The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public welfare by regulating insurance rates, in accordance with the intent of Congress as expressed in Public Law 15 — 79th Congress, to the end that they shall not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory, and to authorize and regulate limited cooperative action among insurers in rate-making related activities and in other matters within the scope of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit or discourage reasonable competition, or to prohibit, or encourage except to the extent necessary to accomplish the aforementioned purpose, uniformity in rating systems, rating plans or practices. This chapter shall be liberally interpreted to carry into effect this section. Unless otherwise specified, all hearings held under this chapter shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV. [PL 1989, c. 797, §1 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 797, §§37, 38 (AFF).]