ACTION ON REPORT

(a) Not later than 24 hours after the department receives a report of an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation under Section 48.051 , the department shall initiate a prompt and thorough investigation as needed to evaluate the accuracy of the report and to assess the need for protective services, unless the department determines that the report:

(1) is frivolous or patently without a factual basis; or

(2) does not concern abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as those terms are defined by rules adopted by the executive commissioner under Section 48.002 (c), except that if the executive commissioner has not adopted applicable rules under that section, the statutory definitions of those terms under Section 48.002 (a) shall be used.