NAC: CHAPTER 645A - ESCROW AGENCIES AND AGENTS

[Rev. 11/6/2023 11:00:31 AM]

[NAC-645A Revised Date: 10-23]

CHAPTER 645A - ESCROW AGENCIES AND AGENTS

GENERAL PROVISIONS

645A.005 “Trust account” defined.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

645A.055 Definitions.

645A.060 “Approved course” defined; consideration by Commissioner of alternative sources of programs.

645A.065 “Hour of instruction” defined.

645A.070 Requirements for initial licensure.

645A.075 Requirements for continuing education.

645A.080 Course material for initial licensure and continuing education: Approved subjects.

645A.085 Approval of provider; appeal of denial of approval.

645A.090 Approval of provider: Notice of material change in information provided in application for approval; qualification for and denial of renewal of approval; waiver of requirements.

645A.095 Approval of individual courses; appeal of denial of approval; restricted attendance; policy of provider concerning cancellations and refunds; waiver of requirements.

645A.100 Annual approval and contents of courses; unacceptable courses.

645A.105 Prerequisites to approval of computer-based distance education course.

645A.110 Renewal of approval of approved courses; review and audit of approved courses and instructors by Commissioner.

645A.115 Withdrawal of approval of approved courses.

645A.120 Approved providers: Maintenance and availability of certain records; provision of tentative schedules and evidence of licensure to Commissioner.

645A.125 Approved providers: Misrepresentation in advertising prohibited.

645A.130 Providers of approved courses: Employment of instructors; miscellaneous duties and restrictions.

645A.135 Instructors: Requirements for and restrictions on approval; periodic review and evaluation; credit for continuing education; waiver of requirements.

645A.140 Instructors: Denial or withdrawal of approval; appeal of denial or withdrawal.

645A.145 Instructors: Duties.

645A.150 Evaluation of approved courses and instructors by students; provision of certificates of completion.

645A.155 Certificates of completion of approved courses: Prerequisites to receipt; review of denial.

645A.160 Credit for approved course of continuing education: Prerequisites to receipt.

LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT

645A.180 Application; qualifications; fingerprints; fees.

645A.185 Submission of additional information concerning application; approval or denial of application.

645A.190 Duties, restrictions, penalties, liabilities, conditions and limitations; expiration and renewal.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

645A.210 Surety bond: Requirements for deductible.

645A.215 Qualified employee: Designation and approval.

645A.220 General and miscellaneous standards of practice; noncompliance with certain provisions.

645A.230 Disclosure of certain relationships and affiliations.

645A.240 Disposition of money deposited in escrow.

645A.250 Deposit of money held in trust; maintenance and availability of certain records.

645A.260 Maintenance and provision of certain records in electronic format.

645A.270 Transfer of funds between escrow accounts.

645A.280 Semiannual activity report: Requirement; contents; review and certification by control person.

645A.290 Closure of principal or branch office.

SUPERVISION BY COMMISSIONER

645A.300 Fee for supervision and related activities: Amount; collection; failure to pay; accounting of time billed.

645A.305 Annual examination of escrow agencies: Rating of escrow agency upon completion of examination.

645A.310 Annual financial statement.

645A.315 Notification of Commissioner of certain claims, complaints and judgments.

ENFORCEMENT

645A.350 Orders to cease and desist from certain activities.

645A.355 Denial of application for license: Issuance; hearing.

645A.360 Imposition of disciplinary action; hearing on taking possession of property of escrow agency.

645A.365 Notice of and hearing on certain orders of Commissioner; entry of final order; appeal of final order taking disciplinary action.

645A.370 Hearings: Coordination and notice of time and location.

645A.375 Hearings: Continuances.

645A.380 Hearings: Representation of respondent.

645A.385 Hearings: Disclosure of exhibits and list of witnesses; limitations on discovery.

645A.390 Hearings: Motions.

645A.395 Hearings: Procedure.

645A.400 Hearings: Burden and standard of proof.

645A.405 Hearings: Rules of evidence; informality of proceedings.

645A.410 Hearings: Decision of hearing officer.

645A.415 Posthearing motions.

645A.420 Informal disposition of contested cases; consent and settlement agreements.

645A.425 Immunity from civil liability.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

645A.800 Confidentiality of records, reports and other information relating to certain investigations and examinations.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

NAC 645A.005 “Trust account” defined. (NRS 645A.050) As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “trust account” means an account held by an escrow agent or agency pursuant to NRS 645A.160.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, eff. 8-25-2004)

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

NAC 645A.055 Definitions. As used in NAC 645A.055 to 645A.160, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NAC 645A.060 and 645A.065 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Supplied in codification)

NAC 645A.060 “Approved course” defined; consideration by Commissioner of alternative sources of programs. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. “Approved course” means a course of education that has been approved by the Commissioner as a course for initial licensure or continuing education.

2. The Commissioner will consider for approval alternative sources of programs offered by providers if the Commissioner determines that a course covers a specialized area of practice.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.065 “Hour of instruction” defined. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050) “Hour of instruction” means 50 minutes of instruction or more.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.070 Requirements for initial licensure. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.050)

1. An applicant for an initial license as an escrow agent must complete at least 15 hours of instruction in the areas of instruction set forth in subsection 2. The instruction may be completed through live instruction in a classroom or through distance education.

2. The 15 hours of instruction required by subsection 1 must include:

(a) Three hours of professional ethics, which must include instruction on fraud and consumer protection;

(b) Four hours of Nevada law and regulations relating to escrow agencies or escrow agents, at least 2 hours of which must be related to this chapter and chapter 627 or 645A of NRS;

(c) Six hours of instruction relating to applicable federal law or regulations, the practical application of escrow processes or a specialized area of practice; and

(d) Two hours of electives.

3. An applicant for an initial license as an escrow agent must provide to the Commissioner one or more certificates of completion, in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner, indicating that the applicant has successfully completed the 15 hours of instruction required by this section. Certificates issued for all such courses must bear the name of the certifying organization.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, 4-20-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.075 Requirements for continuing education. (NRS 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A person licensed as an escrow agent shall complete, during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires, at least 10 hours of instruction in approved courses of continuing education.

2. The Commissioner will consider the appropriateness of alternative subject material for specialized areas of practice.

3. Of the hours of instruction required by subsection 1, a person licensed as an escrow agent must complete:

(a) Two hours of professional ethics, which must include instruction on fraud and consumer protection;

(b) Four hours of Nevada law and regulations relating to this chapter and chapter 627 or 645A of NRS or other Nevada or federal laws and regulations relating to escrow; and

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, 4-20-2010, eff. 1-1-2011; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.080 Course material for initial licensure and continuing education: Approved subjects. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050) The following subjects are approved as course material for initial licensure and continuing education:

1. Federal laws and regulations relating to escrow activities.

2. The provisions of Nevada state laws and regulations relating to mortgage lending or the activities of covered service providers or construction control.

3. The provisions of Nevada state laws and regulations relating to escrow activities, including, without limitation:

(a) This chapter or chapter 645A of NRS governing escrow agencies and escrow agents;

(b) Chapter 598D of NRS governing unfair lending practices;

(d) Chapter 106 of NRS governing real mortgages;

(e) Chapter 107 of NRS governing deeds of trust;

(f) Chapters 111, 112 and 113 of NRS and any other applicable laws governing contracts or agency;

(g) Chapter 108 of NRS governing statutory liens;

(h) Chapter 120A of NRS governing unclaimed property;

(i) Chapter 624 of NRS governing contractors; and

(j) Chapter 627 of NRS governing construction controls.

4. Practicable application, practices and information relating to the escrow, construction control or title industries.

5. Ethics and deceptive trade practices.

6. Any other subject approved by the Commissioner.

Ê As used in this section, “construction control” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 627.050.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.085 Approval of provider; appeal of denial of approval. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A provider that wishes to offer approved courses to meet the educational requirements for licensure or continuing education under this chapter and chapter 645A of NRS must apply to the Commissioner before offering any approved courses and annually thereafter on or before December 31 for approval on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. The application must include, without limitation:

(a) The name and address of the provider;

(b) The type of provider and a description of its facilities;

(c) Any information requested by the Commissioner concerning the ownership of the provider, including the business organization and the names and addresses of all directors, principals, officers and others having interests as owners;

(d) A list of the instructors;

(e) A list of the courses to be offered and a hard copy of course materials for each course;

(f) The allotment of time for each subject;

(g) A tentative schedule of courses;

(h) The titles, authors and publishers of all required textbooks;

(i) A copy of each examination to be used and the correct answer for each question;

(j) A statement of:

(1) The purpose of the provider;

(2) The fees to be charged;

(3) The days, times and locations of classes;

(4) The number of quizzes and examinations for each course;

(5) The grading systems, including the methods of testing and standards of grading for each course;

(6) The requirements for attendance; and

(7) The location of the students’ records;

(k) A statement as to whether the provider or any instructor employed by the provider has been disciplined by any governmental agency in this State or any other state; and

(l) A statement that educational courses will not be provided free of charge as an inducement for students or their employers to use the services of the provider for any activities related to escrow agencies.

2. The Commissioner may waive some or all of the requirements of this section for, and approve, a provider of courses which meet the requirements set forth in NAC 645A.080 and which are approved or offered by or through:

(a) A federal or state governmental agency; or

(b) A quasi-governmental agency, self-regulatory agency or professional organization, for prelicensing or continuing education.

3. If the application of the provider is denied, the provider may appeal the decision of the Commissioner to deny approval of the provider by filing an appeal with the Commissioner not later than 20 days after the date on which the denial or withdrawal of the approval of the provider becomes effective, and the provider will have a right to a hearing.

4. The Commissioner may recover costs and attorney’s fees from the provider related to a hearing in which the hearing officer affirms the denial or withdrawal of approval of a provider.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.090 Approval of provider: Notice of material change in information provided in application for approval; qualification for and denial of renewal of approval; waiver of requirements. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. Within 15 days after the occurrence of any material change in the information provided by a provider in its application pursuant to NAC 645A.085 which would affect its approval by the Commissioner, the provider shall give the Commissioner written notice of that change.

2. To qualify for annual renewal of approval by the Commissioner, a provider must submit to the Commissioner on or before December 31 of each year:

(a) A written certification, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner, declaring that the provider has met all applicable requirements of this chapter and chapter 645A of NRS; and

(b) A sworn statement, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner, declaring that the information contained in the original application is current or, if it is not current, a list of all material changes.

3. The Commissioner may deny renewal of approval to any provider that does not meet the standards required by this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS.

4. Within 60 days after a decision is made to deny the renewal of approval of a provider, the Commissioner will give written notice of the decision and the basis for that decision by certified mail to the last known address of the provider.

5. The Commissioner may waive some or all of the requirements of this section for a provider that is approved pursuant to subsection 2 of NAC 645A.085.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.095 Approval of individual courses; appeal of denial of approval; restricted attendance; policy of provider concerning cancellations and refunds; waiver of requirements. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A provider must submit an application for the approval of each course the provider intends to offer on a form provided by the Commissioner and include with the submission all applicable information prescribed by NAC 645A.085.

2. The Commissioner will not grant retroactive approval of a course.

3. If a course offered by a provider that is a professional organization has been approved for continuing education, the provider shall not restrict attendance at the course to only members of that organization.

4. Any advertising, promotional brochure or form for registration for an approved course must contain, in writing, the policy of the provider concerning cancellations and refunds.

5. If the application of the provider for a course is denied, the provider may appeal the decision of the Commissioner to deny approval of the provider’s course by filing an appeal with the Commissioner not later than 20 days after the date on which the denial of the approval of the provider’s course becomes effective, and the provider will have a right to a hearing.

6. The Commissioner has the right to be awarded and recover costs and attorney’s fees from the provider related to a hearing in which the hearing officer affirms the denial or withdrawal of approval of a course.

7. The Commissioner may waive some or all of the requirements of this section for a course which is offered by a provider that is approved pursuant to subsection 2 of NAC 645A.085.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.100 Annual approval and contents of courses; unacceptable courses. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A course must:

(a) Be approved annually by the Commissioner; and

(b) Relate to the subject matters prescribed by NAC 645A.080.

2. None of the following kinds of courses or activities will be accepted from a student as fulfillment of the education required for initial licensure or continuing education:

(a) Courses designed to develop or improve clerical, office or business skills that are not related to the subject matters listed in NAC 645A.080, including, without limitation, typing, shorthand, operation of business machines, the use of computers or computer software, improvement of memory, or writing of letters and reports;

(b) Business courses in advertising or psychology;

(d) A course for the development of instructors; or

(e) A meeting for the promotion of sales, a program of office training or other activity which is held as part of the general business of an escrow agency.

3. The Commissioner will not approve credit for more than 7 hours of instruction per day.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.105 Prerequisites to approval of computer-based distance education course. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050) A provider seeking approval of a computer-based distance education course must submit a complete copy of the course to the Commissioner in the medium to be used and, if requested, must make available, at a date and time satisfactory to the Commissioner and at the provider’s expense, all equipment and software necessary to enable the Commissioner to review the course. In the case of an Internet-based course, the provider shall provide the Commissioner access to the course via the Internet at no charge at a date and time satisfactory to the Commissioner.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.110 Renewal of approval of approved courses; review and audit of approved courses and instructors by Commissioner. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A provider must apply annually for the renewal of approval of a course on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. An application for renewal must be submitted to the Commissioner at least 5 weeks before the previous approval expires. If the provider does not timely submit the application for renewal, the provider must apply for an original approval as provided in NAC 645A.085.

2. Each approved course and instructor is subject to review and audit by the Commissioner. If the Commissioner conducts such a review or audit, the provider shall make available to the Commissioner all records and materials requested which are necessary to the review.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.115 Withdrawal of approval of approved courses. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. If the Commissioner determines, through an audit or otherwise, that an approved course does not meet the standards for such a course set forth in this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS, the Commissioner will notify the provider of the approved course of the intent to withdraw approval of the course. The notice must include the specific reasons upon which the Commissioner is basing the decision to withdraw approval of the course. Not later than 20 days after the date on which the provider receives the notice, the provider may provide a written response to the Commissioner that clearly sets forth the reasons why approval of the course should not be withdrawn and outlining any corrective measures that the provider will undertake. After the 20-day period has elapsed, the Commissioner will review the notice and any response submitted by the provider and:

(a) Withdraw approval of the course;

(b) Allow the course to remain approved if certain specific enumerated conditions are met; or

Ê If the Commissioner decides to withdraw approval of the course, the withdrawal of approval of the course becomes effective upon the mailing of the Commissioner’s decision to withdraw approval to the provider by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the provider’s last known business address.

2. If the Commissioner withdraws approval of a course, the Commissioner will give credit to a student for completing the course if the student began the course before the provider received written notice of the withdrawal of approval of the course.

3. The provider may appeal the decision of the Commissioner to withdraw approval of a course or an instructor of an approved course by filing an appeal with the Commissioner not later than 20 days after the date on which the withdrawal of the approval of the course becomes effective, and the provider is entitled to a hearing.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.120 Approved providers: Maintenance and availability of certain records; provision of tentative schedules and evidence of licensure to Commissioner. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. A provider approved by the Commissioner to offer courses to meet the requirements for licensure or continuing education under this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS shall:

(a) Maintain a record of each student’s attendance and certification in any of those courses for 4 years after the student’s enrollment and shall have such records open to inspection by the Commissioner, upon request, during the provider’s business hours.

(b) At least quarterly, provide to the Commissioner a tentative schedule of the courses to be offered by the provider.

2. A provider that is licensed to operate by the Commission on Postsecondary Education shall provide evidence of such licensure to the Commissioner.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.125 Approved providers: Misrepresentation in advertising prohibited. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050) A provider approved by the Commissioner shall not make any misrepresentation in its advertising about any approved course which it offers to fulfill requirements for licensing or continuing education under this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.130 Providers of approved courses: Employment of instructors; miscellaneous duties and restrictions. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050) A provider that conducts approved courses:

1. May employ as instructors of the approved courses only persons who meet the qualifications set forth in NAC 645A.135.

2. Shall limit guest lecturers who are experts in related fields, excluding Division personnel, to 25 percent of the total hours of instruction per approved course.

3. Shall include a statement that the provider is approved by the Commissioner on all advertisements of the provider.

4. Shall require each student to attend the entire approved course as a condition of receiving certification for the approved course.

5. Shall certify the completion of only the number of hours for which the approved course has been approved by the Commissioner. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 of NAC 645A.160, completion of a portion of an approved course does not satisfy the requirements for certification.

6. Shall update its course materials at least annually to reflect changes in the law and the marketplace.

7. Shall not allow a student to pass an approved course by taking an examination without having the required attendance. In addition, an owner, instructor, affiliate or other person associated with the provider may not take an examination administered by the provider to meet the requirements for initial licensure or continuing education under this chapter and chapter 645A of NRS.

8. Shall admit the Commissioner to audit and evaluate the presentation of the approved course without prior notice by the Commissioner or cost to the Commissioner.

9. Shall not present an approved course for the main purpose of selling products or services and shall limit the announcement of products or services during the approved course to not more than 1 minute for each credit hour.

10. Shall not provide, distribute, disseminate or otherwise make available to students the answers to examination questions.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.135 Instructors: Requirements for and restrictions on approval; periodic review and evaluation; credit for continuing education; waiver of requirements. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. An instructor must have written approval from the Commissioner before teaching an approved course. No retroactive approval for instructors will be granted.

2. An applicant for approval as an instructor must apply on a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

3. The Commissioner will not approve a person as an instructor if the person:

(a) Has been disciplined by the Commissioner:

(1) Within the immediately preceding 5 years; or

(2) More than one time; or

(b) Has been determined in an administrative or judicial proceeding to have violated any statute, rule, regulation or order pertaining to mortgage lending or real estate or the practice of covered service providers, foreclosure consultants, loan modification consultants or escrow agents in this State or any other state.

4. A person may be approved as an instructor to teach an approved course relating to his or her principal occupation if the person:

(a) Has:

(1) A bachelor’s degree or a more advanced degree, plus at least 2 years of full-time experience in the field in which the person will be providing instruction;

(2) Teaching experience of at least 75 hours in the field in which the person will be providing instruction within the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application for approval plus at least 3 years of full-time experience in that field;

(3) At least 6 years of full-time experience in the field, or a closely related field, in which the person will be providing instruction; or

(4) Any combination of at least 6 years of college-level course work and full-time experience in the field in which the person will be providing instruction;

(b) Has a good reputation for honesty, integrity and trustworthiness; and

(c) Submits to the Commissioner satisfactory documentation of the person’s qualifications and a resume outlining the person’s experience, education and teaching experience in the field in which the person will be providing instruction.

5. The Commissioner will periodically review and evaluate each approved instructor.

6. An approved instructor who is also licensed as an escrow agent may receive credit for the instructor’s own annual continuing education requirement at the rate of 2 hours of credit for every 1 hour taught.

7. The Commissioner may waive some or all of the requirements of this section for a person who is employed to be an instructor by a provider that is approved pursuant to subsection 2 of NAC 645A.085.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.140 Instructors: Denial or withdrawal of approval; appeal of denial or withdrawal. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. The Commissioner may deny or withdraw the approval of an instructor who:

(a) Does not meet the standards prescribed in NAC 645A.135;

(b) Does an inadequate job of teaching the subject matter of an approved course, as evidenced by student evaluations or an audit conducted by the Commissioner;

(c) Has been determined in any administrative or judicial proceeding to have violated any statute, rule, regulation or order pertaining to mortgage lending or real estate or the practice of covered service providers, foreclosure consultants, loan modification consultants or escrow agents;

(d) Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime involving fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or moral turpitude; or

(e) Engages in inappropriate behavior in the classroom as evidenced by an audit conducted by the Commissioner.

2. Before denying or withdrawing the approval of the instructor of an approved course, the Commissioner will notify the provider of the approved course of the Commissioner’s intent to deny or withdraw approval of the instructor. The notice must include the specific reasons upon which the Commissioner is basing the decision to deny or withdraw the approval of the instructor. Not later than 20 days after the date on which the provider receives the notice, the provider may provide a written response to the Commissioner that clearly sets forth the reasons why the approval of the instructor should not be denied or withdrawn and outlining any corrective measures that the provider will undertake. After the 20-day period has elapsed, the Commissioner will review the notice and any response submitted by the provider and will:

(a) Deny or withdraw the approval of the instructor;

(b) Approve the instructor or allow the instructor to remain approved if certain specific enumerated conditions are met; or

Ê If the Commissioner decides to deny or withdraw the approval of the instructor, the denial or withdrawal of approval of the instructor becomes effective upon the mailing of the Commissioner’s decision to the provider of the approved course taught or proposed to be taught by the instructor by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the provider’s last known business address.

3. If the Commissioner withdraws the approval of an instructor, the Commissioner will give credit to a student for completing the approved course if the student began the approved course before the provider received written notice of the withdrawal of approval of the instructor.

4. The instructor may appeal the decision of the Commissioner to deny or withdraw the approval of the instructor by filing an appeal with the Commissioner not later than 20 days after the date on which the denial or withdrawal of the approval of the instructor becomes effective, and the instructor will have the right to a hearing.

5. The Commissioner has the right to be awarded and recover costs and attorney’s fees from the instructor related to a hearing in which the hearing officer affirms the denial or withdrawal of approval of an instructor.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.145 Instructors: Duties. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. An instructor of an approved course shall ensure that:

(a) Class sessions are commenced in a timely manner and are conducted for the full amount of time that is approved; and

(b) Each approved course is taught according to the course plan and any instructor guide that was approved by the Commissioner, including the furnishing to students of appropriate student materials.

2. An instructor shall conduct himself or herself in a professional and courteous manner when performing instructional duties and shall conduct classes in a manner that demonstrates the following basic teaching skills:

(a) The ability to present instruction in a thorough, accurate, logical, orderly and understandable manner, to use illustrative examples as appropriate and to respond appropriately to questions from students;

(b) The ability to effectively use varied instructional techniques in addition to lectures, including, without limitation, class discussion, role-playing and other techniques;

(d) The ability to maintain an appropriate learning environment and effective control of a class; and

(e) The ability to interact with adult students in a positive manner that:

(1) Encourages students to learn;

(2) Demonstrates an understanding of varied student backgrounds;

(3) Avoids offending the sensibilities of students; and

(4) Avoids personal criticism of any other person, agency or organization.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.150 Evaluation of approved courses and instructors by students; provision of certificates of completion. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. Each approved course and each instructor of an approved course must be evaluated by students on a form prescribed by the Commissioner and provided by the provider during every course offering.

2. The instructor shall provide to each student who successfully completes an approved course a certificate of completion, in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner, indicating that the student has successfully completed the applicable number of hours of instruction which may be used to satisfy the requirements of NAC 645A.070 or 645A.075.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.155 Certificates of completion of approved courses: Prerequisites to receipt; review of denial. (NRS 645A.021, 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. To receive a certificate of completion for an approved course, a student must:

(a) Direct his or her attention to the instruction being provided and refrain from engaging in activities unrelated to the instruction;

(b) Refrain from engaging in activities which are distracting to other students or the instructor, or which otherwise disrupt the orderly conduct of a class, including, without limitation, the use of text messages, voice pagers, beepers, smartphones and cellular phones; and

(c) Not be absent from the classroom for more than 18 minutes per every 3 hours of instruction, not including break periods.

2. If an instructor denies the award of a certificate of completion to a student who fails to satisfy the conditions set forth in subsection 1, the student may, within 30 days after that denial, file a written request with the Commissioner to review the matter. If the written request contains allegations which, if true, would qualify the student to receive a certificate of completion, the Commissioner will set the matter for an informal hearing to be conducted as soon as practicable.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.160 Credit for approved course of continuing education: Prerequisites to receipt. (NRS 645A.039, 645A.050)

1. To receive credit for an approved course of continuing education, an escrow agent shall complete the course not more than 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license of the escrow agent expires.

2. An escrow agent must complete at least 90 percent of an approved course to receive credit for continuing education for that course.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT

NAC 645A.180 Application; qualifications; fingerprints; fees. (NRS 622.530, 645A.050) The Commissioner may issue a license by endorsement as an escrow agent or escrow agency to a natural person who holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States if the natural person:

1. Submits to the Commissioner all of the following:

(a) An application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner. The applicant shall include in the application his or her social security number.

(b) Proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that he or she:

(1) Holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States and has held such a license for a period of at least 5 continuous years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(2) Possesses qualifications that are equal to or substantially similar to the qualifications for issuance of a license as an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in this State, including, without limitation, proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that the applicant has successfully completed the education and training required for the issuance of the applicant’s license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States and that such education and training provided instruction that is, as determined by the Commissioner, equivalent to the instruction required for initial licensure pursuant to NAC 645A.055 to 645A.160, inclusive;

(3) Has at least 2 years of verifiable experience in the business of administering escrows, as defined in NRS 645A.010, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States within the 5 years immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted;

(4) Is a citizen of the United States or otherwise has the legal right to work in the United States;

(5) Has not been disciplined by the corresponding regulatory authority of the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States in which the applicant currently holds or has held a license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable;

(6) Has not been held civilly or criminally liable in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States for misconduct relating to his or her license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable;

(7) Has not had a license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, suspended or revoked in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States;

(8) Has not been refused a license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States for any reason; and

(9) Does not have pending any disciplinary action concerning his or her license to engage in the activities of an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States.

(c) A complete set of his or her fingerprints, submitted directly or through the Registry, and written permission authorizing the Commissioner to forward the fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report or proof that the applicant previously passed a comparable criminal background check within the 6 months immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted.

(d) The statement required by NRS 645A.025.

(e) If the applicant is applying for a license as an escrow agent, proof that the applicant is named as principal in any corporate surety bond deposited with the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 645A.041 by the escrow agency with whom he or she is associated or employed.

(f) If the applicant is applying for a license as an escrow agency:

(1) An audited financial statement that is prepared using the records of the activities of an escrow agency engaged in by the applicant in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States by a certified public accountant who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of public accounting;

(2) Proof satisfactory to the Commissioner that the applicant is in such financial condition that the applicant can continue in business with safety to his or her customers; and

(3) Proof that the applicant is named as a principal on a corporate surety bond deposited with the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 645A.041 that is in full force and effect and satisfies all of the requirements of NRS 645A.041 or that the applicant has deposited a substitute form of security pursuant to NRS 645A.042.

(g) An affidavit stating that the information contained in the application and any accompanying material is true and complete.

(h) Any other information required by the Commissioner.

2. Pays the fees to apply for and be issued a license as an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, as required by NRS 645A.040.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R177-18, eff. 6-26-2019)

NAC 645A.185 Submission of additional information concerning application; approval or denial of application. (NRS 622.530, 645A.050)

1. Not later than 21 business days after receiving an application for a license by endorsement as an escrow agent or escrow agency pursuant to NAC 645A.180, the Commissioner will provide written notice to the applicant of any additional information required by the Commissioner to consider the application. Unless the Commissioner denies the application pursuant to subsection 2, the Commissioner will approve the application and issue a license by endorsement as an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, to the applicant not later than:

(a) Sixty days after receiving the application;

(b) Fifteen days after the Commissioner receives the report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or proof that the applicant has previously passed a comparable criminal background check within the 6 months immediately preceding the date on which the application is submitted, as required by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NAC 645A.180; or

(c) If the application is for licensure as an escrow agency, 15 days after depositing with the Commissioner the corporate surety bond required by NRS 645A.041 or a substitute form of security pursuant to NRS 645A.042,

Ê whichever occurs latest.

2. The Commissioner may deny an application for licensure by endorsement submitted pursuant to NAC 645A.180 if:

(a) The applicant willfully fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NAC 645A.180;

(b) The report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicates that the applicant has been convicted of a crime that would be grounds for taking disciplinary action against the applicant as a licensee and the Commissioner has not previously taken disciplinary action against the applicant based on that conviction; or

(c) The Commissioner finds that he or she would have grounds to deny the application if the application was not an application for licensure by endorsement.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R177-18, eff. 6-26-2019)

NAC 645A.190 Duties, restrictions, penalties, liabilities, conditions and limitations; expiration and renewal. (NRS 622.530, 645A.050)

1. Except as otherwise provided in NAC 645A.180, a person who has been issued a license by endorsement as an escrow agent or escrow agency pursuant to NAC 645A.185 is subject to the same duties, restrictions, penalties, liabilities, conditions and limitations that would apply under the laws of this State to a person issued a license as an escrow agent or escrow agency, as applicable, who did not obtain his or her license by endorsement pursuant to NAC 645A.185.

2. A license by endorsement issued pursuant to NAC 645A.185 expires and is subject to renewal as provided by NRS 645A.040 on the same terms as a license which was not issued by endorsement.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R177-18, eff. 6-26-2019)

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

NAC 645A.210 Surety bond: Requirements for deductible. (NRS 645A.041, 645A.050) A surety bond required by NRS 645A.041 may contain a deductible if the escrow agency deposits with the Commissioner a surety bond or substitute form of security satisfactory to the Commissioner in the amount of the deductible.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.215 Qualified employee: Designation and approval. (NRS 645A.050, 645A.195)

1. An escrow agency shall designate a natural person to serve as the qualified employee for each office designated in a license issued to the escrow agency pursuant to chapter 645A of NRS.

2. A person may not be designated to serve as the qualified employee of an escrow agency unless the person:

(a) Is licensed in good standing as an escrow agent pursuant to chapter 645A of NRS;

(b) Has at least 2 years of verifiable experience in the business of administering escrows within the 5 years immediately preceding the designation;

(c) Is designated by the escrow agency to act on behalf of the escrow agency and to supervise and control the conduct of the business of the escrow agency and its escrow agents at the place of business;

(d) Is designated to serve as the qualified employee at only one place of business and will be present at that place of business for a majority of the hours that the office is open to the public; and

(e) Is approved by the Commissioner.

3. If the person designated pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 subsequently becomes ineligible or is discovered to be ineligible because the person does not meet the requirements set forth in subsection 2, or is not approved by the Commissioner, within 30 days after the discovery of ineligibility or disapproval, the escrow agency shall:

(a) Provide written notification to the Commissioner, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner; and

(b) Pursuant to the requirements of this section, designate another natural person to serve as the qualified employee.

4. As used in this section and NRS 645A.195, “qualified employee” means a licensed escrow agent who is designated by an escrow agency and approved by the Commissioner pursuant to this section to act on behalf of the escrow agency and to supervise and control the business of administering escrows at an office designated in a license issued to the escrow agency.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R070-16, eff. 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.220 General and miscellaneous standards of practice; noncompliance with certain provisions. (NRS 645A.050)

1. Each escrow agent and agency shall conduct the business of the escrow agency openly, fairly and honestly, and shall at all times conform to the accepted business ethics and practices of the escrow agency business.

2. Each escrow agent and agency shall act without partiality to any of the parties to an escrow transaction.

3. If an escrow agency maintains a trust account, the trust account must at all times contain sufficient money to pay all money due or owing to all clients. An escrow agency shall not make a disbursement from the account unless authorized to make a disbursement by:

(a) Escrow instructions; or

(b) An agreement between the parties to the transaction that the escrow agency may periodically withdraw money from the account to pay for services performed for the client.

4. Each escrow agency that maintains a trust account shall keep a record of all money deposited in the account. These records are subject to inspection by the Commissioner or his or her authorized representative and must include, without limitation:

(a) The name of the person who sent the money to the escrow agency;

(b) The account in which the money was deposited;

(d) The date the money was received;

(e) The date the money was deposited into the account;

(f) The date of each withdrawal from the account;

(g) The name of each person to whom money was disbursed; and

(h) Any other pertinent information concerning the account, including, without limitation, escrow instructions.

5. If an escrow for the sale of real property is established, the holder of the escrow shall, on the date of establishment of the escrow, record in writing the number and the date of expiration of the license issued pursuant to chapter 624 of NRS of any contractor who will be paid from money held in the escrow. The holder of the escrow is not required to verify independently the validity of the number of the license.

6. An escrow agency or agent shall post in the records of the escrow any receipt or disbursement of money as of the date of that receipt or disbursement, regardless of the date of the act of posting.

7. Upon receipt of a request in writing from the Commissioner or from a person who deposited a document, money or property into escrow, an escrow agency shall account to the requestor for that document, money or property held in trust and shall provide a written receipt for any deposit into escrow if requested by the person making the deposit. An escrow agency may provide a receipt of deposit electronically.

8. All written escrow instructions and all escrow instructions transmitted electronically via the Internet must be dated.

9. An escrow agency shall not accept any change to escrow instructions, or to amended or supplemental escrow instructions, unless the change is signed or initialed by all persons who signed or initialed the escrow instructions before the change was presented.

10. An escrow agency shall deliver a copy of the escrow instructions or a change to the escrow instructions to the person executing the instructions or change to the instructions at the time of execution.

11. An escrow agency shall use documents, money or other property deposited in escrow only in accordance with the written escrow instructions of the principals to the escrow or, if not otherwise directed by written or electronically executed instructions, in accordance with sound escrow practice, or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

12. An escrow agency shall not record or deliver for recording any instrument which purports to transfer a person’s title to or interest in real property without first obtaining that person’s written consent to the recording or delivery.

13. Upon close of escrow, an escrow agency shall deliver to each principal in the transaction a written statement of all receipts and disbursements applicable to him or her, identifying the person to whom any such disbursement was made.

14. An escrow agency shall file with the Commissioner a copy of any document:

(a) Affecting the escrow agency; and

(b) Filed by the escrow agency with the Secretary of State,

Ê which has not been previously filed with the Commissioner.

15. If the Commissioner determines that an escrow agency has not complied with the provisions of subsections 2 to 14, inclusive, the Commissioner may require the escrow agency to deliver an audited financial statement that is prepared, using the records of the escrow agency, by a certified public accountant who holds a certificate to engage in the practice of public accounting in this State. Unless a later date is set in writing by the Commissioner, the financial statement must be submitted to the Commissioner not later than 60 days after the Commissioner requests the financial statement from the escrow agency.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, eff. 8-25-2004; A by R143-08, 4-20-2010; R070-16, 1-27-2017)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 645A.050)

NAC 645A.230 Disclosure of certain relationships and affiliations. (NRS 645A.050)

1. If an escrow agency, escrow agent, relative of an escrow agent or a company related to or affiliated with the escrow agency or the escrow agent is a principal to an escrow transaction or is acting or has acted as a contractor, mortgage broker, mortgage agent, loan modification consultant, foreclosure consultant, covered service provider, real estate broker or real estate salesperson in relation to an escrow transaction, the escrow agency or escrow agent must, before being employed as the escrow agency or escrow agent in connection with the transaction, disclose in writing to all parties to the escrow transaction that relationship or affiliation. The disclosure must be printed in at least 12-point bold type on a form prescribed by the Division.

2. For purposes of this section, “relative” means a spouse or any other person who is related by blood, adoption or marriage, within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.240 Disposition of money deposited in escrow. (NRS 645A.050) Except as otherwise provided in any written escrow instructions or an escrow agreement, each escrow agent or agency shall:

1. Hold all money deposited in escrow with the agent or agency in trust for the person on whose behalf the deposit is made; and

2. Upon the request of the person on whose behalf the deposit was made, return all money deposited in escrow with the agent or agency.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, eff. 8-25-2004)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 645A.020)

NAC 645A.250 Deposit of money held in trust; maintenance and availability of certain records. (NRS 645A.050, 645A.070, 645A.160)

1. Each escrow agency shall:

(a) Deposit all money held in trust by the escrow agency into a trust account in a financial institution pursuant to NRS 645A.160;

(b) Deposit all money held in trust by the escrow agency into the trust account on or before the close of the next business day after receipt of that money unless otherwise instructed in written instructions between the parties;

(d) Verify with the financial institution that the money deposited in the trust account is insured to the maximum amount permitted by federal law for accounts held as trust accounts.

2. Pursuant to NRS 645A.070, each escrow agency shall maintain, for a period of at least 6 years after final disposition of an escrow transaction:

(a) All records of the transaction, including, without limitation, checkbooks, cancelled checks, check stubs, vouchers, ledgers, journals, closing statements, accountings and other statements of disbursements rendered to a client or other party with regard to the trust account; and

(b) Any records that are related to the trust account which clearly reflect the date, amount, source and explanation for any receipt, withdrawal, delivery or disbursement of the funds or other property of a client with regard to the trust account.

3. The records maintained pursuant to subsection 2 must be:

(a) Prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

(b) Available for inspection by the Division, upon its request.

4. For the purposes of this section, “financial institution” includes any federally insured bank, savings and loan association, credit union, savings bank and any other federally insured institution located in this State that accepts for deposit funds held in trust by escrow agents and agencies.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, eff. 8-25-2004; A by R143-08, 4-20-2010)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 645A.030)

NAC 645A.260 Maintenance and provision of certain records in electronic format. (NRS 645A.050, 645A.070) The records required by NAC 645A.250 may be maintained by an escrow agency pursuant to NAC 645A.250 and provided to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner in an electronic format if:

1. The records are maintained and provided in a software format acceptable to the Commissioner that allows the Commissioner or an authorized representative complete access to all records;

2. The escrow agency ensures that the Commissioner or an authorized representative has the ability to download and print any or all of the records maintained in an electronic format;

3. The escrow agency provides in printed form any or all of the records maintained in an electronic format:

(a) If the electronic records are not maintained in a format that enables the Commissioner or an authorized representative to determine if the escrow agency is complying with the provisions of chapter 645A of NRS or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or

(b) Upon the request of the Commissioner or an authorized representative; and

4. The records are maintained on a media that:

(a) Is not erasable;

(b) Does not allow changes to a document stored on the media;

(c) Is consistent with the minimum standards of quality approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the Association for Information and Image Management; and

(d) Contains written authentication identifying the electronic record as an exact, unaltered copy of the document which the record purports to be.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.270 Transfer of funds between escrow accounts. (NRS 645A.050)

1. A transfer of funds between escrow accounts may not be accomplished by the making of book entries alone but must be accomplished by:

(a) The wire transfer or writing of a check from one escrow account to the other; and

(b) The deposit of a check or wire transfer or other form of authorized transfer that is acceptable to the depository institution for the account of, and the writing or electronic generation of a receipt for, the escrow account to which the funds are being transferred.

2. A transfer between escrow accounts must be properly supported and documented in the escrow records including, without limitation, the reasons for and the appropriate approval of the transfer.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.280 Semiannual activity report: Requirement; contents; review and certification by control person. (NRS 645A.050)

1. Each escrow agency shall file with the Commissioner a semiannual activity report on a date and in a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

2. The semiannual activity report must include:

(a) Information concerning the operations of the escrow agency, including the number of escrow transactions conducted by the escrow agency and the total dollar volume of those transactions;

(b) Information concerning the administration of trust accounts;

(d) Other documents in support of the activity report as required by the Commissioner.

3. The activity report required pursuant to this section must be reviewed and certified by a control person of the escrow agency.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R070-16, eff. 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.290 Closure of principal or branch office. (NRS 645A.050)

1. An escrow agency may not close its principal office or a branch office until:

(a) The escrow agency has:

(1) Returned its original license; and

(2) Submitted to the Commissioner a request for approval of the closure of the office pursuant to subsection 2; and

(b) The Commissioner has approved the closure.

2. A request for approval of the closure of the principal office or a branch office of an escrow agency must include:

(a) The status of any incomplete escrow agreements and the manner in which they will be finalized;

(b) An accounting and reconciliation of any trust account maintained by the escrow agency and the plan for distribution of the money in the account;

(c) If any escrow agent associated with or employed by the escrow agency has been terminated from such association or employment, notice of that termination pursuant to NRS 645A.196; and

(d) The location where records of the office will be maintained and the name, telephone number and mailing address of the custodian who will be responsible for the maintenance of the records.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R070-16, eff. 1-27-2017)

SUPERVISION BY COMMISSIONER

NAC 645A.300 Fee for supervision and related activities: Amount; collection; failure to pay; accounting of time billed. (NRS 645A.050, 645A.065)

1. The Commissioner will charge and collect a fee of $60 per hour from each escrow agency for any supervision, examination, audit, investigation or hearing conducted pursuant to chapter 645A of NRS.

2. The Commissioner will bill each escrow agency upon the completion of the activity for the fee established in subsection 1. The fee must be paid within 30 days after the date the bill is received. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any payment received after that date must include a penalty of 10 percent of the fee plus an additional 1 percent of the fee for each month, or portion of a month, that the fee is not paid. The Commissioner may waive the penalty for good cause.

3. The failure of an escrow agency to pay the fee required in subsection 1 as provided in this section constitutes grounds for revocation of its license.

4. Upon written request by an escrow agency, the Division must provide an accounting of the time billed to the escrow agency pursuant to this section.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Financial Institutions, eff. 5-27-92; A by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, 8-25-2004)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 645A.010)

NAC 645A.305 Annual examination of escrow agencies: Rating of escrow agency upon completion of examination. (NRS 645A.050) Upon completion of an examination of an escrow agency pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 645A.050, the examiner shall, in a report of findings, rate the escrow agency on a scale of “1” to “5,” as follows:

1. A rating of “1” indicates that the escrow agency and the management of the escrow agency have demonstrated a high degree of compliance with applicable laws and regulations. A rating of “1” may be given if there is a minor violation or deficiency but only if:

(a) The escrow agency acted to correct the violation or deficiency immediately; and

(b) The remedial action taken by the escrow agency is likely to prevent future violations or deficiencies.

2. A rating of “2” indicates that the escrow agency and the management of the escrow agency have demonstrated substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that the escrow agency can correct any violations or deficiencies noted in the report made by the examiner with a minimum of regulatory supervision. A rating of “2” may be given if there is more than one minor violation or deficiency but only if:

(a) The escrow agency acted to correct the violations or deficiencies immediately; and

(b) The remedial action taken by the escrow agency is likely to prevent future violations or deficiencies.

3. A rating of “3” indicates that the escrow agency and the management of the escrow agency have demonstrated less than satisfactory compliance with applicable laws and regulations. A rating of “3” may result in regulatory supervision for the correction of the violations and deficiencies noted in the report made by the examiner. A rating of “3” may be given if there were minor violations or deficiencies from a previous examination that were not corrected.

4. A rating of “4” indicates that the escrow agency and the management of the escrow agency have demonstrated a substantial lack of compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that immediate remedial action is required for the correction of the violations and deficiencies noted in the report made by the examiner. A rating of “4” may result in the escrow agency being subject to close regulatory supervision. Disciplinary action may be warranted to cause remedial action pursuant to NRS 645A.090.

5. A rating of “5” indicates that the escrow agency and the management of the escrow agency have demonstrated a serious and material lack of compliance with applicable laws and regulations. A rating of “5” may result in immediate remedial action for the correction of the violations and deficiencies noted in the report made by the examiner. Remedies may include, without limitation:

(a) Action by the Commissioner to take possession of the property, business and assets of the escrow agency pursuant to NRS 645A.140; and

(b) Disciplinary action pursuant to NRS 645A.090.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.310 Annual financial statement. (NRS 645A.050, 645A.070)

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an escrow agency shall submit to the Commissioner, not later than 120 days after the last day of each fiscal year of the escrow agency, a financial statement that:

(a) Is dated not earlier than the last day of the fiscal year of the escrow agency; and

(b) Has been prepared based on the books and records of the escrow agency by an independent public accountant who has a valid permit to engage in the practice of public accounting in this State.

2. The Commissioner may grant a reasonable extension of time for the submission of a financial statement required pursuant to this section if an escrow agency requests an extension not later than 90 days after the last day of the fiscal year of the escrow agency.

3. If an escrow agency maintains a trust account pursuant to NRS 645A.160, the financial statement submitted pursuant to this section must be reviewed by an independent public accountant before it is submitted to the Commissioner. The review must be consistent with the standards set out in sections 400 to 408, inclusive, of the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

4. The Commissioner may make available an approved format and sample content for the financial statement required by this section. If the Commissioner makes available such an approved format, an escrow agency must submit the financial statement in substantially the same format as that made available by the Commissioner.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R086-04, eff. 8-25-2004; A by R143-08, 4-20-2010; R070-16, 1-27-2017)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 645A.040)

NAC 645A.315 Notification of Commissioner of certain claims, complaints and judgments. (NRS 645A.050) An escrow agency shall notify the Commissioner in writing immediately after:

1. The filing of a claim upon the surety bond required by NRS 645A.041.

2. The entry of a money judgment in a civil action against the escrow agency or any of its escrow agents.

3. The filing of a criminal complaint against the escrow agency, an escrow agent, or any officer, director or employee of the escrow agency.

4. The entry of a judgment in a criminal action against the escrow agency, an escrow agent, or any officer, director or employee of the escrow agency.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

ENFORCEMENT

NAC 645A.350 Orders to cease and desist from certain activities. (NRS 645A.050)

1. If a person engages in an activity in violation of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS or an order of the Commissioner, the Commissioner may issue an order to the person directing the person to cease and desist from engaging in the activity.

2. The order to cease and desist must be in writing and must state that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the person has engaged in an activity:

(a) For which the person has not received a license as required by this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS; or

(b) In a manner that violates the provisions of this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS or an order of the Commissioner.

3. A person who receives an order to cease and desist pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity governed by this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS after receiving the order unless the order is suspended or rescinded.

4. Not later than 20 calendar days after receiving an order pursuant to this section, the person who receives the order may file a verified petition with the Commissioner to request a hearing. Upon receipt of the verified petition, the Commissioner may, for good cause shown, suspend the order pending the hearing. The Commissioner will hold the hearing on a date not later than 30 calendar days after the date the petition is filed unless the Commissioner and the person agree to another date. The order to cease and desist is rescinded if the Commissioner fails to:

(a) Hold a hearing:

(1) Not later than 30 calendar days after the date the petition is filed; or

(2) On a date agreed to by the Commissioner and the person; or

(b) Render a written decision within 45 days after the date the hearing is concluded.

5. The decision of the Commissioner after a hearing is a final decision of the Commissioner for the purposes of judicial review.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.355 Denial of application for license: Issuance; hearing. (NRS 645A.050)

1. The Commissioner may issue the denial of any application for a license.

2. Upon receipt of a denial of an application, the applicant must request a hearing within 20 days after receipt of the notice, or the Commissioner will issue a final order denying licensure.

3. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing pursuant to subsection 2, the Commissioner may designate a person to serve as a hearing officer and a hearing must be set as promptly as possible.

4. Each party to any hearing held pursuant to this section shall, not later than 10 days before the hearing, provide to the opposing party and to the hearing officer all documents anticipated to be used at the hearing. No other discovery is allowed.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.360 Imposition of disciplinary action; hearing on taking possession of property of escrow agency. (NRS 645A.050)

1. If an escrow agency or escrow agent violates any provision of NRS 645A.090 and the escrow agency or escrow agent fails, without reasonable cause, to remedy the violation within 20 business days after being ordered by the Commissioner to do so or within such later time as prescribed by the Commissioner, or if the Commissioner orders an escrow agency or escrow agent to provide information, make a report or permit an examination of the books or affairs of the escrow agency or escrow agent pursuant to this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS and the escrow agency or escrow agent fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the order within 20 business days or within such later time as prescribed by the Commissioner, the Commissioner may:

(a) Suspend or revoke the license of the escrow agency or escrow agent; and

(b) Conduct a hearing to determine whether the escrow agency is conducting business in an unsafe and injurious manner that may result in danger to the public and whether it is necessary for the Commissioner to take possession of the property of the escrow agency pursuant to NRS 645A.140.

2. In no case is a licensee entitled to a hearing for the imposition of disciplinary action by the Commissioner, unless, within 20 days after receiving a written notice, the licensee requests a hearing from the Commissioner in the manner set forth in the written notice from the Commissioner.

3. If the licensee fails to timely request a hearing, the Commissioner will enter a final order imposing disciplinary action as set forth in the notice sent to the licensee.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.365 Notice of and hearing on certain orders of Commissioner; entry of final order; appeal of final order taking disciplinary action. (NRS 645A.050)

1. If the Commissioner enters an order taking any disciplinary action against a person, denying a person’s application for a license, denying a provider the right to teach approved courses, denying the approval of a provider’s course or denying the right of an instructor of a provider to teach an approved course or approved courses, the Commissioner will cause a written notice of the order to be served personally or sent by certified mail or telegram to the person.

2. Unless a hearing has already been conducted concerning the matter, the person, upon application, is entitled to a hearing. If the person does not make such an application within 20 days after the date of the initial order, the Commissioner will enter a final order concerning the matter.

3. A person may appeal a final order of the Commissioner taking any disciplinary action against the person in accordance with the provisions of chapter 233B of NRS that apply to a contested case.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.370 Hearings: Coordination and notice of time and location. (NRS 645A.050) The hearing officer shall:

1. Attempt to coordinate the time and location of the hearing with the parties before setting the matter; and

2. Advise the Commissioner in writing of the time and location of the hearing in such a manner as to allow the Commissioner to comply with the notice requirements of NRS 233B.121.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.375 Hearings: Continuances. (NRS 645A.050)

1. The time of a hearing may be continued by the hearing officer upon the written petition of a party only for good cause shown.

2. The party requesting a continuance shall serve the written petition upon the opposing party at the time that the request is made, and the opposing party may file an objection to the request for a continuance within 3 days after receipt of the written petition.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.380 Hearings: Representation of respondent. (NRS 645A.050) A respondent may represent himself or herself at the hearing or be represented by an attorney.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.385 Hearings: Disclosure of exhibits and list of witnesses; limitations on discovery. (NRS 645A.050)

1. If a hearing has been requested in a timely manner as set forth in this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS, each party shall provide to the opposing party and to the hearing officer, not less than 10 days before a hearing, a copy of all papers, records, data or documents expected to be used as exhibits at the hearing and a list of witnesses expected to testify at the hearing. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a party from calling a rebuttal witness or offering other rebuttal evidence which has not been disclosed if allowed by the hearing officer. The filing of a motion does not toll the time for providing information and documentation to an opposing party.

2. Not less than 10 days before a hearing, each party shall provide to the hearing officer a copy of all papers, records, data or documents expected to be used as exhibits at the hearing and a list of witnesses expected to testify at the hearing.

3. If a party fails to provide any document required to be provided by the provisions of this section, the hearing officer may exclude the document.

4. Neither party may serve interrogatories on the other party or conduct depositions, and neither party may engage in any other discovery unless otherwise required by law and allowed by the hearing officer.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.390 Hearings: Motions. (NRS 645A.050)

1. All motions, unless made to exclude a witness, must be in writing.

2. A written motion must be served on the opposing party and the hearing officer at least 15 days before the time set for the hearing on the motion unless good cause is shown to the hearing officer.

3. An opposing party may file a written response to a motion at least 7 days before the time set for the hearing on the motion by serving the written response on all parties and the hearing officer.

4. No motion for summary judgment will be allowed.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.395 Hearings: Procedure. (NRS 645A.050)

1. The hearing officer shall:

(a) Ascertain whether all persons ordered to appear under subpoena are present and whether all documents, books, records and other evidence under subpoena are present in the hearing room.

(b) Administer the oath to all persons whose testimony will be taken as follows:

Do you and each of you solemnly swear or affirm to tell the truth and nothing but the truth in these proceedings?

(c) Ascertain whether either party desires to have a witness excluded from the hearing room until the witness is called. A witness may be excluded upon the motion of the hearing officer or upon the motion of either party. If a witness is excluded, the witness will be instructed not to discuss the case during the pendency of the proceeding. The respondent will be allowed to remain present at the hearing. The Commissioner may designate a person who is a member of the staff of the Division and who may also be a witness to act as its representative. Such a representative will be allowed to remain present at the hearing.

(d) Ascertain whether a copy of the complaint or decision to deny has been filed and whether an answer has been filed as part of the record in the proceedings.

(e) Hear any preliminary motions, stipulations or orders upon which the parties agree and address any administrative details.

(f) Request the Division to proceed with the presentation of its case.

2. Parties may waive opening and closing statements.

3. The respondent may cross-examine witnesses in the order that the Division presents them.

4. Witnesses or counsel may be questioned by the hearing officer at any time during the proceeding.

5. Evidence which is to be introduced or which is used by a witness:

(a) Must first be marked for identification; and

(b) May be received by the hearing officer at any point during the proceeding.

6. When the Division has completed its presentation, the hearing officer shall request the respondent to proceed with the introduction of evidence and calling of witnesses on the respondent’s behalf.

7. The Division may cross-examine witnesses in the order that the respondent presents them.

8. When the respondent has completed his or her presentation, the Division may call any rebuttal witnesses.

9. When all testimony for the Division and respondent has been given and all evidence has been submitted, the hearing officer may request the Division and the respondent to summarize their presentations.

10. The hearing officer may, in his or her discretion, waive or modify any provision of this section if necessary to expedite or ensure the fairness of the hearing.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.400 Hearings: Burden and standard of proof. (NRS 645A.050) The Division has the burden of proof in any hearing pursuant to this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS. The standard of proof in such a hearing is a preponderance of the evidence.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010; A by R070-16, 1-27-2017)

NAC 645A.405 Hearings: Rules of evidence; informality of proceedings. (NRS 645A.050)

1. In conducting any hearing, the hearing officer is not bound by the technical rules of evidence, and any informality in any proceeding or in the manner of taking testimony does not invalidate any order or decision of the hearing officer. The rules of evidence of courts of this State will be followed generally but may be relaxed at the discretion of the hearing officer if deviation from the technical rules of evidence will aid in determining the facts.

2. Any evidence offered at a hearing must be material and relevant to the issues of the hearing.

3. Sworn declarations may be introduced in lieu of testimony if a witness resides outside the State of Nevada.

4. The hearing officer may exclude inadmissible, incompetent, repetitious or irrelevant evidence or order that the presentation of that evidence be discontinued.

5. A party who objects to the introduction of evidence shall briefly state the grounds of the objection at the time the evidence is offered. The party who offers the evidence may present a rebuttal argument to the objection.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.410 Hearings: Decision of hearing officer. (NRS 645A.050) The hearing officer shall issue and serve upon all parties, personally or by certified mail, a written decision meeting the requirements of NRS 233B.125 within 30 days after the close of the hearing.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.415 Posthearing motions. (NRS 645A.050)

1. A party may file a posthearing motion only to request a rehearing or to request a modification of the discipline, fine, costs or attorney’s fees imposed against a respondent.

2. Any posthearing motion must be filed within 15 days after service of the decision by the hearing officer.

3. The opposing party may file an opposition within 10 days after a posthearing motion is filed, and the moving party may file a final reply within 5 days after an opposition is filed.

4. The hearing officer shall issue and serve upon all parties, personally or by certified mail, a written decision on any posthearing motion within 30 days after the posthearing motion is filed.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.420 Informal disposition of contested cases; consent and settlement agreements. (NRS 645A.050)

1. The provisions of this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS do not affect or limit the authority of the Commissioner, at any stage of a contested case, to make an informal disposition of the contested case pursuant to subsection 5 of NRS 233B.121 or to enter into a consent or settlement agreement pursuant to NRS 622.330.

2. Any action taken by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection 1:

(a) Is not subject to approval by the hearing officer; and

(b) May have its terms placed into the record at the discretion of the Commissioner.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

NAC 645A.425 Immunity from civil liability. (NRS 645A.050)

1. A person who provides a governmental entity, officer or employee with any information relating to a contested case is immune from any civil liability for providing that information if the person acted in good faith and without malicious intent.

2. A governmental entity, officer or employee is immune from any civil liability for:

(a) Any decision or action taken in good faith and without malicious intent in carrying out the provisions of this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS or any law or regulation governing occupational licensing; or

(b) Communicating or cooperating with or providing any documents or other information to any other governmental entity, officer or employee conducting an investigation, disciplinary proceeding or civil or criminal prosecution.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R143-08, eff. 4-20-2010)

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

NAC 645A.800 Confidentiality of records, reports and other information relating to certain investigations and examinations. (NRS 645A.050)

1. Any record or report prepared or received by the Division concerning the credit history, criminal history or background of a control person or an escrow agent related to an investigation conducted pursuant to NRS 645A.020 is confidential and must not be disclosed to the public except pursuant to a court order or a disciplinary hearing conducted pursuant to this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS.

2. Any information obtained during the course of an examination or investigation conducted pursuant to this chapter or chapter 645A of NRS is confidential and must not be available for public inspection or copying, or divulged to any person, except:

(a) To the Attorney General.

(b) To a regulatory agency.

(d) To a law enforcement official.

(e) In connection with an enforcement action brought pursuant to this chapter, chapter 645A of NRS or other law or regulation.

(Added to NAC by Comm’r of Mortgage Lending by R070-16, eff. 1-27-2017)