SECTION 4
Authority of the IC over HMOs
SECTION 4.
Authority of the IC over HMOs.
The IC shall have the authority to exercise the following functions over HMOs:
a. Issue rules and guidelines, with respect to the establishment of HMO minimum capitalization, net worth, reserve funds and security deposit requirements, as well as the criteria for qualification and disqualification of directors, officers and marketing personnel, and the procedure for the submission of reportorial and/or examination requirements, registration of contracts and plans, adjudication of claims, and other relevant matters, as necessary;
b. Approve, amend, renew, decline, suspend, or revoke any license, registration, or certificate of authority issued in favor of HMOs;
c. Fix, assess, collect, and utilize fees and/or charges as it may find reasonable in the exercise of regulatory powers;
d. Regulate, supervise, and monitor the operations and management of HMOs to ensure compliance with this Order, existing laws, rules, and regulations, and such other directives and circulars issued by the Insurance Commissioner;
e. Issue orders to prevent fraud and injury to the HMO plan holders and industry stakeholders;
f. Order the examination of documents, papers, files, tax returns, books of accounts and other records, in whatever form, of any entity, person, or any HMO under investigation, including persons, entities and/or corporations with related interests;
g. Pursuant to existing laws, rules, and regulations, impose sanctions, and/or appropriate penalties;
h. Enlist the aid and support of and/or deputize any and all law enforcement agencies of the government in the implementation of its powers and in the exercise of its functions under this Order;
i. Issue appropriate directives, such as but not limited to the appointment of conservators, receivers or liquidators, to HMOs which fail to comply with this Order, related laws, rules, regulations, orders, and circulars issued pursuant thereto;
j. Prepare, approve or amend, rules, regulations, orders, and circulars, and issue opinions, provide guidance on and supervise compliance with such rules, regulations, orders, and circulars;
k. Formulate policies and recommendations on issues concerning the health maintenance industry, including proposed legislations; and
l. Exercise such other powers as may be provided by law as well as those which may be implied from, or which are necessary or incidental to carry out the express powers granted the IC to achieve the objectives and purposes of this Order.
SECTION 8
Transitory Matters
SECTION 8.
Transitory Matters.
All books, contracts, correspondences, documents, papers, records, other associated items, and pending business in any way pertaining to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities related to the functions of the DOH over HMOs shall be turned over, transferred, and delivered to the IC for. continuation, modification, or termination; Provided, however, that the delivery of such information shall not violate any applicable confidentiality constraints.
The IC shall constitute a special team to handle all matters related to HMOs and shall secure and transfer all the HMO-related files and records of the DOH to the IC within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Order. Personnel under the DOH affected by this Order shall continue their service with the DOH. They may, however, be detailed to the IC for efficient transition and effective discharge of the functions provided under this Order.