North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 58. Insurance § 58-56-6. Written agreement necessary

(a) No TPA may act as a TPA without a written agreement between the TPA and the insurer. The written agreement shall be retained as part of the official records of both the insurer and the TPA for the duration of the agreement and for five years thereafter. The agreement shall contain all provisions required by this Article, to the extent those requirements apply to the functions performed by the TPA.

(b) The agreement shall include a statement of duties that the TPA is expected to perform on behalf of the insurer and the kinds of insurance the TPA is to be authorized to administer. The agreement shall provide for underwriting or other standards pertaining to the business underwritten by the insurer.

(c) The insurer or TPA may, with written notice, terminate the agreement for cause as provided in the agreement. The insurer may suspend the underwriting authority of the TPA during the pendency of any dispute regarding the cause for termination of the agreement. The insurer must fulfill any lawful obligations with respect to policies affected by the agreement, regardless of any dispute between the insurer and the TPA.