### Question
How is the "near fatality" defined?


### Answer
The term **near fatality** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 5106a* as follows -

> 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**

