NCIC Opioid and Prescription Drug Rules Effective May 1, 2018
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.