(1) The commissioner may make an examination of the operations of any self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement as often as he or she deems necessary in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

     (2) Every self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement shall submit its books and records relating to its operation for financial condition and market conduct examinations and in every way facilitate them. For the purpose of examinations, the commissioner may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and examine the officers and principals of the [self-funded] multiple employer welfare arrangement.

     (3) The commissioner may elect to accept and rely on audit reports made by an independent certified public accountant for the self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement in the course of that part of the commissioner's examination covering the same general subject matter as the audit. The commissioner may incorporate the audit report in his or her report of the examination.

     (4)(a) The commissioner may also examine any affiliate of the self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement. An examination of an affiliate is limited to the activities or operations of the affiliate that may impact the financial position of the arrangement.

     (b) For the purposes of this section, "affiliate" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 48.31C.010.

     (5) Whenever an examination is made, all of the provisions of chapter 48.03 RCW not inconsistent with this chapter shall be applicable. In lieu of making an examination himself or herself, the commissioner may, in the case of a foreign self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement, accept an examination report of the applicant by the regulatory official in its state of domicile. In the case of a domestic self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement, the commissioner may accept an examination report of the applicant by the regulatory official of a state that has already licensed the arrangement.

[2004 c 260 § 16.]