Further, the Department does not believe that it would be appropriate to permit an insurer s input regarding the use, selection and type of independent contractors in examinations. These entities are being utilized and appointed to act on behalf of the Department in conducting the examination. Accordingly, under the statute, the Department has the sole authority and discretion in selecting consultants for examinations. Similarly, the comment regarding the timing of payments to vendors is outside the scope of the proposal. In any event, it is unclear from the comment what problems, if any, have occurred under the existing rule.
Insurers thus receive timely notice of approval of such charges.
The Department is not aware that that this has posed any problems for insurers to pay applicable charges in a timely manner. Upon review of the commenter s suggestion, the Department has determined that no change is required. A Federal standard analysis is not required because the adopted new rule and amendments are not subject to any Federal requirements or standards.