§ 4–1303.11. Agency's responsibilities to the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children.

(a) The Agency shall:

(1) Notify the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children ("Ombudsperson for Children"), established by Chapter 6C of this title, in writing within 24 hours of the Agency becoming aware of an allegation of a critical incident;

(2) Provide the Ombudsperson for Children with copies of proposed revisions to current policies or regulations, or proposed new policies or regulations, including administrative issuances, at least 10 days prior to issuance; except, that the 10-day notice requirement shall not apply to the issuance of emergency regulations; and

(3) Post the Ombudsperson's report issued pursuant to § 4-671.08(b), on the Agency's website to be made available to the public.

(b) For purposes of this section, the term:

(1) "Critical incident" means:

(A) The death of a child known or who has been known to the Agency within 4 years prior to the child's death;

(B) A near fatality or serious bodily injury resulting from child abuse or neglect or caused by any other means while a child is under the Agency's care and custody; or

(C) An act that causes significant impairment to a child's physical or mental condition, as determined by qualified medical personnel, including instances of sexual assault, sex trafficking, or broken bones that come to the attention of the Agency.

(2) "Near fatality" means any act that threatens the life of a child as determined by a medical or other qualified professional.

(3) "Serious bodily injury" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 22-3001(7).