As used in the Group Benefits Act:
A. "committee" means the group benefits committee;
B. "director" means the director of the state health benefits division of the health care authority;
C. "employee" means a salaried officer, employee or legislator of the state; a salaried officer or an employee of a local public body; or an elected or appointed supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;
D. "local public body" means any New Mexico municipality, county or school district;
E. "professional claims administrator" means any person or legal entity that has at least five years of experience handling group benefits claims, as well as such other qualifications as the director may determine from time to time with the committee's advice;
F. "small employer" means a person having for-profit or nonprofit status that employs an average of fifty or fewer persons over a twelve-month period; and
G. "state" or "state agency" means the state of New Mexico or any of its branches, agencies, departments, boards, instrumentalities or institutions.