Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending WAC 284-30-570, to require life, disability, and property/casualty insurers to identify the medical professional or other source of information regarding a company's action when insurers provide the actual reason for canceling, denying, or refusing to renew insurance.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.30.010.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A private citizen petitioned the office of the insurance commissioner to amend WAC 284-30-570 to require insurers to provide contact information to identify the medical professional or other source of information the company relied on when canceling, denying, or refusing to renew insurance if the reason for that action relates to medical information of the applicant or insured. The petition stated that an insurer's statement "refer to doctor" is insufficient information and that the applicant or insured ought to be able to identify what medical professional or source to contact for more information. The office of insurance commissioner also will take into account the need to protect personal health information. (Petition #P.41)

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Submit written comments by February 29, 2008.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by submitting written comments by February 29, 2008, to Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40260, Olympia, WA 98504-0260, e-mail Kacys@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-3109.

December 10, 2007

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

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