Clark v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Opinion

In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-582V UNPUBLISHED

HEATHER CLARK, on behalf of her minor child, C.C., Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: December 29, 2023 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

ORDER CONCLUDING PROCEEDINGS1

On April 25, 2023, Heather Clark filed a petition for compensation on behalf of her minor child, C.C., under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa—10 through 34.2 Petitioner alleged that C.C. suffered injuries after receiving a human papillomavirus vaccination on March 9, 2020. ECF No. 1.

Because a decision had not been issued within the time specified in Vaccine Rule 10(b), a notice issued advising that “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.” 42 U.S.C. § 300aa—12(g). On December 21, 2023, Petitioner timely filed a notice to withdraw the petition pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa—21(b).

In light of Petitioner’s election to withdraw the petition pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa—21(b) (promulgated as Vaccine Rule 10(d)), Petitioner’s request to withdraw the petition is GRANTED. Accordingly, this Order hereby notifies the Clerk of Court that proceedings “on the merits” of this petition are now concluded, but no judgment “on the merits” should be entered by the Clerk’s Office.

IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master

1 Because this Order contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made

publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Order will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.

2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755.