Brief Description: Regulating medical malpractice liability insurance policies.

Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Benson, Simpson, G., Clibborn, Linville, Morrell, Edwards and Kagi; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

Hearing Date: 1/27/04

Staff: Caroleen Dineen (786-7156).

Background:

With certain exceptions, state insurance law requires insurance policies to be renewable. An insurer is exempt from this requirement if the insurer provides the insured with written notice that it proposes to refuse to renew the insurance policy. Generally, the cancellation notice must be actually delivered or mailed to the insured no fewer than 45 days before the effective date of the cancellation. Shorter notice periods are specified for cancellation based on nonpayment of premiums (10 days) and for cancellation of fire insurance policies (five days). The written notice must state the actual reason for cancellation of the insurance policy.

Summary of Bill:

The mandatory notice period for cancellation of medical malpractice liability insurance policies is increased. An insurer must actually deliver or mail to the insured a written notice of cancellation of a medical malpractice liability insurance policy no fewer than 90 days before the effective date of the cancellation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.