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


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

