(a) The Commissioner or his or her designee may, as often as he or she may reasonably determine, investigate the business and examine the books, accounts, records and files of every dental plan organization. For that purpose the Commissioner or his or her designee shall have reasonably free access to the offices and places of business, books, accounts, papers, records and files of all dental plan organizations. A dental plan organization shall keep and use in its business such books, accounts and records as will enable the Commissioner to determine whether the dental plan organization is complying with this chapter and with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to it. A dental plan organization shall preserve its books, accounts and records for at least 3 years; except that preservation by photographic reproduction or records in photographic form shall constitute compliance with this chapter.

(b) For the purpose of the examination, the Commissioner may, within the limits of funds appropriated for such purpose, contract with such persons as he or she may deem advisable to conduct the same or assist therein.

(c) The expenses incurred in making any examination pursuant to this section, up to $1,000 annually, shall be assessed against and paid by the dental plan organization so examined. Upon written notice by the Commissioner of the total amount of an assessment, a dental plan organization shall become liable for and shall pay the assessment to the Commissioner.

63 Del. Laws, c. 49, § ?1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § ?1;