Annual rate change for medical malpractice liability insurance

3. a. With respect to medical malpractice liability insurance, the commissioner shall prescribe by regulation a designated range of annual rate change, which shall be an increase or decrease of between not less than 5% and not more than 15%, and within which any rate, supplementary rate information, or change or amendment thereof, filed by an insurer or rating organization shall become effective not less than 30 days after the filing. (1) The commissioner may determine, pursuant to regulation, the categories, subcategories, specialties, and subspecialties of health care provider to which the application of the designated range shall apply. (2) Only one filing by an insurer or rating organization of a proposed rate change within the designated range may take effect within any 12-month period without the express approval of the commissioner, as set forth in subsection c. of this section. b. In prescribing the designated range of annual rate change, the commissioner may consider the availability and affordability of medical malpractice liability insurance for different categories, subcategories, specialties, and subspecialties of health care provider in relation to the capitalization and reserve requirements necessary to ensure the solvency of the insurers. The commissioner may also consider current data relating to the frequency and severity of medical malpractice claims, and trends in the cost of investigating, defending and settling claims. c. Any filing by an insurer or rating organization proposing a rate change which exceeds the designated range established pursuant to subsection a. of this section, or proposing an additional rate change within this range during any 12-month period, shall be subject to approval by the commissioner pursuant to section 14 of P.L.1944, c.27 (C.17:29A-14).