Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-20-103.

Title of Rule: Consumer financial and health information privacy.

Purpose: The proposed rules are designed to comply with the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which requires protection of consumer information and to implement the "patient bill of rights" (chapter 5, Laws of 2000) consumer privacy protections.

Other Identifying Information: Insurance Commissioner Matter No. R 2000-08.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 48.02.060, 48.18.120, 48.20.450, 48.20.460, 48.30.010, 48.44.050, 48.46.100, 48.46.200, 48.43.505, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 102-106) sec. 501(b), sec. 505 (b)(2)

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 48.43.505, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 102-106) sec. 501(b), sec. 505 (b)(2)

Summary: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has worked with states, industry and the federal government to develop a model regulation to comply with federal law. The proposed rules adapt that model and include additional consumer health protections authorized by the patient bill of rights.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The rules will implement the federal law and provide for a uniform regulatory scheme regarding consumer financial information across the United States. The health sections will provide additional protections for the consumers of Washington.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: John Conniff, Olympia, Washington, (360) 664-3786; Implementation: George Taylor, Lacey, Washington, (360) 407-0729; and Enforcement: Jeff Coopersmith, Lacey, Washington, (360) 407-0734.

Name of Proponent: Deborah Senn, Insurance Commissioner, governmental.

Rule is necessary because of federal law, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (Public Law 102-106).

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners spent many months working with states, industry, and the federal government to develop a model regulation to comply with federal law regarding consumer privacy protections. The proposed rules adapt that model and include additional consumer health protections authorized by the patient bill of rights. The rules will implement the federal law and provide for a uniform regulatory scheme regarding consumer financial information across the United States. The health sections will provide additional protections for the consumers of Washington. Washington consumers will be secure in the knowledge that the confidential financial information that they give to an insurer or carrier will not be used improperly and that their medical records and health information is protected.

Proposal does not change existing rules.

A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

     In March of 2000, the Washington legislature adopted and the governor signed E2SSB 6199, the "patient bill of rights." The legislation was codified at [as] chapter 5, Laws of 2000. One subject of the patient bill of rights is health information privacy. As noted, this subject is also addressed in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

     Originally, the commissioner contemplated including the health information privacy rules in the patient bill of rights rule making (see R 2000-02) and having a separate rule making on the nonhealth privacy issues. After discussion, it was believed that it would be more efficient and useful to combine the patient bill of rights health information rules and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

     On November 4 [1], the commissioner began this rule making, R 2000-08, to adopt integrated privacy rules.

     Is the rule required by federal law or federal regulation? Many of the provisions of this rule are required by federal law or regulation. Health information privacy provisions are also authorized by RCW 48.43.505. That RCW section was enacted as a part of chapter 5, Laws of 2000, the "patient's bill of rights" (E2SSB 6199).

     The federal legislation, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, (Public Law 102-106), is included in the original CR-102 filing.

     What industry is affected by the proposed rule? The entities regulated by the commissioner are affected by these rules, including all insurers and carriers. The industry codes that would be affected by the proposed rules include Life Insurers #6311, Accident and Health Insurers, industry code #6321, Hospital and Medical Service Plans #6324, Fire, Marine, and Casualty Insurers #6331, Surety Insurers, #6351, Title Insurers #6361.

     List the specific parts of the proposed rule which may impose a cost to business: The great majority of any and all costs associated with the regulation of consumer financial and health privacy information is traceable back to the underlying federal law, not to these rules. There will be some costs associated with establishing the necessary mechanism and systems to protect consumer personal financial and health information. Also disclosure provisions, such as the initial and annual consumer financial information privacy notices will incur some costs.

     What percentage of the industries in the four-digit standard industrial classification will be affected by the rule? The proposed rule would affect 100% of the entities subject to regulation by the Insurance Commissioner and noted in the rules and federal law.

     Will the rule impose a disproportionately higher economic burden on small businesses within the four-digit classification? No. The costs traceable to the rules and, to a greater degree, the underlying laws should be proportionate across industry.

     Can mitigation be used to reduce the economic impact of the rule on small businesses and still meet the objectives of the proposed rule? The NAIC model was developed with the goal of mitigating costs while complying with the federal law. Many changes have been made in the discussions with industry and consumer groups to reduce the costs prior to the adoption of the NAIC model. Since that model was adopted in September of 2000, an additional mitigatory change has been made; as requested by industry the implementation of these rules will be delayed until July of 2001 to enable additional time to establish compliance mechanisms in a cost-effective manner. The commissioner is receptive to any suggestions that can accomplish the goals in a more cost-efficient manner and encourages dialogue with all carriers.

     What steps will the commissioner take to reduce the costs of the rule on small businesses? The rule-drafting process will continue and all businesses, including small businesses, are invited to comment on any proposed section of the rule and offer suggestions or alternatives. The rule drafters will continue to discuss the proposed rules with industry representatives to discuss methods to reduce any potential costs on smaller carriers. Additionally, the commissioner will provide technical assistance to aid carriers in understanding and implementing the new rules. Finally, as requested by industry the implementation of these rules will be delayed until July of 2001 to enable additional time to establish compliance mechanisms in a cost-effective manner.

     Which mitigation techniques have been considered and incorporated into the proposed rule? The NAIC model was developed with the goal of mitigating costs while complying with the federal law. Many changes have been made in the discussions with industry and consumer groups to reduce the costs prior to the adoption of the NAIC model. Since that model was adopted in September of 2000, an additional mitigatory change has been made; as requested by industry the implementation of these rules will be delayed until July of 2001 to enable additional time to establish compliance mechanisms in a cost-effective manner. The commissioner is receptive to any suggestions that can accomplish the goals in a more cost-efficient manner and encourages dialogue with all insurers and carriers.

     Which mitigation techniques were considered for incorporation into the proposed rule but were rejected, and why? No mitigation techniques were considered for incorporation and then rejected. A comment was received from an association that objected to the scope of the rule making and suggested technical changes. The commissioner looks forward to discussing that issue with the association. Conceivably, if the commissioner agrees to the changes, some mitigation might occur.

     Briefly describe the reporting, record-keeping, and other compliance requirements of the proposed rule: Consumers must be sent initial and annual opt-out notices regarding financial information privacy. Insurers and carriers must seek authorization on disclosure of personal financial and health information unless an exception is applicable.

     List the kinds of professional services that a small business is likely to need in order to comply with the reporting, record-keeping, and other compliance requirements of the proposed rule: A small business is not likely to need any additional professional services because of the proposed rule. The commissioner will seek to provide whatever technical assistance is necessary to enable the smaller carriers to understand and implement the rule.

     Analyze the cost of compliance including, specifically:

     Cost of equipment: There is no anticipated additional cost of equipment.

     Cost of supplies: There is no anticipated additional cost of equipment.

     Cost of labor: It is not anticipated that the rule will be responsible for additional cost of labor. While costs may be incurred in establishing compliance mechanisms, those costs are generally derived from the underlying law not the rules.

     Cost of increased administration: As stated above insurers and carriers may have to revamp existing systems to provide greater protection of information and to provide the op[t]-out consumer notices. These administrative costs are traced back to the federal law not the rules.

     Compare the cost of compliance for small business with the cost of compliance for the largest business in the same four-digit classification: As noted, the majority of the costs associated with the regulation of consumer financial and health privacy information is traceable back to the underlying federal law, not to these rules. Nevertheless, it is believed that the cost of compliance with the rules for should be proportionate for all businesses.

     The rules drafters will consider any alternatives that accomplish the goals of the rules while mitigating the costs of compliance, particularly those costs incurred by small businesses.

     Have businesses that will be affected been asked what the economic impact will be? The NAIC model was developed in consultation with industry and with the goal of mitigating costs while complying with the federal law. Many changes have been made in the discussions with industry and consumer groups to reduce the costs prior to the adoption of the NAIC model. The commissioner is receptive to any successions that can accomplish the goals in a more cost-efficient manner and encourages dialogue with all insurers and carriers.

     How did the commissioner involve small business in the development of the proposed rule? The CR-101 for this rule was filed on October 4, 2000. It was mailed to the commissioner's interested parties mailing list and posted on the commissioner's website.

     How and when were affected small businesses advised of the proposed rule? The CR-101 for this rule was filed on October 4, 2000. It was mailed to the commissioner's interested parties' mailing list and posted on the commissioner's website.

A copy of the statement may be obtained by writing to Kacy Brandeberry, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, fax (360) 664-2782, phone (360) 664-3784.

RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. This is a "significant legislative rule."

Hearing Location: 14th and Water, J. A. Cherberg Building, Hearing Room 4, Olympia, Washington, on December 12, 2000, at 1:00.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Lori [Lorie] Villaflores by September 12, 2000, TDD (360) 407-0409.

Submit Written Comments to: Kacy Brandeberry, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, fax (360) 664-2782, by December 11, 2000.

Date of Intended Adoption: December 13, 2000.

November 1, 2000

D. J. Patin

Deputy Insurance Commissioner

OTS-4423.3

GENERAL PROVISIONS
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-120
Definitions.

As used in this regulation, unless the context requires otherwise:

     (1) "Affiliate" means any company that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with another company.

     (2) "Clear and conspicuous" means that a notice is reasonably understandable and designed to call attention to the nature and significance of the information in the notice.

     Examples.

     (a) Reasonably understandable. A licensee makes its notice reasonably understandable if it:

     (i) Presents the information in the notice in clear, concise sentences, paragraphs, and sections;

     (ii) Uses short explanatory sentences or bullet lists whenever possible;

     (iii) Uses definite, concrete, everyday words and active voice whenever possible;

     (iv) Avoids multiple negatives;

     (v) Avoids legal and highly technical business terminology whenever possible; and

     (vi) Avoids explanations that are imprecise and readily subject to different interpretations.

     (b) Designed to call attention. A licensee designs its notice to call attention to the nature and significance of the information in it if the licensee:

     (i) Uses a plain-language heading to call attention to the notice;

     (ii) Uses a typeface and type size that are easy to read;

     (iii) Provides wide margins and ample line spacing;

     (iv) Uses boldface or italics for key words; and

     (v) In a form that combines the licensee's notice with other information, uses distinctive type size, style, and graphic devices, such as shading or sidebars.

     (c) Notices on websites. If a licensee provides a notice on a web page, the licensee designs its notice to call attention to the nature and significance of the information in it if the licensee uses text or visual cues to encourage scrolling down the page if necessary to view the entire notice and ensure that other elements on the website (such as text, graphics, hyperlinks or sound) do not distract attention from the notice, and the licensee either:

     (i) Places the notice on a screen that consumers frequently access, such as a page on which transactions are conducted; or

     (ii) Places a link on a screen that consumers frequently access, such as a page on which transactions are conducted, that connects directly to the notice and is labeled appropriately to convey the importance, nature, and relevance of the notice.

     (3) "Collect" means to obtain information that the licensee organizes or can retrieve by the name of an individual or by identifying number, symbol or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, irrespective of the source of the underlying information.

     (4) "Commissioner" means the insurance commissioner of the state.

     (5) "Company" means a corporation, limited liability company, business trust, general or limited partnership, association, sole proprietorship or similar organization.

     (6) "Consumer" means an individual who seeks to obtain, obtains or has obtained an insurance product or service from a licensee that is to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes, or that individual's legal representative.

     Examples.

     (a) An individual who provides nonpublic personal information to a licensee in connection with obtaining or seeking to obtain financial, investment or economic advisory services relating to an insurance product or service is a consumer regardless of whether the licensee establishes an ongoing advisory relationship.

     (b) An applicant for insurance prior to the inception of insurance coverage is a licensee's consumer.

     (c) An individual who is a consumer of another financial institution is not a licensee's consumer solely because the licensee is acting as agent for, or provides processing or other services to, that financial institution.

     (d) An individual is a licensee's consumer if:

     (i) The individual is a beneficiary of a life insurance policy underwritten by the licensee;

     (ii) The individual is a claimant under an insurance policy issued by the licensee;

     (iii) The individual is an insured or an annuitant under an insurance policy or an annuity, respectively, issued by the licensee; or

     (iv) The individual is a mortgagor of a mortgage covered under a mortgage insurance policy; and

     (v) The licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information about the individual to a nonaffiliated third party other than as permitted under WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410.

     (e) Provided that the licensee provides the initial, annual and revised notices under WAC 284-04-200, 284-04-205, and 284-04-220 to the plan sponsor, group or blanket insurance policy holder or group annuity contract holder, workers' compensation plan participant and further provided that the licensee does not disclose to a nonaffiliated third party nonpublic personal financial information about such an individual other than as permitted under WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410, an individual is not the consumer of such licensee solely because he or she is:

     (i) A participant or a beneficiary of an employee benefit plan that the licensee administers or sponsors or for which the licensee acts as a trustee, insurer or fiduciary;

     (ii) Covered under a group or blanket insurance policy or annuity contract issued by the licensee; or

     (iii) A beneficiary in a workers' compensation plan.

     (f) The individuals described in (e)(i) through (iii) of this subsection are consumers of a licensee if the licensee does not meet all the conditions of (e) of this subsection.

     (g) In no event shall such individuals, solely by virtue of the status described in (e)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, be deemed to be customers for purposes of this regulation.

     (i) An individual is not a licensee's consumer solely because he or she is a beneficiary of a trust for which the licensee is a trustee.

     (ii) An individual is not a licensee's consumer solely because he or she has designated the licensee as trustee for a trust.

     (7) "Consumer reporting agency" has the same meaning as in section 603(f) of the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)).

     (8) "Control" means:

     (a) Ownership, control or power to vote twenty-five percent or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting security of the company, directly or indirectly, or acting through one or more other persons;

     (b) Control in any manner over the election of a majority of the directors, trustees or general partners (or individuals exercising similar functions) of the company; or

     (c) The power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of the company, as the commissioner determines.

     (9) "Customer" means a consumer who has a customer relationship with a licensee.

     (10) "Customer relationship" means continuing relationship between a consumer and a licensee under which the licensee provides one or more insurance products or services to the consumer that are to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes.

     Examples.

     (a) A consumer has a continuing relationship with a licensee if:

     (i) The consumer is a current policyholder of an insurance product issued by or through the licensee; or

     (ii) The consumer obtains financial, investment or economic advisory services relating to an insurance product or service from the licensee for a fee.

     (b) A consumer does not have a continuing relationship with a licensee if:

     (i) The consumer applies for insurance but does not purchase the insurance;

     (ii) The licensee sells the consumer airline travel insurance in an isolated transaction;

     (iii) The individual no longer is a current policyholder of an insurance product or no longer obtains insurance services with or through the licensee;

     (iv) The consumer is a beneficiary or claimant under a policy and has submitted a claim under a policy choosing a settlement option involving an ongoing relationship with the licensee;

     (v) The consumer is a beneficiary or a claimant under a policy and has submitted a claim under that policy choosing a lump sum settlement option;

     (vi) The customer's policy is lapsed, expired, paid up or otherwise inactive or dormant under the licensee's business practices, and the licensee has not communicated with the customer about the relationship for a period of twelve consecutive months, other than annual privacy notices, material required by law or regulation, communication at the direction of state or federal authority or promotional materials;

     (vii) The individual is an insured or an annuitant under an insurance policy or annuity, respectively, but is not the policyholder or owner of the insurance policy or annuity; or

     (viii) For the purposes of this regulation, if the individual's last known address according to the licensee's records is deemed invalid. An address of record is deemed invalid if mail sent to that address by the licensee has been returned by the postal authorities as undeliverable and if subsequent attempts by the licensee to obtain a current valid address for the individual have been unsuccessful.

     (11) "Financial institution" means any institution the business of which is engaging in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such financial activities as described in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1843(k)).

     (a) Financial institution does not include:

     (i) Any person or entity with respect to any financial activity that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.);

     (ii) The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation or any entity charged and operating under the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.); or

     (iii) Institutions chartered by Congress specifically to engage in securitizations, secondary market sales (including sales of servicing rights) or similar transactions related to a transaction of a consumer, as long as such institutions do not sell or transfer nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party.

     (12) "Financial product or service" means any product or service that a financial holding company could offer by engaging in an activity that is financial in nature or incidental to such a financial activity under section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1843(k)).

     Financial service includes a financial institution's evaluation or brokerage of information that the financial institution collects in connection with a request or an application from a consumer for a financial product or service.

     (13) "Health care" means: Preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, maintenance or palliative care, services, procedures, tests or counseling that:

     (a) Relates to the physical, mental or behavioral condition of an individual; or

     (b) Affects the structure or function of the human body or any part of the human body, including the banking of blood, sperm, organs or any other tissue; or

     (c) Prescribing, dispensing or furnishing to an individual drugs or biologicals, or medical devices or health care equipment and supplies.

     (14) "Health care provider" means a physician or other health care practitioner licensed, accredited or certified to perform specified health services consistent with state law or a health care facility.

     (15) "Health information" means any information or data, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, created by or derived from a health care provider or the consumer that relates to:

     (a) The past, present or future physical, mental or behavioral health or condition of an individual;

     (b) The provision of health care to an individual; or

     (c) Payment for the provision of health care to an individual.

     (16) "Insurance product or service" means any product or service that is offered by a licensee pursuant to the insurance laws of this state.

     Insurance service includes a licensee's evaluation, brokerage or distribution of information that the licensee collects in connection with a request or an application from a consumer for an insurance product or service.

     (17) "Licensee" means all licensed insurers, health care service contractors, HMO's, and fraternal benefit societies, producers and other persons licensed or required to be licensed, or authorized or required to be authorized, or registered or required to be registered pursuant to the insurance law of this state.

     (a) A licensee is not subject to the notice and opt out requirements for nonpublic personal financial information set forth in WAC 284-04-100 through 284-04-400 if the licensee is an employee, agent or other representative of another licensee ("the principal") and:

     (i) The principal otherwise complies with, and provides the notices required by, the provisions of this regulation; and

     (ii) The licensee does not disclose any nonpublic personal information to any person other than the principal or its affiliates in a manner permitted by this regulation.

     (b)(i) Subject to (b)(ii) of this subsection, "licensee" shall also include an unauthorized insurer that accepts business placed through a licensed excess lines broker in this state, but only in regard to the excess lines placements placed pursuant to section [insert section] of this state's laws.

     (ii) An excess lines broker or excess lines insurer shall be deemed to be in compliance with the notice and opt out requirements for nonpublic personal financial information set forth in WAC 284-04-100 through 284-04-400 provided:

     (A) The broker or insurer does not disclose nonpublic personal information of a consumer or a customer to nonaffiliated third parties for any purpose, including joint servicing or marketing under WAC 284-04-405, except as permitted by WAC 284-04-410 and 284-04-415; and

     (B) The broker or insurer delivers a notice to the consumer at the time a customer relationship is established on which the following is printed in 16-point type:

     (19) "Nonaffiliated third party" means any person except:

     (a) A licensee's affiliate; or

     (b) A person employed jointly by a licensee and any company that is not the licensee's affiliate (but nonaffiliated third party includes the other company that jointly employs the person).

     Nonaffiliated third party includes any company that is an affiliate solely by virtue of the direct or indirect ownership or control of the company by the licensee or its affiliate in conducting merchant banking or investment banking activities of the type described in section 4(k)(4)(H) or insurance company investment activities of the type described in section 4(k)(4)(I) of the Federal Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1843(k)(4)(H) and (I.))

     (20) "Nonpublic personal information" means nonpublic personal financial information and nonpublic personal health information.

     (21)(a) "Nonpublic personal financial information" means:

     (i) Personally identifiable financial information; and

     (ii) Any list, description or other grouping of consumers (and publicly available information pertaining to them) that is derived using any personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available.

     (b) Nonpublic personal financial information does not include:

     (i) Health information;

     (ii) Publicly available information, except as included on a list described in (a)(i) of this subsection; or

     (iii) Any list, description or other grouping of consumers (and publicly available information pertaining to them) that is derived without using any personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available.

     Examples of lists.

     Nonpublic personal financial information includes any list of individuals' names and street addresses that is derived in whole or in part using personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available, such as account numbers.

     Nonpublic personal financial information does not include any list of individuals' names and addresses that contains only publicly available information, is not derived in whole or in part using personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available, and is not disclosed in a manner that indicates that any of the individuals on the list is a consumer of a financial institution.

     (22) "Nonpublic personal health information" means health information:

     (a) That identifies an individual who is the subject of the information; or

     (b) With respect to which there is a reasonable basis to believe that the information could be used to identify an individual.

     (23) "Personally identifiable financial information" means any information:

     (a) A consumer provides to a licensee to obtain an insurance product or service from the licensee;

     (b) About a consumer resulting from any transaction involving an insurance product or service between a licensee and a consumer; or

     (c) The licensee otherwise obtains about a consumer in connection with providing an insurance product or service to that consumer.

     Examples.

     (i) Information included. Personally identifiable financial information includes:

     (A) Information a consumer provides to a licensee on an application to obtain an insurance product or service;

     (B) Account balance information and payment history;

     (C) The fact that an individual is or has been one of the licensee's customers or has obtained an insurance product or service from the licensee;

     (D) Any information about the licensee's consumer if it is disclosed in a manner that indicates that the individual is or has been the licensee's consumer;

     (E) Any information that a consumer provides to a licensee or that the licensee or its agent otherwise obtains in connection with collecting on a loan or servicing a loan;

     (F) Any information the licensee collects through an Internet "cookie" (an information collecting device from a web server); and

     (G) Information from a consumer report.

     (ii) Information not included. Personally identifiable financial information does not include:

     (A) Health information;

     (B) A list of names and addresses of customers of an entity that is not a financial institution; and

     (C) Information that does not identify a consumer, such as aggregate information or blind data that does not contain personal identifiers such as account numbers, names or addresses.

     (24)(a) "Publicly available information" means any information that a licensee has a reasonable basis to believe is lawfully made available to the general public from:

     (i) Federal, state or local government records;

     (ii) Widely distributed media; or

     (iii) Disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by federal, state or local law.

     (b) Reasonable basis. A licensee has a reasonable basis to believe that information is lawfully made available to the general public if the licensee has taken steps to determine:

     (i) That the information is of the type that is available to the general public; and

     (ii) Whether an individual can direct that the information not be made available to the general public and, if so, that the licensee's consumer has not done so.

     (c) Examples.

     (i) Government records. Publicly available information in government records includes information in government real estate records and security interest filings.

     (ii) Widely distributed media. Publicly available information from widely distributed media includes information from a telephone book, a television or radio program, a newspaper or a website that is available to the general public on an unrestricted basis. A website is not restricted merely because an Internet service provider or a site operator requires a fee or a password, so long as access is available to the general public.

     (iii) Reasonable basis.

     (A) A licensee has a reasonable basis to believe that mortgage information is lawfully made available to the general public if the licensee has determined that the information is of the type included on the public record in the jurisdiction where the mortgage would be recorded.

     (B) A licensee has a reasonable basis to believe that an individual's telephone number is lawfully made available to the general public if the licensee has located the telephone number in the telephone book or the consumer has informed you that the telephone number is not unlisted.

[]

Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.PART 2

PRIVACY AND OPT OUT NOTICES FOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-200
Initial privacy notice to consumers required.

(1) Initial notice requirement. A licensee shall provide a clear and conspicuous notice that accurately reflects its privacy policies and practices to:

     (a) Customer. An individual who becomes the licensee's customer, not later than when the licensee establishes a customer relationship, except as provided in subsection (5) of this section; and

     (b) Consumer. A consumer, before the licensee discloses any nonpublic personal financial information about the consumer to any nonaffiliated third party, if the licensee makes a disclosure other than as authorized by WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410;

     (2) When initial notice to a consumer is not required. A licensee is not required to provide an initial notice to a consumer under subsection (1)(b) of this section if:

     (a) The licensee does not disclose any nonpublic personal financial information about the consumer to any nonaffiliated third party, other than as authorized by WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410; and

     The licensee does not have a customer relationship with the consumer; or

     (b) A notice has been provided by an affiliated licensee, as long as the notice clearly identifies all licensees to whom the notice applies and is accurate with respect to the licensee and the other institutions.

     (3) When the licensee establishes a customer relationship.

     (a) General rule. A licensee establishes a customer relationship at the time the licensee and the consumer enter into a continuing relationship.

     (b) Examples of establishing customer relationship. A licensee establishes a customer relationship when the consumer:

     (i) Becomes a policyholder of a licensee that is an insurer when the insurer delivers an insurance policy or contract to the consumer, or in the case of a licensee that is an insurance producer or insurance broker, obtains insurance through that licensee; or

     (ii) Agrees to obtain financial, economic or investment advisory services relating to insurance products or services for a fee from the licensee.

     (4) Existing customers. When an existing customer obtains a new insurance product or service from a licensee that is to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes, the licensee satisfies the initial notice requirements of subsection (1) of this section as follows:

     (a) The licensee may provide a revised policy notice, under WAC 284-04-220, that covers the customer's new insurance product or service; or

     (b) If the initial, revised or annual notice that the licensee most recently provided to that customer was accurate with respect to the new insurance product or service, the licensee does not need to provide a new privacy notice under subsection (1) of this section.

     (5) Exceptions to allow subsequent delivery of notice.

     (a) A licensee may provide the initial notice required by subsection (1)(a) of this section within a reasonable time after the licensee establishes a customer relationship if:

     (i) Establishing the customer relationship is not at the customer's election; or

     (ii) Providing notice not later than when the licensee establishes a customer relationship would substantially delay the customer's transaction and the customer agrees to receive the notice at a later time.

     (b) Examples of exceptions.

     (i) Not at customer's election. Establishing a customer relationship is not at the customer's election if a licensee acquires or is assigned a customer's policy from another financial institution or residual market mechanism and the customer does not have a choice about the licensee's acquisition or assignment.

     (ii) Substantial delay of customer's transaction. Providing notice not later than when a licensee establishes a customer relationship would substantially delay the customer's transaction when the licensee and the individual agree over the telephone to enter into a customer relationship involving prompt delivery of the insurance product or service.

     (iii) No substantial delay of customer's transaction. Providing notice not later than when a licensee establishes a customer relationship would not substantially delay the customer's transaction when the relationship is initiated in person at the licensee's office or through other means by which the customer may view the notice, such as on a website.

     (6) Delivery. When a licensee is required to deliver an initial privacy notice by this section, the licensee shall deliver it according to WAC 284-04-225. If the licensee uses a short-form initial notice for noncustomers according to WAC 284-04-210(4), the licensee may deliver its privacy notice according to WAC 284-04-210 (4)(c).

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(1)(a) General rule. A licensee shall provide a clear and conspicuous notice to customers that accurately reflects its privacy policies and practices not less than annually during the continuation of the customer relationship. Annually means at least once in any period of twelve consecutive months during which that relationship exists. A licensee may define the twelve-consecutive-month period, but the licensee shall apply it to the customer on a consistent basis.

     (b) Example. A licensee provides a notice annually if it defines the twelve-consecutive-month period as a calendar year and provides the annual notice to the customer once in each calendar year following the calendar year in which the licensee provided the initial notice. For example, if a customer opens an account on any day of year one, the licensee shall provide an annual notice to that customer by December 31 of year two.

     (2)(a) Termination of customer relationship. A licensee is not required to provide an annual notice to a former customer. A former customer is an individual with whom a licensee no longer has a continuing relationship.

     (b) Examples.

     (i) A licensee no longer has a continuing relationship with an individual if the individual no longer is a current policyholder of an insurance product or obtains insurance services with or through the licensee.

     (ii) A licensee no longer has a continuing relationship with an individual if the individual's policy is lapsed, expired, paid up or otherwise inactive or dormant under the licensee's business practices, and the licensee has not communicated with the customer about the relationship for a period of twelve consecutive months, other than to provide annual privacy notices, material required by law or regulation, or promotional materials.

     (iii) For the purposes of this regulation, a licensee no longer has a continuing relationship with an individual if the individual's last known address according to the licensee's records is deemed invalid. An address of record is deemed invalid if mail sent to that address by the licensee has been returned by the postal authorities as undeliverable and if subsequent attempts by the licensee to obtain a current valid address for the individual have been unsuccessful.

     (iv) A licensee no longer has a continuing relationship with a customer in the case of providing real estate settlement services, at the time the customer completes execution of all documents related to the real estate closing, payment for those services has been received, or the licensee has completed all of its responsibilities with respect to the settlement, including filing documents on the public record, whichever is later.

     (3) Delivery. When a licensee is required by this section to deliver an annual privacy notice, the licensee shall deliver it according to WAC 284-04-225.

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(1) General rule. The initial, annual and revised privacy notices that a licensee provides under WAC 284-04-200, 284-04-205, and 284-04-220 shall include each of the following items of information, in addition to any other information the licensee wishes to provide, that applies to the licensee and to the consumers to whom the licensee sends its privacy notice:

     (a) The categories of nonpublic personal financial information that the licensee collects;

     (b) The categories of nonpublic personal financial information that the licensee discloses;

     (c) The categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information, other than those parties to whom the licensee discloses information under WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410;

     (d) The categories of nonpublic personal financial information about the licensee's former customers that the licensee discloses and the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information about the licensee's former customers, other than those parties to whom the licensee discloses information under WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410;

     (e) If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information to a nonaffiliated third party under WAC 284-04-400 (and no other exception in WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410 applies to that disclosure), a separate description of the categories of information the licensee discloses and the categories of third parties with whom the licensee has contracted;

     (f) An explanation of the consumer's right under WAC 284-04-300(1) to opt out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal financial information to nonaffiliated third parties, including the methods by which the consumer may exercise that right at that time;

     (g) Any disclosures that the licensee makes under section 603 (d)(2)(A)(iii) of the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a (d)(2)(A)(iii)) (that is, notices regarding the ability to opt out of disclosures of information among affiliates);

     (h) The licensee's policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal information; and

     (i) Any disclosure that the licensee makes under subsection (2) of this section.

     (2) Description of parties subject to exceptions. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information as authorized under WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410, the licensee is not required to list those exceptions in the initial or annual privacy notices required by WAC 284-04-200 and 284-04-205. When describing the categories of parties to whom disclosure is made, the licensee is required to state only that it makes disclosures to other affiliated or nonaffiliated third parties, as applicable, as permitted by law.

     (3) Examples.

     (a) Categories of nonpublic personal financial information that the licensee collects. A licensee satisfies the requirement to categorize the nonpublic personal financial information it collects if the licensee categorizes it according to the source of the information, as applicable:

     (i) Information from the consumer;

     (ii) Information about the consumer's transactions with the licensee or its affiliates;

     (iii) Information about the consumer's transactions with nonaffiliated third parties; and

     (iv) Information from a consumer reporting agency.

     (b) Categories of nonpublic personal financial information a licensee discloses.

     (i) A licensee satisfies the requirement to categorize nonpublic personal financial information it discloses if the licensee categorizes the information according to source, as described in (a) of this subsection, as applicable, and provides a few examples to illustrate the types of information in each category. These might include:

     (A) Information from the consumer, including application information, such as assets and income and identifying information, such as name, address, and social security number;

     (B) Transaction information, such as information about balances, payment history, and parties to the transaction; and

     (C) Information from consumer reports, such as a consumer's creditworthiness and credit history.

     (ii) A licensee does not adequately categorize the information that it discloses if the licensee uses only general terms, such as transaction information about the consumer.

     (iii) If a licensee reserves the right to disclose all of the nonpublic personal financial information about consumers that it collects, the licensee may simply state that fact without describing the categories or examples of nonpublic personal information that the licensee discloses.

     (c) Categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses.     

     (i) A licensee satisfies the requirement to categorize the affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information about consumers if the licensee identifies the types of businesses in which they engage.

     (ii) Types of businesses may be described by general terms only if the licensee uses a few illustrative examples of significant lines of business. For example, a licensee may use the term financial products or services if it includes appropriate examples of significant lines of businesses, such as life insurer, automobile insurer, consumer banking or securities brokerage.

     (iii) A licensee also may categorize the affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom it discloses nonpublic personal financial information about consumers using more detailed categories.

     (d) Disclosures under exception for service providers and joint marketers. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information under the exception in WAC 284-04-400 to a nonaffiliated third party to market products or services that it offers alone or jointly with another financial institution, the licensee satisfies the disclosure requirement of subsection (1)(e) of this section if it:

     (i) Lists the categories of nonpublic personal financial information it discloses, using the same categories and examples the licensee used to meet the requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section, as applicable; and

     (ii) States whether the third party is:

     (A) A service provider that performs marketing services on the licensee's behalf or on behalf of the licensee and another financial institution; or

     (B) A financial institution with whom the licensee has a joint marketing agreement.

     (e) Simplified notices. If a licensee does not disclose, and does not wish to reserve the right to disclose, nonpublic personal financial information about customers or former customers to affiliates or nonaffiliated third parties except as authorized under WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410, the licensee may simply state that fact, in addition to the information it shall provide under subsections (1)(h), (i) and (2) of this section.

     (f) Confidentiality and security. A licensee describes its policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal financial information if it does both of the following:

     (i) Describes in general terms who is authorized to have access to the information; and

     (ii) States whether the licensee has security practices and procedures in place to ensure the confidentiality of the information in accordance with the licensee's policy. The licensee is not required to describe technical information about the safeguards it uses.

     (4) Short-form initial notice with opt out notice for noncustomers.

     (a) A licensee may satisfy the initial notice requirements in WAC 284-04-200 (1)(b) for a consumer who is not a customer by providing a short-form initial notice at the same time as the licensee delivers an opt out notice as required in WAC 284-04-215.

     (b) A short-form initial notice shall:

     (i) Be clear and conspicuous;

     (ii) State that the licensee's privacy notice is available upon request; and

     (iii) Explain a reasonable means by which the consumer may obtain that notice.

     (c) The licensee shall deliver its short-form initial notice according to WAC 284-04-225. The licensee is not required to deliver its privacy notice with its short-form initial notice. The licensee instead may simply provide the consumer a reasonable means to obtain its privacy notice. If a consumer who receives the licensee's short-form notice requests the licensee's privacy notice, the licensee shall deliver its privacy notice according to WAC 284-04-225.

     (d) Examples of obtaining privacy notice. The licensee provides a reasonable means by which a consumer may obtain a copy of its privacy notice if the licensee:

     (i) Provides a toll-free telephone number that the consumer may call to request the notice; or

     (ii) For a consumer who conducts business in person at the licensee's office, maintain copies of the notice on hand that the licensee provides to the consumer immediately upon request.

     (5) Future disclosures. The licensee's notice may include:

     (a) Categories of nonpublic personal financial information that the licensee reserves the right to disclose in the future, but do not currently disclose; and

     (b) Categories of affiliates or nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee reserves the right in the future to disclose, but to whom the licensee does not currently disclose, nonpublic personal financial information.

     (6) Sample clauses. Sample clauses illustrating some of the notice content required by this section are included in Appendix A of this regulation.

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(1)(a) Form of opt out notice. If a licensee is required to provide an opt out notice under WAC 284-04-300(1), it shall provide a clear and conspicuous notice to each of its consumers that accurately explains the right to opt out under that section. The notice shall state:

     (i) That the licensee discloses or reserves the right to disclose nonpublic personal financial information about its consumer to a nonaffiliated third party;

     (ii) That the consumer has the right to opt out of that disclosure; and

     (iii) A reasonable means by which the consumer may exercise the opt out right.

     (b) Examples.

     (i) Adequate opt out notice. A licensee provides adequate notice that the consumer can opt out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal financial information to a nonaffiliated third party if the licensee:

     (A) Identifies all of the categories of nonpublic personal financial information that it discloses or reserves the right to disclose, and all of the categories of nonaffiliated third parties to which the licensee discloses the information, as described in WAC 284-04-210 (1)(b) and (c), and states that the consumer can opt out of the disclosure of that information; and

     (B) Identifies the insurance products or services that the consumer obtains from the licensee, either singly or jointly, to which the opt out direction would apply.

     (ii) Reasonable opt out means. A licensee provides a reasonable means to exercise an opt out right if it:

     (A) Designates check-off boxes in a prominent position on the relevant forms with the opt out notice;

     (B) Includes a reply form together with the opt out notice;

     (C) Provides an electronic means to opt out, such as a form that can be sent via electronic mail or a process at the licensee's website, if the consumer agrees to the electronic delivery of information; or

     (D) Provides a toll-free telephone number that consumers may call to opt out.

     (iii) Unreasonable opt out means. A licensee does not provide a reasonable means of opting out if:

     (A) The only means of opting out is for the consumer to write his or her own letter to exercise that opt out right; or

     (B) The only means of opting out as described in any notice subsequent to the initial notice is to use a check-off box that the licensee provided with the initial notice but did not include with the subsequent notice.

     (iv) Specific opt out means. A licensee may require each consumer to opt out through a specific means, as long as that means is reasonable for that consumer.

     (2) Same form as initial notice permitted. A licensee may provide the opt out notice together with or on the same written or electronic form as the initial notice the licensee provides in accordance with WAC 284-04-200.

     (3) Initial notice required when opt out notice delivered subsequent to initial notice. If a licensee provides the opt out notice later than required for the initial notice in accordance with 284-04-200, the licensee shall also include a copy of the initial notice with the opt out notice in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically.

     (4) Joint relationships.

     (a) If two or more consumers jointly obtain an insurance product or service from a licensee, the licensee may provide a single opt out notice. The licensee's opt out notice shall explain how the licensee will treat an opt out direction by a joint consumer (as explained in (e) of this subsection).

     (b) Any of the joint consumers may exercise the right to opt out. The licensee may either:

     (i) Treat an opt out direction by a joint consumer as applying to all of the associated joint consumers; or

     (ii) Permit each joint consumer to opt out separately.

     (c) If a licensee permits each joint consumer to opt out separately, the licensee shall permit one of the joint consumers to opt out on behalf of all of the joint consumers.

     (d) A licensee may not require all joint consumers to opt out before it implements any opt out direction.

     (e) Example. If John and Mary are both named policyholders on a homeowner's insurance policy issued by a licensee and the licensee sends policy statements to John's address, the licensee may do any of the following, but it shall explain in its opt out notice which opt out policy the licensee will follow:

     (i) Send a single opt out notice to John's address, but the licensee shall accept an opt out direction from either John or Mary.

     (ii) Treat an opt out direction by either John or Mary as applying to the entire policy. If the licensee does so and John opts out, the licensee may not require Mary to opt out as well before implementing John's opt out direction.

     (iii) Permit John and Mary to make different opt out directions. If the licensee does so:

     (A) It shall permit John and Mary to opt out for each other;

     (B) If both opt out, the licensee shall permit both of them to notify it in a single response (such as on a form or through a telephone call); and

     (C) If John opts out and Mary does not, the licensee may only disclose nonpublic personal financial information about Mary, but not about John and not about John and Mary jointly.

     (5) Time to comply with opt out. A licensee shall comply with a consumer's opt out direction as soon as reasonably practicable after the licensee receives it.

     (6) Continuing right to opt out. A consumer may exercise the right to opt out at any time.

     (7) Duration of consumer's opt out direction.

     (a) A consumer's direction to opt out under this section is effective until the consumer revokes it in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically.

     (b) When a customer relationship terminates, the customer's opt out direction continues to apply to the nonpublic personal financial information that the licensee collected during or related to that relationship. If the individual subsequently establishes a new customer relationship with the licensee, the opt out direction that applied to the former relationship does not apply to the new relationship.

     (8) Delivery. When a licensee is required to deliver an opt out notice by this section, the licensee shall deliver it according to WAC 284-04-225.

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(1) General rule. Except as otherwise authorized in this regulation, a licensee shall not, directly or through an affiliate, disclose any nonpublic personal financial information about a consumer to a nonaffiliated third party other than as described in the initial notice that the licensee provided to that consumer under WAC 284-04-200, unless:

     (a) The licensee has provided to the consumer a clear and conspicuous revised notice that accurately describes its policies and practices;

     (b) The licensee has provided to the consumer a new opt out notice;

     (c) The licensee has given the consumer a reasonable opportunity, before the licensee discloses the information to the nonaffiliated third party, to opt out of the disclosure; and

     (d) The consumer does not opt out.

     (2) Examples.

     (a) Except as otherwise permitted by WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410, a licensee shall provide a revised notice before it:

     (i) Discloses a new category of nonpublic personal financial information to any nonaffiliated third party;

     (ii) Discloses nonpublic personal financial information to a new category of nonaffiliated third party; or

     (iii) Discloses nonpublic personal financial information about a former customer to a nonaffiliated third party, if that former customer has not had the opportunity to exercise an opt out right regarding that disclosure.

     (b) A revised notice is not required if the licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information to a new nonaffiliated third party that the licensee adequately described in its prior notice.

     (3) Delivery. When a licensee is required to deliver a revised privacy notice by this section, the licensee shall deliver it according to WAC 284-04-225.

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(1) How to provide notices. A licensee shall provide any notices that this regulation requires so that each consumer can reasonably be expected to receive actual notice in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically.

     (2)(a) Examples of reasonable expectation of actual notice. A licensee may reasonably expect that a consumer will receive actual notice if the licensee:

     (i) Hand-delivers a printed copy of the notice to the consumer;

     (ii) Mails a printed copy of the notice to the last known address of the consumer separately, or in a policy, billing or other written communication;

     (iii) For a consumer who conducts transactions electronically, posts the notice on the electronic site and requires the consumer to acknowledge receipt of the notice as a necessary step to obtaining a particular insurance product or service;

     (iv) For an isolated transaction with a consumer, such as the licensee providing an insurance quote or selling the consumer travel insurance, posts the notice and requires the consumer to acknowledge receipt of the notice as a necessary step to obtaining the particular insurance product or service.

     (b) Examples of unreasonable expectation of actual notice. A licensee may not, however, reasonably expect that a consumer will receive actual notice of its privacy policies and practices if it:

     (i) Only posts a sign in its office or generally publish advertisements of its privacy policies and practices; or

     (ii) Sends the notice via electronic mail to a consumer who does not obtain an insurance product or service from the licensee electronically.

     (3) Annual notices only. A licensee may reasonably expect that a customer will receive actual notice of the licensee's annual privacy notice if:

     (a) The customer uses the licensee's website to access insurance products and services electronically and agrees to receive notices at the website and the licensee posts its current privacy notice continuously in a clear and conspicuous manner on the website; or

     (b) The customer has requested that the licensee refrain from sending any information regarding the customer relationship, and the licensee's current privacy notice remains available to the customer upon request.

     (4) Oral description of notice insufficient. A licensee may not provide any notice required by this regulation solely by orally explaining the notice, either in person or over the telephone.

     (5) Retention or accessibility of notices for customers.

     (a) For customers only, a licensee shall provide the initial notice required by WAC 284-04-200 (1)(a), the annual notice required by WAC 284-04-205(1), and the revised notice required by WAC 284-04-220 so that the customer can retain them or obtain them later in writing or, if the customer agrees, electronically.

     (b) Examples of retention or accessibility. A licensee provides a privacy notice to the customer so that the customer can retain it or obtain it later if the licensee:

     (i) Hand-delivers a printed copy of the notice to the customer;

     (ii) Mails a printed copy of the notice to the last known address of the customer; or

     (iii) Makes its current privacy notice available on a website (or a link to another website) for the customer who obtains an insurance product or service electronically and agrees to receive the notice at the website.

     (6) Joint notice with other financial institutions. A licensee may provide a joint notice from the licensee and one or more of its affiliates or other financial institutions, as identified in the notice, as long as the notice is accurate with respect to the licensee and the other institutions. A licensee also may provide a notice on behalf of another financial institution.

     (7) Joint relationships. If two or more consumers jointly obtain an insurance product or service from a licensee, the licensee may satisfy the initial, annual and revised notice requirements of WAC, respectively, by providing one notice to those consumers jointly.

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LIMITS ON DISCLOSURES OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-300
Limits on disclosure of nonpublic personal financial information to nonaffiliated third parties.

(1)(a) Conditions for disclosure. Except as otherwise authorized in this regulation, a licensee may not, directly or through any affiliate, disclose any nonpublic personal financial information about a consumer to a nonaffiliated third party unless:

     (i) The licensee has provided to the consumer an initial notice as required under WAC 284-04-200;

     (ii) The licensee has provided to the consumer an opt out notice as required in WAC 284-04-215;

     (iii) The licensee has given the consumer a reasonable opportunity, before it discloses the information to the nonaffiliated third party, to opt out of the disclosure; and

     (iv) The consumer does not opt out.

     (b) Opt out definition. Opt out means a direction by the consumer that the licensee not disclose nonpublic personal financial information about that consumer to a nonaffiliated third party, other than as permitted by WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410.

     (c) Examples of reasonable opportunity to opt out. A licensee provides a consumer with a reasonable opportunity to opt out if:

     (i) By mail. The licensee mails the notices required in (a) of this subsection to the consumer and allows the consumer to opt out by mailing a form, calling a toll-free telephone number or any other reasonable means within thirty days from the date the licensee mailed the notices.

     (ii) By electronic means. A customer opens an on-line account with a licensee and agrees to receive the notices required in (a) of this subsection electronically, and the licensee allows the customer to opt out by any reasonable means within thirty days after the date that the customer acknowledges receipt of the notices in conjunction with opening the account.

     (iii) Isolated transaction with consumer. For an isolated transaction such as providing the consumer with an insurance quote, a licensee provides the consumer with a reasonable opportunity to opt out if the licensee provides the notices required in (a) of this subsection at the time of the transaction and requests that the consumer decide, as a necessary part of the transaction, whether to opt out before completing the transaction.

     (2) Application of opt out to all consumers and all nonpublic personal financial information.

     (a) A licensee shall comply with this section, regardless of whether the licensee and the consumer have established a customer relationship.

     (b) Unless a licensee complies with this section, the licensee may not, directly or through any affiliate, disclose any nonpublic personal financial information about a consumer that the licensee has collected, regardless of whether the licensee collected it before or after receiving the direction to opt out from the consumer.

     (3) Partial opt out. A licensee may allow a consumer to select certain nonpublic personal financial information or certain nonaffiliated third parties with respect to which the consumer wishes to opt out.

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(1)(a) Information the licensee receives under an exception. If a licensee receives nonpublic personal financial information from a nonaffiliated financial institution under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410, the licensee's disclosure and use of that information is limited as follows:

     (i) The licensee may disclose the information to the affiliates of the financial institution from which the licensee received the information;

     (ii) The licensee may disclose the information to its affiliates, but the licensee's affiliates may, in turn, disclose and use the information only to the extent that the licensee may disclose and use the information; and

     (iii) The licensee may disclose and use the information pursuant to an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410, in the ordinary course of business to carry out the activity covered by the exception under which the licensee received the information.

     (b) Example. If a licensee receives information from a nonaffiliated financial institution for claims settlement purposes, the licensee may disclose the information for fraud prevention, or in response to a properly authorized subpoena. The licensee may not disclose that information to a third party for marketing purposes or use that information for its own marketing purposes.

     (2)(a) Information a licensee receives outside of an exception. If a licensee receives nonpublic personal financial information from a nonaffiliated financial institution other than under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410, the licensee may disclose the information only:

     (i) To the affiliates of the financial institution from which the licensee received the information;

     (ii) To its affiliates, but its affiliates may, in turn, disclose the information only to the extent that the licensee may disclose the information; and

     (iii) To any other person, if the disclosure would be lawful if made directly to that person by the financial institution from which the licensee received the information.

     (b) Example. If a licensee obtains a customer list from a nonaffiliated financial institution outside of the exceptions in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410:

     (i) The licensee may use that list for its own purposes; and

     (ii) The licensee may disclose that list to another nonaffiliated third party only if the financial institution from which the licensee purchased the list could have lawfully disclosed the list to that third party. That is, the licensee may disclose the list in accordance with the privacy policy of the financial institution from which the licensee received the list, as limited by the opt out direction of each consumer whose nonpublic personal financial information the licensee intends to disclose, and the licensee may disclose the list in accordance with an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410, such as to the licensee's attorneys or accountants.

     (3) Information a licensee discloses under an exception. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information to a nonaffiliated third party under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410 of this regulation, the third party may disclose and use that information only as follows:

     (a) The third party may disclose the information to the licensee's affiliates;

     (b) The third party may disclose the information to its affiliates, but its affiliates may, in turn, disclose and use the information only to the extent that the third party may disclose and use the information; and

     (c) The third party may disclose and use the information pursuant to an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410 in the ordinary course of business to carry out the activity covered by the exception under which it received the information.

     (4) Information a licensee discloses outside of an exception. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information to a nonaffiliated third party other than under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410, the third party may disclose the information only:

     (a) To the licensee's affiliates;

     (b) To the third party's affiliates, but the third party's affiliates, in turn, may disclose the information only to the extent the third party can disclose the information; and

     (c) To any other person, if the disclosure would be lawful if the licensee made it directly to that person.

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(1) General prohibition on disclosure of account numbers. A licensee shall not, directly or through an affiliate, disclose, other than to a consumer reporting agency, a policy number or similar form of access number or access code for a consumer's policy or transaction account to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing through electronic mail to the consumer.

     (2) Exceptions. Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if a licensee discloses a policy number or similar form of access number or access code:

     (a) To the licensee's service provider solely in order to perform marketing for the licensee's own products or services, as long as the service provider is not authorized to directly initiate charges to the account;

     (b) To a licensee who is a producer solely in order to perform marketing for the licensee's own products or services; or

     (c) To a participant in an affinity or similar program where the participants in the program are identified to the customer when the customer enters into the program.

     (3) Examples.

     (a) Policy number. A policy number, or similar form of access number or access code, does not include a number or code in an encrypted form, as long as the licensee does not provide the recipient with a means to decode the number or code.

     (b) Policy or transaction account. For the purposes of this section, a policy or transaction account is an account other than a deposit account or a credit card account. A policy or transaction account does not include an account to which third parties cannot initiate charges.

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EXCEPTIONS TO LIMITS ON DISCLOSURES OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-400
Exception to opt out requirements for disclosure of nonpublic personal financial information for service providers and joint marketing.

(1) General rule.

     (a) The opt out requirements in WAC 284-04-215 and 284-04-300 do not apply when a licensee provides nonpublic personal financial information to a nonaffiliated third party to perform services for the licensee or functions on the licensee's behalf, if the licensee:

     (i) Provides the initial notice in accordance with WAC 284-04-200; and

     (ii) Enters into a contractual agreement with the third party that prohibits the third party from disclosing or using the information other than to carry out the purposes for which the licensee disclosed the information, including use under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410 in the ordinary course of business to carry out those purposes.

     (b) Example. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information under this section to a financial institution with which the licensee performs joint marketing, the licensee's contractual agreement with that institution meets the requirements of (a)(ii) of this subsection if it prohibits the institution from disclosing or using the nonpublic personal financial information except as necessary to carry out the joint marketing or under an exception in WAC 284-04-405 or 284-04-410 in the ordinary course of business to carry out that joint marketing.

     (2) Service may include joint marketing. The services a nonaffiliated third party performs for a licensee under subsection (1) of this section may include marketing of the licensee's own products or services or marketing of financial products or services offered pursuant to joint agreements between the licensee and one or more financial institutions.

     (3) Definition of joint agreement. For purposes of this section, joint agreement means a written contract pursuant to which a licensee and one or more financial institutions jointly offer, endorse or sponsor an insurance product or service.

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(1) Exceptions for processing transactions at consumer's request. The requirements for initial notice in WAC 284-04-200 (1)(b), the opt out in WAC 284-04-215 and 284-04-300 and service providers and joint marketing in WAC 284-04-400 do not apply if the licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information as necessary to effect, administer or enforce a transaction that a consumer requests or authorizes, or in connection with:

     (a) Servicing or processing an insurance product or service that a consumer requests or authorizes;

     (b) Maintaining or servicing the consumer's account with a licensee, or with another entity as part of a private label credit card program or other extension of credit on behalf of such entity;

     (c) A proposed or actual securitization, secondary market sale (including sales of servicing rights) or similar transaction related to a transaction of the consumer; or

     (d) Reinsurance or stop loss or excess loss insurance.

     (2) Necessary to effect, administer or enforce a transaction means that the disclosure is:

     (a) Required, or is one of the lawful or appropriate methods, to enforce the licensee's rights or the rights of other persons engaged in carrying out the financial transaction or providing the product or service; or

     (b) Required, or is a usual, appropriate or acceptable method:

     (i) To carry out the transaction or the product or service business of which the transaction is a part, and record, service or maintain the consumer's account in the ordinary course of providing the insurance product or service;

     (ii) To administer or service benefits or claims relating to the transaction or the product or service business of which it is a part;

     (iii) To provide a confirmation, statement or other record of the transaction, or information on the status or value of the insurance product or service to the consumer or the consumer's agent or broker;

     (iv) To accrue or recognize incentives or bonuses associated with the transaction that are provided by a licensee or any other party;

     (v) To underwrite insurance at the consumer's request or for any of the following purposes as they relate to a consumer's insurance: Account administration, reporting, investigating or preventing fraud or material misrepresentation, processing premium payments, processing insurance claims, administering insurance benefits (including utilization review activities), participating in research projects or as otherwise required or specifically permitted by federal or state law;

     (vi) In connection with:

     (A) The authorization, settlement, billing, processing, clearing, transferring, reconciling or collection of amounts charged, debited or otherwise paid using a debit, credit or other payment card, check or account number, or by other payment means;

     (B) The transfer of receivables, accounts or interests therein; or

     (C) The audit of debit, credit or other payment information.

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(1) Exceptions to opt out requirements. The requirements for initial notice to consumers in WAC 284-04-200 (1)(b), the opt out in WAC 284-04-215 and 284-04-300, and service providers and joint marketing in WAC 284-04-400 do not apply when a licensee discloses nonpublic personal financial information:

     (a) With the consent or at the direction of the consumer, provided that the consumer has not revoked the consent or direction;

     (b)(i) To protect the confidentiality or security of a licensee's records pertaining to the consumer, service, product or transaction;

     (ii) To protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud or unauthorized transactions;

     (iii) For required institutional risk control or for resolving consumer disputes or inquiries;

     (iv) To persons holding a legal or beneficial interest relating to the consumer; or

     (v) To persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of the consumer;

     (c) To provide information to insurance rate advisory organizations, guaranty funds or agencies, agencies that are rating a licensee, persons that are assessing the licensee's compliance with industry standards, and the licensee's attorneys, accountants and auditors;

     (d) To the extent specifically permitted or required under other provisions of law and in accordance with the Federal Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.), to law enforcement agencies (including the Federal Reserve Board, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Thrift Supervision, National Credit Union Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission), the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to 31 U.S.C. Chapter 53, Subchapter II (Records and Reports on Monetary Instruments and Transactions) and 12 U.S.C. Chapter 21 (Financial Recordkeeping), a state insurance authority, and the Federal Trade Commission), self-regulatory organizations or for an investigation on a matter related to public safety;

     (e)(i) To a consumer reporting agency in accordance with the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.); or

     (ii) From a consumer report reported by a consumer reporting agency;

     (f) In connection with a proposed or actual sale, merger, transfer or exchange of all or a portion of a business or operating unit if the disclosure of nonpublic personal financial information concerns solely consumers of the business or unit; or

     (g)(i) To comply with federal, state or local laws, rules and other applicable legal requirements;

     (ii) To comply with a properly authorized civil, criminal or regulatory investigation, or subpoena or summons by federal, state or local authorities;

     (iii) To respond to judicial process or government regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over a licensee for examination, compliance or other purposes as authorized by law; or

     (h) For purposes related to the replacement of a group benefit plan, a group health plan, a group welfare plan or a workers' compensation plan.

     (2) Example of revocation of consent. A consumer may revoke consent by subsequently exercising the right to opt out of future disclosures of nonpublic personal information as permitted under WAC 284-04-215(6).

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RULES FOR HEALTH INFORMATION
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-500
Health information privacy policies and procedures.

All licensees shall develop and implement written policies, standards and procedures for the management of health information, including policies, standards and procedures to guard against the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of nonpublic personal health information by the licensee which shall include:

     (1) Limitation on access to health information by only those persons who need to use the health information in order to perform their jobs;

     (2) Appropriate training for all employees;

     (3) Disciplinary measures for violations of the health information policies, standards and procedures;

     (4) Identification of the job titles and job descriptions of persons that are authorized to disclose nonpublic personal health information;

     (5) Procedures for authorizing and restricting the collection, use or disclosure of nonpublic personal health information;

     (6) Methods for exercising the right to access and amend incorrect nonpublic personal health information;

     (7) Methods for handling, disclosing, storing and disposing of health information;

     (8) Periodic monitoring of the employee's compliance with the licensee's policies, standards and procedures in a manner sufficient for the licensee to determine compliance with this act and to enforce its policies, standards and procedures; and

     (9) Methods for informing and allowing an individual who is the subject of nonpublic personal health information to request specialized disclosure or nondisclosure of nonpublic personal health information as required in this chapter.

     (10) A licensee shall make the health information policies, standards and procedures developed pursuant to this section available for review by the commissioner.

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(1) A licensee shall not disclose nonpublic personal health information about a consumer or customer unless an authorization is obtained from the consumer or customer whose nonpublic personal health information is sought to be disclosed.

     (2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit, restrict or require an authorization for the disclosure of nonpublic personal health information by a licensee for the performance of insurance functions by or on behalf of the licensee.

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(1) A licensee shall limit disclosure of any information, including health information, about an individual who is the subject of the information if the individual clearly states in writing that disclosure to specified individuals of all or part of that information could jeopardize the safety of the individual. Disclosure of information under this subsection shall be limited consistent with the individual's request, such as a request for the licensee to not release any information to a spouse to prevent domestic violence.

     (2) Notwithstanding any insurance law requiring the disclosure of information, a licensee shall not disclose nonpublic personal health information concerning health services related to reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, chemical dependency and mental health, including mailing appointment notices, calling the home to confirm appointments, or mailing a bill or explanation of benefits to a policyholder or certificateholder, if the individual who is the subject of the information makes a written request. The written request shall include information as to how any amounts payable by the individual will be handled. In addition, a licensee shall not require the individual to obtain the policyholder's or other covered person's authorization to receive health care services or to submit a claim.

     (3)(a) A licensee shall recognize the right of any minor who may obtain health care without the consent of a parent or legal guardian pursuant to state or federal law, to exclusively exercise rights granted under this section regarding health information; and

     (b) Shall not disclose any nonpublic personal health information related to any health care service to which the minor has lawfully consented, including mailing appointment notices, calling the home to confirm appointments, or mailing a bill or explanation of benefits to a policyholder or other covered person, without the express authorization of the minor. In addition, a licensee shall not require the minor to obtain the policyholder's or other covered person's authorization to receive health care services or to submit a claim.

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(1) A valid authorization to disclose nonpublic personal health information pursuant to this Article V shall be in written or electronic form and shall contain all of the following:

     (a) The identity of the consumer or customer who is the subject of the nonpublic personal health information.

     (b) A general description of the types of nonpublic personal health information to be disclosed.

     (c) General descriptions of the parties to whom the licensee discloses nonpublic personal health information, the purpose of the disclosure and how the information will be used.

     (d) The signature of the consumer or customer who is the subject of the nonpublic personal health information or the individual who is legally empowered to grant authority and the date signed.

     (e) Notice of the length of time for which the authorization is valid and that the consumer or customer may revoke the authorization at any time and the procedure for making such a revocation.

     (2) An authorization for the purposes of this Article V shall specify a length of time for which the authorization shall remain valid, which in no event shall be for more than twenty-four months.

     (3) A consumer or customer who is the subject of nonpublic personal health information may revoke an authorization provided pursuant to this Article V at any time, subject to the rights of any individual who acted in reliance on the authorization prior to notice of the revocation.

     (4) A licensee shall retain the authorization or a copy thereof in the record of the individual who is the subject of nonpublic personal health information.

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A request for authorization and an authorization form may be delivered to a consumer or a customer as part of an opt-out notice pursuant to WAC 284-04-225, provided that the request and the authorization form are clear and conspicuous. An authorization form is not required to be delivered to the consumer or customer or included in any other notices unless the licensee intends to disclose protected health information pursuant to WAC 284-04-500(1).

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In the event of a conflict between this chapter and the state or federal laws, licensees shall comply with the state and federal laws governing privacy, as such laws relate to the business of insurance, except as expressly required by this chapter.

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ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
NEW SECTION
WAC 284-04-600
Protection of Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to modify, limit or supersede the operation of the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), and no inference shall be drawn on the basis of the provisions of this regulation regarding whether information is transaction or experience information under section 603 of that act.

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(1) A licensee shall not discriminate against any consumer or customer because that consumer or customer has opted out from the disclosure of his or her nonpublic personal financial information pursuant to the provisions of this regulation.

     (2) A licensee shall not discriminate against a consumer or customer because that consumer or customer has not granted authorization for the disclosure of his or her nonpublic personal health information pursuant to the provisions of this regulation.

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A violation of this regulation shall be deemed to be an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act and practice in this state.

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If any section or portion of a section of this regulation or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a court, the remainder of the regulation or the applicability of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.

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(1) Effective date. This regulation is effective November 13, 2000. In order to provide sufficient time for licensees to establish policies and systems to comply with the requirements of this regulation, the commissioner has extended the time for compliance with this regulation until July 1, 2001.

     (2)(a) Notice requirement for consumers who are the licensee's customers on the compliance date. By July 1, 2001, a licensee shall provide an initial notice, as required by WAC 284-04-200, to consumers who are the licensee's customers on July 1, 2001.

     (b) Example. A licensee provides an initial notice to consumers who are its customers on July 1, 2001, if, by that date, the licensee has established a system for providing an initial notice to all new customers and has mailed the initial notice to all the licensee's existing customers.

     (3) Two-year grandfathering of service agreements. Until July 1, 2002, a contract that a licensee has entered into with a nonaffiliated third party to perform services for the licensee or functions on the licensee's behalf satisfies the provisions of WAC 284-04-400 (1)(a)(ii), even if the contract does not include a requirement that the third party maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic personal information, as long as the licensee entered into the agreement on or before July 1, 2000.

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Licensees, including a group of financial holding company affiliates that use a common privacy notice, may use the following sample clauses, if the clause is accurate for each institution that uses the notice. (Note that disclosure of certain information, such as assets, income and information from a consumer reporting agency, may give rise to obligations under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as a requirement to permit a consumer to opt out of disclosures to affiliates or designation as a consumer reporting agency if disclosures are made to nonaffiliated third parties.)

     A-1 -- Categories of information a licensee collects (all institutions)

     A licensee may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(a) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information the licensee collects.

     Sample Clause A-1:

     We collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:

     • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

     • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others; and

     • Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency.

     A-2 -- Categories of information a licensee discloses (institutions that disclose outside of the exceptions)

     A licensee may use one of these clauses, as applicable, to meet the requirement of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(b) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information the licensee discloses. The licensee may use these clauses if it discloses nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410.

     Sample Clause A-2, Alternative 1:

     We may disclose the following kinds of nonpublic personal information about you:

     • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your name, address, Social Security number, assets, income, and beneficiaries");

     • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your policy coverage, premiums, and payment history"); and

     • Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your creditworthiness and credit history").

     Sample Clause A-2, Alternative 2:

     We may disclose all of the information that we collect, as described (describe location in the notice, such as "above" or "below").

     A-3 -- Categories of information a licensee discloses and parties to whom the licensee discloses (institutions that do not disclose outside of the exceptions)

     A licensee may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirements of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(b), (c), and (d) to describe the categories of nonpublic personal information about customers and former customers that the licensee discloses and the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses. A licensee may use this clause if the licensee does not disclose nonpublic personal information to any party, other than as permitted by the exceptions in WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410.

     Sample Clause A-3:

     We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law.

     A-4 -- Categories of parties to whom a licensee discloses (institutions that disclose outside of the exceptions)

     A licensee may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(c) to describe the categories of affiliates and nonaffiliated third parties to whom the licensee discloses nonpublic personal information. This clause may be used if the licensee discloses nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410, as well as when permitted by the exceptions in WAC 284-04-405 and 284-04-410.

     Sample Clause A-4:

     We may disclose nonpublic personal information about you to the following types of third parties:

     • Financial service providers, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "life insurers, automobile insurers, mortgage bankers, securities broker-dealers, and insurance agents");

     • Nonfinancial companies, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "retailers, direct marketers, airlines, and publishers"); and

     • Others, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "nonprofit organizations").

     We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties as permitted by law.

     A-5 -- Service provider/joint marketing exception

     A licensee may use one of these clauses, as applicable, to meet the requirements of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(e) related to the exception for service providers and joint marketers in WAC 284-04-400. If a licensee discloses nonpublic personal information under this exception, the licensee shall describe the categories of nonpublic personal information the licensee discloses and the categories of third parties with whom the licensee has contracted.

     Sample Clause A-5, Alternative 1:

     We may disclose the following information to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements:

     • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your name, address, Social Security number, assets, income, and beneficiaries");

     • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your policy coverage, premium, and payment history"); and

     • Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as (provide illustrative examples, such as "your creditworthiness and credit history").

     Sample Clause A-5, Alternative 2:

     We may disclose all of the information we collect, as described (describe location in the notice, such as "above" or "below") to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing agreements.

     A-6 -- Explanation of opt out right (institutions that disclose outside of the exceptions)

     A licensee may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(f) to provide an explanation of the consumer's right to opt out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties, including the method(s) by which the consumer may exercise that right. The licensee may use this clause if the licensee discloses nonpublic personal information other than as permitted by the exceptions in WAC 284-04-400, 284-04-405, and 284-04-410.

     Sample Clause A-6:

     If you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures, that is, you may direct us not to make those disclosures (other than disclosures permitted by law). If you wish to opt out of disclosures to nonaffiliated third parties, you may (describe a reasonable means of opting out, such as "call the following toll-free number: (insert number)).

     A-7 -- Confidentiality and security (all institutions)

     A licensee may use this clause, as applicable, to meet the requirement of WAC 284-04-210 (1)(h) to describe its policies and practices with respect to protecting the confidentiality and security of nonpublic personal information.

     Sample Clause A-7:

     We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to (provide an appropriate description, such as "those employees who need to know that information to provide products or services to you"). We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.

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