2.   As used in this act:

   "Board" means a small employer purchasing alliance board of directors provided for in section 4 of this act.

   "Carrier" means a small employer carrier as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17).

   "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance.

   "Dependent" means the same as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17).

   "Eligible employee" means the same as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17).

   "Eligible group of small employers" means a group of small employers which: (1) are engaged in the same or similar type of trade or business; (2) are members of a common trade association, professional association, or other association; or (3) are located in a common geographic area.

   "Health benefits plan" means a small employer health benefits plan approved by the commissioner pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-33).

   "Health status-related factor" means the same as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17).

   "Member" means a small employer who is a member of a purchasing alliance as provided for in section 3 of this act.

   "Small Employer Purchasing Alliance," "purchasing alliance" or "alliance" means a small employer purchasing alliance as established pursuant to section 3 of this act.

   "Small employer" means the same as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.162 (C.17B:27A-17).

   L.2001,c.225,s.2.