Title I, SEC. 1524. RETURN TO STATE OPERATION. 
      (a) Application Process. After the establishment and operation of an 
    alliance system by the Secretary in a State under section 1522, the State 
    may at any time apply to the Board for the approval of a State system in 
    accordance with the procedures described in section 1511. 

      (b) Timing. If the Board approves the system of a State for which the 
    Secretary has operated an alliance system during a year, the Secretary 
    shall terminate the operation of the system, and the State shall establish 
    and operate its approved system, as of January 1 of the first year 
    beginning after the Board approves the State system. The termination of the 
    Secretary's system and the operation of the State's system shall be 
    conducted in a manner that assures the continuous coverage of eligible 
    individuals in the State under regional alliance health plans.