(a) A participating carrier, agent, broker, contractor, or producer of a participating carrier, or independent insurance agent, broker, contractor, or producer may not engage, directly or indirectly, in an activity or marketing practice that would encourage small employers or eligible enrollees to do any of the following:
(1) Refrain from enrolling in a health benefit plan offered through the purchasing alliance because of their health status, claims experience, industry, occupation, or geographic location within the service region.
(2) Seek coverage from other participating carriers because of their health status, claim experience, industry, occupation, or geographic location within the service region.
(3) Enroll or fail to enroll in the purchasing alliance because of their health status, claims experience, industry, occupation, or geographic location within the service region.
(b) In the event that an agent, broker, contractor, carrier, or producer of a participating carrier fails to abide by these provisions, they shall be subject to the penalties and fines described in Section 10718.