(1) The commissioner may make an examination of the operations of any health care service contractor as often as he or she deems necessary in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(2) Every health care service contractor shall submit its books and records relating to its operation for financial condition and market conduct examinations and in every way facilitate them. For the purpose of examinations, the commissioner may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and examine the officers and principals of the health care service contractor.

(3) The commissioner may elect to accept and rely on audit reports made by an independent certified public accountant for the health care service contractor in the course of that part of the commissioner's examination covering the same general subject matter as the audit. The commissioner may incorporate the audit report in his or her report of the examination.

(4) Whenever any health care service contractor applies for initial admission, the commissioner may make, or cause to be made, an examination of the applicant's business and affairs. Whenever such an examination is made, all of the provisions of chapter 48.03 RCW not inconsistent with this chapter shall be applicable. In lieu of making an examination himself or herself the commissioner may, in the case of a foreign health care service contractor, accept an examination report of the applicant by the regulatory official in its state of domicile.

Severability—Effective date—1986 c 296: See notes following RCW 48.14.020.