2. a. As a condition of securing a new or renewal license or approval, the division shall conduct a check of the division’s child abuse records to determine if an incident of child abuse or neglect has been substantiated pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C. 9:6-8.11), against any staff member of a child care center.

b. The department shall not issue a regular license or approval to a center until the department determines that no staff member employed by or working at the center has a record of substantiated child abuse or neglect.

c. The department shall deny, revoke or refuse to renew the center’s license or approval, as appropriate, if the department determines that an incident of child abuse or neglect by an owner or sponsor of a center has been substantiated.

L.1997,c.254,s.2; amended 2004, c.130, s.95.