(a)  Instead of the surety bond required by § 19-14.8-13, a provider may deliver to the director, in the amount required by § 19-14.8-13(b), and, except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section, payable or available to this state and to individuals who reside in this state when they agree to receive debt-management services from the provider, as their interests may appear, if the provider or its agent does not comply with this chapter:

(1)  A certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this state and rated at least “A” by a nationally recognized rating organization, with no deductible; or

(2)  With the approval of the director:

(A)  An irrevocable letter of credit, issued or confirmed by a bank approved by the director, payable upon presentation of a certificate by the director stating that the provider or its agent has not complied with this chapter; or

(B)  Bonds or other obligations of the United States or guaranteed by the United States or bonds or other obligations of this state or a political subdivision of this state, to be deposited and maintained with a bank approved by the director for this purpose.

(b)  If a provider furnishes a substitute pursuant to subsection (a), the provisions of § 19-14.8-13(a), (c), (d), and (e) apply to the substitute.