§ 21-5-406 - Executive director -- Staff. - Arkansas Statutes

21-5-406. Executive director -- Staff.

(a) (1) The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board shall choose an executive director with the approval of the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(2) The executive director shall be employed by and serve at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration. However, the board may recommend the removal of the executive director, but removal shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(3) The executive director shall employ staff adequate to manage the program within the funds appropriated therefor within the Department of Finance and Administration.

(b) The executive director shall establish internal controls for the fiscal management of the health and life insurance plans.

(c) (1) The executive director and his or her staff shall be located in the Employee Benefits Division of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(2) Premiums collected from employers, participating employees, and retirees for health and life insurance plans shall be collected one (1) month in advance and shall be used solely to pay medical claims, premiums, and direct administrative expenses of the health and life insurance programs.

(d) The executive director shall be charged with the duty of administering the provisions of this subchapter and the rules, regulations, and orders of the division and the board.

(e) (1) The executive director may require all participating entities to appoint health insurance representatives, who will be required to adhere to the policies adopted by the board and the regulations and procedures issued by the Executive Director of the Employee Benefits Division in managing the enrollment and premium payment processes of the agency or school district.

(2) The executive director may request the removal of a representative to ensure necessary internal controls.

(3) (A) The executive director shall have the authority to supervise the implementation and day-to-day management of the health insurance programs and other employee benefit programs, plans, and individual and group policies made available to state and public school employees, if applicable.

(B) This may include, but not be limited to:

(i) Life insurance coverage;

(ii) Accident coverage;

(iii) Dental coverage;

(iv) Disability benefit programs;

(v) Optional retirement programs;

(vi) Deferred compensation;

(vii) Cafeteria plans; and

(viii) Such other benefit plans, benefit programs, and individual and group benefit coverage that are offered from time to time to members.

(C) This authority shall not include the State Employee Benefit Corporation benefit plan which is in effect on July 1, 1995.

(D) In addition, the executive director and the board may utilize the services of health care consultants and actuaries if necessary as provided for through the appropriation of the division.

(E) The Arkansas State Police Employee Health Plan shall be exempt from any mandatory participation required by this section.