39-71-2615. Initial fee -- assessment. (1) A private self-insurer shall pay to the fund an initial fee of $1,000 upon becoming a member. Thereafter, a member's financial obligation to the fund must be established by assessment as provided in subsection (2).

(2) (a) The fund may assess each of its members a pro rata share of the amount necessary to carry out the purposes of this part. However, the total annual assessments in any calendar year may not exceed 5% of the following benefits paid by each member during the preceding calendar year:

(i) compensation benefits; and

(ii) except for medical benefits in excess of $200,000 for each occurrence that are exempt from assessment, the total medical benefits paid for medical treatment rendered to an injured worker, including hospital treatment and prescription drugs.

(b) Funds obtained by assessment pursuant to this subsection may be used only for the purposes of this part.

(3) A former member is liable for assessments made by the fund in any year following the date the member's status as a private self-insurer is terminated, whether the termination is by action of the private self-insurer or the department. A former member's assessment must be based on the benefits paid during the last calendar year immediately preceding the annual assessment.

(4) The board shall certify to the department the collection and receipt of assessments, noting any delinquencies. The board shall take appropriate action to collect a delinquent assessment.