### Question
How does the law define non-metropolitan area?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 300e*, **non-metropolitan area** is defined as:

> an area no part of which is within an area designated as a standard metropolitan statistical area by the Office of Management and Budget and which does not contain a city whose population exceeds fifty thousand individuals

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 300e*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER XI-HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS**

