### Question
How is the term health literacy defined?


### Answer
The term **health literacy** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 295p* as the following:

> the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand health information and services in order to make appropriate health decisions

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 295p*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6A-PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER V-HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION > Part F-General Provisions**

