(a) A service corporation shall be formed as a nonprofit, nonstock medical service corporation, or hospital service corporation, or a combination medical and hospital service corporation, consistent with the applicable requirements of this chapter under the statutes of this state governing the formation of nonprofit, nonstock corporations in general.

(b) Before the articles of incorporation of the proposed corporation formed after July 1, 1966, are filed with the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development, they shall be submitted to the director, and the commissioner may not file the articles unless the director's approval is endorsed thereon. The director shall approve the articles unless the director finds that they do not comply with law. If not approved, the director shall return the proposed articles of incorporation to the incorporators together with a written statement of particulars of the reasons for nonapproval.

(c) An amendment of the articles of incorporation of a service corporation may not be filed with the commissioner unless it is first submitted to and approved by the director, and bears the director's approval endorsed on it. The director shall approve the amendment unless the director finds that it was not lawfully adopted or that the articles of incorporation as amended would be unlawful. If not approved, the director shall return the proposed amendment to the corporation together with a written statement of the particulars of the reasons for nonapproval.