N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-25-40
No benefit certificate as to any child shall take effect until after medical examination or inspection by a licensed medical practitioner, in accordance with the laws of the order or society, nor shall any such benefit certificate be issued unless the order or society shall simultaneously put in force at least 500 such certificates, on each of which at least one assessment has been paid, nor where the number of lives represented by such certificate falls below 500. The death benefit contributions to be made upon such certificate shall be based upon the "Standard Mortality Table" or the "English Life Table Number Six," and a rate of interest not greater than four percent (4%) per annum, upon a higher standard or upon such mortality, morbidity, and interest standards permitted by the laws of this State for use by life insurance companies; but contributions may be waived or returns may be made from any surplus held in excess of reserve and other liabilities, as provided in the bylaws; and extra contributions shall be made if the reserves hereafter provided for become impaired.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-25-40