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Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table, 29805-29808 [06-4761] :: Health Resources And Services Administration :: Department Of Health And Human Services :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Health And Human Services Health Resources And Services Administration Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table, 29805-29808 [06-4761]
Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table, 29805-29808 [06-4761]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2006 / Rules and Regulations t0.975 1 or 2 ........................ 3 ................................ 4 ................................ 5 ................................ 6 ................................ 7 ................................ 8 ................................ 9 ................................ 10 .............................. 11 .............................. 12 .............................. 13 .............................. 14 .............................. 15 .............................. 16 .............................. 17 .............................. 18 .............................. 19 .............................. 20 .............................. 21 .............................. t0.90 N/A 4.303 3.182 2.776 2.571 2.447 2.365 2.306 2.262 2.228 2.201 2.179 2.160 2.145 2.131 2.120 2.110 2.101 2.093 2.086 N/A 1.886 1.638 1.533 1.476 1.440 1.415 1.397 1.383 1.372 1.363 1.356 1.350 1.345 1.341 1.337 1.333 1.330 1.328 1.325 * * * * * 4.8 The LCL is calculated at an 80 percent (two-sided) confidence level as follows using Equation 11: LC1 = x avg − t 0.90 s n Eq. 11 Where: LC1 = LCL at an 80-percent (two-sided) confidence level. n = Number of valid test runs. s = Sample standard deviation. t0.90 = t-value at the 80-percent (twosided) confidence level (see Table A–1). xavg = Average measured CE value (calculated from all valid test runs). * * * * * Subpart JJJJ—[Amended] 12. Section 63.3300 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: wwhite on PROD1PC61 with RULES I § 63.3300 Which of my emission sources are affected by this subpart? * * * * * (a) Any web coating line that is standalone equipment under subpart KK of VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:41 May 23, 2006 Subpart OOOO—[Amended] 13. Section 63.4281 is amended by: a. Revising paragraph (d) introductory text. I b. Adding paragraphs (d)(4) to read as follows: I I § 63.4281 Am I subject to this subpart? * TABLE A–1.—t-VALUES Number of valid test runs, n this part (National Emission Standards for the Printing and Publishing Industry) which the owner or operator includes in the affected source under subpart KK. * * * * * Jkt 208001 * * * * (d) Web coating lines specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (4) of this section are not part of the affected source of this subpart. * * * * * (4) Any web coating line that coats or prints fabric or other textiles for use in flexible packaging and that is included in an affected source under subpart KK of this part (National Emission Standards for the Printing and Publishing Industry). * * * * * [FR Doc. 06–4821 Filed 5–23–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration 42 CFR Part 102 RIN 0906—AA60 Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS. ACTION: Adoption of interim final rule as final rule with an amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document adopts the Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table (the Table) Interim Final Rule as the Final Rule with an amendment, as follows: the Final Rule clarifies that, in order for the presumption of causation to apply, the time intervals listed on the Table refer specifically to the period in which the first symptom or manifestation of onset of injury must appear following administration of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to vaccinia, and that the time intervals listed have no relevance to time of diagnosis of the injury. DATES: The Interim Final Rule, published on August 27, 2003, was PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 effective on that date, and is adopted as the Final Rule with an amendment effective May 24, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul T. Clark, Director, Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Healthcare Systems Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, (301) 443–2330. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 (SEPPA), Pub. L. 108–20, 117 Stat. 638, directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish the Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (the Program). Secondary to other payers, the Program provides medical, lost employment income, and death benefits for eligible individuals who sustained covered injuries as a result of receiving smallpox vaccine or other covered countermeasures, or as a result of accidental exposure to vaccinia. Congress appropriated $42 million in fiscal year (FY) 2003 for the administration of, and payment of benefits under, the Program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 reduced this appropriation to $22 million. The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109– 149) further reduced the Program’s appropriation by $10 million to a total of $12 million. Individuals who receive a smallpox vaccination under a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), State, or local emergency response plan approved by HHS within the period described in the Secretary’s Declaration, and who sustain a covered injury may be eligible for benefits under SEPPA. Individuals who contracted vaccinia through contact with such individuals or other eligible vaccinia contacts and who sustain a covered injury may also be eligible for benefits. In the case of death resulting directly from receipt of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to vaccinia by eligible individuals, certain of their survivors may be considered for death benefits. If an eligible individual who sustained a covered injury dies from another cause before payment of benefits has been made under the Program, the estate may qualify for payment of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred and employment income lost as a result of the covered injury, secondary to other payers. SEPPA directed the Secretary to establish a table identifying adverse effects (including injuries, disabilities, E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM 24MYR1 ER24MY06.006 n = Number of valid test runs. P = DQO indicator statistic, distance from the average measured CE value to the endpoints of the 95-percent (two-sided) confidence interval, expressed as a percent of the average measured CE value. s = Sample standard deviation. t0.975 = t-value at the 95-percent (twosided) confidence level (see Table A–1). xavg = Average measured CE value (calculated from all valid test runs). xi = The CE value calculated from the ith test run. 29805 29806 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2006 / Rules and Regulations conditions, and deaths) that shall be presumed to result from the administration of, or exposure to, the smallpox vaccine, and the time interval in which the first symptom or manifestation of each listed injury must appear in order for such presumption to apply. An Interim Final Rule for the Table was published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2003 (68 FR 51492), with public comments sought on these provisions. Based on the comments received, this Final Rule clarifies that the Table is not the sole standard for determining medical eligibility for benefits under the Program. Therefore, an individual who sustains an injury that is not on the Table or not within the timeframes on the Table, and believes it was caused by a smallpox vaccination, is encouraged to submit a Request Package to the Program. This Final Rule makes it clear that the time intervals on the Table refer specifically to the first symptom or manifestation of onset of illness or injury, not to the date of the diagnosis. It also clarifies that any component of a smallpox vaccine, not only the vaccinia, could be the possible cause of a covered injury. Further, this regulation updates the Interim Final Rule to reflect that the Secretary has extended the effective period of the Declaration Regarding Administration of Smallpox Countermeasures (the Declaration). Finally, this Final Rule also updates the change in name of the Special Programs Bureau to the Healthcare Systems Bureau; and provides the new address of the Program Office. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with RULES Discussion of Comments The public comment period ended on October 27, 2003. HHS received a total of 11 public comments. Four were from professional associations; three were from medical professionals; two were from the general public; one was from a State health department; and one was from a nonprofit community health organization. The issues raised and HHS’s responses appear below. A. Time Intervals for the First Symptom or Manifestation of Onset of Injury The Secretary received two comments suggesting that the time intervals listed on the Table be lengthened. One commenter requested that the Secretary extend the time limit for the onset of myocarditis and pericarditis from 21 days to 60 days. The other commenter indicated concern that the time intervals listed on the Table seem potentially short, and should be determined in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the military regarding all the Table VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:41 May 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 time intervals, independent of how long it takes for a scab to fall off. The Secretary received a third comment related to the time intervals on the Table requesting an appeal process to the Table time intervals. The Secretary does not concur with changing the time intervals on the Table, whether it be for the onset of myocarditis or pericarditis from 21 to 60 days, or any other seemingly short time intervals. The Secretary did consult with the Department of Defense (DoD) and CDC, as well as with other HHS components and the private sector. Their scientific data support the time intervals as specified on the Table. The commenters did not provide evidence to support lengthening the time intervals beyond that which the Secretary had already considered and, therefore, they remain as currently listed. However, as discussed below, if any individual has symptoms that manifest outside of those time intervals, he or she may still be considered for benefits under the Program. The third commenter expressed the hope that the Table permits adequate time for injured individuals to seek compensation, and recommended that language be added to the regulations to provide an avenue for appeal to the timeframes established in the Table, should an individual become ill or exhibit symptoms related to the vaccine beyond the established Table timeframes. The Secretary wishes to emphasize that an injury that manifests itself outside of the timeframe listed on the Table may still be a covered injury. The Secretary recognizes that symptoms can occur subsequent to the Table timeframes in some cases. In this event, the individual may be found medically eligible if he or she submits evidence to show that it is more likely than not that the smallpox vaccine or other covered countermeasure, or the vaccinia contracted from accidental vaccinia exposure, actually caused the injury. SEPPA does not provide an avenue for appeal of the timeframes established in the Table. Thus, the Secretary disagrees with the commenter that there is a need for an appeal process for the time intervals. However, the Secretary has established a reconsideration process for re-review of the Program’s determinations on medical/program and financial eligibility requirements through the Administrative Regulations for this Program published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2003. If a requester is not satisfied with the Program’s decisions, the requester has the right to seek reconsideration of any adverse determination. PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 There were two additional comments regarding time intervals. One commenter wanted to make sure that HHS clarifies that the time intervals relate to the timeframe of the first symptom or manifestation of onset of injury, not to the timeframe of the diagnosis. The Secretary agrees with this comment and has clarified this issue by inserting appropriate language into this Final Rule. The other commenter requested that the time intervals of 21 days be extended because it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the scab at the vaccination site to fall off. The Secretary does not agree to change the time intervals on the Table because these timeframes are not related to the time it takes for the scab to fall off spontaneously. B. Additions of Injuries to the Table There were three comments pertaining to the injuries listed on the Table. Two comments suggested that the Table should be amended to include myocardial infarction and tremors, respectively. The other commenter indicated that the list of injuries limited to those published in the August 27, 2003, Interim Final Rule, was incomplete. The Secretary does not concur with these comments. At this time, there is no clear scientific evidence to support the inclusion of myocardial infarction, tremors, or other conditions as additional Table injuries, and the commenters did not provide additional evidence showing it would be appropriate to add more Table injuries. Should an individual have any injury believed to have resulted from the administration of, or exposure to, the smallpox vaccine that is not listed on the Table, he or she may nevertheless be eligible for benefits and should submit a request to the Program. C. The Documentation Requirements One commenter raised the issue that the Table regulations exceed the statute’s requirements in terms of medical injury documentation burden and related cost. The commenter believes that these regulations are far more onerous than SEPPA requires, specifying that the issues of documenting method of treatment, identification of injury, etc., are not even referenced in the statute. The commenter stated that the burdensome and costly requirements for first responders should immediately be rescinded. The Secretary disagrees with the commenter that the documentation requirement is onerous and exceeds legislative intent. The specific comment E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM 24MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2006 / Rules and Regulations relates to the requirement for a treatment plan in order to be considered for a Table injury. This language appears in five of the twelve Table injuries. The requirement for a treatment plan is case-specific and applies only in certain circumstances where there is an issue of needed longterm medical/surgical care. Requesters do not need to provide one in order to be considered for a Table injury. The commenter also wrote that first responders are obligated to pay out of their own pockets for immediate treatment and again for a detailed surgical treatment plan. Section 264(b) of the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 establishes that the government is the payer of last resort after all other payments have been or will be made to an individual for medical care directly resulting from an injury caused by the smallpox vaccination. Individuals are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket medical expenses in accordance with the Act. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with RULES D. Other Issues Raised by Commenters One commenter raised the concern that the Table regulations cover only those injuries caused by the vaccinia virus and not all components of the smallpox vaccine. Another commenter was concerned about the scope of the Program and if it would cover the general population. In reference to the issue of the components in the smallpox vaccine, the Secretary concurs that the components of a smallpox vaccine may cause a covered injury. Therefore, the Secretary has clarified in this final regulation that a covered injury can be caused not only by vaccinia, but by any component or constituent of the smallpox vaccine. In response to the concern about the scope of the legislation, SEPPA only covers individuals who are members of HHS-approved smallpox emergency response plans and individuals who contracted vaccinia from them or from other eligible contacts. SEPPA is not designed to provide benefits to the general population. Explanation of Provisions Some of the comments received indicate to the Secretary that there may be confusion as to the significance of the Table. Therefore, this Final Rule clarifies that having an injury listed on the Table is only one of the ways that an individual can show medical eligibility for Program benefits. The Secretary emphasizes that the purpose of the Table is merely to provide potential requesters who can demonstrate that they sustained a Table VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:41 May 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 injury within the specified time interval with the presumption that the smallpox vaccine caused the injury. However, sustaining an injury not listed on the Table (including an injury resulting from administration of another covered countermeasure), or manifesting a Table injury outside of the time interval listed, simply means that the presumption does not apply. In those cases, the individual must show that it is more likely than not (i.e., by a preponderance of the evidence), that administration of the smallpox vaccine (or other covered countermeasure), or exposure to the vaccine in the case of contacts, was the cause of the injury. The Secretary encourages such individuals to file a request for benefits. The Program has found individuals with Table or nonTable injuries to be medically eligible. As previously mentioned, this Final Rule also clarifies that the time intervals listed on the Table refer specifically to the period in which the first symptom or manifestation of onset of injury must appear following administration of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to vaccinia, in order for the presumption of causation to apply. The time intervals listed have no relevance whatsoever to when the injury is diagnosed. Thus, the Secretary herein amends § 102.21(a) of the Interim Final Rule by adding language to the subheading of the Table that lists the time intervals. This additional language makes it clear that these time intervals refer only to the first symptom or manifestation of onset of the injury, not to the time interval within which a diagnosis of the injury must be made. The Secretary also wishes to make it clear that a covered injury can be caused not only by the vaccinia component of the smallpox vaccine, but by any component or constituent of the vaccine. Further, this Final Rule updates the effective period of the Secretary’s Declaration. The Secretary has amended the effective period of the Declaration by extending it each year. The Secretary will continue to publish a Notice in the Federal Register as needed to update any further amendments to the effective period. These amendments to the Declaration are made pursuant to the Secretary’s authority under section 261(a)(5) of SEPPA (section 224(p)(2)(A) of the Public Health Service Act). Additionally, this Final Rule reflects the change in name of the Special Programs Bureau, which has been renamed the Healthcare Systems Bureau. Finally, this regulation updates the address of the Program Office. The new address, to which all mail to the Program should be sent, whether by PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 29807 U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, or private courier service, is: Parklawn Building, Room 11C–06, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857. Justification of Waiver of Delay of Effective Date The Secretary has found that a delay in the effective date of this Final Rule with an amendment is unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. The adoption of the Interim Final Rule as a Final Rule reflects an amendment and clarifications that are a result of comments received on the Interim Final Rule and, therefore, will be helpful to requesters without imposing additional burdens. It has no effect on any individual’s rights or responsibilities. Economic and Regulatory Impact Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when rulemaking is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that provide the greatest net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health, safety distributive and equity effects). In addition, under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), if a rule has a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities, the Secretary must specifically consider the economic effect of a rule on small entities and analyze regulatory options that could lessen the impact of the rule. Executive Order 12866 requires that all regulations reflect consideration of alternatives, of costs, of benefits, of incentives, of equity, and of available information. Regulations must meet certain standards, such as avoiding an unnecessary burden. Regulations that are ‘‘significant’’ because of cost, adverse effects on the economy, inconsistency with other agency actions, effects on the budget, or novel legal or policy issues, require special analysis. The Secretary has determined that minimal resources are required to implement the provisions included in this regulation. Therefore, in accordance with the RFA, and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, which amended the RFA, the Secretary certifies that this Final Rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Secretary has also determined that this rule does not meet the criteria for a major rule as defined by Executive Order 12866 and would have no major effect on the economy or Federal expenditures. This rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ within the meaning of the statute providing for Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking, 5 U.S.C. 801. E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM 24MYR1 29808 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 24, 2006 / Rules and Regulations Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The Secretary has determined that this Final Rule will not have effects on State, local, or tribal governments or on the private sector such as to require consultation under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Federalism Impact Statement The Secretary has also reviewed this rule in accordance with Executive Order 13132 regarding federalism, and has determined that it does not have ‘‘federalism implications.’’ The rule does not ‘‘have substantial direct effects on the States, or on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.’’ Impact on Family Well-Being This rule will not adversely affect the following elements of family well-being: Family safety, family stability, marital commitment; parental rights in the education, nurture and supervision of their children; family functioning, disposable income or poverty; or the behavior and personal responsibility of youth, as determined under section 654(c) of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act of 1999. In fact, this Final Rule may have a positive impact on the disposable income and poverty elements of family well-being to the extent that injured persons (or their survivors who are eligible to receive compensation) receive benefits without a corresponding burden being imposed on them. Paperwork Reduction Act The information collection requirements remain unchanged. List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 102 Benefits, Biologics, Compensation, Immunization, Public health, Smallpox, Vaccinia. Dated: November 14, 2005. Elizabeth M. Duke, Administrator. Approved: December 22, 2005. Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register on May 18, 2006. For the reasons stated above, the Secretary is adopting the Interim Final Rule adding 42 CFR part 102, published at 68 FR 51492 on Wednesday, August 27, 2003, as a Final Rule with the following amendment: wwhite on PROD1PC61 with RULES I VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:22 May 23, 2006 Jkt 208001 PART 102—SMALLPOX COMPENSATION PROGRAM 1. The authority citation for part 102 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 42 U.S.C. 216, 42 U.S.C. 239– 239h. 2. In section 102.21, the table in paragraph (a) is amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the time interval description subheading: I § 102.21 Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table. (a) * * * Please note that these time intervals do not refer to time periods for the date of diagnosis of the injury. * * * * * [FR Doc. 06–4761 Filed 5–23–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4165–15–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration 42 CFR Part 102 RIN 0906—AA61 Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Administrative Implementation Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS. ACTION: Adoption of interim final rule as final rule with amendments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document adopts the Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (the Program) Administrative Implementation Interim Final Rule as the Final Rule with amendments, as follows: explains how the term ‘‘child’’ survivor is defined; updates the effective period of the Secretary’s Declaration Regarding Administration of Smallpox Countermeasures (the Declaration); corrects an error in § 102.20(d) to clarify that one of the Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table requirements to establish a covered Table injury is the first symptom or manifestation of onset of the injury in the Table time period specified; reflects the change in name from the Special Programs Bureau to the Healthcare Systems Bureau; provides the new address of the Bureau’s Associate Administrator, and the new address of the Program Office; clarifies that no payments are authorized for fees or costs of personal representatives, including those of attorneys; and corrects a typographical error in § 102.83(c) to make clear that the PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Secretary determines the timeframe for submission of required documentation. DATES: The interim final rule, published on December 16, 2003, was effective on that date, and is adopted as the final rule with an amendment effective May 24, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul T. Clark, Director, Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Healthcare Systems Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, (301) 443–2330. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 (SEPPA), Pub. L. 108–20, 117 Stat. 638, directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish the Program. Secondary to other payers, the Program provides medical, lost employment income, and death benefits for eligible individuals who sustained covered injuries as a result of receiving smallpox vaccine or other covered countermeasures, or as a result of accidental exposure to vaccinia. Congress appropriated $42 million in fiscal year (FY) 2003 for the administration of, and payment of benefits under, the Program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 reduced this amount by $20 million. The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109– 149) further reduced the Program’s appropriation by $10 million to a total of $12 million. Section 220 of the Appropriations Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–149) further reduced the Program’s appropriation by $10 million to a total of $12 million. Individuals who receive a smallpox vaccination under a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), State, or local emergency response plan approved by HHS within the time period described in the Secretary’s Declaration, and who sustain a covered injury, may be eligible for benefits under SEPPA. Individuals who contracted vaccinia through contact with such individuals or other eligible vaccinia contacts and who sustain a covered injury may also be eligible for benefits. In the case of death resulting directly from receipt of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to vaccinia by eligible individuals, certain of their survivors may be considered for death benefits. If an eligible individual who sustained a covered injury dies from another cause before payment of benefits has been made under the E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM 24MYR1
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Pages 29805-29808]
[FR Doc No: 06-4761]
42 CFR Part 102
RIN 0906--AA60
Smallpox Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Smallpox (Vaccinia)
ACTION: Adoption of interim final rule as final rule with an amendment.
SUMMARY: This document adopts the Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury
Table (the Table) Interim Final Rule as the Final Rule with an
amendment, as follows: the Final Rule clarifies that, in order for the
presumption of causation to apply, the time intervals listed on the
Table refer specifically to the period in which the first symptom or
manifestation of onset of injury must appear following administration
of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to vaccinia, and that the time
intervals listed have no relevance to time of diagnosis of the injury.
DATES: The Interim Final Rule, published on August 27, 2003, was
effective on that date, and is adopted as the Final Rule with an
amendment effective May 24, 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul T. Clark, Director, Smallpox
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Healthcare Systems Bureau, Health
Resources and Services Administration, (301) 443-2330.
The Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 (SEPPA),
Pub. L. 108-20, 117 Stat. 638, directed the Secretary of Health and
Human Services (the Secretary) to establish the Smallpox Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program (the Program). Secondary to other payers, the
Program provides medical, lost employment income, and death benefits
for eligible individuals who sustained covered injuries as a result of
receiving smallpox vaccine or other covered countermeasures, or as a
result of accidental exposure to vaccinia. Congress appropriated $42
million in fiscal year (FY) 2003 for the administration of, and payment
of benefits under, the Program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2005 reduced this appropriation to $22 million. The Departments of
Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-149) further reduced the
Program's appropriation by $10 million to a total of $12 million.
Individuals who receive a smallpox vaccination under a Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), State, or local emergency response
plan approved by HHS within the period described in the Secretary's
Declaration, and who sustain a covered injury may be eligible for
benefits under SEPPA. Individuals who contracted vaccinia through
contact with such individuals or other eligible vaccinia contacts and
who sustain a covered injury may also be eligible for benefits. In the
case of death resulting directly from receipt of the smallpox vaccine
or exposure to vaccinia by eligible individuals, certain of their
survivors may be considered for death benefits. If an eligible
individual who sustained a covered injury dies from another cause
before payment of benefits has been made under the Program, the estate
may qualify for payment of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred and
employment income lost as a result of the covered injury, secondary to
other payers. SEPPA directed the Secretary to establish a table
identifying adverse effects (including injuries, disabilities,
[[Page 29806]]
conditions, and deaths) that shall be presumed to result from the
administration of, or exposure to, the smallpox vaccine, and the time
interval in which the first symptom or manifestation of each listed
injury must appear in order for such presumption to apply. An Interim
Final Rule for the Table was published in the Federal Register on
August 27, 2003 (68 FR 51492), with public comments sought on these
Based on the comments received, this Final Rule clarifies that the
Table is not the sole standard for determining medical eligibility for
benefits under the Program. Therefore, an individual who sustains an
injury that is not on the Table or not within the timeframes on the
Table, and believes it was caused by a smallpox vaccination, is
encouraged to submit a Request Package to the Program. This Final Rule
makes it clear that the time intervals on the Table refer specifically
to the first symptom or manifestation of onset of illness or injury,
not to the date of the diagnosis. It also clarifies that any component
of a smallpox vaccine, not only the vaccinia, could be the possible
cause of a covered injury. Further, this regulation updates the Interim
Final Rule to reflect that the Secretary has extended the effective
period of the Declaration Regarding Administration of Smallpox
Countermeasures (the Declaration). Finally, this Final Rule also
updates the change in name of the Special Programs Bureau to the
Healthcare Systems Bureau; and provides the new address of the Program
The public comment period ended on October 27, 2003. HHS received a
total of 11 public comments. Four were from professional associations;
three were from medical professionals; two were from the general
public; one was from a State health department; and one was from a
nonprofit community health organization. The issues raised and HHS's
responses appear below.
A. Time Intervals for the First Symptom or Manifestation of Onset of
The Secretary received two comments suggesting that the time
intervals listed on the Table be lengthened. One commenter requested
that the Secretary extend the time limit for the onset of myocarditis
and pericarditis from 21 days to 60 days. The other commenter indicated
concern that the time intervals listed on the Table seem potentially
short, and should be determined in consultation with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the military regarding all the
Table time intervals, independent of how long it takes for a scab to
fall off. The Secretary received a third comment related to the time
intervals on the Table requesting an appeal process to the Table time
The Secretary does not concur with changing the time intervals on
the Table, whether it be for the onset of myocarditis or pericarditis
from 21 to 60 days, or any other seemingly short time intervals. The
Secretary did consult with the Department of Defense (DoD) and CDC, as
well as with other HHS components and the private sector. Their
scientific data support the time intervals as specified on the Table.
The commenters did not provide evidence to support lengthening the time
intervals beyond that which the Secretary had already considered and,
therefore, they remain as currently listed. However, as discussed
below, if any individual has symptoms that manifest outside of those
time intervals, he or she may still be considered for benefits under
The third commenter expressed the hope that the Table permits
adequate time for injured individuals to seek compensation, and
recommended that language be added to the regulations to provide an
avenue for appeal to the timeframes established in the Table, should an
individual become ill or exhibit symptoms related to the vaccine beyond
the established Table timeframes.
The Secretary wishes to emphasize that an injury that manifests
itself outside of the timeframe listed on the Table may still be a
covered injury. The Secretary recognizes that symptoms can occur
subsequent to the Table timeframes in some cases. In this event, the
individual may be found medically eligible if he or she submits
evidence to show that it is more likely than not that the smallpox
vaccine or other covered countermeasure, or the vaccinia contracted
from accidental vaccinia exposure, actually caused the injury. SEPPA
does not provide an avenue for appeal of the timeframes established in
the Table. Thus, the Secretary disagrees with the commenter that there
is a need for an appeal process for the time intervals. However, the
Secretary has established a reconsideration process for re-review of
the Program's determinations on medical/program and financial
eligibility requirements through the Administrative Regulations for
this Program published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2003. If
a requester is not satisfied with the Program's decisions, the
requester has the right to seek reconsideration of any adverse
There were two additional comments regarding time intervals. One
commenter wanted to make sure that HHS clarifies that the time
intervals relate to the timeframe of the first symptom or manifestation
of onset of injury, not to the timeframe of the diagnosis. The
Secretary agrees with this comment and has clarified this issue by
inserting appropriate language into this Final Rule.
The other commenter requested that the time intervals of 21 days be
extended because it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the scab at the
vaccination site to fall off. The Secretary does not agree to change
the time intervals on the Table because these timeframes are not
related to the time it takes for the scab to fall off spontaneously.
B. Additions of Injuries to the Table
There were three comments pertaining to the injuries listed on the
Table. Two comments suggested that the Table should be amended to
include myocardial infarction and tremors, respectively. The other
commenter indicated that the list of injuries limited to those
published in the August 27, 2003, Interim Final Rule, was incomplete.
The Secretary does not concur with these comments. At this time,
there is no clear scientific evidence to support the inclusion of
myocardial infarction, tremors, or other conditions as additional Table
injuries, and the commenters did not provide additional evidence
showing it would be appropriate to add more Table injuries. Should an
individual have any injury believed to have resulted from the
administration of, or exposure to, the smallpox vaccine that is not
listed on the Table, he or she may nevertheless be eligible for
benefits and should submit a request to the Program.
C. The Documentation Requirements
One commenter raised the issue that the Table regulations exceed
the statute's requirements in terms of medical injury documentation
burden and related cost. The commenter believes that these regulations
are far more onerous than SEPPA requires, specifying that the issues of
documenting method of treatment, identification of injury, etc., are
not even referenced in the statute. The commenter stated that the
burdensome and costly requirements for first responders should
immediately be rescinded.
The Secretary disagrees with the commenter that the documentation
requirement is onerous and exceeds legislative intent. The specific
[[Page 29807]]
relates to the requirement for a treatment plan in order to be
considered for a Table injury. This language appears in five of the
twelve Table injuries. The requirement for a treatment plan is case-
specific and applies only in certain circumstances where there is an
issue of needed long-term medical/surgical care. Requesters do not need
to provide one in order to be considered for a Table injury.
The commenter also wrote that first responders are obligated to pay
out of their own pockets for immediate treatment and again for a
detailed surgical treatment plan. Section 264(b) of the Smallpox
Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 establishes that the
government is the payer of last resort after all other payments have
been or will be made to an individual for medical care directly
resulting from an injury caused by the smallpox vaccination.
Individuals are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket medical expenses in
D. Other Issues Raised by Commenters
One commenter raised the concern that the Table regulations cover
only those injuries caused by the vaccinia virus and not all components
of the smallpox vaccine. Another commenter was concerned about the
scope of the Program and if it would cover the general population.
In reference to the issue of the components in the smallpox
vaccine, the Secretary concurs that the components of a smallpox
vaccine may cause a covered injury. Therefore, the Secretary has
clarified in this final regulation that a covered injury can be caused
not only by vaccinia, but by any component or constituent of the
In response to the concern about the scope of the legislation,
SEPPA only covers individuals who are members of HHS-approved smallpox
emergency response plans and individuals who contracted vaccinia from
them or from other eligible contacts. SEPPA is not designed to provide
benefits to the general population.
Some of the comments received indicate to the Secretary that there
may be confusion as to the significance of the Table. Therefore, this
Final Rule clarifies that having an injury listed on the Table is only
one of the ways that an individual can show medical eligibility for
Program benefits. The Secretary emphasizes that the purpose of the
Table is merely to provide potential requesters who can demonstrate
that they sustained a Table injury within the specified time interval
with the presumption that the smallpox vaccine caused the injury.
However, sustaining an injury not listed on the Table (including an
injury resulting from administration of another covered
countermeasure), or manifesting a Table injury outside of the time
interval listed, simply means that the presumption does not apply. In
those cases, the individual must show that it is more likely than not
(i.e., by a preponderance of the evidence), that administration of the
smallpox vaccine (or other covered countermeasure), or exposure to the
vaccine in the case of contacts, was the cause of the injury. The
Secretary encourages such individuals to file a request for benefits.
The Program has found individuals with Table or non-Table injuries to
be medically eligible.
As previously mentioned, this Final Rule also clarifies that the
time intervals listed on the Table refer specifically to the period in
which the first symptom or manifestation of onset of injury must appear
following administration of the smallpox vaccine or exposure to
vaccinia, in order for the presumption of causation to apply. The time
intervals listed have no relevance whatsoever to when the injury is
Thus, the Secretary herein amends Sec.  102.21(a) of the Interim
Final Rule by adding language to the subheading of the Table that lists
the time intervals. This additional language makes it clear that these
time intervals refer only to the first symptom or manifestation of
onset of the injury, not to the time interval within which a diagnosis
of the injury must be made.
The Secretary also wishes to make it clear that a covered injury
can be caused not only by the vaccinia component of the smallpox
vaccine, but by any component or constituent of the vaccine.
Further, this Final Rule updates the effective period of the
Secretary's Declaration. The Secretary has amended the effective period
of the Declaration by extending it each year. The Secretary will
continue to publish a Notice in the Federal Register as needed to
update any further amendments to the effective period. These amendments
to the Declaration are made pursuant to the Secretary's authority under
section 261(a)(5) of SEPPA (section 224(p)(2)(A) of the Public Health
Service Act).
Additionally, this Final Rule reflects the change in name of the
Special Programs Bureau, which has been renamed the Healthcare Systems
Bureau. Finally, this regulation updates the address of the Program
Office. The new address, to which all mail to the Program should be
sent, whether by U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, or private
courier service, is: Parklawn Building, Room 11C-06, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockville, Maryland 20857.
The Secretary has found that a delay in the effective date of this
Final Rule with an amendment is unnecessary and contrary to the public
interest. The adoption of the Interim Final Rule as a Final Rule
reflects an amendment and clarifications that are a result of comments
received on the Interim Final Rule and, therefore, will be helpful to
requesters without imposing additional burdens. It has no effect on any
individual's rights or responsibilities.
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when rulemaking is
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that provide the greatest
health, safety distributive and equity effects). In addition, under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), if a rule has a significant
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities, the
Secretary must specifically consider the economic effect of a rule on
small entities and analyze regulatory options that could lessen the
impact of the rule.
Executive Order 12866 requires that all regulations reflect
consideration of alternatives, of costs, of benefits, of incentives, of
equity, and of available information. Regulations must meet certain
standards, such as avoiding an unnecessary burden. Regulations that are
``significant'' because of cost, adverse effects on the economy,
inconsistency with other agency actions, effects on the budget, or
novel legal or policy issues, require special analysis.
The Secretary has determined that minimal resources are required to
implement the provisions included in this regulation. Therefore, in
accordance with the RFA, and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996, which amended the RFA, the Secretary certifies
that this Final Rule will not have a significant impact on a
The Secretary has also determined that this rule does not meet the
criteria for a major rule as defined by Executive Order 12866 and would
have no major effect on the economy or Federal expenditures. This rule
is not a ``major rule'' within the meaning of the statute providing for
Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking, 5 U.S.C. 801.
[[Page 29808]]
The Secretary has determined that this Final Rule will not have
effects on State, local, or tribal governments or on the private sector
such as to require consultation under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Secretary has also reviewed this rule in accordance with
Executive Order 13132 regarding federalism, and has determined that it
does not have ``federalism implications.'' The rule does not ``have
substantial direct effects on the States, or on the relationship
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
This rule will not adversely affect the following elements of
family well-being: Family safety, family stability, marital commitment;
parental rights in the education, nurture and supervision of their
children; family functioning, disposable income or poverty; or the
behavior and personal responsibility of youth, as determined under
section 654(c) of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act of 1999. In fact, this Final Rule may have a positive impact on the
disposable income and poverty elements of family well-being to the
extent that injured persons (or their survivors who are eligible to
receive compensation) receive benefits without a corresponding burden
being imposed on them.
Benefits, Biologics, Compensation, Immunization, Public health,
Smallpox, Vaccinia.
Federal Register on May 18, 2006.
For the reasons stated above, the Secretary is adopting the Interim
Final Rule adding 42 CFR part 102, published at 68 FR 51492 on
Wednesday, August 27, 2003, as a Final Rule with the following
PART 102--SMALLPOX COMPENSATION PROGRAM
2. In section 102.21, the table in paragraph (a) is amended by adding
the following sentence at the end of the time interval description
Sec.  102.21  Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Injury Table.
Please note that these time intervals do not refer to time periods
for the date of diagnosis of the injury.
[FR Doc. 06-4761 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am]