§481X-12 Enforcement. (a) The commissioner may take any action necessary or appropriate to enforce this chapter, and the rules adopted and orders issued hereunder. The commissioner may conduct investigations and examinations of providers, administrators, insurers, or other persons. If a provider has violated this chapter, or rules or orders under this chapter, the commissioner may issue an order:

(1) Requiring a person to cease and desist from violating this chapter or rules or orders under this chapter;

(2) Prohibiting a person from selling or offering for sale service contracts in violation of this chapter; or

(3) Imposing a civil penalty on a person or any combination of the foregoing, as applicable.

(b) A person aggrieved by an order under this section may request a hearing before the commissioner, conducted subject to chapter 91. The hearing request shall be filed with the commissioner within twenty days of the effective date of the commissioner's order. Upon filing of a hearing request, the order shall be suspended from its effective date, until completion of the hearing and final decision of the commissioner. At the hearing, the commissioner shall have the burden of proof to show that the order is justified.

(c) The commissioner may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction, for an injunction or other appropriate relief to remedy threatened or existing violations of this chapter, rules established pursuant to this chapter, or orders of the commissioner. An action filed under this section may also seek restitution on behalf of persons aggrieved by a violation of this chapter, rules established pursuant to this chapter, or orders of the commissioner.

(d) Violations of this chapter, rules established pursuant to this chapter, or orders of the commissioner shall be considered unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce under section 480-2. [L 2000, c 221, pt of §2]