N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-295.1: Settlement of small claims against institutions of the Department of Health and Human Services.

When the property of a resident of a State institution under the Department of Health and Human Services is lost, destroyed, or otherwise damaged through negligent handling by the institution, and the amount of damages is less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), the institution may make direct payment or provide replacement of the item to the resident without recourse to the procedures otherwise provided by this Article. (2003-285, s. 1.)