---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 254c–12"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "254c–12"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/254c-12"
units:
  - "Chapter 6A — Public Health Service"
  - "Subchapter II — General Powers and Duties"
  - "Part D — Primary Health Care"
  - "Subpart i — health centers"
---

# §254c–12. Definitions


For purposes of sections [254c–9](/usc/42/254c–9.md) to [254c–13](/usc/42/254c–13.md) of this title:

- (1) **Official poverty line—** The term “official poverty line” means the poverty line established by the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget and revised by the [Secretary](/usc/42/201.md?p=c) in accordance with [section 9902(2) of this title](/usc/42/9902.md?p=2).
- (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).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 106–505, title V, § 524, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2344.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Lupus Research and Care Amendments of 2000, and also as part of the Public Health Improvement Act, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.