California Code, Insurance Code - INS § 742.23

(a) After December 31, 1995, a self-funded or partially self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement shall not provide any benefits for any resident of this state without first obtaining a certificate of compliance pursuant to this article, provided, however, that if the commissioner has not issued or denied an application for a certificate of compliance within 180 calendar days of the date of the filing of the completed application, the commissioner shall not take any action against the applicant solely on the basis that the department has not granted the certificate of compliance.

(b) The department may take regulatory action against a MEWA pursuant to all applicable provisions of this code during the period beginning on the effective date of this act and ending on the date on which the MEWA is certified under this article, at which time the provisions of this article shall apply.