GAO’s recommendations database contains report recommendations that still need to be addressed.
GAO’s priority recommendations are those that we believe warrant priority attention.
We sent letters to the heads of key departments and agencies, urging them to continue focusing on these issues.
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Moreover, when implemented, some of our priority recommendations can save large amounts of money, help Congress make decisions on major issues, and substantially improve or transform major government programs or agencies, among other benefits.
As of October 25, 2020, there are 4812 open recommendations, of which 473 are priority recommendations. Recommendations remain open until they are designated as Closed-implemented or Closed-not implemented.
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Recommendation: CMS should evaluate state survey agency processes in all states to ensure all state survey agencies are meeting federal requirements that state survey agencies are responsible for investigating complaints and facility-reported incidents alleging abuse in nursing homes, and that the results of those investigations are being shared with CMS. (Recommendation 1)
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Status: Open
Comments: HHS concurred with this recommendation. As of November 2019, HHS officials have not informed us of actions taken to complete implementation of this recommendation. We will update the status of this recommendation when we receive additional information.
Recommendation: CMS should identify options for capturing information from Oregon's APS investigations of complaints and facility-reported incidents of abuse and incorporate this information into oversight of Oregon nursing homes. (Recommendation 2)
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Status: Open
Comments: HHS concurred with this recommendation. As of November 2019, HHS officials have not informed us of actions taken to complete implementation of this recommendation. We will update the status of this recommendation when we receive additional information.
Recommendation: The Secretary of HHS should direct ACF to provide additional guidance and technical assistance to states to address known challenges and enhance their understanding of CAPTA requirements, including the requirements for health care providers to notify CPS of substance-affected infants and the development of a plan of safe care for these infants.
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Status: Open
Comments: HHS did not agree with this recommendation. The agency stated that it clarified guidance in the areas we raised. HHS also believes it is necessary to allow states the flexibility to meet the requirements in the context of their state CPS program. However, we found that states reported issues with the guidance and it did not address a key ongoing challenge regarding CAPTA requirements. HHS indicated that it will continue to provide technical assistance to states and fund demonstration sites to establish or enhance collaboration across community agencies and courts. Although continuing to provide technical assistance to states should be beneficial, our findings demonstrate that additional guidance is also needed. We continue to believe our recommendation is warranted. As of February 2020, the agency continues to disagree.
