### Question
Can you define what serious mental illness means?


### Answer
**Serious mental illness** is defined as the following in *42 U.S.C. § 11360*:

> a severe and persistent mental illness or emotional impairment that seriously limits a person's ability to live independently

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 11360*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 119-HOMELESS ASSISTANCE > SUBCHAPTER IV-HOUSING ASSISTANCE > Part A-Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Plan**

