WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 -- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners issued the following news release:

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is currently accepting applications for the 2013 Consumer Liaison Program.

Established in 1992, the Consumer Liaison Program promotes consumer representation and interaction with NAIC members by providing funding for qualified representatives to participate in NAIC meetings.

"Now in its 20th year, the NAIC's Consumer Liaison Program has been a vital and long-standing part of our consumer protection objectives," said Kevin M. McCarty, NAIC President and Florida Insurance Commissioner. "The representatives provide a valuable consumer perspective to our discussions. All individuals who are interested in taking on this unique opportunity to help improve the regulatory system are encouraged to apply."

The NAIC defines a consumer organization as a national, state, or local organization that serves to protect the interests of consumers as they relate to the regulation of insurance. In order to qualify for such funding, an individual candidate must:

* Commit to representing consumer interests in insurance regulation;

* Represent a non-profit organization;

* Fully participate in NAIC national meetings and related conference calls;

* Demonstrate expertise and experience on insurance-related issues addressed by the NAIC;

* Be free of obligations or commitments to an industry that conflict with his/her responsibilities to represent consumer interests; and

* Require NAIC funding in order to fully participate in NAIC national meetings and conference calls.

Individuals who represent consumer organizations which do not want or need to request funding can apply for an unfunded consumer representative position.

The application deadline is Oct. 31, 2012. All applicants are required to complete the application and attach all documents requested. Applicants will be notified in mid-December of 2012 regarding their selection as funded or unfunded consumer representatives.

Click HERE (http://www.naic.org/consumer_participation.htm) for additional information about the NAIC's Consumer Liaison Program and the application process for either a funded or unfunded consumer representative.

TNS mv45 120901-4010901 61MarlynVitin