1.    As used in this section, the terms “health carrier” and “health benefit plan” have the same meaning as provided under section 26.1-36.3-01.

2.    Whenever the commissioner, in the commissioner’s sole discretion, deems it appropriate, but at least once every five years, the commissioner or any of the commissioner’s examiners shall conduct a comprehensive examination of a health carrier with a market share of twenty-five percent or more of health benefit plan covered lives in this state. The examination must be conducted in accordance with an examination conducted under chapter 26.1-03. In determining the scope of the comprehensive examination, the commissioner shall consider the criteria set forth in the market conduct handbook adopted by the national association of insurance commissioners and adopted by the commissioner which is in effect when the examination is initiated and any other matters deemed appropriate by the commissioner.