(a) Unless the program is exempt under subsection (b) of this Code section, no administrator, person, corporation, or business entity shall offer, operate, or administer a program in this state unless that program has been submitted to the Commissioner, in a manner provided by the Commissioner, and is approved by the Commissioner as complying with the requirements of this article.

(b)(1) A program contract existing immediately prior to January 1, 1984, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article but shall not be renewed or otherwise extended beyond its renewal or expiration date, respectively, as specified immediately prior to January 1, 1984, unless the program under the renewed or extended contract is approved by the Commissioner under subsection (a) of this Code section, except that if no such expiration or renewal date is provided in that program contract, the program contract shall be submitted not later than March 1, 1984, to the Commissioner for approval.

(2) A program providing pharmaceuticals pursuant to Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, the "Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977," shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.

(3) A policy or plan regulated under Title 33, relating to insurance, which does not include or utilize a third-party prescription program or contract shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.

(c) A program approved by the Commissioner may have that approval revoked or suspended if it fails to meet any requirements therefor specified in this article or if it fails to be administered in conformity with those requirements.

(d) Disapproval or revocation or suspension of approval of a program by the Commissioner shall constitute a contested case for purposes of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act."