(a) The association is a party in interest in a proceeding involving a workers' compensation claim against an impaired employer whose compensation obligations have been paid or assumed by the association.
(b) The association has the same rights and defenses as the impaired employer, including the right to:
(1) appear, defend, or appeal a claim;
(2) receive notice of, investigate, adjust, compromise, settle, or pay a claim; and
(3) investigate, handle, or deny a claim.