North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 11 - INSURANCE
Chapter 23 - INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Subchapter M - RULES FOR THE UTILIZATION OF OPIOIDS, RELATED PRESCRIPTIONS, AND PAIN MANAGEMENT TREATMENT IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Section .0100 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 23M .0101 - PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY OF THE RULES

(a) The rules in this Subchapter address the utilization of opioids, related prescriptions, and pain management treatment in all claims arising under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act. However, Section .0200 of this Subchapter shall not apply to claims in which the employee received treatment with a targeted controlled substance for more than 12 consecutive weeks immediately preceding the effective date of the rules.

(b) The rules in this Subchapter apply to the prescription of targeted controlled substances as defined in Rule .0102 of this Section and the prescription of other modalities of pain management treatment for the outpatient treatment of non-cancer pain in claims in which the employer is providing medical compensation pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act. The rules in this Subchapter do not apply to prescriptions for medications to be administered in a health care setting.

(c) The rules do not constitute medical advice or a standard of medical care. Disputes regarding the treatment addressed by these Rules shall be governed by G.S. 97-25 and Rule 11 NCAC 23A .0609A.