State News : North Carolina

NWCDN is a network of law firms dedicated to protecting employers in workers’ compensation claims.


NWCDN Members regularly post articles and summary judgements in workers’ compensations law in your state.  


Select a state from the dropdown menu below to scroll through the state specific archives for updates and opinions on various workers’ compensation laws in your state.


Contact information for NWCDN members is also located on the state specific links in the event you have additional questions or your company is seeking a workers’ compensation lawyer in your state.


North Carolina

TEAGUE CAMPBELL DENNIS & GORHAM, LLP

  919-873-1814

As the state of North Carolina continues its efforts to combat the opioid crisis, the Rules Review Commission, part of the North Carolina Industrial Commission, approved nine rules regarding opioids, prescriptions, and pain management in workers’ compensation claims that go into effect today, May 1, 2018. The rules are specifically meant to address problems arising from the intersection of the opioid epidemic and workers’ compensation claims. They are also meant to ensure that injured workers are provided the services and care intended by the Workers’ Compensation Act and medical costs are adequately contained.

No letters of objection were received during the preliminary period. The Rules Review Commission made some minor technical changes; however, they did not change the substance. The final version of the rules can be found here. The Industrial Commission also adopted a Companion Guide that will assist in implementing and understanding these Rules. The Guide can be found here on the Opioid Rules Resource Page.

Please reach out to a member of our workers’ compensation team with any questions or to discuss this issue in more detail. Our team also released a brief overview of the content and potential implications of the Rules, which you can read here.