1. Insurer. “Insurer” means any insurer authorized to transact insurance in this State and any insurer authorized as a surplus lines insurer pursuant to chapter 19.

2. Physician’s employer. “Physician’s employer” means any hospital, health care facility, clinic or other entity that employs a physician and pays for or otherwise provides professional liability insurance for the physician.

2-A. Program. “Program” means the Rural Medical Access Program.

3. Self-insured. “Self-insured” means any physician, hospital or physician’s employer insured against the physician’s professional negligence or the hospital’s professional liability through any entity other than an insurer as defined in subsection 1. For purposes of this chapter, a physician, hospital or physician’s employer that does not purchase insurance is considered self-insured.