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 156 - Warning of Harmful Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant Women (§§ 3711 — 3713) › § 3711 - Posters

(a) Any business that serves, sells or in which alcoholic beverages are consumed, shall display in visibly prominent places, posters that warn about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption in women of reproductive age who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and on the consequences of exposing the baby to suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome as a result of alcohol consumption.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, visible places shall be understood to be the entrance to the business, the cash register, the shelves on which the beverage is displayed for consumers, the service area and ladies restrooms, walls and spaces free from other propaganda that prevent the viewing of the posters, among others.
(c) In the case of restaurants or cafeterias where the client is provided a menu with the list of beverages, it shall be the obligation of the businessperson to include a statement in said space that warns of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on the baby and of the possibility of acquiring Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
(d) The information contained in the posters mentioned in this chapter shall be provided by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Mental Health and Drug Addiction Services Administration. The Mental Health and Drug Addiction Services Administration shall prepare the sign and shall make it available. Without it being construed as a restriction, said sign shall set forth that the effect of alcohol on the fetus may occur in the first three (3) to eight (8) weeks of pregnancy, when many women are still unaware of their pregnancy, that alcohol consumption can cause premature births, low birth weight, birth defects, and inclusively acquiring Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the disorders associated [with] it, among which are mental retardation, hyperactivity and attention deficit, facial defects, muscular-skeletal problems, deformities, [microcephaly], hearing problems, learning disabilities and eating disorders, among others. The telephone number to call to request orientation and/or assistance shall also be included in the sign. This telephone number shall be administered by the Mental Health and Drug Addiction Services Administration through the existing orientation systems.
History —June 2, 2008, No. 79, §§ 1—4, eff. 90 days after June 2, 2008.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 156 - Warning of Harmful Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant Women (§§ 3711 — 3713) › § 3712 - Powers of Department and Bureau

The Department of Health and the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages of the Department of the Treasury shall be empowered to intervene, sanction and fine any business that does not display said posters in a visibly prominent place; Provided, That the Department of Health shall be empowered to issue an initial notice or warning for noncompliance to the merchant businessperson, granting thirty (30) days for the display thereof. The Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages shall issue a [fifty] dollar ($50) fine daily to any merchant business person who, after the first warning, fails to comply with the mandate of this chapter.
History —June 2, 2008, No. 79, § 5, eff. 90 days after June 2, 2008.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 156 - Warning of Harmful Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnant Women (§§ 3711 — 3713) › § 3713 - Use of revenues; regulations

The revenues proceeding from the fines imposed on merchants or business persons shall be destined to efforts for prevention and orientation on the effects of alcohol consumption on women and the fetus, and shall be in the custody of the Mental Health and Drug Addiction Services Administration. The Mental Health and Drug Addiction Services Administration shall take the measures and shall adopt the regulations needed for faithful compliance with this chapter.
History —June 2, 2008, No. 79, § 6, eff. 90 days after June 2, 2008.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3721 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning stated hereinbelow:
(a) Government agencies.— Shall mean any department, agency, instrumentality, office and any other entity of the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including public corporations, their subsidiaries or any government entity that constitutes a juridical person, created by law or which may be created by law in the future.
(b) Health fairs.— Shall mean an event organized to provide information regarding diseases and health-related services, free of charge, such as outpatient tests, orientation, and counseling about diseases; also, information about products and services related to health in general or with mental, physical, or emotional health, among others.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3722 - Public policy

Provided, that it shall be the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to sponsor the holding of health fairs in all government agencies to provide information to public employees regarding the diseases and conditions that most affect the Island’s population, as well as their prevention and treatment.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3723 - Organization of health fairs

Health fairs shall be organized with the purpose of providing information about the following:
(a) Preventive health services for government agency employees, including tests, talks, and orientation.
(b) Orientation about preventing the spread of disease and virus in the public employees’ workplace.
(c) The integration of the private sector in the prevention process of diseases and health conditions through products and services related to health in general.
(d) Any other health issue consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3724 - Compliance with this public policy

It shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of the Department of Health to ensure compliance with this public policy and to promote compliance with the purposes of this chapter as well. The Secretary is hereby empowered and authorized to adopt the administrative rules and regulations necessary to comply with this chapter.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3725 - Development and execution

To develop and execute the public policy set forth herein, government agencies are hereby authorized to establish protocols for compliance. The goal is to hold health fairs at least once a year, either individually or in collaboration between two (2) or more government agencies.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 157 - Act to Foster the Holding of Health Fairs in Government Agencies (§§ 3721 — 3726) › § 3726 - Funding for health fairs

The necessary funding to comply with the purposes set forth in this chapter shall be consigned in the budgets of such government agencies. Public corporations are directed to allocate the necessary funding every year in their budgets in order to comply with the purposes of this chapter.
Furthermore, matching funds with private, municipal, Commonwealth, and federal contributions is hereby authorized, as well as the establishment of collaboration agreements between government agencies, private businesses, and health service organizations.
History —Mar. 18, 2010, No. 29, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 158 - Protocol Code for Emergency Care at Public and Private Health Facilities (§§ 3731 — 3733) › § 3731 - Establishment

For safety purposes, the following codes are herein established:
(1) RED.— Code RED shall be immediately activated when there is an actual indication or suspicion of fire, smoke, or unusual heat on walls or doors when detected by an electronic fire alarm upon the activation of smoke detection systems, or any indication of fire as identified by the facility or institution.
(2) GRAY.— Code GRAY shall be immediately activated when there is an actual indication or suspicion of an attempt against the safety rules of the institution, whether armed or unarmed, a commotion, turmoil, riot, or any other breach of safety or disturbance of the peace as identified or established by the facility or institution.
(3) H2O.— Code H2O shall be immediately activated when there is an actual event indication or suspicion of flooding.
(4) BLUE.— Code BLUE shall be immediately activated when there is an actual indication or suspicion of a disaster inside or outside the institution taking into consideration the guidelines to manage state or federal internal and external disasters, the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System (HEICS), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
(5) GREEN.— Code GREEN shall be immediately activated upon determination of the institution to activate the Rapid Response Team, which is the medical personnel trained to reduce and prevent respiratory cardiac arrests. This is directed to assist patients with unstable and deteriorating vital signs. At the same time, it shall be immediately activated when there is an actual indication or suspicion of a heart attack or of cardiac or respiratory arrest, according to the established protocols.
(6) AMBER.— Code AMBER shall be immediately activated in the event of child abduction.
(7) YELLOW.— Code YELLOW shall be immediately activated in the event of a spill of hazardous substances in accordance with the guidelines established by the institution, local and federal laws, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other regulatory agencies.
(8) EVACUATION.— Code EVACUATION shall be immediately activated upon the determination of the institution to activate the evacuation process; once the code has been activated, the area to be evacuated shall be identified.
(9) BLACK.— Code BLACK shall be immediately activated when there is an actual indication or suspicion of a bomb, or when explosive materials, apparent explosive materials, or a suspicious package has been discovered in accordance with the plan established by the institution.
(10) WHITE.— Code WHITE shall be immediately activated when the emergency has concluded pursuant to the plan established by the institution.
History —Aug. 10, 2011, No. 170, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 158 - Protocol Code for Emergency Care at Public and Private Health Facilities (§§ 3731 — 3733) › § 3732 - Obligation

It is hereby provided that all public or private healthcare facilities shall use said safety codes in their facilities.
History —Aug. 10, 2011, No. 170, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 158 - Protocol Code for Emergency Care at Public and Private Health Facilities (§§ 3731 — 3733) › § 3733 - Regulations

The Department of Health shall adopt said safety codes and establish regulations within sixty (60) days after the implementation of this act.
History —Aug. 10, 2011, No. 170, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3742 - Creation

The Puerto Rico Health Information Network is hereby created as a nonprofit corporation, independent and separate from any other agency or instrumentality of the Government of Puerto Rico.
The Network shall have administrative and fiscal autonomy, be independent from the Executive Branch, and be deemed to function with the highest public interest.
The Network is the entity designated by the Government of Puerto Rico (State Designated Entity) to operate the HIE within and outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
The Network may not be sued for damages caused by, related to, or arising from measures, determinations, and acts conducted when providing HIE-related services while exchanging health information if the Government of Puerto Rico determines that an illness, a health condition or a specific state or national emergency constitutes a public health emergency or threat.
Such immunity does not apply to acts or omissions that may constitute gross negligence.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3744 - Rights of the Network

The Network shall have rights over the following:
(a) HIE data ownership, which it may only share in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Government of Puerto Rico and the United States Government.
(b) Copyrights and patents on information system applications designed for the Network, as well as any work deriving from and any process designed for the HIE.
(c) The right to access databases resulting from the exchange of data by stakeholders, in full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Government of Puerto Rico and the United States Government.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3746 - Expert committees

The Board of Directors of the Network shall create an Expert Committee on Finance, an Expert Committee on Technological Infrastructure, an Expert Committee on Public/Clinical Health, an Expert Committee on Healthcare Payors, and any other Committees it may deem necessary.
Committee members shall not receive any financial compensation whatsoever for discharging their duties.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3747 - State Health Information Technology Coordinator

The office of State Health Information Technology Coordinator is hereby created, to be attached to the Department of Health of Puerto Rico for a term of seven (7) years. Initially, the salary of the Coordinator shall be paid for by the federal funding obtained. Thereafter, however, the Department of Health of Puerto Rico shall include the necessary funding to pay for the salary and benefits pertaining to the office of Coordinator in the budget request submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.
The Governor of Puerto Rico shall make such appointment with the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico.
The Coordinator may only be removed after filing of charges or for just cause, in observance of the due process of law.
The Coordinator must be a person with education in health information technology.
The Coordinator shall have the following responsibilities:
(a) To promote the public policy of the Department of Health for the HIE.
(b) To develop, update, and direct, together with the Secretary of Health, the implementation in Puerto Rico of the HIE Strategic and Operational Plan for Puerto Rico.
(c) To coordinate the HIE within and outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
(d) To adopt, develop, and implement any necessary strategies required by the Government of Puerto Rico for the effective implementation of the HIE Strategic and Operational Plan for Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the Coordinator shall be under the obligation to oversee compliance with the provisions of subsection (h) of § 3743 of this title.
(e) To coordinate the secure and effective integration of the Network as the entity designated by the Government of Puerto Rico to operate the HIE before the NHIN and with similar networks and technological infrastructures in other jurisdictions.
(f) To promote active and effective collaboration between health-related sectors in Puerto Rico and any other jurisdictions.
(g) To promote and execute alliances that inure to the benefit of the health and public health of the People of Puerto Rico.
(h) To establish strategies, policies, and procedures for HIE risk management and mitigation within and outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
(i) To represent Puerto Rico in any meeting, conference, hearing, and/or any other related event, which list shall not be constrictive, and the HIE outside Puerto Rico, in order to further the implementation of the public policy relative to health information technology exchange between Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions.
(j) To oversee, together with the Department of Justice of Puerto Rico, compliance with policies and procedures in case of violations of federal and Commonwealth laws and regulations related to health data and information security and confidentiality.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3748 - Limitation of liability of the board of directors, expert committees, and stakeholders

Any person who, in good faith, relays information or data provided by the HIE or renders services to a patient who sustains damages as a result of such services due to information provided by the HIE shall not be held civilly or criminally liable, depending on the case. This provision does not apply in cases of gross negligence or malicious intent.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3749 - Transfer of property to the network

The transfer to the Network of staff and of any and all real and personal, tangible and intangible property, rights, and obligations under the custody or administration of the Department of Health that were previously conferred for the purpose of creating the Network, is hereby authorized.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3750 - Protection of information

If, for any reason, the Network should cease to be a state designated entity, be dissolved, become insolvent, or cease operations pursuant to this chapter, all of its assets shall be transferred to the Department of Health of Puerto Rico.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3751 - Prohibition

The Network, the members of its Board of Directors or Committees, its employees, or any other representatives may not use the property or instruments of the Network to provide access to health information in violation of the federal and Commonwealth laws and regulations that protect health-related or other information that could identify an individual [e.g. HIPAA, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Puerto Rico Mental Health Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (or FERPA), etc.].
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 159 - Puerto Rico Health Information Network Act (§§ 3741 — 3752) › § 3752 - Annual fiscal report

It is hereby provided that all regulations related to the Network's expenditures and generation of funds shall have the approval of the Office of the Inspector General of Puerto Rico. The Network shall be under the obligation to render an annual fiscal report to the Office of the Inspector General of Puerto Rico and to the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico.
History —Feb. 2, 2012, No. 40, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 160 - Puerto Rico Zootherapy Center Act (§§ 3761 — 3765) › § 3761 - Public policy

It is hereby established as the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico to promote research and the creation of a Center for the Treatment of Autistic Children and other health conditions (Center), as well as the development of a promotional and financing plan for its development and creation as a laboratory for scientific research and tourist attraction located in the Municipality of San Sebastián.
Specifically, the Municipality of San Sebastián in coordination with the Department of Health, the Department of Tourism, and the National Parks Company shall establish collaboration mechanisms to provide the best opportunities for the development of a Center that shall operate primarily to render health services; that shall assess the financing and/or guarantees available for its development; and that shall be used as a therapy center for children that suffer from disabilities in the central nervous system, especially those suffering from autism, as well as for adults undergoing the process of drug detoxification, people suffering from depression, stress, and even pregnant women, among others; it shall also serve as a tourist and recreational park, and as a laboratory for scientific research.
The Center shall operate primarily as a therapy center to offer health services to children that have special needs related to their central nervous system, especially those suffering from autism, but also pregnant women, among others. It shall also serve as a tourist and recreational park, and as a laboratory for scientific research.
History —Sept. 14, 2012, No. 247, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 160 - Puerto Rico Zootherapy Center Act (§§ 3761 — 3765) › § 3762 - Strategic Plan to Promote and Develop the Center

(a) Interagency Coordination Committee for the Development of the Center.— The Municipality of San Sebastián, in coordination with the Department of Health, the Tourism Company, the University of Puerto Rico, the Government Development Bank, the Industrial Development Company, and the Puerto Rico National Parks Company shall create a task force to organize, evaluate, and further the purposes of this chapter. This Committee shall also study and analyze aspects related to such therapies, so that the agencies concerned and the Legislative Assembly may develop policies that support a safe and appropriate environment where such treatments and touristic activities can take place. To such effects, the Committee shall serve as the founding group of the Center.
(b) Offers and attractions catalog of the Center in Puerto Rico.— The Committee established in the preceding subsection shall compile data that shall assist in the process of choosing investors, investment alternatives, and any other measures that shall serve to raise the funds needed to build the Center.
The information compiled shall serve as a work tool to draft the promotional package that PRIDCO shall use to promote Puerto Rico as an ideal location to carry out scientific and tourist activities.
These government agencies shall have the ministerial duty to advise on matters related to permits and to assist in the financing, development, establishment, or expansion of the Center within a period not to exceed one (1) year as of the date the applicant meets the requirements clearly pre-established by the pertinent agencies.
The use of incentives shall include, but are not limited to, funding programs, investment matching for the development of infrastructure, structures, laboratories, machinery, high-tech equipment, animals, wolves, sea lions, horses for hippotherapy, and permits, among others. It shall be mandatory to meet each and every one of the requirements established by the different laws in effect to obtain incentives for the establishment or expansion of operations in the Island.
History —Sept. 14, 2012, No. 247, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 160 - Puerto Rico Zootherapy Center Act (§§ 3761 — 3765) › § 3763 - Rulemaking authority

The Department of Health is hereby empowered to promulgate the regulations needed to establish the requirements for the approval and endorsement process for the establishment or expansion of the operations of the Center. If necessary, the Department may amend and/or repeal that which is necessary to temper the administrative regulations and rules to make the efficient operation of the Center feasible. Said regulations shall observe municipal autonomy and shall not impair public interests in favor of the development of this project.
History —Sept. 14, 2012, No. 247, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 160 - Puerto Rico Zootherapy Center Act (§§ 3761 — 3765) › § 3764 - Provisions on lands and/or properties

The Municipality of San Sebastián and the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) shall create and keep an inventory of available land and/or properties with the basic infrastructure necessary, in terms of paths, irrigation, and drainage, which could be available for the Center. These public real properties shall include structures and lots 6, 7, and 8, located in the Guatemala Industrial Park in the Municipality of San Sebastián, Industrial Development Company #L-265-1-67. Said property, together with the structure to be developed and the projected income shall be sufficient to guarantee the financing for its development through the Government Development Bank. This development may be carried out in phases in accordance with the available financing.
History —Sept. 14, 2012, No. 247, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 160 - Puerto Rico Zootherapy Center Act (§§ 3761 — 3765) › § 3765 - Agency regulations

The pertinent agencies shall establish or adjust the corresponding regulations to achieve the purposes of this act within ninety (90) days after its approval. This rulemaking process shall be exempt from the terms established by §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, better known as the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
History —Sept. 14, 2012, No. 247, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter I - Title and Public Policy (§§ 3771 — 3772) › § 3771 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as the “Puerto Rico Funeral Services Act”.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 1.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter I - Title and Public Policy (§§ 3771 — 3772) › § 3772 - Public policy

It is the public policy of the People of Puerto Rico to recognize that human dignity is inviolable and that said fundamental principle must prevail in natural life and beyond. Therefore, the treatment of the deceased and the consideration towards their family shall observe the utmost dignity, consideration, and respect within a legal framework that is essentially based on the values of our Western culture.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 1.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter II - Death Certificate (§§ 3781 — 3783) › § 3781 - Death certificate

A death certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of §§ 1041 et seq. of this title, is proof of the death of a human being. The death certificate may be registered in any office of the Vital Statistics Register regardless of the municipality where the death occurred.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 2.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter II - Death Certificate (§§ 3781 — 3783) › § 3782 - Burial-transit permit; death outside of Puerto Rico

A burial-transit permit or authorization for cremation issued for any person who has died outside of Puerto Rico shall constitute proof of the death of said person.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 2.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter II - Death Certificate (§§ 3781 — 3783) › § 3783 - Certificate; death during catastrophic events

When a person dies during a catastrophic event, the provisions of §§ 1311 et seq. of this title, known as the “Death Certification in Cases of Catastrophic Events Act”, shall govern.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 2.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter III - Transportation of Human Remains (§§ 3791 — 3794) › § 3791 - Protection of human remains

All human remains shall be transported in a body bag, protected from plain sight, so as not to become a hazard to public health.
If more than twenty-four (24) hours after the death have elapsed, human remains shall be embalmed prior to transportation, unless transported in a sealed metal casket.
In accordance with §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 34, any human remains under the jurisdiction of the Institute of Forensic Sciences shall not be embalmed without previous authorization from the Institute.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 3.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter III - Transportation of Human Remains (§§ 3791 — 3794) › § 3792 - Ground transportation vehicles

Human remains may be transported in hearses, ambulances, or other vehicles duly authorized for such purposes by the Public Service Commission. In the event that a patient dies inside an ambulance, the provisions of the General Environmental Health Regulations shall govern.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 3.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter III - Transportation of Human Remains (§§ 3791 — 3794) › § 3793 - Transport by air or sea; requirements

Every shipping agency, transport company, airline, or entity engaged in maritime or air transport whereby human remains shall be transported shall require the appropriate burial-transit permit or authorization for cremation for said human remains, as well as any documents required by the pertinent jurisdiction.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 3.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter III - Transportation of Human Remains (§§ 3791 — 3794) › § 3794 - Transportation; requirement to embalm; exception

When human remains are not embalmed due to religious beliefs, such remains may be transported insofar as a sealed metal casket is used therefor. In such cases, a special permit issued by the Department of Health shall be requested.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 3.04.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter IV - Funeral Homes (§§ 3801 — 3805) › § 3801 - Establishment

Every funeral service business shall operate in one or more establishments duly authorized by the Permit Management Office and shall hold a sanitary license issued by the Secretary of Health. In addition, said business shall meet all the requirements provided by the laws and regulations of Puerto Rico, and those provided by municipal ordinance, according to the municipality where the business is located. Any funeral or cremation service that entails a viewing, burial, transport to another country, or cremation shall be offered by a funeral home or crematory duly licensed and authorized by the pertinent Departments and/or agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 4.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter IV - Funeral Homes (§§ 3801 — 3805) › § 3802 - Management

Every funeral home shall be managed by a funeral director duly qualified and certified as such by the Secretary of Health. Said director shall have completed a technical-vocational course in mortuary science or an equivalent course, and submitted adequate proof of good moral character, and a criminal record certificate issued by the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Department of Health.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 4.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter IV - Funeral Homes (§§ 3801 — 3805) › § 3803 - Precautions

Any person who renders any type of services at a funeral home shall be responsible for taking the following precautionary measures:
(1) To use protective gear or materials when preparing or having any direct contact with the human remains or any of the fluids, secretions, or excretions thereof. This shall include, but not be limited to gloves, protective gown, mask, caps, shoe covers, and protective sleeves with elastic cuffs.
(2) To refrain from having any contact with human remains or any fluids, excretions, or secretions thereof if such person has any cuts or open wounds.
(3) To wash hands with water and antibacterial soap before and after working with human remains.
(4) To notify immediately the person in charge of the funeral home of any signs of decomposition when working with human remains.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 4.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter IV - Funeral Homes (§§ 3801 — 3805) › § 3804 - Facilities

(1) Every funeral home shall provide public restrooms divided by gender, located outside the preparation or embalming area and outside the chapel or viewing area.
(2) In order to engage in the embalming process, the funeral home shall have an embalming room that meets the following requirements:
(a) To be located outside the chapel or viewing area.
(b) To be air conditioned or, in its default, have proper ventilation.
(c) To have a biomedical waste disposal system.
(d) To have a marble or stainless steel table, or a table made of a similarly efficient material.
(e) To have proper protection against insects and other bugs.
(f) To have available hot and cold drinking water.
(g) To have proper lighting for the embalming process.
Any funeral home may operate a cafeteria or provide an area for the consumption of coffee, or to offer refreshments, or snacks, provided, it has the adequate space and the pertinent licenses and authorizations to offer said services.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 4.04.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter IV - Funeral Homes (§§ 3801 — 3805) › § 3805 - Prices and costs of goods and services; duty to disclose information

Every funeral business or establishment engaged in the rendering of funeral goods and services shall provide every client with a list of the prices or costs of the goods and services offered.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 4.05.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter V - Embalming (§§ 3811 — 3813) › § 3811 - Embalmers

A person engaged in the practice of embalming human remains or in the application of partial embalming procedures such as washing and disinfecting a body, aspiring fluids, suturing mouths, closing eyes, or cosmetizing shall hold a valid license issued by the Examining Board of Embalmers of Puerto Rico, created by §§ 1001 et seq. of Title 20.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 5.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter V - Embalming (§§ 3811 — 3813) › § 3812 - Mandatory embalming

Even when embalming human remains is not usually necessary, it shall be mandatory in the following cases:
(1) When human remains are to be buried twenty-four (24) hours or more after death.
(2) In the event of a viewing prior to cremation, and when such viewing will take place twenty-four (24) hours or more after death.
(3) Any human remains to be transported outside the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico shall be embalmed by an embalmer holding a license in effect, who shall abide by the quality preservation procedures and standards used in the United States of America. An exception to this rule is provided in § 3794 of this title.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 5.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter V - Embalming (§§ 3811 — 3813) › § 3813 - Embalmers; precautions

In addition to the precautionary measures provided in § 3803 of this title, in the discharge of his duties, every embalmer shall:
(1) Discard all safety and protection equipment used during the aforementioned embalming or preparation process, upon completing his work on any human remains.
(2) Clean the floor, table, equipment, and instruments to be used with a solution of sodium hypochlorite diluted in water, in equal amounts, or with any other similarly effective substance.
(3) Discard any biomedical waste generated during the embalming process, in accordance with the procedures established through regulations adopted by the Environmental Quality Board.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 5.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3821 - Construction

Caskets shall be made of wood, metal, vulcanized fiber, fiberglass, or plastic and shall have a secure cap or lid that should close completely. Provided, further, That the purchase and sale thereof shall only be completed provided the distributor and the seller comply with the applicable provisions of law.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3822 - Reuse; prohibition

The reuse of caskets is hereby prohibited.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3823 - Casket registration and numbering

The Secretary of the Department of Health shall create and keep a Casket Register in which each casket built in Puerto Rico or imported, acquired, or otherwise traded for use in Puerto Rico shall be registered with a serial number. Any casket that is transported to Puerto Rico holding human remains for interment or cremation shall be included therein.
Every casket shall bear the serial number under which it was recorded in the Casket Register, and said serial number shall be rendered permanent, as provided through regulations by the Secretary of the Department of Health.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3824 - Casket Register-Funeral home

Every business, person, or entity providing caskets shall keep a record of the caskets acquired, sold, or otherwise used. Such record shall bear the same serial number used in the Casket Register of the Department of Health, as provided through regulations by the Secretary of the Department of Health.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.04.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3825 - Casket Register-Cemeteries

Every cemetery shall keep a record of the caskets used for the interment of human remains in their facilities. Such record shall bear the same serial number used in the Casket Register of the Department of Health, as provided through regulations by the Secretary of the Department of Health.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.05.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VI - Caskets (§§ 3821 — 3826) › § 3826 - Casket Register-Cremation

Every business, person, or entity providing cremation services and receiving caskets holding human remains or using caskets to conduct viewings shall keep a record of any casket received, used, or destroyed within the facilities under the registration number that appears in the Casket Register of the Department of Health, as provided through regulations by the Secretary of the Department of Health.
Every casket used to transport or view human remains that are to be cremated shall be destroyed and said procedure shall be entered in the records of the business, person, or entity providing the cremation services, specifying the destruction method used, the person or entity that carried out the destruction, and the time and place of such destruction.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 6.06.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VII - Viewing (§§ 3831 — 3833) › § 3831 - Ceremony

For purposes of this chapter, the viewing of a decedent shall not be restricted to a specific or particular manner and shall have no limitations, except when public health, morality, or order is affected.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 7.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VII - Viewing (§§ 3831 — 3833) › § 3832 - Duration

Provided the human remains are embalmed, the viewing may last up to seventy-two (72) hours after the embalming process.
In the event that it is necessary or convenient to extend the duration of the viewing due to justifiable reasons, it shall be required the pertinent authorization of the Secretary of the Department of Health, or in its default, an order from a competent part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 7.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VII - Viewing (§§ 3831 — 3833) › § 3833 - Regulations

The Secretary of the Department of Health shall provide through regulations the circumstances whereby human remains may not be viewed. It shall be the duty of the Funeral Director to enforce said regulations.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 7.03.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VIII - Cemeteries (§§ 3841 — 3852) › § 3841 - Establishment; authorization

To establish a cemetery, there shall be required an authorization from the Permit Management Office endorsed by the Department of Health, approving the location, development, and construction thereof. Moreover, the provisions of §§ 1271, 1272 and 1273 of this title, and § 1274 of this title shall be complied with.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 8.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VIII - Cemeteries (§§ 3841 — 3852) › § 3842 - Location

Cemeteries shall be located preferably in well-ventilated, flat or semi-flat land with proper groundwater levels, as established through regulations by the Permit Management Office.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 8.02.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › 3771 — 3891) › Subchapter VIII - Cemeteries (§§ 3841 — 3852) › § 3843 - Fence

Every cemetery shall be completely enclosed by well-built, structurally strong concrete walls or metallic fence not less than five (5) feet high that prevents animals from entering the cemetery.
History —Sept. 15, 2012, No. 258, § 8.03.