2002 Minnesota Statutes

     72A.501 Disclosure authorization. 

    Subdivision 1.    Requirement; content.  An 
 authorization used by an insurer, insurance-support 
 organization, or insurance agent to disclose or collect personal 
 or privileged information must be in writing and must meet the 
 following requirements: 

    (1) is written in plain language; 

    (2) is dated; 

    (3) specifies the types of persons authorized to disclose 
 information about the person; 

    (4) specifies the nature of the information authorized to 
 be disclosed; 

    (5) names the insurer or insurance agent and identifies by 
 generic reference representatives of the insurer to whom the 
 person is authorizing information to be disclosed; 

    (6) specifies the purposes for which the information is 
 collected; and 

    (7) specifies the length of time the authorization remains 
 valid. 

    Subd. 2.    Application.  (a) If the authorization is 
 signed to collect information in connection with an application 
 for a property and casualty insurance policy, a policy 
 reinstatement, or a request for a change in benefits, the 
 authorization must not remain valid for longer than one year 
 from the date the authorization is signed or the date the 
 insurer grants or denies coverage, reinstatement, or change in 
 benefits, whichever is sooner. 

    (b) If the authorization is signed to collect information 
 in connection with an application for a life, disability, and 
 health insurance policy or contract, reinstatement, or request 
 for change in benefits, the authorization may not remain valid 
 for longer than 26 months from the date the authorization is 
 signed. 

    Subd. 3.    Claims.  If the authorization is signed to 
 collect information in connection with a claim for benefits 
 under an insurance policy, the authorization must not remain 
 valid for longer than: 

    (1) the term of coverage of the policy, if the claim is for 
 a health insurance benefit; or 

    (2) the duration of the claim, if the claim is for a claim 
 other than for a health insurance benefit. 

    Subd. 4.    Authorization; noninsurers.  If an 
 authorization is submitted to an insurer, insurance-support 
 organization, or insurance agent by a person other than an 
 insurer, insurance-support organization, or insurance agent, the 
 authorization must be dated, signed by the person, and obtained 
 one year or less before the date a disclosure is sought.  

    HIST: 1989 c 316 s 13; 1990 c 467 s 2