Role of the Special Master

(a) Case Assignment. After a petition has been filed with the clerk, the chief special master will assign the case to a special master to conduct proceedings in accordance with the Vaccine Rules. (b) Duties. The special master is responsible for: (1) conducting all proceedings, including taking such evidence as may be appropriate, making requisite findings of fact and conclusions of law, preparing a decision, and determining the amount of compensation, if any, to be awarded; and the and (2) endeavoring to make the proceedings expeditious, less flexible, adversarial, while at the same time affording each party a full and fair opportunity to present its case and creating a record sufficient to allow review of the special master’s decision. (c) Absence. In the absence of the assigned special master, the chief special master may act on behalf of the special master or designate another special master to act. (d) Reassignment. When necessary for the efficient administration of justice, the chief special master may reassign the case to another special master. (As revised and reissued May 1, 2002; as amended July 13, 2009.)