### Question
How does the law define medically underserved population?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 254b*, **medically underserved population** is defined as:

> the population of an urban or rural area designated by the Secretary as an area with a shortage of personal health services or a population group designated by the Secretary as having a shortage of such services

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 254b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER II-GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES > Part D-Primary Health Care > subpart i-health centers**

