---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 242q–4"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "242q–4"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/242q-4"
units:
  - "Chapter 6A — Public Health Service"
  - "Subchapter II — General Powers and Duties"
  - "Part A — Research and Investigations"
---

# §242q–4. Definitions


For purposes of sections [242q](/usc/42/242q.md) to [242q–5](/usc/42/242q–5.md) of this title:

- (1) **Aging research—**
  - (A) The term “aging research” means research on the aging process and on the diagnosis and [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) of diseases, disorders, and complications related to aging, including menopause. Such research includes research on such [treatments](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11), and on medical devices and other medical interventions regarding such diseases, disorders, and complications, that can assist individuals in avoiding institutionalization and prolonged hospitalization and in otherwise increasing the [independence](#1-B) of the individuals.
  - (B) For purposes of [subparagraph (A)](#1-A), the term “independence”, with respect to diseases, disorders, and complications of aging, means the functional ability of individuals to perform activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living without assistance or supervision.
- (2) **Secretary—** The term “[Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c)” means the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) of Health and Human [Services](/usc/42/201.md?p=a).
- (3) **Task Force—** The term “Task Force” means the Task Force on [Aging Research](#1-A) established under [section 242q(a) of this title](/usc/42/242q.md?p=a).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–557, title III, § 304, formerly § 305, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2770; renumbered § 304, Pub. L. 109–482, title I, § 104(b)(3)(B), Jan. 15, 2007, 120 Stat. 3694.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Home Health Care and Alzheimer’s Disease Amendments of 1990, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 304 of Pub. L. 101–557 was classified to section 242q–3 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 109–482.