This chapter shall apply to all health plans and all health carriers subject to the jurisdiction of the state of Washington except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter. Health carriers are responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and are responsible for the compliance of any person or organization acting on behalf of or at the direction of the carrier, or acting pursuant to carrier standards or requirements concerning the coverage of, payment for, or provision of health care services. A carrier may not offer as a defense to a violation of any provision of this chapter that the violation arose from the act or omission of a participating provider or facility, network administrator, claims administrator, or other person acting on behalf of or at the direction of the carrier, or acting pursuant to carrier standards or requirements under a contract with the carrier rather than from the direct act or omission of the carrier. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit the direct regulation of health care providers or facilities by the office of the insurance commissioner.
[WSR 16-01-081, recodified as § 284-43-0120, filed 12/14/15, effective 12/14/15. Statutory Authority: RCW
48.02.060,
48.18.120,
48.20.450,
48.20.460,
48.30.010,
48.44.050,
48.46.030,
48.46.200. WSR 00-04-034 (Matter No. R 99-2), § 284-43-120, filed 1/24/00, effective 2/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW
48.02.060,
48.20.450,
48.20.460,
48.30.010,
48.44.020,
48.44.050,
48.44.080,
48.46.030,
48.46.060(2),
48.46.200 and
48.46.243. WSR 98-04-005 (Matter No. R 97-3), § 284-43-120, filed 1/22/98, effective 2/22/98.]