Code of the District of Columbia

§ 7–757.01. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:

(1) "Health literacy" means the ability to make informed decisions about one's personal health, to prevent or treat illness, based on an understanding of the principles of obtaining, processing, and comprehending basic health information, products, and services, including:

(A) Knowing how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act impacts them;

(B) Developing health knowledge into a set of positive attitudes and behaviors;

(C) Learning how to apply for and access health care through DC Health Link, the federal health care exchange, or private health care providers;

(D) Being able to communicate health needs with health care providers, evaluate information for credibility and quality, calculate dosages of medicines and treatments, understand the components of health plans, and read a health insurance card;

(E) Knowing how to appropriately navigate and utilize the health care system and internalize health care terminology; and

(F) Being aware of the beneficial effects of good health practices, and making good health a personal priority.

(2) "Health literacy level" means a person's ability to apply health literacy skills to everyday situations and tasks.