Definitions

As used in 102 CMR 1.00, 3.00, 5.00, 7.00 and8.00,the following words shall have the following meanings unless specifically defined therein or unless the context otherwise requires: Abuse. The non-accidental commission ofanyactupona child which causes or creates a substantial risk of serious physical or emotional injury or constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth. Applicant. The individual who has been designated as the person responsible for the administration of the program or facility and is the duly authorized agent of the person applying for licensure or approval. Approval. A certification in writing, whether regular or provisional, issued by the Office to a department, agency, or institution of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which authorizes it to operate any program licensable by the Office of Child Care Services. Commissioner. The Commissioner of the Office of Child Care Services. Day. Calendar day unless otherwise specified. Disability. With respect to an individual, disability means a permanent or temporary physicalor mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of having such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. License. Any certification in writing, whether regular or provisional, issued by the Office to any person other than a department, agency, or institution of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which authorizes such person to operate any program licensable by the Office for Children. Licensee. Any person holding a license or approval issued by the Office. Neglect. The failure, either deliberately or through negligence or inability, to adequately care for, protect, or supervise children. Office. The Office of Child Care Services. Parent. Father or mother, guardian, or person or agency legally authorized to act on behalf of the child in place of, or in conjunction with, the father, mother, or guardian. Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, association, organization or trust,or any department, agency or institution of the federal government or of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof. 51A Report. A report filed with the Department of Social Services pursuant to M.G.L. c. 119, § 51A alleging that a child may have been abused or neglected. 51B Report. A report ofaninvestigationofa 51Acomplaint conducted by the Department of Social Services pursuant to M.G.L. c. 119, § 51B. A 51B report that is supported means that there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected by a caretaker.