the contract;
    2. A provision describing the payment of required subscription fees or premiums;
    3. A grace period provision that complies with § 38.2-6107 ;
    4. For group dental benefit contracts, the eligibility requirements and effective date of coverage for subscribers of the group and their dependents;
    5. A provision describing the benefits available under the dental benefit contract;
    6. A provision describing the copayments and deductibles for which the enrollee is responsible or the fixed indemnity benefits, if any;
    7. A provision describing the service area, if applicable;
    8. If a dental plan organization provides benefits only within a stated service area, a provision providing for emergency dental services outside the service area, with the term "emergency" including care to alleviate acute pain;
    9. A provision indicating that if a plan dentist refers the enrollee to a specialist who is not a plan dentist for dental services that are covered under the dental benefit contract, the dental plan organization shall be responsible for payment of the specialist's charges to the extent the charges exceed the copayment specified in the dental benefit contract;
    10. A provision that reads substantially as follows, if the contract requires use of a plan dentist: "If during the term of this contract none of the plan dentists can render necessary care and treatment to the enrollee due to circumstances not reasonably within the control of the dental plan organization, such as complete or partial destruction of facilities, war, riot, civil insurrection, labor disputes, or the disability of a significant number of the plan dentists, then the enrollee may seek treatment from an independent licensed dentist of his own choosing. The dental plan organization will pay the enrollee for the expenses incurred for the dental services with the following limitations: The dental plan organization will pay the enrollee for services that are listed in the patient charge schedule as "No Charge," to the extent that such fees are reasonable and customary for dentists in the same geographic area; the dental plan organization will also pay the enrollee for those services listed in the contract for which there is a copayment, to the extent that the reasonable and customary fees for such services exceed the copayment for such services as set forth in the contract. The enrollee may be required to give written proof of loss.";
    11. A provision setting out the terms under which coverage will terminate; and
    12. A provision setting out a grievance procedure that specifies the time period in which the dental plan organization shall initially respond to an enrollee's grievance, with the time period not exceeding 20 days from the date the grievance is filed with the dental plan organization.
  2. Each dental benefit contract shall also have provisions related to extension of benefits that specify:
    1. If an enrollee's coverage terminates, an extension of benefits shall be provided for any treatment in progress at the time of termination, provided the treatment requires two or more visits to the dentist's office on separate days as certified by the treating dentist.
    2. The extension of benefits shall be, at a minimum, for all types of dental care other than orthodontics, until the completion of the procedure.
    3. For orthodontics, the extension of benefits will be at least 60 days if the orthodontist has agreed to or is receiving monthly payments when coverage terminates, or if the orthodontist has agreed to accept or is receiving payments on a quarterly basis, to the end of the quarter in progress or 60 days, whichever is longer.
    4. An extension of benefits is not required if termination is due solely to the failure of the enrollee to pay the subscription fee or premium when the enrollee is otherwise eligible to continue coverage under the dental benefit contract.

      (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6106. Optional provisions.

Dental benefit contracts may contain the following provisions:

  1. A provision including the dental plan organization's intention to charge a specified missed appointment fee. The fee shall be reasonable in relation to the nature of the procedure for which the missed appointment had been made. Neither the plan dentist nor the dental plan organization may charge a missed appointment fee unless this provision appears in the dental benefit contract. For purposes of this section, the term "missed appointment" means an appointment for which advance cancellation of at least 24 hours was not provided.
  2. A provision including the dental plan organization's ability to increase premiums or subscription fees, with this provision indicating that these fees may not be increased unless:
    1. The contract holder has been given written notice at least 60 days before the effective date of the increase; and
    2. In the case of:
      1. An individual contract, present rates under the contract have not been changed for at least 12 months, or
      2. A group contract, present rates under the contract have been in effect for at least 12 months.
  3. A provision including the dental plan organization's intention to impose a financial penalty on an enrollee for voluntarily withdrawing from the dental plan during the first year of coverage, which penalty may not:
    1. Be charged if the enrollee withdraws from the dental plan after being covered for at least 12 months; or
    2. Exceed the usual, customary, and reasonable charge for services received reduced by the sum of the subscription fees paid by or for the enrollee and any copayments paid by or for the enrollee.
  4. A provision including the dental plan organization's ability to increase the patient charge schedule, with the provision indicating that the increase may not be effective unless the:
    1. Present schedule under the contract has been in effect for at least 12 months; and
    2. Contract holder has been given written notice of the increase at least 60 days before the effective date of the increase.
  5. A provision including the dental plan organization's rights if an enrollee refuses to follow a particular course of treatment. The dental plan organization may not terminate the membership of an enrollee for refusal to follow a recommended course of treatment for a particular condition. The provision may indicate that the dental plan organization may refuse to provide any further benefits for the particular condition if the enrollee refuses to accept a recommended course of treatment.
  6. A provision including the dental plan organization's rights if an enrollee fraudulently uses his membership card or knowingly permits his membership card to be used by others. The dental plan organization may terminate an enrollee's coverage if the enrollee fraudulently uses his membership card or knowingly permits his membership card to be used by others. The dental plan organization may not terminate coverage for an entire family because a dependent fraudulently uses the membership card. In this instance, only the dependent's coverage may terminate.
  7. A provision specifying that the dental plan organization may terminate an enrollee's coverage if the enrollee is unable to maintain a satisfactory dentist-patient relationship with a plan dentist, provided, however:
    1. Before terminating the enrollee's coverage, the dental plan organization shall permit the enrollee to change primary dentists at least once;
    2. The enrollee shall be given written notice of the termination at least 30 days before the termination of the enrollee's membership.
  8. If the contract provides coverage for dependent children, the contract shall also contain the following provision:

    "Notwithstanding any limiting age stated in the contract, any unmarried child covered under the contract as a dependent of an enrollee who is chiefly dependent for support upon the enrollee, and who, at the time of reaching the limiting age, is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity that commenced prior to the child's attaining the limiting age, shall continue to be covered under the contract while remaining so dependent, unmarried, and mentally or physically incapacitated, until the coverage on the enrollee upon whom the child is dependent terminates."

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6107. Grace period requirements.

The contract holder shall be given a 31-day grace period for the payment of any premium falling due after the first premium during which coverage remains in effect. If payment is not received within the 31 days, coverage may be cancelled after the thirty-first day and the contract holder may be held liable for the payment of the premium for the period of time coverage remained in effect during the grace period.

(2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6108. Plan dentist contracts; preferred providers; assignment of benefits.

  1. Each contract with a plan dentist shall contain the following provisions:
    1. A hold harmless clause that satisfies the requirements of subdivision C 9 of § 38.2-5805.
    2. A provision specifying when the contract becomes effective.
    3. A provision specifying the date the contract terminates.
    4. A provision specifying the renewal terms.
    5. Provisions incorporating the rights, remedies and obligations applicable to providers and dental plan organizations set forth in §§ 38.2-3407.1, 38.2-3407.10, 38.2-3407.15, and 38.2-5805.
  2. A dental plan organization that offers or administers a plan under which preferred provider policies or contracts are issued shall comply with the requirements of § 38.2-3407 in contracting with dentists for services in connection with the preferred provider policies or contracts.
  3. All dental plan organizations shall comply with the provisions of § 38.2-3407.13 relating to assignments of benefits by subscribers and enrollees.

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6109. Delivery of contract forms.

The dental plan organization:

  1. Shall provide a written dental benefit contract to each group contract holder within 15 days of acceptance of the group's application by the dental plan organization;
  2. Shall provide a written evidence of coverage to each individual covered under a group dental benefit contract within 15 days of acceptance of the group's application by the dental plan organization; and
  3. Shall provide a written dental benefit contract to each individual who applies for individual dental coverage within 15 days of acceptance of the individual's application by the dental plan organization.

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6110. Filing requirements for premium rates and subscription fees.

  1. The filing with the Commission of any dental benefit contract or rider or endorsement by a dental plan organization shall be accompanied by the filing of premium rates or subscription fees.
  2. A subsequent change in premium rates or subscription fees shall be filed with supporting data at least 30 days before the change is proposed to become effective.

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6111. Examinations.

  1. The Commission shall examine the affairs of each dental plan organization as provided for in § 38.2-1317.
  2. Instead of making its own examination, the Commission may accept the report of an examination of a foreign dental plan organization certified by the insurance supervisory official, similar regulatory agency, or the state health commissioner of another state.
  3. The Commission may coordinate its examinations with the State Health Commissioner to ensure an appropriate level of regulatory oversight and to avoid any undue duplication of effort or regulation.

    (2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6112. Licensing of agents.

Dental benefit contracts may be solicited only through health insurance agents and limited lines life and health agents licensed in accordance with Chapter 18 (§ 38.2-1800 et seq.) of this title. Home office salaried officers whose principal duties and responsibilities do not include the negotiation or solicitation of dental benefit contracts shall not be required to be licensed.

(2004, c. 668.)

§ 38.2-6113. Application of other laws.

  1. Except to the extent that such application would be inconsistent with any provision of this chapter, the provisions of Chapter 5 (§ 32.1-123 et seq.) of Title 32.1 and of other chapters of this title, and regulations promulgated thereunder, that are applicable to (i) an insurer licensed pursuant to § 38.2-1024, (ii) a carrier as defined in § 38.2-3407.10, (iii) a health plan as defined in § 38.2-3407.15, or (iv) a health carrier or managed care health insurance plan as defined in § 38.2-5800, shall apply to dental plan organizations and the provision of dental services on behalf of dental plan organizations, as if such provisions specifically stated that they apply to dental plan organizations and the provision of dental services on behalf of dental plan organizations, notwithstanding that such other provisions do not refer to dental plan organizations or the provision of dental services on behalf of dental plan organizations.
  2. Any reference in this chapter to specific provisions of any other chapter of this title or of any other title shall not limit the applicability of subsection A.

    (2004, c. 668.)

Chapter 62. Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact.

Sec.

The number of this chapter was assigned by the Virginia Code Commission, the number in the 2004 act having been Chapter 61.

§ 38.2-6200. Form of Compact.

The General Assembly hereby enacts, and the Commonwealth of Virginia hereby enters into, the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact with any and all states legally joining therein according to its terms, in the form substantially as follows:

Article I.

Purposes.

The purposes of this Compact are, through means of joint and cooperative action among the Compacting States:

  1. To promote and protect the interest of consumers of individual and group annuity, life insurance, disability income and long-term care insurance products;
  2. To develop uniform standards for insurance products covered under the Compact;
  3. To establish a central clearinghouse to receive and provide prompt review of insurance products covered under the Compact and, in certain cases, advertisements related thereto, submitted by insurers authorized to do business in one or more Compacting States;
  4. To give appropriate regulatory approval to those product filings and advertisements satisfying the applicable uniform standard;
  5. To improve coordination of regulatory resources and expertise between state insurance departments regarding the setting of uniform standards and review of insurance products covered under the Compact;
  6. To create the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission; and
  7. To perform these and such other related functions as may be consistent with the state regulation of the business of insurance.

Article II.

Definitions.

For purposes of this Compact:

  1. "Advertisement" means any material designed to create public interest in a Product, or induce the public to purchase, increase, modify, reinstate, borrow on, surrender, replace, or retain a policy, as more specifically defined in the Rules and Operating Procedures of the Commission.
  2. "Bylaws" mean those bylaws established by the Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling the Commission's actions or conduct.
  3. "Compacting State" means any State which has enacted this Compact legislation and which has not withdrawn pursuant to Article XIV, Section 1, or been terminated pursuant to Article XIV, Section 2.
  4. "Commission" means the "Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission" established by this Compact.
  5. "Commissioner" means the chief insurance regulatory official of a State including, but not limited to, commissioner, superintendent, director, or administrator.
  6. "Domiciliary State" means the state in which an Insurer is incorporated or organized; or, in the case of an alien Insurer, its state of entry.
  7. "Insurer" means any entity licensed by a State to issue contracts of insurance for any of the lines of insurance covered by this Act.
  8. "Member" means the person chosen by a Compacting State as its representative to the Commission, or his or her designee.
  9. "Non-compacting State" means any State which is not at the time a Compacting State.
  10. "Operating Procedures" mean procedures promulgated by the Commission implementing a Rule, Uniform Standard or a provision of this Compact.
  11. "Product" means the form of a policy or contract, including any application, endorsement, or related form which is attached to and made a part of the policy or contract, and any evidence of coverage or certificate, for an individual or group annuity, life insurance, disability income or long-term care insurance product that an Insurer is authorized to issue.
  12. "Rule" means a statement of general or particular applicability and future effect promulgated by the Commission, including a Uniform Standard developed pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or describing the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of the Commission, which shall have the force and effect of law in the Compacting States.
  13. "State" means any state, district or territory of the United States of America.
  14. "Third-Party Filer" means an entity that submits a Product filing to the Commission on behalf of an Insurer.
  15. "Uniform Standard" means a standard adopted by the Commission for a Product line, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, and shall include all of the Product requirements in aggregate; provided, that each Uniform Standard shall be construed, whether express or implied, to prohibit the use of any inconsistent, misleading or ambiguous provisions in a Product and the form of the Product made available to the public shall not be unfair, inequitable or against public policy as determined by the Commission.

Article III.

Establishment of the Commission and Venue.

  1. The Compacting States hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the "Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission." Pursuant to Article IV, the Commission will have the power to develop Uniform Standards for Product lines, receive and provide prompt review of Products filed therewith, and give approval to those Product filings satisfying applicable Uniform Standards; provided, it is not intended for the Commission to be the exclusive entity for receipt and review of insurance product filings. Nothing herein shall prohibit any Insurer from filing its product in any State wherein the Insurer is licensed to conduct the business of insurance; and any such filing shall be subject to the laws of the State where filed.
  2. The Commission is a body corporate and politic, and an instrumentality of the Compacting States.
  3. The Commission is solely responsible for its liabilities except as otherwise specifically provided in this Compact.
  4. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located.

Article IV.

Powers of the Commission.

The Commission shall have the following powers:

  1. To promulgate Rules, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, which shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact;
  2. To exercise its rule-making authority and establish reasonable Uniform Standards for Products covered under the Compact, and Advertisement related thereto, which shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States, but only for those Products filed with the Commission, provided, that a Compacting State shall have the right to opt out of such Uniform Standard pursuant to Article VII, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact, and, provided further, that any Uniform Standard established by the Commission for long-term care insurance products may provide the same or greater protections for consumers as, but shall not provide less than, those protections set forth in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Long-Term Care Insurance Model Act and Long-Term Care Insurance Model Regulation, respectively, adopted as of 2001. The Commission shall consider whether any subsequent amendments to the NAIC Long-Term Care Insurance Model Act or Long-Term Care Insurance Model Regulation adopted by the NAIC require amending of the Uniform Standards established by the Commission for long-term care insurance products;
  3. To receive and review in an expeditious manner Products filed with the Commission, and rate filings for disability income and long-term care insurance Products, and give approval of those Products and rate filings that satisfy the applicable Uniform Standard, where such approval shall have the force and effect of law and be binding on the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in the Compact;
  4. To receive and review in an expeditious manner Advertisement relating to long-term care insurance products for which Uniform Standards have been adopted by the Commission, and give approval to all Advertisement that satisfies the applicable Uniform Standard. For any product covered under this Compact, other than long-term care insurance products, the Commission shall have the authority to require an insurer to submit all or any part of its Advertisement with respect to that product for review or approval prior to use, if the Commission determines that the nature of the  product is such that an Advertisement of the product could have the capacity or tendency to mislead the public. The actions of Commission as provided in this section shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in the Compact;
  5. To exercise its rule-making authority and designate Products and Advertisement that may be subject to a self-certification process without the need for prior approval by the Commission;
  6. To promulgate Operating Procedures, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, which shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact;
  7. To bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in its name as the Commission; provided, that the standing of any state insurance department to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;
  8. To issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence;
  9. To establish and maintain offices;
  10. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
  11. To borrow, accept or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Compacting State;
  12. To hire employees, professionals or specialists, and elect or appoint officers, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and give them appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel;
  13. To accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety;
  14. To lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety;
  15. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed;
  16. To remit filing fees to Compacting States as may be set forth in the Bylaws, Rules or Operating Procedures;
  17. To enforce compliance by Compacting States with Rules, Uniform Standards, Operating Procedures and Bylaws;
  18. To provide for dispute resolution among Compacting States;
  19. To advise Compacting States on issues relating to Insurers domiciled or doing business in Non-compacting jurisdictions, consistent with the purposes of this Compact;
  20. To provide advice and training to those personnel in state insurance departments responsible for product review, and to be a resource for state insurance departments;
  21. To establish a budget and make expenditures;
  22. To borrow money;
  23. To appoint committees, including advisory committees comprising Members, state insurance regulators, state legislators or their representatives, insurance industry and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in the Bylaws;
  24. To provide and receive information from, and to cooperate with, law-enforcement agencies;
  25. To adopt and use a corporate seal; and
  26. To perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of the business of insurance.

Article V.

Organization of the Commission.

  1. Membership, Voting and Bylaws.
    1. Each Compacting State shall have and be limited to one Member. Each Member shall be qualified to serve in that capacity pursuant to applicable law of the Compacting State. Any Member may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the State from which he or she shall be appointed. Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled in accordance with the laws of the Compacting State wherein the vacancy exists. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the manner in which a Compacting State determines the election or appointment and qualification of its own Commissioner.
    2. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote and shall have an opportunity to participate in the governance of the Commission in accordance with the Bylaws. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, no action of the Commission with respect to the promulgation of a Uniform Standard shall be effective unless two-thirds of the Members vote in favor thereof.
    3. The Commission shall, by a majority of the Members, prescribe Bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes, and exercise the powers, of the Compact, including, but not limited to:
      1. Establishing the fiscal year of the Commission;
      2. Providing reasonable procedures for appointing and electing members, as well as holding meetings, of the Management Committee;
      3. Providing reasonable standards and procedures: (i) for the establishment and meetings of other committees, and (ii) governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Commission;
      4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Commission that consists of a majority of Commission members, ensuring reasonable advance notice of each such meeting, and providing for the right of citizens to attend each such meeting with enumerated exceptions designed to protect the public's interest, the privacy of individuals, and insurers' proprietary information, including trade secrets. The Commission may meet in camera only after a majority of the entire membership votes to close a meeting en toto  or in part. As soon as practicable, the Commission must make public (i) a copy of the vote to close the meeting revealing the vote of each Member with no proxy votes allowed, and (ii) votes taken during such meeting;
      5. Establishing the titles, duties and authority and reasonable procedures for the election of the officers of the Commission;
      6. Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the Commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any Compacting State, the Bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the Commission;
      7. Promulgating a code of ethics to address permissible and prohibited activities of Commission members and employees; and
      8. Providing a mechanism for winding up the operations of the Commission and the equitable disposition of any surplus funds that may exist after the termination of the Compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations.
    4. The Commission shall publish its Bylaws in a convenient form and file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the Compacting States.
  2. Management Committee, Officers and Personnel.
    1. A Management Committee comprising no more than 14 members shall be established as follows:
      1. One member from each of the six Compacting States with the largest premium volume for individual and group annuities, life, disability income, and long-term care insurance products, determined from the records of the NAIC for the prior year;
      2. Four members from those Compacting States with at least two percent of the market based on the premium volume described above, other than the six Compacting States with the largest premium volume, selected on a rotating basis as provided in the Bylaws; and
      3. Four members from those Compacting States with less than two percent of the market, based on the premium volume described above, with one selected from each of the four zone regions of the NAIC as provided in the Bylaws.
    2. The Management Committee shall have such authority and duties as may be set forth in the Bylaws, including but not limited to:
      1. Managing the affairs of the Commission in a manner consistent with the Bylaws and purposes of the Commission;
      2. Establishing and overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for, the Commission to provide for the creation of Uniform Standards and other Rules, receipt and review of product filings, administrative and technical support functions, review of decisions regarding the disapproval of a product filing, and the review of elections made by a Compacting State to opt out of a Uniform Standard; provided that a Uniform Standard shall not be submitted to the Compacting States for adoption unless approved by two-thirds of the members of the Management Committee;
      3. Overseeing the offices of the Commission; and
      4. Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the Commission.
    3. The Commission shall elect annually officers from the Management Committee, with each having such authority and duties as may be specified in the Bylaws.
    4. The Management Committee may, subject to the approval of the Commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Commission, but shall not be a Member of the Commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Commission.
  3. Legislative and Advisory Committees.
    1. A legislative committee comprising state legislators or their designees shall be established to monitor the operations of, and make recommendations to, the Commission, including the Management Committee; provided that the manner of selection and term of any legislative committee member shall be as set forth in the Bylaws. Prior to the adoption by the Commission of any Uniform Standard, revision to the Bylaws, annual budget, or other significant matter as may be provided in the Bylaws, the Management Committee shall consult with and report to the legislative committee.
    2. The Commission shall establish two advisory committees, one of which shall comprise consumer representatives independent of the insurance industry, and the other comprising insurance industry representatives.
    3. The Commission may establish additional advisory committees as its Bylaws may provide for the carrying out of its functions.
  4. Corporate Records of the Commission.

    The Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the Bylaws.

  5. Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification.
    1. The Members, officers, executive director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that person.
    2. The Commission shall defend any Member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful and wanton misconduct.
    3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any Member, officer, executive director, employee or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that person.

Article VI.

Meetings and Acts of the Commission.

  1. The Commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the Bylaws.
  2. Each Member of the Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that Compacting State is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. A Member shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the Bylaws. The Bylaws may provide for Members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.
  3. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the Bylaws.

Article VII.

Rules and Operating Procedures: Rulemaking Functions of the Commission and Opting Out of Uniform Standards.

  1. Rulemaking Authority. The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules, including Uniform Standards, and Operating Procedures in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this Act, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force and effect.
  2. Rulemaking Procedure. Rules and Operating Procedures shall be made pursuant to a rulemaking process that conforms to the Model State Administrative Procedure Act of 1981, as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the Commission. Before the Commission adopts a Uniform Standard, the Commission shall give written notice to the relevant state legislative committee(s) in each Compacting State responsible for insurance issues of its intention to adopt the Uniform Standard. The Commission in adopting a Uniform Standard shall consider fully all submitted materials and issue a concise explanation of its decision.
  3. Effective Date and Opt Out of a Uniform Standard. A Uniform Standard shall become effective 90 days after its promulgation by the Commission or such later date as the Commission may determine; provided, however, that a Compacting State may opt out of a Uniform Standard as provided in this Article. "Opt out" shall be defined as any action by a Compacting State to decline to adopt or participate in a promulgated Uniform Standard. All other Rules and Operating Procedures, and amendments thereto, shall become effective as of the date specified in each Rule, Operating Procedure or amendment.
  4. Opt Out Procedure. A Compacting State may opt out of a Uniform Standard, either by legislation or regulation duly promulgated by the Insurance Department under the Compacting State's Administrative Procedure Act or duly promulgated pursuant to the Compacting State's law. If a Compacting State elects to opt out of a Uniform Standard by regulation, it must (a) give written notice to the Commission no later than 10 business days after the Uniform Standard is promulgated, or at the time the State becomes a Compacting State and (b) find that the Uniform Standard does not provide reasonable protections to the citizens of the State, given the conditions in the State. The Commissioner or tribunal shall make specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, based on a preponderance of the evidence, detailing the conditions in the State which warrant a departure from the Uniform Standard and determining that the Uniform Standard would not reasonably protect the citizens of the State. The Commissioner or tribunal must consider and balance the following factors and find that the conditions in the State and needs of the citizens of the State outweigh: (i) the intent of the legislature to participate in, and the benefits of, an interstate agreement to establish national uniform consumer protections for the Products subject to this Act; and (ii) the presumption that a Uniform Standard adopted by the Commission provides reasonable protections to consumers of the relevant Product.

    Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Compacting State may, at the time of its enactment of this Compact, prospectively opt out of all Uniform Standards involving long-term care insurance products by expressly providing for such opt out in the enacted Compact, and such an opt out shall not be treated as a material variance in the offer or acceptance of any State to participate in this Compact. Such an opt out shall be effective at the time of enactment of this Compact by the Compacting State and shall apply to all existing Uniform Standards involving long-term care insurance products and those subsequently promulgated.

  5. Effect of Opt Out. If a Compacting State elects to opt out of a Uniform Standard, the Uniform Standard shall remain applicable in the Compacting State electing to opt out until such time the opt out legislation is enacted into law or the regulation opting out becomes effective.

    Once the opt out of a Uniform Standard by a Compacting State becomes effective as provided under the laws of that State, the Uniform Standard shall have no further force and effect in that State unless and until the legislation or regulation implementing the opt out is repealed or otherwise becomes ineffective under the laws of the State. If a Compacting State opts out of a Uniform Standard after the Uniform Standard has been made effective in that State, the opt out shall have the same prospective effect as provided under Article XIV for withdrawals.

  6. Stay of Uniform Standard. If a Compacting State has formally initiated the process of opting out of a Uniform Standard by regulation, and while the regulatory opt out is pending, the Compacting State may petition the Commission, at least 15 days before the effective date of the Uniform Standard, to stay the effectiveness of the Uniform Standard in that State. The Commission may grant a stay if it determines the regulatory opt out is being pursued in a reasonable manner and there is a likelihood of success. If a stay is granted or extended by the Commission, the stay or extension thereof may postpone the effective date by up to 90 days, unless affirmatively extended by the Commission; provided, a stay may not be permitted to remain in effect for more than one year unless the Compacting State can show extraordinary circumstances which warrant a continuance of the stay, including, but not limited to, the existence of a legal challenge which prevents the Compacting State from opting out. A stay may be terminated by the Commission upon notice that the rulemaking process has been terminated.
  7. Not later than 30 days after a Rule or Operating Procedure is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the Rule or Operating Procedure; provided, that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the Rule or Operating Procedure from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the Rule or Operating Procedure to be unlawful if the Rule or Operating Procedure represents a reasonable exercise of the Commission's authority.

Article VIII.

Commission Records and Enforcement.

  1. The Commission shall promulgate Rules establishing conditions and procedures for public inspection and copying of its information and official records, except such information and records involving the privacy of individuals and insurers' trade secrets. The Commission may promulgate additional Rules under which it may make available to federal and state agencies, including law-enforcement agencies, records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure, and may enter into agreements with such agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.
  2. Except as to privileged records, data and information, the laws of any Compacting State pertaining to confidentiality or nondisclosure shall not relieve any Compacting State Commissioner of the duty to disclose any relevant records, data, or information to the Commission; provided, that disclosure to the Commission shall not be deemed to waive or otherwise affect any confidentiality requirement; and further provided, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, the Commission shall not be subject to the Compacting State's laws pertaining to confidentiality and nondisclosure with respect to records, data, and information in its possession. Confidential information of the Commission shall remain confidential after such information is provided to any Commissioner.
  3. The Commission shall monitor Compacting States for compliance with duly adopted Bylaws, Rules, including Uniform Standards, and Operating Procedures. The Commission shall notify any non-complying Compacting State in writing of its noncompliance with Commission Bylaws, Rules or Operating Procedures. If a noncomplying Compacting State fails to remedy its noncompliance within the time specified in the notice of noncompliance, the Compacting State shall be deemed to be in default as set forth in Article XIV.
  4. The Commissioner of any State in which an Insurer is authorized to do business, or is conducting the business of insurance, shall continue to exercise his or her authority to oversee the market regulation of the activities of the Insurer in accordance with the provisions of the State's law. The Commissioner's enforcement of compliance with the Compact is governed by the following provisions:
    1. With respect to the Commissioner's market regulation of a Product or Advertisement that is approved or certified to the Commission, the content of the Product or Advertisement shall not constitute a violation of the provisions, standards or requirements of the Compact except upon a final order of the Commission, issued at the request of a Commissioner after prior notice to the Insurer and an opportunity for hearing before the Commission.
    2. Before a Commissioner may bring an action for violation of any provision, standard or requirement of the Compact relating to the content of an Advertisement not approved or certified to the Commission, the Commission, or an authorized Commission officer or employee, must authorize the action. However, authorization pursuant to this paragraph does not require notice to the Insurer, opportunity for hearing or disclosure of requests for authorization or records of the Commission's action on such requests.

Article IX.

Dispute Resolution.

The Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a Member, to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to this Compact and which may arise between two or more Compacting States, or between Compacting States and Non-compacting States, and the Commission shall promulgate an Operating Procedure providing for resolution of such disputes.

Article X.

Product Filing and Approval.

  1. Insurers and Third-Party Filers seeking to have a Product approved by the Commission shall file the Product with, and pay applicable filing fees to, the Commission. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict or otherwise prevent an insurer from filing its Product with the insurance department in any State wherein the insurer is licensed to conduct the business of insurance, and such filing shall be subject to the laws of the States where filed.
  2. The Commission shall establish appropriate filing and review processes and procedures pursuant to Commission Rules and Operating Procedures. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Commission shall promulgate Rules to establish conditions and procedures under which the Commission will provide public access to Product filing information. In establishing such Rules, the Commission shall consider the interests of the public in having access to such information, as well as protection of personal medical and financial information and trade secrets, that may be contained in a Product filing or supporting information.
  3. Any Product approved by the Commission may be sold or otherwise issued in those Compacting States for which the Insurer is legally authorized to do business.

Article XI.

Review of Commission Decisions Regarding Filings.

  1. Not later than 30 days after the Commission has given notice of a disapproved Product or Advertisement filed with the Commission, the Insurer or Third Party Filer whose filing was disapproved may appeal the determination to a review panel appointed by the Commission. The Commission shall promulgate Rules to establish procedures for appointing such review panels and provide for notice and hearing. An allegation that the Commission, in disapproving a Product or Advertisement filed with the Commission, acted arbitrarily, capriciously, or in a manner that is an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law, is subject to judicial review in accordance with Article III, section 4.
  2. The Commission shall have authority to monitor, review and reconsider Products and Advertisement subsequent to their filing or approval upon a finding that the Product does not meet the relevant Uniform Standard. Where appropriate, the Commission may withdraw or modify its approval after proper notice and hearing, subject to the appeal process in section 1 above.

Article XII.

Finance.

  1. The Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment and organization. To fund the cost of its initial operations, the Commission may accept contributions and other forms of funding from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Compacting States and other sources. Contributions and other forms of funding from other sources shall be of such a nature that the independence of the Commission concerning the performance of its duties shall not be compromised.
  2. The Commission shall collect a filing fee from each Insurer and Third Party Filer filing a Product with the Commission to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff in a total amount sufficient to cover the Commission's annual budget.
  3. The Commission's budget for a fiscal year shall not be approved until it has been subject to notice and comment as set forth in Article VII of this Compact.
  4. The Commission shall be exempt from all taxation in and by the Compacting States.
  5. The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any Compacting State, except by and with the appropriate legal authority of that Compacting State.
  6. The Commission shall keep complete and accurate accounts of all its internal receipts, including grants and donations, and disbursements of all funds under its control. The internal financial accounts of the Commission shall be subject to the accounting procedures established under its Bylaws. The financial accounts and reports including the system of internal controls and procedures of the Commission shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant. Upon the determination of the Commission, but no less frequently than every three years, the review of the independent auditor shall include a management and performance audit of the Commission. The Commission shall make an Annual Report to the Governor and legislature of the Compacting States, which shall include a report of the independent audit. The Commission's internal accounts shall not be confidential and such materials may be shared with the Commissioner of any Compacting State upon request; provided, however, that any work papers related to any internal or independent audit and any information regarding the privacy of individuals and insurers' proprietary information, including trade secrets, shall remain confidential.
  7. No Compacting State shall have any claim to or ownership of any property held by or vested in the Commission or to any Commission funds held pursuant to the provisions of this Compact.

Article XIII.

Compacting States, Effective Date and Amendment.

  1. Any State is eligible to become a Compacting State.
  2. The Compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the Compact into law by two Compacting States; provided, the Commission shall become effective for purposes of adopting Uniform Standards for, reviewing, and giving approval or disapproval of, Products filed with the Commission that satisfy applicable Uniform Standards only after 26 States are Compacting States or, alternatively, by States representing greater than 40 percent of the premium volume for life insurance, annuity, disability income, and long-term care insurance products, based on records of the NAIC for the prior year. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other Compacting State upon enactment of the Compact into law by that State.
  3. Amendments to the Compact may be proposed by the Commission for enactment by the Compacting States. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Commission and the Compacting States unless and until all Compacting States enact the amendment into law.

Article XIV.

Withdrawal, Default and Termination.

  1. Withdrawal.
    1. Once effective, the Compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every Compacting State; provided, that a Compacting State may withdraw from the Compact (Withdrawing State) by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute which enacted the Compact into law.
    2. The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repealing statute. However, the withdrawal shall not apply to any Product filings approved or self-certified, or any Advertisement of such Products, on the date the repealing statute becomes effective, except by mutual agreement of the Commission and the Withdrawing State unless the approval is rescinded by the Withdrawing State as provided in subsection e of this section.
    3. The Commissioner of the Withdrawing State shall immediately notify the Management Committee in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this Compact in the Withdrawing State.
    4. The Commission shall notify the other Compacting States of the introduction of such legislation within 10 days after its receipt of notice thereof.
    5. The Withdrawing State is responsible for all obligations, duties and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal, except to the extent those obligations may have been released or relinquished by mutual agreement of the Commission and the Withdrawing State. The Commission's approval of Products and Advertisement prior to the effective date of withdrawal shall continue to be effective and be given full force and effect in the Withdrawing State, unless formally rescinded by the Withdrawing State in the same manner as provided by the laws of the Withdrawing State for the prospective disapproval of Products or Advertisement previously approved under State law.
    6. Reinstatement following withdrawal of any Compacting State shall occur upon the effective date of the Withdrawing State reenacting the Compact.
  2. Default.
    1. If the Commission determines that any Compacting State has at any time defaulted (Defaulting State) in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact, the Bylaws or duly promulgated Rules or Operating Procedures, then, after notice and hearing as set forth in the Bylaws, all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact on the Defaulting State shall be suspended from the effective date of default as fixed by the Commission. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a Compacting State to perform its obligations or responsibilities, and any other grounds designated in Commission Rules. The Commission shall immediately notify the Defaulting State in writing of the Defaulting State's suspension pending a cure of the default. The Commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the Defaulting State must cure its default. If the Defaulting State fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the Commission, the Defaulting State shall be terminated from the Compact and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination.
    2. Product approvals by the Commission or Product self-certifications, or any Advertisement in connection with such Product, that are in force on the effective date of termination shall remain in force in the Defaulting State in the same manner as if the Defaulting State had withdrawn voluntarily pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article.
    3. Reinstatement following termination of any Compacting State requires a reenactment of the Compact.
  3. Dissolution of Compact.
    1. The Compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the Compacting State which reduces membership in the Compact to one Compacting State.
    2. Upon the dissolution of this Compact, the Compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Commission shall be wound up and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the Bylaws.

Article XV.

Severability and Construction.

  1. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the Compact shall be enforceable.
  2. The provisions of this Compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

Article XVI.

Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws.

  1. Other Laws.
    1. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Compacting State, except as provided in paragraph b of this Article.
    2. For any Product approved or certified to the Commission, the Rules, Uniform Standards, and any other requirements of the Commission shall constitute the exclusive provisions applicable to the content, approval and certification of such Products. For Advertisement that is subject to the Commission's authority, any Rule, Uniform Standard or other requirement of the Commission which governs the content of the Advertisement shall constitute the exclusive provision that a Commissioner may apply to the content of the Advertisement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no action taken by the Commission shall abrogate or restrict: (i) the access of any person to State courts; (ii) remedies available under State law related to breach of contract, tort, or other laws not specifically directed to the content of the Product; (iii) State law relating to the construction of insurance contracts; or (iv) the authority of the attorney general of the State, including but not limited to maintaining any actions or proceedings, as authorized by law.
    3. All insurance Products filed with individual States shall be subject to the laws of those States.
  2. Binding Effect of this Compact.
    1. All lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules and Operating Procedures promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Compacting States.
    2. All agreements between the Commission and the Compacting States are binding in accordance with their terms.
    3. Upon the request of a party to a conflict over the meaning or interpretation of Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the Compacting States, the Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding the meaning or interpretation in dispute.
    4. In the event any provision of this Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Compacting State, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by that provision upon the Commission shall be ineffective as to that Compacting State, and those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the Compacting State and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which those obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this Compact becomes effective.

      (2004, c. 761.)

The number of this section was assigned by the Virginia Code Commission, the number in the 2004 acts having been 38.2-6100 .

Compact cross references. - As to provisions of other member states, see:

Alaska: Alaska Stat. § 21.42 et seq.

Colorado: C.R.S. § 24-60-3001.

Georgia: O.C.G.A. § 33-59A-1.

Hawaii: H.R.S. § 431:30-101 et seq.

Idaho: Idaho Code § 41-5702.

Indiana: Burn's Ind. Code Ann. § 27-8-31-1 et seq.

Iowa: Iowa Code § 505A.1.

Kansas: K.S.A. § 40-5301.

Kentucky: K.R.S. § 304.51-010.

Louisiana: La. R.S. § 22:2381.

Maine: 24-A M.R.S. § 2471 et seq.

Maryland: Md. INSURANCE Code Ann. § 29-101.

Michigan: MCLS § 3.1031.

Minnesota: Minn. Stat. § 60A.99.

Mississippi: Miss. Code Ann. § 83-69-1.

Missouri: § 374.352 R.S.Mo.

Nebraska: R.R.S. Neb. § 44-7801.

New Mexico: N.M. Stat. Ann. § 11-19-1.

North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-91-1 et seq.

Ohio: Page's ORC Ann. § 3915.16.

Oklahoma: 36 Okl. St. § 7004.

Pennsylvania: 40 P.S. § 4103.

Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws, § 27-2.5-2.

South Carolina: S.C. Code Ann. § 38-95-10 et seq.

Tennessee: Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-58-102.

Texas: Tex. Ins. Code § 5001.002.

Utah: Utah Code Ann. § 31A-39-101.

Vermont: 8 V.S.A. § 8500 et seq.

Washington: Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 48.130 et seq.

West Virginia: W.Va. Code § 33-47-1 et seq.

Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. § 601.58.

Wyoming: Wyo. Stat. § 26-15-201.

§ 38.2-6201. Appointment of representative.

The Commissioner of Insurance is hereby appointed as the Commonwealth's representative to the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission.

(2004, c. 761.)

The number of this section was assigned by the Virginia Code Commission, the number in the 2004 acts having been 38.2-6101 .