Glossary of Enforcement Terms
Cease and Desist: Licensee agrees to discontinue the alleged violation(s) of the insurance law(s)
Consent Order: A formal Order issued by the Insurance Department with the consent of the insurance producer, company or other person, imposing sanctions for violations of insurance laws
Enforcement Action: An action that is the result of an investigation or examination that reveals violations of Pennsylvania insurance laws
Fine: Sum of money imposed as a penalty for violations of insurance laws
Fraud Examination Unit: A unit by a grant from the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Protection Authority; unit works directly with insurance entities, consumers and law enforcement agencies to reduce fraud related losses as a factor in insurance rates
Market Conduct Exam: A comprehensive examination of an insurance company's records, files and practices in order to determine compliance with Pennsylvania statutes and regulations; the exam results in a report containing the Department's findings, and which may result in an Order providing for corrective action and a monetary penalty for violations
Market Conduct Review: A review conducted by the Department on a company specific or industry-wide or company-specific basis, focusing on a specific regulatory issue to determine whether or not companies are in compliance with the applicable law or regulation on that issue, and which may result in regulatory action
Market Surveillance Division: Division which conducts market analysis to assess how well individual companies and the insurance market as a whole are meeting consumers needs
Order and Adjudication: A final order and decision issued by the Insurance Commissioner after a hearing; a formal opinion which decides the legal and factual issues of a case and, if appropriate, imposes penalties for violations of insurance laws
Order to Show Cause: An administrative complaint filed by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department in the Administrative Hearings Office; alleging that an insurance producer, company, or other person, has violated Pennsylvania insurance laws and seeking sanctions for such
Revocation: Removal of an insurance license
Settlement Agreement: An agreement reached by mutual consent of both parties after litigation has been initiated; a method of case closure