A. The superintendent may make an examination of the affairs of any health maintenance organization and providers with whom such organization has contracts, agreements or other arrangements as often as is reasonably necessary for the protection of the interests of the people of this state but not less frequently than once every three years.

B. The superintendent may make or request the secretary of health to make an examination concerning the quality assurance program of the health maintenance organization and of any providers with whom such organization has contracts, agreements or other arrangements as often as is reasonably necessary for the protection of the interests of the people of this state.

C. Every health maintenance organization and provider shall submit its books and records for such examinations and in every way facilitate the completion of the examination. Medical records of individuals and contract providers shall not be subject to such examination. For the purpose of examinations, the superintendent and the secretary of health may administer oaths to and examine the officers and agents of the health maintenance organization and the principals of such providers concerning their business.

D. The expenses of examinations under this section shall be assessed against the health maintenance organization being examined and remitted to the superintendent.

E. In lieu of such examination, the superintendent may accept the report of an examination made by the superintendent or secretary of health of another state.

F. Examination procedures shall be governed by the applicable provisions of Chapter 59A, Article 4 NMSA 1978.

History: 1978 Comp., § 59A-46-19, enacted by Laws 1993, ch. 266, § 19.

Repeals and reenactments. — Laws 1993, ch. 266, § 43 repealed former 59A-46-19 NMSA 1978, as enacted by Laws 1984, ch. 127, § 866, related to regulations, and Laws 1993, ch. 266, § 19 enacted a new section, effective January 1, 1994.