Commissioner Poolman Challenges Education Task Force to Innovate for Consumers Posted on 5/25/2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Poolman
May 25, 2001
701-328-2440
Bismarck, ND - Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman called on the Department's Continuing Education Advisory Task Force Thursday to be a driving force for improving continuing education offered to insurance agents. He challenged the group to find innovative educational experiences for agents, brokers and consultants so that they can better serve the public.
"Every aspect of continuing education is on the table and open for discussion and change," Poolman told the panel at its May meeting in Bismarck. "We want your input to make things better for the consumer."
Established by the Legislature in 1985, the nine-member task force is broadly representative of the insurance industry. It advises the commissioner on issues pertaining to accreditation of coursework and other educational activities that insurance agents, brokers, and consultants - collectively known as producers - are required to complete to obtain and maintain licensure.
Bill Lardy, Continuing Education Coordinator for the NDID, said he and group members were enthusiastic about the commissioner's challenge. "Task force members encouraged each other 'to think out of the box,'" he said.
Among the ideas the group discussed at length were how to make the continuing education process more accountable and meaningful, and possible administrative rule changes that would require producers to take courses related to law and ethics.
The task force will study proposed changes to the department's administrative rules and meet again in August to share their findings.
"My goal is to create a culture of customer service within the department; the department's customers include consumers, companies and producers," Poolman said.
