The Short Answer
Form 25N is a North Carolina Industrial Commission form used to assign a Rehabilitation Professional to an injured worker's case. This professional — typically a registered nurse or licensed professional counselor — acts as a case manager who coordinates your medical and vocational rehabilitation care. They are required to exercise independent judgment and cannot be directed by your employer, the insurance company, or your attorney. Their role is to coordinate care, not to provide it directly.
Form 25N is a form used by the North Carolina Industrial Commission regarding the assignment of a Rehabilitation Professional. This is usually a registered nurse or a licensed professional counselor who must be qualified under the North Carolina Industrial Commission Rehabilitation Rules. Once the Rehabilitation Professional has been assigned pursuant to Rule IV of the Industrial Commission Rules for Utilization of Rehabilitation Professionals in Workers’ Compensation Claims, the Rehabilitation Professional becomes a “case manager” for the injured worker and coordinates the medical and vocational rehabilitation care provided to the worker.
The Rehabilitation Professional must make independent and professional judgment regarding the plan for the rehabilitation of the injured worker. The Rehabilitation Professional is not to be influenced by the employer and insurance company or the injured worker and his or her attorney. The Rehabilitation Professional is not allowed to be a direct care giver for the injured worker but is there to assist and coordinate the care with the treating physicians and other providers.
Key Takeaways
- Form 25N is the official NC Industrial Commission form that triggers the assignment of a Rehabilitation Professional to a workers' compensation case.
- The Rehabilitation Professional is usually a registered nurse or licensed professional counselor who meets the NC Industrial Commission's qualification standards.
- Once assigned under Rule IV of the Industrial Commission Rules, the Rehabilitation Professional serves as your case manager for both medical and vocational rehabilitation.
- The Rehabilitation Professional must act independently — they cannot take direction from the employer, the insurance carrier, or the injured worker's attorney.
- The Rehabilitation Professional coordinates care with treating physicians and other providers but is not permitted to serve as a direct caregiver for the injured worker.
