reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3566 - Transition process

Persons with an autism spectrum disorder are hereby guaranteed that the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Case Manager, through the Programa Avanzando Juntos (Moving Forward Together Program) or a similar program, shall devise along with their families a transition plan for infants and toddlers: from birth to age 36 months to transition to preschool age services; from preschool-age to school-age services in the Department of Education, through special education; and from school-age to services geared to the acquisition of skills that promote independent living and employment by exposing them to experience real situations of everyday life and at the workplace in coordination with other Government agencies.
Transition processes shall be implemented as provided in the IEP and identified within the pertinent areas included in the IEP of each student, during the following stages:
(a) From the early Intervention System to the preschool-age system;
(b) from the preschool-age system to school-age system, and
(c) from the school-age system to postsecondary or university education, the workforce or independent living.
To implement the transition process there shall be used inter and trans- disciplinary models aimed at encouraging the functionality of persons with autism spectrum disorder. Said models shall pursue the following objectives:
(1) To guarantee the participation of persons with an autism spectrum disorder in the processes required by law.
(2) To provide training to special education teachers on the design and/or creation of the functional objectives and goals in the IEP for the autism spectrum disorder population.
(3) To use, within the vocational assessment process, an ecological approach in order to strengthen the skills that will enable this population to be employed.
(4) To guarantee that the population will have real job experiences inside and outside of the school setting in order to strengthen the skills that will ultimately lead them achieve a job-related goal, as established in the IEP.
(5) To develop independent living and financial self-sufficiency skills.
(6) To develop community projects geared to train and employ youths and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
(7) To develop university programs whose curricula includes autism spectrum disorder-related subjects to prepare the academic environment and the faculty prior to the admission of youths and adults with an autism spectrum disorder.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3568 - Family support program

The Administration for Children and Families of the Department of the Family shall create a program to be known as the “Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Support Program” that shall include:
(a) Orientation.
(b) Follow-up.
(c) Intervention.
(d) Empowerment.
(e) Relief Programs.
(f) Long-term Care Programs (Provided by personnel with medical knowledge or health-related area specialist).
(g) Housekeeper.
(h) Psychological Support.
(i) Day Care Programs.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3569 - Professional development

The development of professionals and service providers for the autism spectrum disorder population shall serve to support the design and implementation of quality and evidence-based services. Autism-related training shall be a requirement for all service providers who interact with the autism spectrum disorder population and their families. These professionals should be able to recognize the core characteristics of the disorders and where to refer persons with these disorders. Primary physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and others must be trained to assess, evaluate, identify, and intervene with the autism spectrum disorder population and make the corresponding referrals. Other professionals that may interact with this population, including security-related and other rapid response personnel must receive training annually on how to evaluate and interact with the autism spectrum disorder population.
Academic programs shall have both trans-disciplinary and disciplinary competencies. Students and professionals who render services to this population shall receive training for which they shall obtain a certification or credit hours. Said training shall consist of assessing the needs of persons with an autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as of the services they require. Moreover, universities offering graduate certificate programs shall issue a certificate attesting to the education of students in said field upon meeting the academic requirements.
The examining boards of healthcare professionals that work with autism spectrum disorder, which boards are attached to the Department of Health shall ensure the competence of said professionals.
Said professionals shall have trans-disciplinary competencies, thus, they shall receive training therefor in order to be certified. Such training shall consist of assessing the needs of and services required by the population.
The Puerto Rico Surgeons Association shall conduct an orientation campaign in connection with autism spectrum disorder aimed at healthcare professionals who render services to the autism spectrum disorder population.
The Medical Discipline and Licensure Board of Puerto Rico shall establish the continuing education requirements with regard to autism spectrum disorder.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3570 - Academic education

Universities and postsecondary institutions that award bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, education, and social work shall offer their students at least nine (9) credit-hours related to autism spectrum disorder. Universities offering said education shall issue a certificate attesting to the preparation of students in said field upon meeting the academic requirements.
Any practicum course offered by the university or postsecondary institution shall include rendering services to low-income autism spectrum disorder population.
The University of Puerto Rico and other private universities that provide education to healthcare professionals shall be required to revise, evaluate, and modify college curricula, so that these include the aforementioned professional competencies. Likewise, such universities shall make institutional modifications as are necessary to develop or amend any regulations, circular letter, or administrative order to meet such requirement.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3571 - Continuing education

The University of Puerto Rico, in conjunction with the Department of Education, as well as private entities and institutions that regulate the professionals who render services to the autism population shall have to structure and develop courses and seminars about autism spectrum disorder, the best practices to render services to this population, including diagnosis, proper management and intervention, and treatment.
It is hereby provided that every clinical, educational, rehabilitation counseling, and administrative professional or specialist who provide services or treatment or conducts procedures, including primary physicians and pediatricians, to the autism spectrum disorder population shall complete, as part of their required continuing education credits, at least fifteen (15) credit-hours every three (3) years in connection with autism. Failure to meet said requirements shall result in the suspension or cancellation of any license to operate or to practice.
Special education teachers whose main function is to regularly and directly provide care for the autism spectrum disorder population shall be required to complete, as part of their required continuing education credits, at least twenty-four (24) credit-hours of continuing education every two (2) years, to update their knowledge, skills, and educational emphasis with regard to management, and proper care and education of the autism population.
A maximum fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) per credit-hour is hereby imposed, fifty percent (50%) of which shall be used to pay for the personnel who shall teach said course or seminar, and the remaining portion shall be transferred to the Department of the Treasury, which shall be responsible for collecting said moneys to defray any expenses that may arise in connection with the implementation of this chapter.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3572 - Healthcare service coverage

Autism spectrum disorder is hereby recognized as a health disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that, in addition to social interaction and communication impairments caused by neurological problems, entails metabolic, immunological, and gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, it requires speech and language, psychological, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as the proper medication and tests to diagnose and treat the same. The Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (ASES, Spanish acronym) shall establish for any eligible beneficiaries of the Government of Puerto Rico Health Insurance Plan, as part of the minimum coverage and benefits provided in § 7032 of this title, known as the “Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration Act”, such medical treatments that have been scientifically proven effective and are recommended for the autism spectrum disorder population, according to the available resources and the specific needs of patients. ASES shall ensure that contracted health insurance companies include within their coverage, services geared to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorder, namely: genetics, neurology, immunology, gastroenterology, and nutrition, as well as speech and language, psychological, occupational, and physical therapy including medical appointments and any medically recommended tests.
Furthermore, the Administration shall advise families of persons with autism spectrum disorder on learning about the proper intervention strategies.
ASES shall have thirty (30) days after the Autism diagnosis to refer a patient to the pediatric center of the region where said patient or his/her family or guardian lives so that said patient can receive specialized treatment as warranted by the condition.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3573 - Private health insurance plans

Health insurance plans, whether through individual or group coverage, insurance company, contract or agreement to provide healthcare services in Puerto Rico entered into with companies, individuals or local or foreign entities, shall be required to offer coverage for Autism treatment. Said coverage shall include, but not be limited to, genetics, neurology, immunology, gastroenterology, and nutrition, as well as speech and language, psychological, occupational, and physical therapy including medical appointments and any medically recommended tests.
Said coverage shall not establish patient age limitations. It shall neither be subject to limitation with regard to benefits and a maximum number of healthcare professional appointments, after care needs have been established by a licensed physician.
The coverage herein established may be subject to the same copayments and deductibles to which other similar services are subject.
No insurer, benefit provider, benefit administrator, person, or institution may deny or refuse to provide covered services based on the effect that the inclusion of said services may have on the Autism coverage; or refuse to renew, issue or restrict or cancel the Autism coverage because the covered person or his/he dependents are diagnosed with Autism or because they availed themselves of the benefits provided in this chapter.
Any insurer shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health on the number of insured persons who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
The cancellation of an existing healthcare insurance policy by reason of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder of one of the beneficiaries when the illness was unknown at the time said policy was obtained is hereby prohibited.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3574 - Safety

Safety comprises the safeguards and efforts made to guarantee that persons with autism spectrum disorder have the opportunities they need to achieve their full physical, mental, and emotional development thus protecting their interests and wellfare.
It is hereby declared as public policy that the Government of Puerto Rico shall be responsible for creating and implementing, directly or through other public or private entities, for the autism spectrum disorder population, any available mechanisms so that:
(a) They may grow and develop within a safe environment, free from prejudice and discrimination;
(b) they may enjoy an environment free from danger or risks to their home, community, care, development and education program; and be provided with opportunities to actively participate in community activities;
(c) they may develop and be cared for within an environment of sound coexistence;
(d) their privacy and intimacy is respected and protected, and
(e) law enforcement officers of the Commonwealth are trained on the strategies to intervene with the autism spectrum disorder population.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3575 - Research

The Government of Puerto Rico shall promote autism spectrum disorder research. This initiatives shall include research development to support the identification of persons with Autism and the proper diagnosis to enable evidence- based interventions. Action shall be taken, according to research findings, regarding the environmental factors that may have an impact on the prevalence of Autism.
To the extent that the available resources of the Government of Puerto Rico allow, funds shall be appropriated to promote research on the impact of the implementation of this Act to be conducted by the University of Puerto Rico and private universities. Said research, conducted in accordance with this chapter, shall consider the rights of participants and incorporate the regulations adopted by Research Review Committees.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3576 - Wage subsidy

The Department of Labor and Human Resources shall create a wage subsidy program for any employer who hires a person with an autism spectrum disorder. The Department of Labor and Human Resources shall promulgate regulations within one hundred twenty (120) days from the approval of this act whereby the protocol for the implementation of the program created herein shall be established.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3578 - Coordination between organizations that offer services to the autism spectrum disorder population [in Puerto Rico]

Community organizations, whether for profit, nonprofit, or faith-based, and other community institutions that receive public funds shall provide direct services and support to the services rendered by the Commonwealth or municipal governments, to the extent their resources allow. These community organizations, whether for profit, nonprofit, or faith-based shall have active participation in, but not be limited to, the following areas:
(1) Knowing the family profile and the needs of the communities where they live;
(2) developing programs, activities, and initiatives specifically for children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families, in their communities, as well as independent living programs for youths and adults in the areas specified in the public policy, in accordance with the principles and decrees set forth in this chapter, to the extent their financial resources allow;
(3) assisting the Commonwealth and municipal governments in the identification of resources available in the communities;
(4) being agents of change in the creation of new projects that are in tune with this public policy, and
(5) promoting the appropriation of funds for the implementation of this public policy.
Any municipal government or Commonwealth agency that offers services to persons with an autism spectrum disorder shall comply with the public policy set forth in this chapter. For such purposes, municipal governments and Commonwealth agencies shall promote the inclusion of the autism spectrum disorder population in any initiative taken, including:
(a) Programs already established or to be established.
(b) Service integration initiatives.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 20.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3579 - Coordination between agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico and nongovernmental organizations

Nongovernmental organizations that offer services to the autism spectrum disorder population shall be required to notify the same to enable integrated care coordination for the benefit of the population.
History Sept. 4, 2012, No. 220, —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 21.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3580 - Steering Committee

The Secretary shall chair the Steering Committee composed of one (1) representative designated by the Secretary of Education, one (1) social worker of the Department of the Family, one (1) representative designated by the Administrator of the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, one (1) representative designated by the Director of Centro Filius of the University of Puerto Rico, two (2) citizens who are members of parents and family organizations recommended by the Governor of Puerto Rico, and two (2) citizens who render services to the autism spectrum disorder population recommended by the Governor of Puerto Rico.
This Steering Committee shall be responsible for evaluating, promoting, and supervising the implementation of the public policy set forth in this chapter. It shall be authorized to conduct on-site inspections of every pediatric center in the regions of the Department of Health, as well as of schools to which students with autism attend, as part of the Committee’s supervisory and oversight duties.
The Secretary of Health may call meetings of the Steering Committee as deemed necessary, but may never be less than once (1) every two (2) months. In order to meet and constitute a quorum, at least five (5) members shall be present. For the purposes of approving or making any decision, the absolute majority of the total membership shall be present.
The Steering Committee shall file with the Legislative Assembly, on March of every year, a report on the situation of the autism spectrum disorder population and of how the services provided in this chapter are being rendered, including specific recommendations on new legislation that addresses areas not included in this chapter.
Upon request by the Secretary of Health or the Steering Committee under this chapter, the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities shall provide advice on the available services, current legislation, the issuance of administrative orders, or promulgation of the necessary regulations to be adopted for the implementation of this chapter.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 22.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3581 - Disclosure of information

The Puerto Rico Public Broadcasting Corporation shall design and broadcast a quarterly television program to inform the autism spectrum disorder population about the services offered by the Government of Puerto Rico. Municipal governments and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico shall be required to offer the necessary information to comply with public broadcasting. Likewise, the Corporation, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Department of the Family shall design posters with information aimed at raising people’s awareness of the autism spectrum disorder, including, but not limited to, information about the signs of this disorder and where they can receive orientation and services, as well as telephone numbers and websites. Such posters shall be distributed to all the agencies, instrumentalities, public corporations, and municipalities of the Government of Puerto Rico, as well as to any private entity, whether for profit or nonprofit, that serves this population for its immediate dissemination.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 23.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3582 - Fund appropriation

For purposes of achieving the objectives of this chapter, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Department of the Family, the Department of Housing, the Sports and Recreation Department, the Department of Labor and Human Resources, the Health Insurance Administration, the Puerto Rico Public Broadcasting Corporation, the University of Puerto Rico, through its units and/or program, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration are hereby empowered and directed to include in their annual budget request the funds needed for implementing and complying with the public policy on the autism spectrum disorder population set forth in this chapter. The Office of Management and Budget shall take the necessary steps to earmark the necessary funds to ensure compliance with this chapter. Likewise, the University of Puerto Rico and the aforementioned government agencies are hereby empowered to request and accept gifts from any public or private person or entity to be used in studies, research, or activities in accordance with this chapter. Moreover, they are hereby empowered to receive, request, accept, and administer any funds from legislative appropriations or from contributions of the Government of the United States, the Government of Puerto Rico or its municipalities, agencies, public corporations, political subdivisions, and other entities or instrumentalities, as well as any contributions from private persons, entities, or organizations, whether local, state, or foreign.
Furthermore, entities included in this section are hereby empowered to request federal funding from the Government of the United States.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 24.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3583 - Causes of civil and criminal actions

Any violation of the obligations established in this chapter by any agency or official of the Government of Puerto Rico, as well as any private person or entity, shall constitute cause of action for damages. Any person adversely affected by any noncompliance with this chapter shall have legal standing to file a writ of mandamus with the court.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 25.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3584 - Rulemaking authority

Any agency, instrumentality, or municipal government of the Government of Puerto Rico that provides services to the autism spectrum disorder population shall adjust its rules and regulations to the public policy set forth herein within ninety (90) days after the effective date of this act.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 26.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 149A - BIDA Act (§§ 3561 — 3585) › § 3585 - Superseding clause

Any act, or part thereof, Joint Resolution, or administrative provision that is inconsistent with any provision of this chapter shall be superseded by this chapter. Any case law or legal rules not specifically repealed herein or which are not inconsistent with this chapter shall continue in effect.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 29.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620a - Board—Creation

The Human Bodies, Organs and Tissues Disposition Board is hereby created, attached to the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus in order to obtain cadavers for the use of the School of Medicine and Dentistry and to contribute to the advancement of medicine and surgery in Puerto Rico; and to regulate the donation of cadavers or parts thereof or living organs to particular donees. The donations of the whole cadaver of parts thereof or organs for a living transplant may only be accepted for clinical autopsies or to be used for the purpose to further the progress of medical science and annex branches, for teaching or for the transplant and rehabilitation of sick, impaired or degenerated parts or tissues of the human body. This Board shall also be empowered to designate one (1) or more committees, each one of these to be composed of three (3) or more committees which shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board that are delegated to them.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620b - Board—Members

The members of the Board, appointed by the Chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus, shall be one (1) surgeon specialized in organ and tissue transplant, one (1) pathologist, one (1) neurosurgeon, one (1) member of the faculty of the Anatomy Department of all the schools of medicine in Puerto Rico, and one (1) representative of the community. The Director of the Forensic Sciences Institute, or a forensic pathologist who represents him/her, the Secretary of Justice or his/her representative, the Secretary of Health or his/her representative, a representative of the Organ Recovery Organization and a representative of the Eye Bank shall be ex-officio members of the Board. The members of the Board shall designate a chairman from among themselves.
The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are appointed and take office. The initial appointments[,] however, shall be staggered: (2) for one (1) year, two (2) for (2) years, two (2) for three (3) years and (1) for four (4) years. The nominating authority shall also make other initial appointments.
If there is a vacancy before the expiration of the term for which a member of the Board was appointed, the same shall be covered in the same manner as the original appointment.
The term of a member who covers a vacancy shall be for the remainder of the term for which his/her antecedent was appointed. The office of member of the Board shall not entail compensation, but every member shall be paid the expenses incurred in the performance of the duties assigned.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620c - Board—Transfer; duties; regulations; registries

The Board shall have the following duties:
(a) Opt those rules and regulations needed for its internal operation and for the processing of donations received pursuant to the provisions of §§ 3620—3620y of this title.
(b) Regulate the storage, use and disposition of the cadavers or parts thereof. Such rules and regulations, once approved and promulgated pursuant to the law, shall have force of law.
(c) Keep a registry in which all donations of cadavers or parts thereof made in Puerto Rico shall be registered pursuant to the provisions of §§ 3620-3620y of this title. Each entry shall include the name, address and personal circumstances of the donor, as well as the name and address of the donee, nature of the donation, and date and place of execution of the donation document and the registration date thereof.
The Board shall also establish, develop, and maintain an electronic record of anatomical gifts for transplants as provided in § 3620w-1 of this title.
(d) Shall be the depository responsible for the processing of donations cases in which the intention of the donor that the donee be a specific person is stated.
(e) In the case of an organization entrusted with obtaining, processing and distributing organs and tissues, the Board shall take into consideration their compliance with the procedures and rules established by their regulating agencies and other organizations that govern them such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 5; Mar. 4, 2011, No. 26, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620e - Donees

A donation pursuant to §§ 3620-3620y of this title may be made in favor of any of the following donees, but only for the ends and purposes of §§ 3620-3620y of this title.
(a) Any hospital, clinic, bank, or medical institution enabled and certified to recover and manage cadavers or human body parts, or any physician or surgeon duly authorized to practice the profession in Puerto Rico.
(b) Any authorized medical or dental school, college or university.
(c) Any person appointed in effect by the donor who is somehow related with any branch of medical science and who can prove, if requested by the Board created herein, that his purposes are in harmony with the ends and purposes indicated herein.
(d) The Board that is created by virtue of §§ 3620-3620y of this title.
(e) Any institution or entity accredited and certified by the Board to manage, maintain, deposit, remove, or conduct processes related to organ or tissue transplantation.
The Board shall be notified within forty-eight (48) hours of every donation made. When a donation is made by a sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) year old minor, any recovering entity shall keep a register with the name, age, and address of the minor, a description of the document presented by the minor as evidence of age, a copy of the medical certificate stating the minor’s eligibility to donate, and a copy of the blood donation consent form. The Department of Health is hereby empowered to inspect said register.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 7; Aug. 25, 2012, No. 210, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620f - Procedure; release from liability

(a) Any person authorized to make an anatomical gift under § 3620d of this title shall make the donation by signing an organ, eye, and tissue donor card that meets the requirements hereinafter provided; registering electronically in the organ, eye, and tissue Donor Registry, in accordance with the provisions of § 3620w-1 of this title or other registry of any state of the United States of America that complies with the parameters of §§ 3620-3620y of this title; by stating their consent to donate in their driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Transportation and Public Works; or through a private document or donor card signed by two witnesses or through a public document sworn before a notary public. The revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancelation of the driver’s license or identification card does not invalidate the donation. Provided, however, that regarding cadavers under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that have been subjected to an autopsy under the law, the pathologist, forensic doctor, ophthalmologist, surgeon, or his/her assistants may remove the corneas, glands, organs, tissues, or other parts to be delivered to the Board in accordance with the purposes of §§ 3620-3620y of this title, provided that said removal does not interfere with the autopsy or with any investigation being conducted by competent authorities, or alters the post mortem physical appearance of the cadaver. In the case of corneas, they shall be delivered free of charge to the Eye Bank of the Puerto Rican Lion’s Club.
(b) The Institute of Forensic Science, the Board, hospitals, transplanting physicians, the forensic doctor or his/her assistant, the ophthalmologist, the ophthalmology resident, the Eye Bank or its officials are hereby released from civil and criminal liability as well as the recipient patient of the corneas of a deceased donor given that after the removal of the corneas it is alleged by any person that his/her approval or previous knowledge was required for the same.
(c) Every donee of tissue, organ or cadaver or part thereof, or of a body for clinical autopsy, and every notary before [whom] an anatomical donation document is executed, or the revocation of the donation of a cadaver or part thereof, shall remit a simple copy of the document in question with his/her signature to the Human Bodies, Organs and Tissues Disposal Board within a term of seventy-two (72) hours after the execution of the document.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 8; Mar. 4, 2011, No. 26, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620g - Compensation

The donations in whole or in part of a body or of organs for a living transplant shall not be subject to compensation or remuneration whatsoever. It shall not be construed as a violation to this section that the donee or other person pay the expenses incurred in the donation.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620h - Cadavers—Medical examination; organs

The donation in whole or in part of a cadaver or an organ for a living transplant entails the authorization of a medical physician to determine if said body or the donated part thereof meets the conditions needed for the purpose it is to be used.
The rights of the donee arising from the donation shall prevail over those of other persons, all of this subject to those provisions of law pertaining to medical autopsies.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620i - Notice of death; conservation

The hospitals shall notify the Organs Recovery Organization of all deaths or imminent deaths. Furthermore, the hospitals in which persons die whose bodies or parts thereof have been bequeathed or donated for the ends and purposes of §§ 3620—3620y of this title, and that [are] aware of these circumstances, shall immediately notify the Board of the death of said persons in the manner and form provided by regulation. The Board, in turn, shall notify the donee, if he/she is a private person as well as the recovery entities that the donor has designated as beneficiaries of the donation.
The Board is empowered to provide all that is necessary for the conservation of the cadaver in those cases in which the donee lacks the facilities needed for its conservation.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620j - Autopsies

The autopsy of those persons whose body and part thereof have been bequeathed or donated for the ends and purposes of §§ 3620—3620y of this title to a particular donee shall be performed in the hospital where the death has occurred. The autopsy expenses shall be defrayed by the donee. However, if the hospital lacks the facilities to perform the same, it shall notify the Board for the final disposition of the body.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620k - Acceptance

The donee may accept the donation or bequest of a cadaver in its totality, accept only those parts of the deceased body deemed useful, or refuse said donation or bequest in its totality. In the case of partial acceptance or total refusal, he/she shall notify the Board within the twenty-four (24) hours following the death of the donor. In these cases, or after twenty-four (24) hours of the demise, if the donee fails to claim the body, it may be handed over to the person or persons authorized by law to dispose of it. If said persons, in turn, fail to claim it, the Board shall dispose of it as if the donation had been made to its name.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620l - Unclaimed

When the death of a person occurs in a hospital, psychiatric hospital, public asylum, or any other charitable or public or private health institution or penitentiary, and the institution does not know the family or persons in charge of the deceased; and in those cases in which a death occurs and the cadaver is not claimed within a twenty-four (24) hour term of having duly notified the family or persons in charge, said institution shall have the obligation to notify the death to the Board. The prosecutors, the Court of First Instance, the Institute of Forensic Science and the Puerto Rico Police shall have the same obligation, in the case of unknown persons who die in public places and whose bodies are not claimed by their families or persons in charge, within a term of twenty-four (24) hours after being duly notified.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620m - Transfer to the medical sciences campus; conservation

The Board shall provide all that is necessary for the immediate transfer of these cadavers to the entity designated by the Board for such purpose, and for their conservation for a term of five (5) days. During this term, the Board may not use them in the event that a family member from those previously listed in §§ 3620—3620y of this title or any institution of which the deceased is a member should claim the delivery thereof to the Board.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620n - Notice to the Vital Statistics Registry

The Board shall have the obligation to notify the Vital Statistics Registry of the place from where the cadavers were removed as well as the transfer thereof to the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620o - Claim; notice

The person or entity that requests the delivery of a cadaver that has been removed and preserved by the Board shall have the obligation of previously notifying the Vital Statistics Register of its claim of the cadaver. When the petitioners have sufficient financial resources, they shall pay the Board the expenses incurred for the perfusion and transportation of the cadaver.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620p - Not used

In those cases in which the Board is not interested in using the cadaver, it shall notify the pertinent municipal authorities so that they may proceed with the burial thereof.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620q - Use

(a) The cadavers donated to the Board shall be used for the purposes established in the donation.
(b) Those unclaimed cadavers shall be used exclusively for the donation of tissues or for anatomical demonstrations, dissection and other similar purposes pertaining to teaching, health and the progress of medicine.
(c) When the organs of a body are used for transplants, the death certificate, issued by two (2) physicians authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico, shall be conclusive. Provided, That with the exception of the removal of the corneas, the physicians who certify the death shall not take active part in the autopsy or in the removal of the tissues or organ, or in the transplantation thereof, but they may be present in these procedures for the exclusive purpose of giving or obtaining information on the condition of the one who was their patient. Provided, further, That the determination of the death shall be made pursuant to the criteria established in the definition of death of §§ 3620—3620y of this title.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620r - Autopsy or removal of donated organs—Term

The Board shall have up to seventy-two (72) hours counting from the time of death to perform the autopsy or to remove any organ, tissue or part of the body that is donated to it or to any donee in particular and shall not be civilly or criminally liable for the use of cadavers, clinical autopsy or removal of organs, tissues or part of a body, unless it has been notified of the revocation of the bequest or donation or of the annulment of the document that authorized the procedure, or that it has acted in conflict with the provisions of the donation document.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 20.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620s - Medical supervision of coordinators in the recovery of cadaveric tissues or organs

The organ recovery organizations, tissue banks and eye banks may use coordinators who are registered nurses, medical assistants or other personnel trained in the field of medicine who satisfy the pertinent standards of organ recovery organizations, tissue banks or eye banks, as adopted by the Secretary of Health to assist in the medical administration [of] organ donors or in the recovery, through surgery, of cadaveric organs, tissues and corneas for research or transplants. A coordinator who assists in the medical administration of organ donors or in the recovery through surgery of cadaveric organs, tissues or eyes for research or transplants shall do so under the direction and supervision of [a] medical doctor authorized pursuant to the rules and regulations to be adopted by the Secretary of Health. With the exception of the recovery of organs, the supervision could be an indirect supervision. For the purposes of this section, the term “indirect supervision” means that the medical director is responsible for the medical acts of the coordinator, that the coordinator is operating under protocols expressly approved by the medical director, and that the medical director or his designated physician is always available, personally or by telephone, to provide medical instruction, for consultation or counseling in the case or donation or recovery of organs tissues and corneas.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 21.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 150 - Donations and Transplants (§§ 3601-3619 — 3620y) › § 3620t - Recovery of cadaveric organs for transplantation by physicians licensed in the United States

Any physician specialized in the practice of obtaining organs to be transplanted and who [has] their license to practice medicine and surgery in the United States up to date may recover cadaveric organs through surgical methods to be transplanted if:
(1) The organs have been recovered for a patient outside of Puerto Rico who is in, or referred by the United Network for Organ Sharing System, and
(2) the organs have been recovered through the sponsorship of an organization certified in Puerto Rico to recover organs.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 296, § 22.