Ariz. Admin. Code § R20-5-1509 - Commission Review of Initial, Renewal, and New Member Applications

A. The Commission shall consider the following before approving or denying an initial, renewal, or new member application:

1. The documentation and information submitted by Applicant according to R20-5-1505, R20-5-1506, R20-5-1507, or R20-5-1508(F);

2. The evaluation, findings, and recommendations of the Division according to R20-5-1508; and

3. The requirements of A.R.S. §§ 11-952.01, 15-382, 23-961, 23-961.01, and 41-621.01 and this Article, as applicable.

B. The Commission may approve or deny an initial, renewal, or new member application or may remand an application to the Division for further review or to request additional information or documents according to R20-5-5-1508(F). A decision to approve, deny, or remand an application shall be made by a majority vote of a quorum of Commission members present at a public meeting.

C. When approving an initial or renewal application, the Commission shall determine:

(1) the term of self-insurance authorization, which may not be less than one year or more than two years from the date of Commission approval;

(2) whether to grant a waiver of security under R20-5-1525; and

(3) if security is required, the amount of security that must be posted. The Commission shall require an amount of security that reasonably reflects the Self-Insurer's future total estimated liability and is sufficient to fully protect the Special Fund in the event of an assignment under A.R.S. § 23-966, which amount may exceed the amounts specified in R20-5-1520(A).

D. The Commission shall deny an initial, renewal, or new member application if the Commission finds either of the following:

1. The Applicant does not meet the requirements of A.R.S. §§ 11-952.01, 15-382, 23-961, 23-961.01, and 41-621.01 or this Article, as applicable; or

2. The Applicant is unable to process and pay benefits required under the Act.

E. On or before the Authorization Date, following Commission approval of an initial application for self-insurance authority, or within 30 days after Commission approval of a renewal or new member application, a Self-Insurer shall:

1. Unless the Commission has granted a waiver of security under R20-5-1525, post required security;

2. Secure excess insurance coverage that meets the requirements of R20-5-1526, if applicable;

3. Either obtain Division approval to Self-Administer under R20-5-1510 or complete the process of contracting with a Third-Party Administrator; and

4. For Self-Insurance Pools, secure an active fidelity or crime insurance policy, unless the pool is exempt according to R20-5-1528(C).

F. Upon approval of an initial, renewal, or new Member application, the Division shall serve a Resolution of Authorization on the Applicant no later than 30 days after Commission approval. The Resolution of Authorization approving an initial application shall contain the Authorization Date, the applicable Renewal Date, and the amount of security required. The Resolution of Authorization approving a renewal application shall contain the applicable Renewal Date and the amount of security required. The Resolution of Authorization approving addition of a new member shall contain the amount of additional security the Self-Insurance Pool is required to post. The Resolution of Authorization may be electronically signed by the Commission.

G. If the Commission denies an initial, renewal, or new member application, the Commission shall issue and serve written findings and an order on the Applicant no later than 30 days after the Commission denial. The findings and order may be electronically signed by the Commission.

H. If an Applicant's current Experience Modification Rate specific to Arizona exceeds 1.10, the Commission may approve authorization to self-insure that is contingent upon the Applicant receiving, within six months of the Commission's approval, occupational safety and health services from either the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health or a qualified occupational safety and health professional. Upon written request and for good cause shown, the Division may extend the six-month deadline for receiving safety and health consultation services.

I. A Self-Insurer shall maintain all security, insurance policies, and contracts required under this Article during an approved period of self-insurance and while a renewal application is pending before the Commission.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R20-5-1509

New section made by final rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 3435, effective 10/5/2022.