It also discusses the degree to which HHS’ fiscal year 2000 reports and fiscal year 2002 plans address concerns and recommendations by the Congress, us, the HHS OIG, and others. Conclusions

It is difficult to fully assess HHS’ progress in fiscal year 2000 toward achieving the outcomes we reviewed because lags in reporting performance data are common for many of its components such as ACF, CDC, SAMHSA, and FDA. In some cases, the delays are associated with the need to obtain performance data from states and local organizations. Some HHS components are working to improve the timeliness of data submitted by others and, in some instances, have reported trend data to show that progress is being made. For example, both ACF and CDC supplied fiscal year 1999 performance data in their current performance reports—data that were not available until this year. It is likely that ACF’s and CDC’s fiscal year 2001 performance reports will include fiscal year 2000 performance data that were not available this year. While it may not always be realistic to expect the availability of complete data at the same time annual performance reports and plans are issued, trends will become apparent as the number of performance reports grows with each passing year. Appendix II: Comments From the Department of Health and Human Services
Why GAO Did This Study

This report reviews the Department of Health and Human Service's (HHS) fiscal year 2000 performance report and fiscal year 2002 performance plan required by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 to assess HHS' progress in achieving selected key outcomes that are important to its mission.

What GAO Found

It is difficult to fully assess the HHS' progress in fiscal year 2000 toward achieving the outcomes GAO reviewed because lags in reporting performance data are common for many of its components such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Food and Drug Administration. In some cases, the delays are associated with the need to obtain performance data from states and local organizations. Some HHS components are working to improve the timeliness of data submitted by others and, in some instances, have reported trend data to show that progress is being made. For example, both ACF and CDC supplied fiscal year 1999 performance data in their current performance reports--data that were not available until this year. It is likely that ACF's and CDC's fiscal year 2001 performance reports will include fiscal year 2000 performance data that were not available this year. While it may not always be realistic to expect the availability of complete data at the same time annual performance reports and plans are issued, trends will become apparent as the number of performance reports grows with each passing year.