The nuclear power plant accident at Three Mile Island raised many questions concerning the safety of nuclear power plant operations and the ability of nuclear plant reactor operators to respond to abnormal or accident conditions. In response, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) developed a plan, which included short- and long-term actions to improve nuclear power plant safety. Because of public health and safety implications, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed NRC and electric utility efforts to implement the planned training and qualification improvements and found that: strong initial NRC/utility efforts resulted in a number of actions that, at least in the short term, improved the capability of personnel in the control room to adequately operate a nuclear power plant and respond to abnormal/accident conditions; since initial actions were taken, NRC's efforts have lost momentum and significant implementation problems and delays are being experienced in completing planned long-term improvements consistent with established schedules; and that NRC is relying on an industry-sponsored group to carry out most of the operator training and qualification improvements without a specific agreement covering coordination of their respective efforts. The GAO recommends two actions NRC can take to improve effectiveness of its effort to improve training and qualifications of nuclear power plant personnel. (JN)