[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 6] [Revised as of October 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR1603.7001] [Page 120-121] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 16--OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 1603--IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST--Table of Contents Subpart 1603.70--Misleading, Deceptive, or Unfair Advertising Sec. 1603.7001 Policy. (a) OPM prepares and distributes or makes available to Federal employees and annuitants a comparison booklet which presents summary information and a benefits brochure which details [[Page 121]] benefits, limitations, and premium rates for all participating plans. OPM does not encourage, support, or reimburse participating carriers for the costs of advertisements. However, while OPM believes that advertising is unnecessary, it recognizes that the decision to use advertising rests with each carrier. (b) OPM discourages advertising that is misleading or deceptive. This includes advertising that is directed at other carriers' plans participating in the Program and which uses incomplete or inappropriate comparisons or disparaging or minimizing techniques. Such unfair practices are prejudicial to the interests of the vast majority of carriers whose advertising is fair and accurate. (c) Failure to conform to the requirements of this subpart shall be a material breach of the contract and may result in withdrawal of approval to continue participation in the FEHB Program. [52 FR 16039, May 1, 1987. Redesignated at 62 FR 47574, Sept. 10, 1997]