### Question
Can you define what near fatality means?


### Answer
**Near fatality** is defined as the following in *42 U.S.C. § 5106a*:

> an act that, as certified by a physician, places the child in serious or critical condition

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 5106a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 67-CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT AND ADOPTION REFORM > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PROGRAM**

