STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1406

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2019

 

RE:   S.B. No. 1212

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1212, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to require licensure and regulation of third-party administrators by the Insurance Commissioner (Commissioner) in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Registration and Regulation of Third Party Administrators Guideline.

 

     The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, MDX Hawaii, Inc., Hawaii-Western Management Group, and Hawaii Medical Service Association submitted testimony in support of this measure.  Hawaii-Mainland Administrators submitted testimony in opposition.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Clarifying that an applicant for licensure as an administrator needs to prove that the applicant has a positive net worth through annual financial statements;

 

     (2)  Removing the licensing requirement for individuals employed or contracted to adjust claims for an administrator;

 

     (3)  Reducing the surety bond an administrator must file and maintain from $300,000 to $100,000;

 

     (4)  Clarifying the confidentiality, privilege, and use of records inspected by the Commissioner;

 

     (5)  Clarifying that the compensation of an administrator for adjusting or settling claims will not increase contingent on claim experience;

 

     (6)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion; and

 

     (7)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1212, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1212, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair