(1)(a) If the commissioner has cause to believe that any health facility or provider has engaged in a pattern of unresolved violations of RCW 48.49.020 or 48.49.030, the commissioner may submit information to the department of health or the appropriate disciplining authority for action.

(b) In determining whether there is cause to believe that a health care provider or facility has engaged in a pattern of unresolved violations, the commissioner shall consider, but is not limited to, consideration of the following:

(i) Whether there is cause to believe that the health care provider or facility has committed two or more violations of RCW 48.49.020 or 48.49.030;

(ii) Whether the health care provider or facility has failed to submit claims to carriers containing all of the elements required in WAC 284-43B-030(1) on multiple occasions, putting a consumer or consumers at risk of being billed for services to which the prohibition in RCW 48.49.020 applies;

(iii) Whether the health care provider or facility has been nonresponsive to questions or requests for information from the commissioner related to one or more complaints alleging a violation of RCW 48.49.020 or 48.49.030; and

(iv) Whether, subsequent to correction of previous violations, additional violations have occurred.

(c) Prior to submitting information to the department of health or the appropriate disciplining authority, the commissioner may provide the health care provider or facility with an opportunity to cure the alleged violations or explain why the actions in question did not violate RCW 48.49.020 or 48.49.030.

(2) In determining whether a carrier has engaged in a pattern of unresolved violations of any provision of this chapter, the commissioner shall consider, but is not limited to, consideration of the following:

(a) Whether a carrier has failed to timely respond to arbitration initiation request notifications from providers or facilities;

(b) Whether a carrier has failed to comply with the requirements of WAC 284-43-035 related to choosing an arbitrator or arbitration entity;

(c) Whether a carrier has met its obligation to maintain current and accurate carrier contact information related to initiation of arbitration proceedings under WAC 284-43-035;

(d) Whether a carrier has complied with the requirements of WAC 284-43-040;

(e) Whether a carrier has complied with the consumer notice requirements under WAC 284-43-050; and

(f) Whether a carrier has committed two or more violations of chapter 48.49 RCW or this chapter.