This is a critical measure because the impact of these outcomes extend beyond financial recoveries and ultimately have a sentinel effect on individuals who in the future may consider committing fraud against OPM programs. This helps ensure that Government subscribers are protected from providers that are unethical, unprofessional, or unqualified. However, regulations to implement the new legislation are still pending final approval. No fines associated with debarment actions were assessed in FY 1998-2000. However, we will be able to assess fines when P.L. 105-266, Federal Employees Health Care Protection Act of 1998, is fully implemented.
New regulations are currently in the clearance process.
M Overall quality assurance and oversight of OPM's programs is improved. There are two indicators to assess whether or not this goal is achieved. Of these, the first indicator was identified at the beginning of the year as most critical for achieving the goal. We met this goal by identifying operational weaknesses that can be addressed by the appropriate program offices. M Change in the number of material weaknesses.