17:48C-5 Standards in reviewing application.

5. In reviewing any application for authority to operate under this act, the commissioner shall be guided by the following standards:

(a) It shall be shown that the initial working funds are adequate. No certificate of authority shall be issued to any applicant therefor except on receipt of evidence by the commissioner that such applicant is in possession of unencumbered funds of not less than $25,000.00 and that such amount is held in cash or in bank to its credit. From and after the issuance of a certificate of authority to an applicant, the corporation shall maintain such amount as a general surplus over and above its reserves, liabilities, and special contingent surplus.

(b) It shall be shown that the applicant has enlisted a sufficient number of participating dentists, with skills in appropriate fields and accessible to subscribers, to indicate ability to render the intended dental service. In carrying out the intent of this section the commissioner shall determine that at least 100 dentists have agreed to participate.

(c) It shall be shown that the applicant will accept as a participating dentist any dentist who is authorized to practice dentistry in the jurisdiction where his services are to be rendered, and is ready, available and willing to render dental service to be provided under a contract or contracts; provided, however, that any dentist who is suspended, debarred, or otherwise ineligible to participate in or provide services to persons covered by or receive payment from a governmental health care program, and any dentist whose participation would violate one or more standards established in accordance with State or federal laws or regulations need not be accepted as a participating dentist.

L.1968, c.305, s.5; amended 2015, c.148, s.2.