Tuesday, July 29, 2008

More Changes at the North Carolina Industrial Commission

The North Carolina Industrial Commission has made some procedural changes that will help speed up the decision making process on some motions concerning medical issues.  Decisions on issues such as Motions to Change Treating Physicians and Motions to Compel Medical Treatment are going to be decided upon very quickly and there is now an expedited procedure for appals on these issues as well.  In the past several months, the North Carolina Industrial Commission has been working very hard on speeding up the decision making process and this is another move in that direction. 

I am a big fan of the moves the IC is taking as, regardless of the decision, we're getting to court, getting heard and have the right to appeal and have a hearing on these issues quickly. 

Here is a link to the new procedure for anyone who is interested:

http://www.comp.state.nc.us/ncic/pages/ExpMedMo.pdf

There are also new and revised forms for use as well.

These include a new Form 18 which is the form injured workers must complete to give notice to the Industrial Commission of their injury.  These forms are effective August 1, 2008.  There is also a new Form 19 that the employer fills out after an on the job injury has occurred. 

Here is a link to this information as well...just scroll down the page and you will see where it says New or Revised Forms.

http://www.comp.state.nc.us/