WASHINGTON STATE INSURANCE COMPLETE QUESTIONS And ANSWERS

- ANSWER Section 1 Commissioner How is he elected? - ANSWER Same way as other state officials When does he take office? - ANSWER Serves for four yerars. Starts wed after the second monday of January What must he do before taking officer? - ANSWER Execute a bond of $25000 payable to state What are his broad Powers? - ANSWER 1) Responsible for examining insureres 2) issueing licenses 3) regulatings to help carry out provisions of the WA insurance code Commissioner has what authority? - ANSWER The Commissioner has the authority to: conduct 1) investigations (including formal hearings) to determine whether any person has violated any provisions of the code; 2) conduct examinations, investigations, and hearings to efficiently administer the code; 3) take action against any insurance company, fraternal benefit society, health maintenance organization (HMO), or heathcare service contractor (HCSC) by revoking or suspending its Washington certificate of authority; 4) fine, revoke, or suspend the licenses of insurance agents, brokers, solicitors, or adjusters; 5) issue cease and desist orders; 6)and bring actions in court regarding violations of the insurance code. If there is cause to believe that anyone is violating the insurance code or any regulation or order made by the Commissioner, the Commissioner may: - ANSWER issue a cease and desist order; bring an action in court to stop the person from continuing the violation; or both. How are actions prosecuted? - ANSWER When requested by the Commissioner, the state's attorney general and prosecuting attorneys throughout Washington prosecute or defend all proceedings brought under the code. Can the commissioner appoint more commisioners amd staff? - ANSWER The Commissioner may appoint a Chief Deputy Commissioner, who has the power to perform any act or duty conferred upon the Commissioner. The Commissioner may also appoint additional Deputy Commissioners.The Commissioner is responsible for the official acts of deputies and may revoke a deputy's appointment. The Commissioner may employ examiners, as well as actuarial, technical, and administrative assistants as