Coronavirus Pandemic: Discontinuation of Temporary Licensure

STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION BUREAU OF INSURANCE 34 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0034 Janet T. Mills Governor Eric A. Cioppa Superintendent PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER O F F IC E S L O C A T ED A T 76 N O R T H ER N A V EN U E, G A R D IN ER, M A I N E 04345 www.maine.gov/insurance Phone: (207) 624-8475 TTY: Please call Maine Relay 711 Consumer Assistance: 1-800-300-5000 Fax (207) 624-8599 Bulletin 455 Coronavirus Pandemic: Discontinuation of Temporary Licensure (Supersedes Bulletin 445) This bulletin announces the discontinuation of the Maine Bureau of Insurance’s temporary producer licensing program in connection with the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and supersedes Bulletin 445. Maine’s insurance examination provider, Pearson VUE, closed its company-owned U.S. and Canada-based Pearson Professional Centers starting March 16, 2020 because of COVID-19. These closures resulted in the inability of new applicants to obtain insurance producer licenses. Under the authority of the Maine Insurance Code at Section 1420-J(1)(D), I established a temporary licensing program for resident producer applicants subject to the conditions stated in Bulletin 445. As Pearson VUE has resumed administering insurance examinations and the Bureau anticipates that online delivery of major lines exams will be available within the next 45 days, I am discontinuing the issuance of temporary licenses in connection with COVID-19 beginning February 1, 2021. Applications for temporary licenses must be received at the Bureau no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST) on the last preceding business day, January 29, 2021, to be processed. Temporary licenses issued on or after the effective date of this bulletin will expire March 15, 2021. January 15, 2021 Eric A. Cioppa Superintendent of Insurance NOTE: This Bulletin is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to set forth legal rights, duties, or privileges, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Readers should consult applicable statutes and rules and contact the Bureau of Insurance if additional information is needed.