Title I, SEC. 1571. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 
SERVICES. 
      (a) In General. Except as otherwise specifically provided under this Act 
    (or with respect to administration of provisions in the Internal Revenue 
    Code of 1986 or in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), 
    the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall administer and implement 
    all of the provisions of this Act, except those duties delegated to the 
    National Health Board, any other executive agency, or to any State. 

      (b) Financial Management Standards. The Secretary, in consultation with 
    the Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury, shall establish, for purposes of 
    section 1361, standards relating to the management of finances, maintenance 
    of records, accounting practices, auditing procedures, and financial 
    reporting for health alliances. Such standards shall take into account 
    current Federal laws and regulations relating to fiduciary responsibilities 
    and financial management of funds. 

      (c) Auditing Regional Alliance Performance. The Secretary shall perform 
    periodic financial and other audits of regional alliances to assure that 
    such alliances are carrying out their responsibilities under this Act 
    consistent with this Act. Such audits shall include audits of alliance 
    performance in the areas of 

        (1) assuring enrollment of all regional alliance eligible individuals 
      in health plans, 

        (2) management of premium and cost sharing discounts and reductions 
      provided; and 

        (3) financial management of the alliance, including allocation of 
      collection shortfalls.