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Open Recommendations

Black Lung Benefits Program: Miners Reported Experiencing Challenges, and DOL Should Monitor Operator-Provided Medical Coverage
GAO-26-107612
May 11, 2026
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Labor The Secretary of Labor should ensure that the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation collects information on and monitors responsible operators' provision of medical benefits. For example, this could include soliciting miners' feedback through DOL's existing customer experience survey. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Performance Management Process Needed for Three Programs
GAO-26-107572
May 05, 2026
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3 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should establish a performance management process at the federal level for the Preschool Development Grants Birth Through Five Program. (Recommendation 1)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should establish a performance management process at the federal level for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. (Recommendation 2)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Department of Veterans Affairs The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should complete the process of establishing a performance management process at the federal level for the VHA Maternity Care Coordinator Program. (Recommendation 3)
Open
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

Child Welfare: HHS Should Clarify Guidance on State Spending for Congregate Care
GAO-26-107592
Mar 03, 2026
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services should direct the Administration for Children and Families to clarify its guidance on the appropriate use of Title IV-E funds for youth in facilities designated as settings "providing high-quality residential care and supportive services to children and youth who have been found to be, or are at risk of becoming, sex trafficking victims." (Recommendation 1)
Open
HHS disagreed with this recommendation, stating that it would require the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to issue additional guidance and would restrict states' ability to define settings and determine placement direction. HHS acknowledged that additional guidance would be useful and proposed collaborating with other HHS agencies in this area. However, we believe these actions, while useful, would not address this recommendation. ACF should provide clarification to states on claiming Title IV-E beyond 14 days for youth placed in facilities serving youth who have been found to be, or are at risk of becoming, sex trafficking victims. We do not believe that providing such clarification would require ACF to develop new guidance nor that clarifying its guidance would restrict states' placement flexibilities. States interpret ACF's guidance about requirements for claiming Title IV-E funds for youth placed in these facilities differently. As such, some states are not claiming Title IV-E funds for which they may be eligible. ACF could address this issue through communication with states that is less formal than new guidance, such as an email or Dear Colleague letter to state child welfare agencies. We will monitor any further efforts by the agency.

Adoption Tax Credit: IRS Needs a Comprehensive Educational Outreach Plan
GAO-25-107429
Aug 11, 2025
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1 Open Recommendations
Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Internal Revenue Service The Commissioner of Internal Revenue should direct the Acting Chief of Communications and Liaison and the Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer to develop a comprehensive educational outreach plan for the adoption tax credit that aligns with our Leading Practices for Consumer Education Planning, including identifying key stakeholders and developing clear, consistent messaging. (Recommendation 1)
Open
In September 2025, IRS officials stated that they are drafting a comprehensive educational outreach plan for the adoption tax credit. Officials expected to complete the plan by November 2025 in advance of the 2026 filing season. An educational outreach plan for the adoption tax credit would help IRS ensure that adoptive families know about the credit, their eligibility, and other requirements, as well as help taxpayers avoid costly mistakes in either failing to claim the credit or doing so inappropriately. Such a plan is particularly important in light of changes to the credit that were enacted in July 2025.
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