42 USC CHAPTER 6A, SUBCHAPTER XIX, Part 2: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
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42 USC CHAPTER 6A, SUBCHAPTER XIX, Part 2: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 6A—PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICESUBCHAPTER XIX—VACCINES

Part 2—National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

subpart a—program requirements

§300aa–10. Establishment of program

(a) Program established

There is established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to be administered by the Secretary under which compensation may be paid for a vaccine-related injury or death.

(b) Attorney's obligation

It shall be the ethical obligation of any attorney who is consulted by an individual with respect to a vaccine-related injury or death to advise such individual that compensation may be available under the program 1 for such injury or death.

(c) Publicity

The Secretary shall undertake reasonable efforts to inform the public of the availability of the Program.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2110, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3758; amended Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2285.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–10, act July 1, 1944, §2111, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238h of this title.

A prior section 2110 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238g of this title.

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239 added subsec. (c).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Section 6601(s) of Pub. L. 101–239, as amended by Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 300aa–11 to 300aa–17, 300aa–21, 300aa–23, 300aa–26, and 300aa–27 of this title] shall apply as follows:

"(A) Petitions filed after the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 19, 1989] shall proceed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program under title XXI of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300aa–1 et seq.] as amended by this section.

"(B) Petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed shall continue to proceed under the Program in accordance with the law in effect before the date of the enactment of this section, except that if the United States Court of Federal Claims is to review the findings of fact and conclusions of law of a special master on such a petition, the court may receive further evidence in conducting such review.

"(C) Petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed shall proceed under the Program in accordance with the law as amended by this section.

All pending cases which will proceed under the Program as amended by this section shall be immediately suspended for 30 days to enable the special masters and parties to prepare for proceeding under the Program as amended by this section. In determining the 240-day period prescribed by section 2112(d) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(d)], as amended by this section, or the 420-day period prescribed by section 2121(b) of such Act [42 U.S.C. 300aa–21(b)], as so amended, any period of suspension under the preceding sentence shall be excluded.

"(2) The amendments to section 2115 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300aa–15] shall apply to all pending and subsequently filed petitions."

Effective Date

Subpart effective Oct. 1, 1988, see section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

§300aa–11. Petitions for compensation

(a) General rule

(1) A proceeding for compensation under the Program for a vaccine-related injury or death shall be initiated by service upon the Secretary and the filing of a petition containing the matter prescribed by subsection (c) with the United States Court of Federal Claims. The clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims shall immediately forward the filed petition to the chief special master for assignment to a special master under section 300aa–12(d)(1) of this title.

(2)(A) No person may bring a civil action for damages in an amount greater than $1,000 or in an unspecified amount against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer in a State or Federal court for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, and no such court may award damages in an amount greater than $1,000 in a civil action for damages for such a vaccine-related injury or death, unless a petition has been filed, in accordance with section 300aa–16 of this title, for compensation under the Program for such injury or death and—

(i)(I) the United States Court of Federal Claims has issued a judgment under section 300aa–12 of this title on such petition, and

(II) such person elects under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to file such an action, or

(ii) such person elects to withdraw such petition under section 300aa–21(b) of this title or such petition is considered withdrawn under such section.


(B) If a civil action which is barred under subparagraph (A) is filed in a State or Federal court, the court shall dismiss the action. If a petition is filed under this section with respect to the injury or death for which such civil action was brought, the date such dismissed action was filed shall, for purposes of the limitations of actions prescribed by section 300aa–16 of this title, be considered the date the petition was filed if the petition was filed within one year of the date of the dismissal of the civil action.

(3) No vaccine administrator or manufacturer may be made a party to a civil action (other than a civil action which may be brought under paragraph (2)) for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988.

(4) If in a civil action brought against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer before October 1, 1988, damages were denied for a vaccine-related injury or death or if such civil action was dismissed with prejudice, the person who brought such action may file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(5)(A) A plaintiff who on October 1, 1988, has pending a civil action for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death may, at any time within 2 years after October 1, 1988, or before judgment, whichever occurs first, petition to have such action dismissed without prejudice or costs and file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(B) If a plaintiff has pending a civil action for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death, such person may not file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(6) If a person brings a civil action after November 15, 1988 for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before November 15, 1988, such person may not file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(7) If in a civil action brought against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer for a vaccine-related injury or death damages are awarded under a judgment of a court or a settlement of such action, the person who brought such action may not file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(8) If on October 1, 1988, there was pending an appeal or rehearing with respect to a civil action brought against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer and if the outcome of the last appellate review of such action or the last rehearing of such action is the denial of damages for a vaccine-related injury or death, the person who brought such action may file a petition under subsection (b) for such injury or death.

(9) This subsection applies only to a person who has sustained a vaccine-related injury or death and who is qualified to file a petition for compensation under the Program.

(10) The Clerk of the United States Claims Court 1 is authorized to continue to receive, and forward, petitions for compensation for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine on or after October 1, 1992.

(b) Petitioners

(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any person who has sustained a vaccine-related injury, the legal representative of such person if such person is a minor or is disabled, or the legal representative of any person who died as the result of the administration of a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table may, if the person meets the requirements of subsection (c)(1), file a petition for compensation under the Program.

(B) No person may file a petition for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with a vaccine administered before October 1, 1988, if compensation has been paid under this part for 3500 petitions for such injuries or deaths.

(2) Only one petition may be filed with respect to each administration of a vaccine. A covered vaccine administered to a pregnant woman shall constitute more than one administration, one to the mother and one to each child (as such term is defined in subsection (f)(2)) who was in utero at the time such woman was administered the vaccine.

(c) Petition content

A petition for compensation under the Program for a vaccine-related injury or death shall contain—

(1) except as provided in paragraph (3), an affidavit, and supporting documentation, demonstrating that the person who suffered such injury or who died—

(A) received a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table or, if such person did not receive such a vaccine, contracted polio, directly or indirectly, from another person who received an oral polio vaccine,

(B)(i) if such person received a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table—

(I) received the vaccine in the United States or in its trust territories,

(II) received the vaccine outside the United States or a trust territory and at the time of the vaccination such person was a citizen of the United States serving abroad as a member of the Armed Forces or otherwise as an employee of the United States or a dependent of such a citizen, or

(III) received the vaccine outside the United States or a trust territory and the vaccine was manufactured by a vaccine manufacturer located in the United States and such person returned to the United States not later than 6 months after the date of the vaccination,


(ii) if such person did not receive such a vaccine but contracted polio from another person who received an oral polio vaccine, was a citizen of the United States or a dependent of such a citizen,

(C)(i) sustained, or had significantly aggravated, any illness, disability, injury, or condition set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table in association with the vaccine referred to in subparagraph (A) or died from the administration of such vaccine, and the first symptom or manifestation of the onset or of the significant aggravation of any such illness, disability, injury, or condition or the death occurred within the time period after vaccine administration set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, or

(ii)(I) sustained, or had significantly aggravated, any illness, disability, injury, or condition not set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table but which was caused by a vaccine referred to in subparagraph (A), or

(II) sustained, or had significantly aggravated, any illness, disability, injury, or condition set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table the first symptom or manifestation of the onset or significant aggravation of which did not occur within the time period set forth in the Table but which was caused by a vaccine referred to in subparagraph (A),

(D)(i) suffered the residual effects or complications of such illness, disability, injury, or condition for more than 6 months after the administration of the vaccine, or (ii) died from the administration of the vaccine, or (iii) suffered such illness, disability, injury, or condition from the vaccine which resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention, and

(E) has not previously collected an award or settlement of a civil action for damages for such vaccine-related injury or death,


(2) except as provided in paragraph (3), maternal prenatal and delivery records, newborn hospital records (including all physicians' and nurses' notes and test results), vaccination records associated with the vaccine allegedly causing the injury, pre- and post-injury physician or clinic records (including all relevant growth charts and test results), all post-injury inpatient and outpatient records (including all provider notes, test results, and medication records), if applicable, a death certificate, and if applicable, autopsy results, and

(3) an identification of any records of the type described in paragraph (1) or (2) which are unavailable to the petitioner and the reasons for their unavailability.

(d) Additional information

A petition may also include other available relevant medical records relating to the person who suffered such injury or who died from the administration of the vaccine.

(e) Schedule

The petitioner shall submit in accordance with a schedule set by the special master assigned to the petition assessments, evaluations, and prognoses and such other records and documents as are reasonably necessary for the determination of the amount of compensation to be paid to, or on behalf of, the person who suffered such injury or who died from the administration of the vaccine.

(f) Maternal immunization

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of this subpart, both a woman who received a covered vaccine while pregnant and any child who was in utero at the time such woman received the vaccine shall be considered persons to whom the covered vaccine was administered and persons who received the covered vaccine.

(2) Definition

As used in this subsection, the term "child" shall have the meaning given that term by subsections (a) and (b) of section 8 of title 1 except that, for purposes of this subsection, such section 8 shall be applied as if the term "include" in subsection (a) of such section were replaced with the term "mean".

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2111, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3758; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §§4302(b), 4304(a), (b), 4306, 4307(1), (2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221, 1330-223, 1330-224; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(c)(1)–(7), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2285, 2286; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1286; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(h)(1), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516; Pub. L. 103–43, title XX, §2012, June 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 214; Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XV, §1502, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–741; Pub. L. 106–310, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1151; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III, §3093(c)(2), (3), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1152.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsecs. (a)(2)(A), (3), (4), (5)(A), (8), and (b)(1)(B), "October 1, 1988" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–11, act July 1, 1944, §2112, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238i of this title.

A prior section 2111 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238h of this title.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–255, §3093(c)(3), inserted at end "A covered vaccine administered to a pregnant woman shall constitute more than one administration, one to the mother and one to each child (as such term is defined in subsection (f)(2)) who was in utero at the time such woman was administered the vaccine."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–255, §3093(c)(2), added subsec. (f).

2000—Subsec. (c)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 106–310 added cl. (iii).

1998—Subsec. (c)(1)(D)(i). Pub. L. 105–277 struck out "and incurred unreimbursable expenses due in whole or in part to such illness, disability, injury, or condition in an amount greater than $1,000" before ", or (ii) died".

1993—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 103–43 added par. (10).

1992—Subsec. (a)(1), (2)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 102–168 realigned margins of cls. (i) and (ii).

1990—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a)(1), substituted "unless a petition has been filed, in accordance with section 300aa–16 of this title, for compensation under the Program for such injury or death and—" and cls. (i) and (ii) for "unless—

"(i) a petition has been filed, in accordance with section 300aa–16 of this title, for compensation under the Program for such injury or death,

"(ii) the United States Claims Court has issued a judgment under section 300aa–12 of this title on such petition, and

"(iii) such person elects under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to file such an action."

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a)(2), struck out "without prejudice" after "without prejudice or costs".

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a)(3), substituted "plaintiff" for "plaintiff who".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a)(4), struck out "(d) except as provided in paragraph (3)," before "(d) Additional information".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(a)(5), substituted "(e) Schedule" for "(e)(e) Schedule".

1989—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(1), substituted "filing of a petition containing the matter prescribed in subsection (c)" for "filing of a petition" and inserted at end "The clerk of the United States Claims Court shall immediately forward the filed petition to the chief special master for assignment to a special master under section 300aa–12(d)(1) of this title."

Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(2), struck out "under subsection (b) of this section" after "section 300aa–16 of this title,".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(3)(A), substituted "petition to have such action dismissed without prejudice or costs" for "elect to withdraw such action".

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(3)(B), substituted "has pending" for "on October 1, 1988, had pending" and struck out "does not withdraw the action under subparagraph (A)" after "vaccine-related injury or death".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(4), substituted "November 15, 1988" for "the effective date of this subpart" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(5), added par. (8). Former par. (8) redesignated (9).

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(5), (7), redesignated par. (8) as (9) and realigned margin.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(A), inserted "except as provided in paragraph (3)," after "(1)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(B), (C), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as subsec. (d).

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(A), inserted "except as provided in paragraph (3)," after "(2)".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(C), (D), added par. (3). Former par. (3) redesignated subsec. (e).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(B), redesignated former subsec. (c)(2) as subsec. (d), expanded margin to full measure, inserted subsec. designation and heading, substituted "A petition may also include other available" for "all available", struck out "(including autopsy reports, if any)" after "relevant medical records", and substituted "administration of the vaccine." for "administration of the vaccine and an identification of any unavailable records known to the petitioner and the reasons for their unavailability, and".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(6)(D), redesignated former subsec. (c)(3) as subsec. (e), expanded margin to full measure, inserted subsec. designation and heading, and substituted "The petitioner shall submit in accordance with a schedule set by the special master assigned to the petition" for "appropriate".

1987—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(1), which directed that par. (1) be amended by substituting "with the United States Claims Court" for "with the United States district court for the district in which the petitioner resides or the injury or death occurred", was executed making the substitution for "with the United States district court for the district in which the petitioner resides or in which the injury or death occurred", as the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 100–203, §4306, substituted "vaccine administrator or manufacturer" for "vaccine manufacturer".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(2), substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "a district court of the United States".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–203, §4306, substituted "vaccine administrator or manufacturer" for "vaccine manufacturer".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–203, §4306, substituted "vaccine administrator or manufacturer" for "vaccine manufacturer".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (a)(5)(A). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(2), substituted "after the effective date of this subpart" for "after the effective date of this subchapter".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "who on the effective date of this subpart" for "who on the effective date of this part".

Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part" in two places.

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 100–203, §4306, substituted "vaccine administrator or manufacturer" for "vaccine manufacturer".

Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 100–203, §4304(a), added par. (8).

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–203, §4304(b)(1), substituted "may, if the person meets the requirements of subsection (c)(1), file" for "may file".

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (c)(1)(D). Pub. L. 100–203, §4304(b)(2), substituted "for more than 6 months" for "for more than 1 year", "and incurred" for ", (ii) incurred", and "(ii)" for "(iii)".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

References to United States Claims Court deemed to refer to United States Court of Federal Claims, see section 902(b) of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–310, div. A, title XVII, §1701(b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1151, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] takes effect upon the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2000], including with respect to petitions under section 2111 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300aa–11] that are pending on such date."

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(i), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1104, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 300aa–12, 300aa–15, 300aa–16, 300aa–19, and 300aa–21 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 26, 1991].

"(2) The amendments made by subsections (d) and (f) [amending sections 300aa–12, 300aa–15, 300aa–16, and 300aa–21 of this title] shall take effect as if the amendments had been in effect on and after October 1, 1988."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–502, §5(h), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1289, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (f)(1) and (g) [amending section 300aa–21 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 300aa–12 of this title] shall take effect as of November 14, 1986, and the amendments made by subsections (a) through (e) and subsection (f)(2) [amending this section and sections 300aa–12, 300aa–13, 300aa–15, 300aa–16, and 300aa–21 of this title] shall take effect as of September 30, 1990."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

1 See Change of Name note below.

§300aa–12. Court jurisdiction

(a) General rule

The United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Court of Federal Claims special masters shall, in accordance with this section, have jurisdiction over proceedings to determine if a petitioner under section 300aa–11 of this title is entitled to compensation under the Program and the amount of such compensation. The United States Court of Federal Claims may issue and enforce such orders as the court deems necessary to assure the prompt payment of any compensation awarded.

(b) Parties

(1) In all proceedings brought by the filing of a petition under section 300aa–11(b) of this title, the Secretary shall be named as the respondent, shall participate, and shall be represented in accordance with section 518(a) of title 28.

(2) Within 30 days after the Secretary receives service of any petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title the Secretary shall publish notice of such petition in the Federal Register. The special master designated with respect to such petition under subsection (c) shall afford all interested persons an opportunity to submit relevant, written information—

(A) relating to the existence of the evidence described in section 300aa–13(a)(1)(B) of this title, or

(B) relating to any allegation in a petition with respect to the matters described in section 300aa–11(c)(1)(C)(ii) of this title.

(c) United States Court of Federal Claims special masters

(1) There is established within the United States Court of Federal Claims an office of special masters which shall consist of not more than 8 special masters. The judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims shall appoint the special masters, 1 of whom, by designation of the judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims, shall serve as chief special master. The appointment and reappointment of the special masters shall be by the concurrence of a majority of the judges of the court.

(2) The chief special master and other special masters shall be subject to removal by the judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims for incompetency, misconduct, or neglect of duty or for physical or mental disability or for other good cause shown.

(3) A special master's office shall be terminated if the judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims determine, upon advice of the chief special master, that the services performed by that office are no longer needed.

(4) The appointment of any individual as a special master shall be for a term of 4 years, subject to termination under paragraphs (2) and (3). Individuals serving as special masters on December 19, 1989, shall serve for 4 years from the date of their original appointment, subject to termination under paragraphs (2) and (3). The chief special master in office on December 19, 1989, shall continue to serve as chief special master for the balance of the master's term, subject to termination under paragraphs (2) and (3).

(5) The compensation of the special masters shall be determined by the judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims, upon advice of the chief special master. The salary of the chief special master shall be the annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule, as prescribed by section 5315, title 5. The salaries of the other special masters shall not exceed the annual rate of basic pay of level V of the Executive Schedule, as prescribed by section 5316, title 5.

(6) The chief special master shall be responsible for the following:

(A) Administering the office of special masters and their staff, providing for the efficient, expeditious, and effective handling of petitions, and performing such other duties related to the Program as may be assigned to the chief special master by a concurrence of a majority of the United States Claims Courts 1 judges.

(B) Appointing and fixing the salary and duties of such administrative staff as are necessary. Such staff shall be subject to removal for good cause by the chief special master.

(C) Managing and executing all aspects of budgetary and administrative affairs affecting the special masters and their staff, subject to the rules and regulations of the Judicial Conference of the United States. The Conference rules and regulations pertaining to United States magistrate judges shall be applied to the special masters.

(D) Coordinating with the United States Court of Federal Claims the use of services, equipment, personnel, information, and facilities of the United States Court of Federal Claims without reimbursement.

(E) Reporting annually to the Congress and the judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims on the number of petitions filed under section 300aa–11 of this title and their disposition, the dates on which the vaccine-related injuries and deaths for which the petitions were filed occurred, the types and amounts of awards, the length of time for the disposition of petitions, the cost of administering the Program, and recommendations for changes in the Program.

(d) Special masters

(1) Following the receipt and filing of a petition under section 300aa–11 of this title, the clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims shall forward the petition to the chief special master who shall designate a special master to carry out the functions authorized by paragraph (3).

(2) The special masters shall recommend rules to the Court of Federal Claims and, taking into account such recommended rules, the Court of Federal Claims shall promulgate rules pursuant to section 2071 of title 28. Such rules shall—

(A) provide for a less-adversarial, expeditious, and informal proceeding for the resolution of petitions,

(B) include flexible and informal standards of admissibility of evidence,

(C) include the opportunity for summary judgment,

(D) include the opportunity for parties to submit arguments and evidence on the record without requiring routine use of oral presentations, cross examinations, or hearings, and

(E) provide for limitations on discovery and allow the special masters to replace the usual rules of discovery in civil actions in the United States Court of Federal Claims.


(3)(A) A special master to whom a petition has been assigned shall issue a decision on such petition with respect to whether compensation is to be provided under the Program and the amount of such compensation. The decision of the special master shall—

(i) include findings of fact and conclusions of law, and

(ii) be issued as expeditiously as practicable but not later than 240 days, exclusive of suspended time under subparagraph (C), after the date the petition was filed.


The decision of the special master may be reviewed by the United States Court of Federal Claims in accordance with subsection (e).

(B) In conducting a proceeding on a petition a special master—

(i) may require such evidence as may be reasonable and necessary,

(ii) may require the submission of such information as may be reasonable and necessary,

(iii) may require the testimony of any person and the production of any documents as may be reasonable and necessary,

(iv) shall afford all interested persons an opportunity to submit relevant written information—

(I) relating to the existence of the evidence described in section 300aa–13(a)(1)(B) of this title, or

(II) relating to any allegation in a petition with respect to the matters described in section 300aa–11(c)(1)(C)(ii) of this title, and


(v) may conduct such hearings as may be reasonable and necessary.


There may be no discovery in a proceeding on a petition other than the discovery required by the special master.

(C) In conducting a proceeding on a petition a special master shall suspend the proceedings one time for 30 days on the motion of either party. After a motion for suspension is granted, further motions for suspension by either party may be granted by the special master, if the special master determines the suspension is reasonable and necessary, for an aggregate period not to exceed 150 days.

(D) If, in reviewing proceedings on petitions for vaccine-related injuries or deaths associated with the administration of vaccines before October 1, 1988, the chief special master determines that the number of filings and resultant workload place an undue burden on the parties or the special master involved in such proceedings, the chief special master may, in the interest of justice, suspend proceedings on any petition for up to 30 months (but for not more than 6 months at a time) in addition to the suspension time under subparagraph (C).

(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), information submitted to a special master or the court in a proceeding on a petition may not be disclosed to a person who is not a party to the proceeding without the express written consent of the person who submitted the information.

(B) A decision of a special master or the court in a proceeding shall be disclosed, except that if the decision is to include information—

(i) which is trade secret or commercial or financial information which is privileged and confidential, or

(ii) which are medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy,


and if the person who submitted such information objects to the inclusion of such information in the decision, the decision shall be disclosed without such information.

(e) Action by United States Court of Federal Claims

(1) Upon issuance of the special master's decision, the parties shall have 30 days to file with the clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims a motion to have the court review the decision. If such a motion is filed, the other party shall file a response with the clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims no later than 30 days after the filing of such motion.

(2) Upon the filing of a motion under paragraph (1) with respect to a petition, the United States Court of Federal Claims shall have jurisdiction to undertake a review of the record of the proceedings and may thereafter—

(A) uphold the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the special master and sustain the special master's decision,

(B) set aside any findings of fact or conclusion of law of the special master found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law and issue its own findings of fact and conclusions of law, or

(C) remand the petition to the special master for further action in accordance with the court's direction.


The court shall complete its action on a petition within 120 days of the filing of a response under paragraph (1) excluding any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under subparagraph (C). The court may allow not more than 90 days for remands under subparagraph (C).

(3) In the absence of a motion under paragraph (1) respecting the special master's decision or if the United States Court of Federal Claims takes the action described in paragraph (2)(A) with respect to the special master's decision, the clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims shall immediately enter judgment in accordance with the special master's decision.

(f) Appeals

The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the United States Court of Federal Claims on a petition shall be final determinations of the matters involved, except that the Secretary or any petitioner aggrieved by the findings or conclusions of the court may obtain review of the judgment of the court in the United States court of appeals for the Federal Circuit upon petition filed within 60 days of the date of the judgment with such court of appeals within 60 days of the date of entry of the United States Claims Court's 1 judgment with such court of appeals.

(g) Notice

If—

(1) a special master fails to make a decision on a petition within the 240 days prescribed by subsection (d)(3)(A)(ii) (excluding (A) any period of suspension under subsection (d)(3)(C) or (d)(3)(D), and (B) any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under subsection (e)(2)(C)), or

(2) the United States Court of Federal Claims fails to enter a judgment under this section on a petition within 420 days (excluding (A) any period of suspension under subsection (d)(3)(C) or (d)(3)(D), and (B) any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under subsection (e)(2)(C)) after the date on which the petition was filed,


the special master or court shall notify the petitioner under such petition that the petitioner may withdraw the petition under section 300aa–21(b) of this title or the petitioner may choose under section 300aa–21(b) of this title to have the petition remain before the special master or court, as the case may be.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2112, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3761; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §§4303(d)(2)(A), 4307(3), 4308(a), (b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–222, 1330-224; Pub. L. 100–360, title IV, §411(o)(2), (3)(A), July 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(d)–(i), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2286–2290; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(b), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1286; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(c), (d)(1), (h)(2), (3), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1103, 1104; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13632(c), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 646.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (c)(4), "on December 19, 1989," substituted for "upon the date of the enactment of this subsection" and "on the date of the enactment of this subsection".

In subsec. (d)(3)(D), "October 1, 1988," substituted for "the effective date of this part".

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–12, act July 1, 1944, §2113, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238j of this title.

A prior section 2112 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238i of this title.

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "30 months (but for not more than 6 months at a time)" for "540 days".

1992—Subsecs. (a), (c) to (g). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" and "Court of Federal Claims" for "Claims Court", wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 102–168, §201(c), (h)(2), realigned margin and substituted "540 days" for "180 days".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–168, §201(h)(3), made technical amendment to underlying provisions of original Act.

Pub. L. 102–168, §201(d)(1), substituted "or the petitioner may choose under section 300aa–21(b) of this title to have the petition remain before the special master or court, as the case may be" for "and the petition will be considered withdrawn under such section if the petitioner, the special master, or the court do not take certain actions" before period at end.

1990—Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(b)(1), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(b)(2), added subsec. (g).

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(d), substituted "and the United States Claims Court special masters shall, in accordance with this section, have jurisdiction" for "shall have jurisdiction (1)", ". The United States Claims Court may issue" for ", and (2) to issue", and "deems" for "deem".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(f), substituted "In all proceedings brought by the filing of a petition under section 300aa–11(b) of this title, the Secretary shall be named as the respondent, shall participate, and shall be represented in accordance with section 518(a) of title 28." for "The Secretary shall be named as the respondent in all proceedings brought by the filing of a petition under section 300aa–11(b) of this title. Except as provided in paragraph (2), no other person may intervene in any such proceeding."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(e)(2), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(e)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(g)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Following receipt of a petition under subsection (a) of this section, the United States Claims Court shall designate a special master to carry out the functions authorized by paragraph (2)."

Subsec. (d)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(g)(2), added pars. (2) to (4) and struck out former par. (2) which prescribed functions of special masters.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(h), substituted "Action by United States Claims Court" for "Action by court" as heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) Upon objection by the petitioner or respondent to the proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law prepared by the special master or upon the court's own motion, the court shall undertake a review of the record of the proceedings and may thereafter make a de novo determination of any matter and issue its judgment accordingly, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, or remand for further proceedings.

"(2) If no objection is filed under paragraph (1) or if the court does not choose to review the proceeding, the court shall adopt the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law of the special master as its own and render judgment thereon.

"(3) The court shall render its judgment on any petition filed under the Program as expeditiously as practicable but not later than 365 days after the date on which the petition was filed."

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(e)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(i), inserted "within 60 days of the date of entry of the United States Claims Court's judgment with such court of appeals" after "with such court of appeals".

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(e)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f).

1988—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(3)(A), added Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(a), see 1987 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(2), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(3)(C), see 1987 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(3)(A), added Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(b), see 1987 Amendment note below.

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(3)(A), substituted "United States Claims Court" for "district courts of the United States" and "the court" for "the courts".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(3)(B), substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "the district court of the United States in which the petition is filed".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(a), as added by Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(3)(A), inserted ", shall prepare and submit to the court proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law," in introductory provisions and struck out subpar. (E) which read as follows: "prepare and submit to the court proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(b), as added by Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(3)(A), inserted "within 60 days of the date of the judgment" after "petition filed".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(3)(C), as amended by Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(2), substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "a district court of the United States" and "for the Federal Circuit" for "for the circuit in which the court is located".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(d)(2)(A), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) relating to administration of an award.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(d)(2)(A), struck out subsec. (f) which related to revision of an award.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(d)(2)(A), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States magistrate judges" substituted for "United States magistrates" in subsec. (c)(6)(C) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by section 201(d)(1) of Pub. L. 102–168 effective as if in effect on and after Oct. 1, 1988, see section 201(i)(2) of Pub. L. 102–168, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–502 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, except that such suspension be excluded in determining the 240-day period prescribed in subsec. (d) of this section, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Except as specifically provided in section 411 of Pub. L. 100–360, amendment by Pub. L. 100–360, as it relates to a provision in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, effective as if included in the enactment of that provision in Pub. L. 100–203, see section 411(a) of Pub. L. 100–360, set out as a Reference to OBRA; Effective Date note under section 106 of Title 1, General Provisions.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c)(6)(E) of this section relating to reporting annually to the Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 13 of House Document No. 103–7.

Review by 3-Judge Panel

Section 322(c) of Pub. L. 99–660, as added by Pub. L. 101–502, §5(g)(2), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1288, and amended by Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, provided that: "If the review authorized by section 2112(f) [42 U.S.C. 300aa–12(f)] is held invalid because the judgment of the United States Court of Federal Claims being reviewed did not arise from a case or controversy under Article III of the Constitution, such judgment shall be reviewed by a 3-judge panel of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Such panel shall not include the judge who participated in such judgment."

[Enactment of section 322(c) of Pub. L. 99–660 by section 5(g)(2) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out above, effective Nov. 14, 1986, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as an Effective Date of 1990 Amendment note under section 300aa–11 of this title.]

1 So in original. Probably should be a reference to the United States Court of Federal Claims.

§300aa–13. Determination of eligibility and compensation

(a) General rule

(1) Compensation shall be awarded under the Program to a petitioner if the special master or court finds on the record as a whole—

(A) that the petitioner has demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence the matters required in the petition by section 300aa–11(c)(1) of this title, and

(B) that there is not a preponderance of the evidence that the illness, disability, injury, condition, or death described in the petition is due to factors unrelated to the administration of the vaccine described in the petition.


The special master or court may not make such a finding based on the claims of a petitioner alone, unsubstantiated by medical records or by medical opinion.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "factors unrelated to the administration of the vaccine"—

(A) does not include any idiopathic, unexplained, unknown, hypothetical, or undocumentable cause, factor, injury, illness, or condition, and

(B) may, as documented by the petitioner's evidence or other material in the record, include infection, toxins, trauma (including birth trauma and related anoxia), or metabolic disturbances which have no known relation to the vaccine involved, but which in the particular case are shown to have been the agent or agents principally responsible for causing the petitioner's illness, disability, injury, condition, or death.

(b) Matters to be considered

(1) In determining whether to award compensation to a petitioner under the Program, the special master or court shall consider, in addition to all other relevant medical and scientific evidence contained in the record—

(A) any diagnosis, conclusion, medical judgment, or autopsy or coroner's report which is contained in the record regarding the nature, causation, and aggravation of the petitioner's illness, disability, injury, condition, or death, and

(B) the results of any diagnostic or evaluative test which are contained in the record and the summaries and conclusions.


Any such diagnosis, conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary shall not be binding on the special master or court. In evaluating the weight to be afforded to any such diagnosis, conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary, the special master or court shall consider the entire record and the course of the injury, disability, illness, or condition until the date of the judgment of the special master or court.

(2) The special master or court may find the first symptom or manifestation of onset or significant aggravation of an injury, disability, illness, condition, or death described in a petition occurred within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly recorded as having occurred outside such period. Such a finding may be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the evidence that the onset or significant aggravation of the injury, disability, illness, condition, or death described in the petition did in fact occur within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table.

(c) "Record" defined

For purposes of this section, the term "record" means the record established by the special masters of the United States Court of Federal Claims in a proceeding on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2113, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3763; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4307(4), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–224; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(j), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2290; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(c), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1287; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–13, act July 1, 1944, §2114, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238k of this title.

A prior section 2113 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238j of this title.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".

1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–502 inserted "the" after "special masters of".

1989—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(j)(1), substituted "special master or court" for "court" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(j)(2), inserted "special masters of" after "established by the".

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "a district court of the United States".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–502 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

§300aa–14. Vaccine Injury Table

(a) Initial table

The following is a table of vaccines, the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths resulting from the administration of such vaccines, and the time period in which the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of such injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths is to occur after vaccine administration for purposes of receiving compensation under the Program:

VACCINE INJURY TABLE
   
I. DTP; P; DTP/Polio Combination; or Any Other Vaccine Containing Whole Cell Pertussis Bacteria, Extracted or Partial Cell Bacteria, or Specific Pertussis Antigen(s).
  Illness, disability, injury, or condition covered: Time period for first symptom or manifestation of onset or of significant aggravation after vaccine administration:
  A. Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock 24 hours
  B. Encephalopathy (or encephalitis)  3 days
  C. Shock-collapse or hypotonic-hyporesponsive collapse  3 days
  D. Residual seizure disorder in accordance with subsection (b)(2)  3 days
  E. Any acute complication or sequela (including death) of an illness, disability, injury, or condition referred to above which illness, disability, injury, or condition arose within the time period prescribed Not applicable
II. Measles, mumps, rubella, or any vaccine containing any of the foregoing as a component; DT; Td; or Tetanus Toxoid.
  A. Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock 24 hours
  B. Encephalopathy (or encephalitis) 15 days (for mumps, rubella, measles, or any vaccine containing any of the foregoing as a component). 3 days (for DT, Td, or tetanus toxoid).
  C. Residual seizure disorder in accordance with subsection (b)(2) 15 days (for mumps, rubella, measles, or any vaccine containing any of the foregoing as a component). 3 days (for DT, Td, or tetanus toxoid).
  D. Any acute complication or sequela (including death) of an illness, disability, injury, or condition referred to above which illness, disability, injury, or condition arose within the time period prescribed Not applicable
III. Polio Vaccines (other than Inactivated Polio Vaccine).
  A. Paralytic polio
  —in a non-immunodeficient recipient 30 days
  —in an immunodeficient recipient  6 months
  —in a vaccine-associated community case Not applicable
  B. Any acute complication or sequela (including death) of an illness, disability, injury, or condition referred to above which illness, disability, injury, or condition arose within the time period prescribed Not applicable
IV. Inactivated Polio Vaccine.
  A. Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock 24 hours
  B. Any acute complication or sequela (including death) of an illness, disability, injury, or condition referred to above which illness, disability, injury, or condition arose within the time period prescribed Not applicable

(b) Qualifications and aids to interpretation

The following qualifications and aids to interpretation shall apply to the Vaccine Injury Table in subsection (a):

(1) A shock-collapse or a hypotonic-hyporesponsive collapse may be evidenced by indicia or symptoms such as decrease or loss of muscle tone, paralysis (partial or complete), hemiplegia or hemiparesis, loss of color or turning pale white or blue, unresponsiveness to environmental stimuli, depression of consciousness, loss of consciousness, prolonged sleeping with difficulty arousing, or cardiovascular or respiratory arrest.

(2) A petitioner may be considered to have suffered a residual seizure disorder if the petitioner did not suffer a seizure or convulsion unaccompanied by fever or accompanied by a fever of less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit before the first seizure or convulsion after the administration of the vaccine involved and if—

(A) in the case of a measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine or any combination of such vaccines, the first seizure or convulsion occurred within 15 days after administration of the vaccine and 2 or more seizures or convulsions occurred within 1 year after the administration of the vaccine which were unaccompanied by fever or accompanied by a fever of less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and

(B) in the case of any other vaccine, the first seizure or convulsion occurred within 3 days after administration of the vaccine and 2 or more seizures or convulsions occurred within 1 year after the administration of the vaccine which were unaccompanied by fever or accompanied by a fever of less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.


(3)(A) The term "encephalopathy" means any significant acquired abnormality of, or injury to, or impairment of function of the brain. Among the frequent manifestations of encephalopathy are focal and diffuse neurologic signs, increased intracranial pressure, or changes lasting at least 6 hours in level of consciousness, with or without convulsions. The neurological signs and symptoms of encephalopathy may be temporary with complete recovery, or may result in various degrees of permanent impairment. Signs and symptoms such as high pitched and unusual screaming, persistent unconsolable crying, and bulging fontanel are compatible with an encephalopathy, but in and of themselves are not conclusive evidence of encephalopathy. Encephalopathy usually can be documented by slow wave activity on an electroencephalogram.

(B) If in a proceeding on a petition it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that an encephalopathy was caused by infection, toxins, trauma, or metabolic disturbances the encephalopathy shall not be considered to be a condition set forth in the table. If at the time a judgment is entered on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title for a vaccine-related injury or death it is not possible to determine the cause, by a preponderance of the evidence, of an encephalopathy, the encephalopathy shall be considered to be a condition set forth in the table. In determining whether or not an encephalopathy is a condition set forth in the table, the court shall consider the entire medical record.

(4) For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3), the terms "seizure" and "convulsion" include grand mal, petit mal, absence, myoclonic, tonic-clonic, and focal motor seizures and signs. If a provision of the table to which paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) applies is revised under subsection (c) or (d), such paragraph shall not apply to such provision after the effective date of the revision unless the revision specifies that such paragraph is to continue to apply.

(c) Administrative revision of table

(1) The Secretary may promulgate regulations to modify in accordance with paragraph (3) the Vaccine Injury Table. In promulgating such regulations, the Secretary shall provide for notice and opportunity for a public hearing and at least 180 days of public comment.

(2) Any person (including the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines) may petition the Secretary to propose regulations to amend the Vaccine Injury Table. Unless clearly frivolous, or initiated by the Commission, any such petition shall be referred to the Commission for its recommendations. Following—

(A) receipt of any recommendation of the Commission, or

(B) 180 days after the date of the referral to the Commission,


whichever occurs first, the Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding on the matters proposed in the petition or publish in the Federal Register a statement of reasons for not conducting such proceeding.

(3) A modification of the Vaccine Injury Table under paragraph (1) may add to, or delete from, the list of injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths for which compensation may be provided or may change the time periods for the first symptom or manifestation of the onset or the significant aggravation of any such injury, disability, illness, condition, or death.

(4) Any modification under paragraph (1) of the Vaccine Injury Table shall apply only with respect to petitions for compensation under the Program which are filed after the effective date of such regulation.

(d) Role of Commission

Except with respect to a regulation recommended by the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, the Secretary may not propose a regulation under subsection (c) or any revision thereof, unless the Secretary has first provided to the Commission a copy of the proposed regulation or revision, requested recommendations and comments by the Commission, and afforded the Commission at least 90 days to make such recommendations.

(e) Additional vaccines

(1) Vaccines recommended before August 1, 1993

By August 1, 1995, the Secretary shall revise the Vaccine Injury Table included in subsection (a) to include—

(A) vaccines which are recommended to the Secretary by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before August 1, 1993, for routine administration to children,

(B) the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths associated with such vaccines, and

(C) the time period in which the first symptoms or manifestations of onset or other significant aggravation of such injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths associated with such vaccines may occur.

(2) Vaccines recommended after August 1, 1993

When after August 1, 1993, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a vaccine to the Secretary for routine administration to children, the Secretary shall, within 2 years of such recommendation, amend the Vaccine Injury Table included in subsection (a) to include—

(A) vaccines which were recommended for routine administration to children,

(B) the injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths associated with such vaccines, and

(C) the time period in which the first symptoms or manifestations of onset or other significant aggravation of such injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions, and deaths associated with such vaccines may occur.

(3) Vaccines recommended for use in pregnant women

The Secretary shall revise the Vaccine Injury Table included in subsection (a), through the process described in subsection (c), to include vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration in pregnant women and the information described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) with respect to such vaccines.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2114, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3764; amended Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(k), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2290; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13632(a)(2), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 645; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III, §3093(c)(1), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1152.)


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–14, act July 1, 1944, §2115, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238l of this title.

A prior section 2114 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238k of this title.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 114–255 added par. (3).

1993—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–66 amended heading and text of subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary may recommend to Congress revisions of the table to change the vaccines covered by the table."

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(k)(1), substituted "(b)(2)" for "(c)(2)" in items I.D. and II.C. in table.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(k)(2), substituted "300aa–11 of this title" for "300aa–11(b) of this title".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

Revisions of Vaccine Injury Table

The Vaccine Injury Table as modified by regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services is set out at 42 CFR 100.3.

Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13632(a)(3), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 646, provided that: "A revision by the Secretary under section 2114(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–14(e)) (as amended by paragraph (2)) shall take effect upon the effective date of a tax enacted to provide funds for compensation paid with respect to the vaccine to be added to the vaccine injury table in section 2114(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa–14(a))."

§300aa–15. Compensation

(a) General rule

Compensation awarded under the Program to a petitioner under section 300aa–11 of this title for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, shall include the following:

(1)(A) Actual unreimbursable expenses incurred from the date of the judgment awarding such expenses and reasonable projected unreimbursable expenses which—

(i) result from the vaccine-related injury for which the petitioner seeks compensation,

(ii) have been or will be incurred by or on behalf of the person who suffered such injury, and

(iii)(I) have been or will be for diagnosis and medical or other remedial care determined to be reasonably necessary, or

(II) have been or will be for rehabilitation, developmental evaluation, special education, vocational training and placement, case management services, counseling, emotional or behavioral therapy, residential and custodial care and service expenses, special equipment, related travel expenses, and facilities determined to be reasonably necessary.


(B) Subject to section 300aa–16(a)(2) of this title, actual unreimbursable expenses incurred before the date of the judgment awarding such expenses which—

(i) resulted from the vaccine-related injury for which the petitioner seeks compensation,

(ii) were incurred by or on behalf of the person who suffered such injury, and

(iii) were for diagnosis, medical or other remedial care, rehabilitation, developmental evaluation, special education, vocational training and placement, case management services, counseling, emotional or behavioral therapy, residential and custodial care and service expenses, special equipment, related travel expenses, and facilities determined to be reasonably necessary.


(2) In the event of a vaccine-related death, an award of $250,000 for the estate of the deceased.

(3)(A) In the case of any person who has sustained a vaccine-related injury after attaining the age of 18 and whose earning capacity is or has been impaired by reason of such person's vaccine-related injury for which compensation is to be awarded, compensation for actual and anticipated loss of earnings determined in accordance with generally recognized actuarial principles and projections.

(B) In the case of any person who has sustained a vaccine-related injury before attaining the age of 18 and whose earning capacity is or has been impaired by reason of such person's vaccine-related injury for which compensation is to be awarded and whose vaccine-related injury is of sufficient severity to permit reasonable anticipation that such person is likely to suffer impaired earning capacity at age 18 and beyond, compensation after attaining the age of 18 for loss of earnings determined on the basis of the average gross weekly earnings of workers in the private, non-farm sector, less appropriate taxes and the average cost of a health insurance policy, as determined by the Secretary.

(4) For actual and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related injury, an award not to exceed $250,000.

(b) Vaccines administered before effective date

Compensation awarded under the Program to a petitioner under section 300aa–11 of this title for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, may include the compensation described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (a) and may also include an amount, not to exceed a combined total of $30,000, for—

(1) lost earnings (as provided in paragraph (3) of subsection (a)),

(2) pain and suffering (as provided in paragraph (4) of subsection (a)), and

(3) reasonable attorneys' fees and costs (as provided in subsection (e).1

(c) Residential and custodial care and service

The amount of any compensation for residential and custodial care and service expenses under subsection (a)(1) shall be sufficient to enable the compensated person to remain living at home.

(d) Types of compensation prohibited

Compensation awarded under the Program may not include the following:

(1) Punitive or exemplary damages.

(2) Except with respect to compensation payments under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a), compensation for other than the health, education, or welfare of the person who suffered the vaccine-related injury with respect to which the compensation is paid.

(e) Attorneys' fees

(1) In awarding compensation on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title the special master or court shall also award as part of such compensation an amount to cover—

(A) reasonable attorneys' fees, and

(B) other costs,


incurred in any proceeding on such petition. If the judgment of the United States Court of Federal Claims on such a petition does not award compensation, the special master or court may award an amount of compensation to cover petitioner's reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in any proceeding on such petition if the special master or court determines that the petition was brought in good faith and there was a reasonable basis for the claim for which the petition was brought.

(2) If the petitioner, before October 1, 1988, filed a civil action for damages for any vaccine-related injury or death for which compensation may be awarded under the Program, and petitioned under section 300aa–11(a)(5) of this title to have such action dismissed and to file a petition for compensation under the Program, in awarding compensation on such petition the special master or court may include an amount of compensation limited to the costs and expenses incurred by the petitioner and the attorney of the petitioner before October 1, 1988, in preparing, filing, and prosecuting such civil action (including the reasonable value of the attorney's time if the civil action was filed under contingent fee arrangements).

(3) No attorney may charge any fee for services in connection with a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title which is in addition to any amount awarded as compensation by the special master or court under paragraph (1).

(f) Payment of compensation

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no compensation may be paid until an election has been made, or has been deemed to have been made, under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to receive compensation.

(2) Compensation described in subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii) shall be paid from the date of the judgment of the United States Court of Federal Claims under section 300aa–12 of this title awarding the compensation. Such compensation may not be paid after an election under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to file a civil action for damages for the vaccine-related injury or death for which such compensation was awarded.

(3) Payments of compensation under the Program and the costs of carrying out the Program shall be exempt from reduction under any order issued under part C of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 [2 U.S.C. 900 et seq.].

(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), payment of compensation under the Program shall be determined on the basis of the net present value of the elements of the compensation and shall be paid from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26 in a lump sum of which all or a portion may be used as ordered by the special master to purchase an annuity or otherwise be used, with the consent of the petitioner, in a manner determined by the special master to be in the best interests of the petitioner.

(B) In the case of a payment of compensation under the Program to a petitioner for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, the compensation shall be determined on the basis of the net present value of the elements of compensation and shall be paid from appropriations made available under subsection (j) in a lump sum of which all or a portion may be used as ordered by the special master to purchase an annuity or otherwise be used, with the consent of the petitioner, in a manner determined by the special master to be in the best interests of the petitioner. Any reasonable attorneys' fees and costs shall be paid in a lump sum. If the appropriations under subsection (j) are insufficient to make a payment of an annual installment, the limitation on civil actions prescribed by section 300aa–21(a) of this title shall not apply to a civil action for damages brought by the petitioner entitled to the payment.

(C) In purchasing an annuity under subparagraph (A) or (B), the Secretary may purchase a guarantee for the annuity, may enter into agreements regarding the purchase price for and rate of return of the annuity, and may take such other actions as may be necessary to safeguard the financial interests of the United States regarding the annuity. Any payment received by the Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26, or to the appropriations account from which the funds were derived to purchase the annuity, whichever is appropriate.

(g) Program not primarily liable

Payment of compensation under the Program shall not be made for any item or service to the extent that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made, with respect to such item or service (1) under any State compensation program, under an insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health benefits program (other than under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.]), or (2) by an entity which provides health services on a prepaid basis.

(h) Liability of health insurance carriers, prepaid health plans, and benefit providers

No policy of health insurance may make payment of benefits under the policy secondary to the payment of compensation under the Program and—

(1) no State, and

(2) no entity which provides health services on a prepaid basis or provides health benefits,


may make the provision of health services or health benefits secondary to the payment of compensation under the Program, except that this subsection shall not apply to the provision of services or benefits under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.].

(i) Source of compensation

(1) Payment of compensation under the Program to a petitioner for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, shall be made by the Secretary from appropriations under subsection (j).

(2) Payment of compensation under the Program to a petitioner for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine on or after October 1, 1988, shall be made from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26.

(j) Authorization

For the payment of compensation under the Program to a petitioner for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1992, $110,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, and $110,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year in which a payment of compensation is required under subsection (f)(4)(B). Amounts appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2115, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3767; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §§4302(b), 4303(a)–(d)(1), (e), (g), 4307(5), (6), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221 to 1330-223, 1330-225; Pub. L. 100–360, title IV, §411(o)(1), July 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(c)(8), (l), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2286, 2290; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(d), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1287; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(e), (f), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1103; Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §314, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3508; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13632(b), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 646.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), is title II of Pub. L. 99–177, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1038. Part C of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§900 et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 2, The Congress. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 900 of Title 2 and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (g) and (h), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XIX of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter XIX (§1396 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.

Codification

In subsecs. (a), (b), (e)(2), (f)(4)(B), (i), and (j), "October 1, 1988" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 300aa–15, act July 1, 1944, §2116, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238m of this title.

A prior section 2115 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238l of this title.

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "$110,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year" for "$80,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year".

1992—Subsecs. (e)(1), (f)(2). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–531 increased authorization for fiscal year 1993 from $80,000,000 to $110,000,000.

1991—Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102–168, §201(e)(1)(A), (2), struck out "of the proceeds" after "portion" and substituted "Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26" for "trust fund".

Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 102–168, §201(e)(1)(B), which directed substitution of "shall be paid from appropriations made available under subsection (j) in a lump sum of which all or a portion" for "paid in 4 equal installments of which all or portion of the proceeds" was executed by making the substitution for "paid in 4 equal annual installments of which all or a portion of the proceeds" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (f)(4)(C). Pub. L. 102–168, §201(f), added subpar. (C).

1990—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(d)(1), inserted "of compensation" before "limited to the costs".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(d)(2)(A), substituted "section 300aa–21(a)" for "section 300aa–21(b)".

Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(d)(2)(B), substituted "subsection (j)" for "subsection (i)" and "the limitation on civil actions prescribed by section 300aa–21(a) of this title" for "section 300aa–11(a) of this title".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(d)(3), inserted before period at end of first sentence ", and $80,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year in which a payment of compensation is required under subsection (f)(4)(B)".

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(1), substituted "may include the compensation described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (a) and may also include an amount, not to exceed a combined total of $30,000, for—" and cls. (1) to (3) for "may not include the compensation described in paragraph (1)(B) of subsection (a) of this section and may include attorneys' fees and other costs included in a judgment under subsection (e) of this section, except that the total amount that may be paid as compensation under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of this section and included as attorneys' fees and other costs under subsection (e) of this section may not exceed $30,000."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(2)(A), substituted "In awarding compensation on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title the special master or court shall also award as part of such compensation an amount to cover" for "The judgment of the United States Claims Court on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title awarding compensation shall include an amount to cover".

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(2)(B), (C), substituted "the special master or court may award an amount of compensation to cover" for "the court may include in the judgment an amount to cover" and "the special master or court determines that the petition was brought in good faith and there was a reasonable basis for the claim for which the petition" for "the court determines that the civil action was brought in good faith and there was a reasonable basis for the claim for which the civil action".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(2)(D), which directed amendment of par. (2) by substituting "the special master or court may also award an amount of compensation" for "the judgment of the court on such petition may include an amount", could not be executed because of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(8)(B), see Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(c)(8), substituted "and petitioned under section 300aa–11(a)(5) of this title to have such action dismissed" for "and elected under section 300aa–11(a)(4) of this title to withdraw such action" and "in awarding compensation on such petition the special master or court may include" for "the judgment of the court on such petition may include".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(2)(E), substituted "awarded as compensation by the special master or court under paragraph (1)" for "included under paragraph (1) in a judgment on such petition".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(3)(A), inserted "under the Program and the costs of carrying out the Program" after "Payments of compensation".

Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(3)(B), struck out "made in a lump sum" after "the Program shall be" and inserted "and shall be paid from the trust fund in a lump sum of which all or a portion of the proceeds may be used as ordered by the special master to purchase an annuity or otherwise be used, with the consent of the petitioner, in a manner determined by the special master to be in the best interests of the petitioner" after "elements of the compensation".

Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(3)(C), substituted "determined on the basis of the net present value of the elements of compensation and paid in 4 equal annual installments of which all or a portion of the proceeds may be used as ordered by the special master to purchase an annuity or otherwise be used, with the consent of the petitioner, in a manner determined by the special master to be in the best interests of the petitioner. Any reasonable attorneys' fees and costs shall be paid in a lump sum" for "paid in 4 equal annual installments".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(4)(A), inserted "(other than under title XIX of the Social Security Act)" after "State health benefits program".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(4)(B), inserted before period at end ", except that this subsection shall not apply to the provision of services or benefits under title XIX of the Social Security Act".

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(5), which directed amendment of par. (1) by substituting "(j)" for "(i)", could not be executed because "(i)" did not appear.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(l)(6), struck out "and" after "fiscal year 1991," and inserted ", $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1993" after "fiscal year 1992".

1988—Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(1)(A), substituted "by the Secretary from appropriations under subsection (j)" for "from appropriations under subsection (i)".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 100–360, §411(o)(1)(B), inserted "to the Department of Health and Human Services".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(d)(1)(A), struck out last two sentences which read as follows: "Payments for projected expenses shall be paid on a periodic basis (but no payment may be made for a period in excess of 1 year). Payments for pain and suffering and emotional distress and incurred expenses may be paid in a lump sum."

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(c), struck out last sentence of subpars. (A) and (B) each of which read as follows: "The amount of unreimbursable expenses which may be recovered under this subparagraph shall be limited to the amount in excess of the amount set forth in section 300aa–11(c)(1)(D)(ii) of this title."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(e), substituted "may not include the compensation described in paragraph (1)(B) of subsection (a) of this section and may include attorneys' fees and other costs included in a judgment under subsection (e) of this section, except that the total amount that may be paid as compensation under paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (a) of this section and included as attorneys' fees and other costs under subsection (e) of this section may not exceed $30,000" for "shall only include the compensation described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (a) of this section".

Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(5), substituted "of the United States Claims Court" for "of a court" in two places.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b), substituted "effective date of this subpart, filed a" for "effective date of this subchapter, filed a" and "effective date of this subpart in preparing" for "effective date of this part in preparing".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(d)(1)(B), (g), added par. (4) and redesignated a second subsec. (f), relating to the Program not being primarily liable, as subsec. (g).

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(6), substituted "United States Claims Court" for "district court of the United States".

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(g), redesignated a second subsec. (f), relating to the Program not being liable, as (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 100–203, §4303(a), (b), added subsecs. (i) and (j).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by section 201(f) of Pub. L. 102–168 effective as if in effect on and after Oct. 1, 1988, see section 201(i)(2) of Pub. L. 102–168, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–502 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to all pending and subsequently filed petitions, see section 6601(s)(2) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Except as specifically provided in section 411 of Pub. L. 100–360, amendment by Pub. L. 100–360, as it relates to a provision in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, effective as if included in the enactment of that provision in Pub. L. 100–203, see section 411(a) of Pub. L. 100–360, set out as a Reference to OBRA; Effective Date note under section 106 of Title 1, General Provisions.

1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by another closing parenthesis.

§300aa–16. Limitations of actions

(a) General rule

In the case of—

(1) a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table which is administered before October 1, 1988, if a vaccine-related injury or death occurred as a result of the administration of such vaccine, no petition may be filed for compensation under the Program for such injury or death after the expiration of 28 months after October 1, 1988, and no such petition may be filed if the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of such injury occurred more than 36 months after the date of administration of the vaccine,

(2) a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table which is administered after October 1, 1988, if a vaccine-related injury occurred as a result of the administration of such vaccine, no petition may be filed for compensation under the Program for such injury after the expiration of 36 months after the date of the occurrence of the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of such injury, and

(3) a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table which is administered after October 1, 1988, if a death occurred as a result of the administration of such vaccine, no petition may be filed for compensation under the Program for such death after the expiration of 24 months from the date of the death and no such petition may be filed more than 48 months after the date of the occurrence of the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of the injury from which the death resulted.

(b) Effect of revised table

If at any time the Vaccine Injury Table is revised and the effect of such revision is to permit an individual who was not, before such revision, eligible to seek compensation under the Program, or to significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining compensation, such person may, notwithstanding section 300aa–11(b)(2) of this title, file a petition for such compensation not later than 2 years after the effective date of the revision, except that no compensation may be provided under the Program with respect to a vaccine-related injury or death covered under the revision of the table if—

(1) the vaccine-related death occurred more than 8 years before the date of the revision of the table, or

(2) the vaccine-related injury occurred more than 8 years before the date of the revision of the table.

(c) State limitations of actions

If a petition is filed under section 300aa–11 of this title for a vaccine-related injury or death, limitations of actions under State law shall be stayed with respect to a civil action brought for such injury or death for the period beginning on the date the petition is filed and ending on the date (1) an election is made under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to file the civil action or (2) an election is made under section 300aa–21(b) of this title to withdraw the petition.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2116, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3769; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(2), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(m)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2291; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(e), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1287; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(d)(2), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1103; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13632(a)(1), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 645.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a)(1) to (3), "October 1, 1988" and "October 1, 1988," substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 2116 of act July 1, 1944, was successively renumbered by subsequent acts and transferred, see section 238m of this title.

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "or to significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining compensation, such person may, notwithstanding section 300aa–11(b)(2) of this title, file" for "such person may file".

1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–168 substituted "or (2)" for ", (2)" and struck out ", or (3) the petition is considered withdrawn under section 300aa–21(b) of this title."

1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(e)(1), substituted "28 months" for "24 months" and inserted before comma at end "and no such petition may be filed if the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of such injury occurred more than 36 months after the date of administration of the vaccine".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(e)(2), substituted "and ending on the date (1) an election is made under section 300aa–21(a) of this title to file the civil action, (2) an election is made under section 300aa–21(b) of this title to withdraw the petition, or (3) the petition is considered withdrawn under section 300aa–21(b) of this title" for "and ending on the date a final judgment is entered on the petition".

1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "300aa–11 of this title" for "300aa–11(b) of this title".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this subchapter" in pars. (1) to (3).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–168 effective as if in effect on and after Oct. 1, 1988, see section 201(i)(2) of Pub. L. 102–168, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–502 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

§300aa–17. Subrogation

(a) General rule

Upon payment of compensation to any petitioner under the Program, the trust fund which has been established to provide such compensation shall be subrograted 1 to all rights of the petitioner with respect to the vaccine-related injury or death for which compensation was paid, except that the trust fund may not recover under such rights an amount greater than the amount of compensation paid to the petitioner.

(b) Disposition of amounts recovered

Amounts recovered under subsection (a) shall be collected on behalf of, and deposited in, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2117, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3770; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4307(7), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–225; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(m)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2291.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund established under section 9510 of title 26" for "the trust fund which has been established to provide compensation under the Program".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 struck out par. (1) designation before "Upon" and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "In any case in which it deems such action appropriate, a district court of the United States may, after entry of a final judgment providing for compensation to be paid under section 300aa–15 of this title for a vaccine-related injury or death, refer the record of such proceeding to the Secretary and the Attorney General with such recommendation as the court deems appropriate with respect to the investigation or commencement of a civil action by the Secretary under paragraph (1)."


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be "subrogated".

§300aa–18. Repealed. Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4303(d)(2)(B), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–222

Section, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2118, as added Nov. 14, 1986, Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), 100 Stat. 3771, provided for annual increases for inflation of compensation under subsections (a)(2) and (a)(4) of section 300aa–15 of this title and civil penalty under section 300aa–27(b) of this title.

§300aa–19. Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines

(a) Establishment

There is established the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines. The Commission shall be composed of:

(1) Nine members appointed by the Secretary as follows:

(A) Three members who are health professionals, who are not employees of the United States, and who have expertise in the health care of children, the epidemiology, etiology, and prevention of childhood diseases, and the adverse reactions associated with vaccines, of whom at least two shall be pediatricians.

(B) Three members from the general public, of whom at least two shall be legal representatives of children who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death.

(C) Three members who are attorneys, of whom at least one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of persons who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death and of whom one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of vaccine manufacturers.


(2) The Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (or the designees of such officials), each of whom shall be a nonvoting ex officio member.


The Secretary shall select members of the Commission within 90 days of October 1, 1988. The members of the Commission shall select a Chair from among the members.

(b) Term of office

Appointed members of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of office of 3 years, except that of the members first appointed, 3 shall be appointed for a term of 1 year, 3 shall be appointed for a term of 2 years, and 3 shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, as determined by the Secretary.

(c) Meetings

The Commission shall first meet within 60 days after all members of the Commission are appointed, and thereafter shall meet not less often than four times per year and at the call of the chair. A quorum for purposes of a meeting is 5. A decision at a meeting is to be made by a ballot of a majority of the voting members of the Commission present at the meeting.

(d) Compensation

Members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the Federal Government shall serve as members of the Commission without compensation in addition to that received in their regular public employment. Members of the Commission who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the rate in effect for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule for each day (including traveltime) they are engaged in the performance of their duties as members of the Commission. All members, while so serving away from their homes or regular places of business, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as such expenses are authorized by section 5703 of title 5 for employees serving intermittently.

(e) Staff

The Secretary shall provide the Commission with such professional and clerical staff, such information, and the services of such consultants as may be necessary to assist the Commission in carrying out effectively its functions under this section.

(f) Functions

The Commission shall—

(1) advise the Secretary on the implementation of the Program,

(2) on its own initiative or as the result of the filing of a petition, recommend changes in the Vaccine Injury Table,

(3) advise the Secretary in implementing the Secretary's responsibilities under section 300aa–27 of this title regarding the need for childhood vaccination products that result in fewer or no significant adverse reactions,

(4) survey Federal, State, and local programs and activities relating to the gathering of information on injuries associated with the administration of childhood vaccines, including the adverse reaction reporting requirements of section 300aa–25(b) of this title, and advise the Secretary on means to obtain, compile, publish, and use credible data related to the frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with childhood vaccines, and

(5) recommend to the Director of the National Vaccine Program research related to vaccine injuries which should be conducted to carry out this part.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2119, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3771; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(g), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §312(d)(14), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3505.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), "October 1, 1988" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–531 substituted "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" for "Centers for Disease Control".

1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–168 inserted "present at the meeting" before period at end.

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part" in last sentence.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Commissions

Advisory commissions established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a commission established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such commission is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a commission established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pub. L. 93–641, §6, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2275, set out as a note under section 217a of this title, provided that an advisory committee established pursuant to the Public Health Service Act shall terminate at such time as may be specifically prescribed by an Act of Congress enacted after Jan. 4, 1975.

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

subpart b—additional remedies

§300aa–21. Authority to bring actions

(a) Election

After judgment has been entered by the United States Court of Federal Claims or, if an appeal is taken under section 300aa–12(f) of this title, after the appellate court's mandate is issued, the petitioner who filed the petition under section 300aa–11 of this title shall file with the clerk of the United States Court of Federal Claims—

(1) if the judgment awarded compensation, an election in writing to receive the compensation or to file a civil action for damages for such injury or death, or

(2) if the judgment did not award compensation, an election in writing to accept the judgment or to file a civil action for damages for such injury or death.


An election shall be filed under this subsection not later than 90 days after the date of the court's final judgment with respect to which the election is to be made. If a person required to file an election with the court under this subsection does not file the election within the time prescribed for filing the election, such person shall be deemed to have filed an election to accept the judgment of the court. If a person elects to receive compensation under a judgment of the court in an action for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, or is deemed to have accepted the judgment of the court in such an action, such person may not bring or maintain a civil action for damages against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer for the vaccine-related injury or death for which the judgment was entered. For limitations on the bringing of civil actions for vaccine-related injuries or deaths associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, see section 300aa–11(a)(2) of this title.

(b) Continuance or withdrawal of petition

A petitioner under a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title may submit to the United States Court of Federal Claims a notice in writing choosing to continue or to withdraw the petition if—

(1) a special master fails to make a decision on such petition within the 240 days prescribed by section 300aa–12(d)(3)(A)(ii) of this title (excluding (i) any period of suspension under section 300aa–12(d)(3)(C) or 300aa–12(d)(3)(D) of this title, and (ii) any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under section 300aa–12(e)(2)(C) of this title), or

(2) the court fails to enter a judgment under section 300aa–12 of this title on the petition within 420 days (excluding (i) any period of suspension under section 300aa–12(d)(3)(C) or 300aa–12(d)(3)(D) of this title, and (ii) any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under section 300aa–12(e)(2)(C) of this title) after the date on which the petition was filed.


Such a notice shall be filed within 30 days of the provision of the notice required by section 300aa–12(g) of this title.

(c) Limitations of actions

A civil action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death for which a petition was filed under section 300aa–11 of this title shall, except as provided in section 300aa–16(c) of this title, be brought within the period prescribed by limitations of actions under State law applicable to such civil action.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2121, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3772; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §§4304(c), 4307(8), 4308(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–224, 1330-225; Pub. L. 100–360, title IV, §411(o)(3)(A), July 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(n), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2291; Pub. L. 101–502, §5(f), Nov. 3, 1990, 104 Stat. 1287; Pub. L. 102–168, title II, §201(d)(3), Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1103; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), "October 1, 1988," and "October 1, 1988" substituted for "the effective date of this part".

Amendments

1992—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" wherever appearing.

1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–168 substituted "Continuance or withdrawal of petition" for "Withdrawal of petition" in heading, redesignated introductory provisions of par. (1) as introductory provisions of subsec. (b) and substituted "a notice in writing choosing to continue or to withdraw the petition" for "a notice in writing withdrawing the petition", redesignated subpars. (A) and (B) of former par. (1) as pars. (1) and (2), respectively, and realigned margins, struck out at end of former par. (1) "If such a notice is not filed before the expiration of such 30 days, the petition with respect to which the notice was to be filed shall be considered withdrawn under this paragraph.", and struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "If a special master or the court does not enter a decision or make a judgment on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title within 30 days of the provision of the notice in accordance with section 300aa–12(g) of this title, the special master or court shall no longer have jurisdiction over such petition and such petition shall be considered as withdrawn under paragraph (1)."

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(f)(1), in closing provisions, inserted after second sentence "If a person elects to receive compensation under a judgment of the court in an action for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine before October 1, 1988, or is deemed to have accepted the judgment of the court in such an action, such person may not bring or maintain a civil action for damages against a vaccine administrator or manufacturer for the vaccine-related injury or death for which the judgment was entered." and inserted "for vaccine-related injuries or deaths associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988" after "actions" in last sentence.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–502, §5(f)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "If the United States Claims Court fails to enter a judgment under section 300aa–12 of this title on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title within 420 days (excluding any period of suspension under section 300aa–12(d) of this title and excluding any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under section 300aa–12(e)(2)(C) of this title) after the date on which the petition was filed, the petitioner may submit to the court a notice in writing withdrawing the petition. An election shall be filed under this subsection not later than 90 days after the date of the entry of the Claims Court's judgment or the appellate court's mandate with respect to which the election is to be made. A person who has submitted a notice under this subsection may, notwithstanding section 300aa–11(a)(2) of this title, thereafter maintain a civil action for damages in a State or Federal court without regard to this subpart and consistent with otherwise applicable law."

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(n)(1)(A), amended introductory provisions generally. Prior to amendment, introductory provisions read as follows: "After the judgment of the United States Claims Court under section 300aa–11 of this title on a petition filed for compensation under the Program for a vaccine-related injury or death has become final, the person who filed the petition shall file with the court—".

Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(n)(1)(B), amended last sentence generally. Prior to amendment, last sentence read as follows: "If a person elects to receive compensation under a judgment of the court or is deemed to have accepted the judgment of the court, such person may not bring or maintain a civil action for damages against a vaccine manufacturer for the vaccine-related injury or death for which the judgment was entered."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239, §6601(n)(2), substituted "within 420 days (excluding any period of suspension under section 300aa–12(d) of this title and excluding any days the petition is before a special master as a result of a remand under section 300aa–12(e)(2)(C) of this title)" for "within 365 days" in first sentence and amended second sentence generally. Prior to amendment, second sentence read as follows: "Such a notice shall be filed not later than 90 days after the expiration of such 365-day period."

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–360 added Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(c), see 1987 Amendment note below.

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203, §4308(c), as added by Pub. L. 100–360, substituted "the court's final judgment" for "the entry of the court's judgment" in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(8), substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "a district court of the United States" and "the court" for "a court" in three places.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 100–203, §4304(c), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–168 effective as in effect on and after Oct. 1, 1988, see section 201(i)(2) of Pub. L. 102–168, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 5(f)(1) of Pub. L. 101–502 effective Nov. 14, 1986, and amendment by section 5(f)(2) of Pub. L. 101–502 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 5(h) of Pub. L. 101–502, set out as a note under section 300aa–11 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, except that such suspension be excluded in determining the 420-day period prescribed in subsec. (b) of this section, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Except as specifically provided in section 411 of Pub. L. 100–360, amendment by Pub. L. 100–360, as it relates to a provision in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–203, effective as if included in the enactment of that provision in Pub. L. 100–203, see section 411(a) of Pub. L. 100–360, set out as a Reference to OBRA; Effective Date note under section 106 of Title 1, General Provisions.

Effective Date

Subpart effective Oct. 1, 1988, see section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

§300aa–22. Standards of responsibility

(a) General rule

Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (e) State law shall apply to a civil action brought for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death.

(b) Unavoidable adverse side effects; warnings

(1) No vaccine manufacturer shall be liable in a civil action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, if the injury or death resulted from side effects that were unavoidable even though the vaccine was properly prepared and was accompanied by proper directions and warnings.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), a vaccine shall be presumed to be accompanied by proper directions and warnings if the vaccine manufacturer shows that it complied in all material respects with all requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and section 262 of this title (including regulations issued under such provisions) applicable to the vaccine and related to vaccine-related injury or death for which the civil action was brought unless the plaintiff shows—

(A) that the manufacturer engaged in the conduct set forth in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 300aa–23(d)(2) of this title, or

(B) by clear and convincing evidence that the manufacturer failed to exercise due care notwithstanding its compliance with such Act and section (and regulations issued under such provisions).

(c) Direct warnings

No vaccine manufacturer shall be liable in a civil action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, solely due to the manufacturer's failure to provide direct warnings to the injured party (or the injured party's legal representative) of the potential dangers resulting from the administration of the vaccine manufactured by the manufacturer.

(d) Construction

The standards of responsibility prescribed by this section are not to be construed as authorizing a person who brought a civil action for damages against a vaccine manufacturer for a vaccine-related injury or death in which damages were denied or which was dismissed with prejudice to bring a new civil action against such manufacturer for such injury or death.

(e) Preemption

No State may establish or enforce a law which prohibits an individual from bringing a civil action against a vaccine manufacturer for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death if such civil action is not barred by this part.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2122, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3773; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

In subsecs. (b)(1), (c), "October 1, 1988" was substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1987—Subsecs. (b)(1), (c). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

§300aa–23. Trial

(a) General rule

A civil action against a vaccine manufacturer for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine after October 1, 1988, which is not barred by section 300aa–11(a)(2) of this title shall be tried in three stages.

(b) Liability

The first stage of such a civil action shall be held to determine if a vaccine manufacturer is liable under section 300aa–22 of this title.

(c) General damages

The second stage of such a civil action shall be held to determine the amount of damages (other than punitive damages) a vaccine manufacturer found to be liable under section 300aa–22 of this title shall be required to pay.

(d) Punitive damages

(1) If sought by the plaintiff, the third stage of such an action shall be held to determine the amount of punitive damages a vaccine manufacturer found to be liable under section 300aa–22 of this title shall be required to pay.

(2) If in such an action the manufacturer shows that it complied, in all material respects, with all requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and this chapter applicable to the vaccine and related to the vaccine injury or death with respect to which the action was brought, the manufacturer shall not be held liable for punitive damages unless the manufacturer engaged in—

(A) fraud or intentional and wrongful withholding of information from the Secretary during any phase of a proceeding for approval of the vaccine under section 262 of this title,

(B) intentional and wrongful withholding of information relating to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine after its approval, or

(C) other criminal or illegal activity relating to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,


which activity related to the vaccine-related injury or death for which the civil action was brought.

(e) Evidence

In any stage of a civil action, the Vaccine Injury Table, any finding of fact or conclusion of law of the United States Court of Federal Claims or a special master in a proceeding on a petition filed under section 300aa–11 of this title and the final judgment of the United States Court of Federal Claims and subsequent appellate review on such a petition shall not be admissible.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2123, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3774; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §§4302(b)(1), 4307(9), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221, 1330-225; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(o), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2292; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (a), "October 1, 1988" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court" in two places.

1989—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "finding of fact or conclusion of law" for "finding", "special master" for "master appointed by such court", and directed substitution of "the United States Claims Court and subsequent appellate review" for "a district court of the United States" which was executed by inserting "and subsequent appellate review" after "the United States Claims Court" the second place it appeared to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the amendment by Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(a), see 1987 Amendment note below.

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203, §4302(b)(1), substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–203, §4307(9), substituted "the United States Claims Court" for "a district court of the United States" in two places.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

subpart c—assuring a safer childhood vaccination program in united states

§300aa–25. Recording and reporting of information

(a) General rule

Each health care provider who administers a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table to any person shall record, or ensure that there is recorded, in such person's permanent medical record (or in a permanent office log or file to which a legal representative shall have access upon request) with respect to each such vaccine—

(1) the date of administration of the vaccine,

(2) the vaccine manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine,

(3) the name and address and, if appropriate, the title of the health care provider administering the vaccine, and

(4) any other identifying information on the vaccine required pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary.

(b) Reporting

(1) Each health care provider and vaccine manufacturer shall report to the Secretary—

(A) the occurrence of any event set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, including the events set forth in section 300aa–14(b) of this title which occur within 7 days of the administration of any vaccine set forth in the Table or within such longer period as is specified in the Table or section,

(B) the occurrence of any contraindicating reaction to a vaccine which is specified in the manufacturer's package insert, and

(C) such other matters as the Secretary may by regulation require.


Reports of the matters referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be made beginning 90 days after December 22, 1987. The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register as soon as practicable after such date a notice of the reporting requirement.

(2) A report under paragraph (1) respecting a vaccine shall include the time periods after the administration of such vaccine within which vaccine-related illnesses, disabilities, injuries, or conditions, the symptoms and manifestations of such illnesses, disabilities, injuries, or conditions, or deaths occur, and the manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine.

(3) The Secretary shall issue the regulations referred to in paragraph (1)(C) within 180 days of December 22, 1987.

(c) Release of information

(1) Information which is in the possession of the Federal Government and State and local governments under this section and which may identify an individual shall not be made available under section 552 of title 5, or otherwise, to any person except—

(A) the person who received the vaccine, or

(B) the legal representative of such person.


(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "information which may identify an individual" shall be limited to the name, street address, and telephone number of the person who received the vaccine and of that person's legal representative and the medical records of such person relating to the administration of the vaccine, and shall not include the locality and State of vaccine administration, the name of the health care provider who administered the vaccine, the date of the vaccination, or information concerning any reported illness, disability, injury, or condition resulting from the administration of the vaccine, any symptom or manifestation of such illness, disability, injury, or condition, or death resulting from the administration of the vaccine.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (1), all information reported under this section shall be available to the public.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2125, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3774; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (b)(1), (3), "December 22, 1987" was substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (b)(1), (3). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Subpart effective Dec. 22, 1987, see section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

§300aa–26. Vaccine information

(a) General rule

Not later than 1 year after December 22, 1987, the Secretary shall develop and disseminate vaccine information materials for distribution by health care providers to the legal representatives of any child or to any other individual receiving a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. Such materials shall be published in the Federal Register and may be revised.

(b) Development and revision of materials

Such materials shall be developed or revised—

(1) after notice to the public and 60 days of comment thereon, and

(2) in consultation with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, appropriate health care providers and parent organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.

(c) Information requirements

The information in such materials shall be based on available data and information, shall be presented in understandable terms and shall include—

(1) a concise description of the benefits of the vaccine,

(2) a concise description of the risks associated with the vaccine,

(3) a statement of the availability of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and

(4) such other relevant information as may be determined by the Secretary.

(d) Health care provider duties

On and after a date determined by the Secretary which is—

(1) after the Secretary develops the information materials required by subsection (a), and

(2) not later than 6 months after the date such materials are published in the Federal Register,


each health care provider who administers a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table shall provide to the legal representatives of any child or to any other individual to whom such provider intends to administer such vaccine a copy of the information materials developed pursuant to subsection (a), supplemented with visual presentations or oral explanations, in appropriate cases. Such materials shall be provided prior to the administration of such vaccine.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2126, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3775; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(p), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2292; Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §312(d)(15), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3505; Pub. L. 103–183, title VII, §708, Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2242.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), "December 22, 1987" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–183, §708(c), inserted "or to any other individual" after "to the legal representatives of any child".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–183, §708(a), struck out "by rule" after "revised" in introductory provisions and substituted "and 60" for ", opportunity for a public hearing, and 90" in par. (1).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–183, §708(b), inserted in introductory provisions "shall be based on available data and information," after "such materials", added pars. (1) to (4), and struck out former pars. (1) to (10) which read as follows:

"(1) the frequency, severity, and potential long-term effects of the disease to be prevented by the vaccine,

"(2) the symptoms or reactions to the vaccine which, if they occur, should be brought to the immediate attention of the health care provider,

"(3) precautionary measures legal representatives should take to reduce the risk of any major adverse reactions to the vaccine that may occur,

"(4) early warning signs or symptoms to which legal representatives should be alert as possible precursors to such major adverse reactions,

"(5) a description of the manner in which legal representatives should monitor such major adverse reactions, including a form on which reactions can be recorded to assist legal representatives in reporting information to appropriate authorities,

"(6) a specification of when, how, and to whom legal representatives should report any major adverse reaction,

"(7) the contraindications to (and bases for delay of) the administration of the vaccine,

"(8) an identification of the groups, categories, or characteristics of potential recipients of the vaccine who may be at significantly higher risk of major adverse reaction to the vaccine than the general population,

"(9) a summary of—

"(A) relevant Federal recommendations concerning a complete schedule of childhood immunizations, and

"(B) the availability of the Program, and

"(10) such other relevant information as may be determined by the Secretary."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–183, §708(c), (d), in concluding provisions, inserted "or to any other individual" after "to the legal representatives of any child", substituted "supplemented with visual presentations or oral explanations, in appropriate cases" for "or other written information which meets the requirements of this section", and struck out "or other information" after "Such materials".

1992—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–531 substituted "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" for "Centers for Disease Control".

1989—Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 101–239 amended par. (9) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (9) read as follows: "a summary of relevant State and Federal laws concerning the vaccine, including information on—

"(A) the number of vaccinations required for school attendance and the schedule recommended for such vaccinations, and

"(B) the availability of the Program, and".

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

§300aa–27. Mandate for safer childhood vaccines

(a) General rule

In the administration of this part and other pertinent laws under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, the Secretary shall—

(1) promote the development of childhood vaccines that result in fewer and less serious adverse reactions than those vaccines on the market on December 22, 1987, and promote the refinement of such vaccines, and

(2) make or assure improvements in, and otherwise use the authorities of the Secretary with respect to, the licensing, manufacturing, processing, testing, labeling, warning, use instructions, distribution, storage, administration, field surveillance, adverse reaction reporting, and recall of reactogenic lots or batches, of vaccines, and research on vaccines, in order to reduce the risks of adverse reactions to vaccines.

(b) Task force

(1) The Secretary shall establish a task force on safer childhood vaccines which shall consist of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control.

(2) The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall serve as chairman of the task force.

(3) In consultation with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, the task force shall prepare recommendations to the Secretary concerning implementation of the requirements of subsection (a).

(c) Report

Within 2 years after December 22, 1987, and periodically thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate a report describing the actions taken pursuant to subsection (a) during the preceding 2-year period.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2127, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3777; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6601(q), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2292.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsecs. (a)(1), (c), "December 22, 1987" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1989—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 101–239 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1987—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Labor and Human Resources of Senate changed to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of Senate by Senate Resolution No. 20, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 19, 1999.

Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Jan. 3, 2001.

Centers for Disease Control changed to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by Pub. L. 102–531, title III, §312, Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3504.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

For applicability of amendments by Pub. L. 101–239 to petitions filed after Dec. 19, 1989, petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is closed, and petitions currently pending in which the evidentiary record is not closed, with provision for an immediate suspension for 30 days of all pending cases, see section 6601(s)(1) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 300aa–10 of this title.

§300aa–28. Manufacturer recordkeeping and reporting

(a) General rule

Each vaccine manufacturer of a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table or any other vaccine the administration of which is mandated by the law or regulations of any State, shall, with respect to each batch, lot, or other quantity manufactured or licensed after December 22, 1987—

(1) prepare and maintain records documenting the history of the manufacturing, processing, testing, repooling, and reworking of each batch, lot, or other quantity of such vaccine, including the identification of any significant problems encountered in the production, testing, or handling of such batch, lot, or other quantity,

(2) if a safety test on such batch, lot, or other quantity indicates a potential imminent or substantial public health hazard is presented, report to the Secretary within 24 hours of such safety test which the manufacturer (or manufacturer's representative) conducted, including the date of the test, the type of vaccine tested, the identity of the batch, lot, or other quantity tested, whether the batch, lot, or other quantity tested is the product of repooling or reworking of previous batches, lots, or other quantities (and, if so, the identity of the previous batches, lots, or other quantities which were repooled or reworked), the complete test results, and the name and address of the person responsible for conducting the test,

(3) include with each such report a certification signed by a responsible corporate official that such report is true and complete, and

(4) prepare, maintain, and upon request submit to the Secretary product distribution records for each such vaccine by batch, lot, or other quantity number.

(b) Sanction

Any vaccine manufacturer who intentionally destroys, alters, falsifies, or conceals any record or report required under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) shall—

(1) be subject to a civil penalty of up to $100,000 per occurrence, or

(2) be fined $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.


Such penalty shall apply to the person who intentionally destroyed, altered, falsified, or concealed such record or report, to the person who directed that such record or report be destroyed, altered, falsified, or concealed, and to the vaccine manufacturer for which such person is an agent, employee, or representative. Each act of destruction, alteration, falsification, or concealment shall be treated as a separate occurrence.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2128, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3777; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4302(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–221.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsec. (a), "December 22, 1987" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "effective date of this subpart" for "effective date of this part".

subpart d—general provisions

§300aa–31. Citizen's actions

(a) General rule

Except as provided in subsection (b), any person may commence in a district court of the United States a civil action on such person's own behalf against the Secretary where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this part.

(b) Notice

No action may be commenced under subsection (a) before the date which is 60 days after the person bringing the action has given written notice of intent to commence such action to the Secretary.

(c) Costs of litigation

The court, in issuing any final order in any action under this section, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any plaintiff who substantially prevails on one or more significant issues in the action.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2131, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3778; amended Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4305, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–224.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1987—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–203, which directed that subsec. (c) be amended by substituting "to any plaintiff who substantially prevails on one or more significant issues in the action" for "to any party, whenever the court determines that such award is appropriate", was executed by making the substitution for "to any party, whenever the court determines such award is appropriate", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Subpart effective Dec. 22, 1987, see section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, set out as a note under section 300aa–1 of this title.

§300aa–32. Judicial review

A petition for review of a regulation under this part may be filed in a court of appeals of the United States within 60 days from the date of the promulgation of the regulation or after such date if such petition is based solely on grounds arising after such 60th day.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2132, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3778.)

§300aa–33. Definitions

For purposes of this part:

(1) The term "health care provider" means any licensed health care professional, organization, or institution, whether public or private (including Federal, State, and local departments, agencies, and instrumentalities) under whose authority a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table is administered.

(2) The term "legal representative" means a parent or an individual who qualifies as a legal guardian under State law.

(3) The term "manufacturer" means any corporation, organization, or institution, whether public or private (including Federal, State, and local departments, agencies, and instrumentalities), which manufactures, imports, processes, or distributes under its label any vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, except that, for purposes of section 300aa–28 of this title, such term shall include the manufacturer of any other vaccine covered by that section. The term "manufacture" means to manufacture, import, process, or distribute a vaccine.

(4) The term "significant aggravation" means any change for the worse in a preexisting condition which results in markedly greater disability, pain, or illness accompanied by substantial deterioration of health.

(5) The term "vaccine-related injury or death" means an illness, injury, condition, or death associated with one or more of the vaccines set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table, except that the term does not include an illness, injury, condition, or death associated with an adulterant or contaminant intentionally added to such a vaccine.

(6)(A) The term "Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines" means the Commission established under section 300aa–19 of this title.

(B) The term "Vaccine Injury Table" means the table set out in section 300aa–14 of this title.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2133, as added Pub. L. 99–660, title III, §311(a), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3778; amended Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §§1714–1716, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2320, 2321; Pub. L. 108–7, div. L, §102(a), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 528.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2003—Pars. (3), (5), (7). Pub. L. 108–7 repealed Pub. L. 107–296, §§1714–1717, and provided that this chapter shall be applied as if the sections repealed had never been enacted. See 2002 Amendment notes below.

2002—Par. (3). Pub. L. 107–296, §1714, which directed amendment of first sentence by substituting "any vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury table, including any component or ingredient of any such vaccine" for "under its label any vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table" and of second sentence by inserting "including any component or ingredient of any such vaccine" before period at end, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–7.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 107–296, §1715, which directed insertion of "For purposes of the preceding sentence, an adulterant or contaminant shall not include any component or ingredient listed in a vaccine's product license application or product label." at end, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–7.

Par. (7). Pub. L. 107–296, §1716, which directed addition of par. (7), was repealed by Pub. L. 108–7, §102(a). Par. (7) read as follows: "The term 'vaccine' means any preparation or suspension, including but not limited to a preparation or suspension containing an attenuated or inactive microorganism or subunit thereof or toxin, developed or administered to produce or enhance the body's immune response to a disease or diseases and includes all components and ingredients listed in the vaccines's product license application and product label."


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1717, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2321, which provided that the amendments made by sections 1714, 1715, and 1716 (amending this section) shall apply to all actions or proceedings pending on or after Nov. 25, 2002, unless a court of competent jurisdiction has entered judgment (regardless of whether the time for appeal has expired) in such action or proceeding disposing of the entire action or proceeding, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–7, div. L, §102(a), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 528.

Construction of Amendments

Pub. L. 108–7, div. L, §102(b), (c), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 528, provided that:

"(b) Application of the Public Health Service Act.—The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) shall be applied and administered as if the sections repealed by subsection (a) [repealing sections 1714 to 1717 of Pub. L. 107–296, which amended this section and enacted provisions set out as a note under this section] had never been enacted.

"(c) Rule of Construction.—No inference shall be drawn from the enactment of sections 1714 through 1717 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–296), or from this repeal [repealing sections 1714 to 1717 of Pub. L. 107–296], regarding the law prior to enactment of sections 1714 through 1717 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–296) [Nov. 25, 2002]. Further, no inference shall be drawn that subsection (a) or (b) affects any change in that prior law, or that Leroy v. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Office of Special Master, No. 02–392V (October 11, 2002), was incorrectly decided."

§300aa–34. Termination of program

(a) Reviews

The Secretary shall review the number of awards of compensation made under the program to petitioners under section 300aa–11 of this title for vaccine-related injuries and deaths associated with the administration of vaccines on or after December 22, 1987, as follows:

(1) The Secretary shall review the number of such awards made in the 12-month period beginning on December 22, 1987.

(2) At the end of each 3-month period beginning after the expiration of the 12-month period referred to in paragraph (1) the Secretary shall review the number of such awards made in the 3-month period.

(b) Report

(1) If in conducting a review under subsection (a) the Secretary determines that at the end of the period reviewed the total number of awards made by the end of that period and accepted under section 300aa–21(a) of this title exceeds the number of awards listed next to the period reviewed in the table in paragraph (2)—

(A) the Secretary shall notify the Congress of such determination, and

(B) beginning 180 days after the receipt by Congress of a notification under paragraph (1), no petition for a vaccine-related injury or death associated with the administration of a vaccine on or after December 22, 1987, may be filed under section 300aa–11 of this title.


Section 300aa–11(a) of this title and subpart B of this part shall not apply to civil actions for damages for a vaccine-related injury or death for which a petition may not be filed because of subparagraph (B).

(2) The table referred to in paragraph (1) is as follows:

 
 Period reviewed:

 

Total number of awards by the end of the period reviewed
12 months after December 22, 1987 150  
13th through the 15th month after December 22, 1987 188  
16th through the 18th month after December 22, 1987 225  
19th through the 21st month after December 22, 1987 263  
22nd through the 24th month after December 22, 1987 300  
25th through the 27th month after December 22, 1987 338  
28th through the 30th month after December 22, 1987 375  
31st through the 33rd month after December 22, 1987 413  
34th through the 36th month after December 22, 1987 450  
37th through the 39th month after December 22, 1987 488  
40th through the 42nd month after December 22, 1987 525  
43rd through the 45th month after December 22, 1987 563  
46th through the 48th month after December 22, 1987 600.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XXI, §2134, as added Pub. L. 100–203, title IV, §4303(f), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–222.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

In subsecs. (a) and (b), "December 22, 1987" substituted for "the effective date of this subpart" on authority of section 323 of Pub. L. 99–660, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 300aa–1 of this title.