### Question
How is the term health care provider defined?


### Answer
The term **health care provider** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1320b* as the following:

> any entity that furnishes health care items or services, and includes a hospital or other provider of services, a physician or other health care practitioner or professional, a health care facility, or a supplier of health care items or services

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1320b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XI-GENERAL PROVISIONS, PEER REVIEW, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION > Part A-General Provisions**

