reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2704 - Removal and vacancies

The Governor of Puerto Rico may remove any member of the Board upon the filing of charges, due notice and hearing, for immorality, negligence, having been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and incompetence.
The Governor shall fill the vacancies on the Board by appointment with the advice and consent of the Senate. The person designated to fill a vacancy shall hold office until the term of the person who he/she is appointed to substitute has expired.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 4; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 3; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 3; Aug. 31, 2000, No. 273, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2705 - Duties and powers

The Board shall have the following duties and powers:
(a) It shall authorize the practice of the profession[s] of expert electrician, expert electrician’s assistant and apprentice expert electrician by granting a license to those persons who meet the requirements and conditions fixed in this chapter.
(b) It shall keep an official registry of the licenses issued and a minute book of all the meetings or sessions held.
(c) It shall elect a chairman from among its members.
(d) It shall adopt bylaws for its operations, which shall be approved within the term of six (6) months after approval of this act.
(e) It shall examine such persons as may apply for a license and qualify in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(f) It shall investigate the violations of this chapter motu proprio or upon complaint filed before said organization by an aggrieved person, or by a duly licensed expert electrician.
(g) It shall deny, suspend or revoke licenses for the reasons stated herein.
(h) It shall hold such meetings and sessions as may be necessary for the performance of its duties, upon call of the Chairman or of five (5) of its members.
(i) It shall submit to the Governor an annual report on its activities.
(j) It shall adopt an official seal for its official documents.
(k) It shall perform any act and shall have such other powers in addition to those already stated as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(l) It shall authorize the College of Expert Electricians of Puerto Rico, under the norms and regulations which the Board may specify by regulation, to implement the organization of a system of inspectors to ascertain that the provisions of this chapter are complied with.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 5; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 4; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 4; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2706 - Quorum

Five (5) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and the decisions shall be adopted by a majority of the members present.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 6; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2706a - Per diems and mileage

Each member of the Board, including public officials or employees, shall receive per diems at a rate of fifty dollars ($50) for each day or portion thereof on which they attend meetings or sessions of the Board, as well as the reimbursement of travel expenses in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Department of the Treasury. From January 1, 1999 on, the members of the Board shall receive per diems equal to the minimum per diems established for members of the Legislature in § 29 of Title 2, except for the Chairperson of the Board who shall receive per diems equal to one hundred and thirty-three percent (133%) of the per diems received by the other members of the Board. Each member of the Board is entitled to be paid per diems and mileage for up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) meetings per year.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 335, added as § 7 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 1; June 29, 1995, No. 59, § 1; Aug. 19, 1996, No. 147, § 1; Jan. 4, 2000, No. 7, § 19; Aug. 31, 2000, No. 273, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2708 - Expert electrician’s examination

(a) The examinations shall be offered by the Board three (3) times a year, every four (4) months.
(b) The examinations shall consist of two (2) parts, one practical and the other theoretical. Each part shall have the value of points that the Board determines pursuant to its regulations and the minimum number of points to pass each part shall be seventy percent (70%) thereof.
(c) Provided, That the candidates shall have to pass both parts of the examination to be granted a license.
(d) If a candidate fails one part of the examination and approves the other, he/she shall only have to be reexamined on the part he/she failed. The approved part shall expire at the end of two (2) years and he/she then will have to be reexamined on both parts.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 8; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 7; renumbered as § 9 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 6; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 5; Aug. 31, 2000, No. 273, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2709 - Capability or aptitude of applicants

The Board shall be the only one authorized to determine the sufficiency of the examinations and the capacity or fitness of the candidates.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 9, renumbered as § 10 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2710 - Reciprocity on granting of license

The Board shall be authorized to establish, on such conditions and requirements as it may deem necessary, reciprocity relations with respect to the granting of licenses without examination directly with the corresponding organizations of any state of the United States where qualifications similar to those established herein to obtain an expert electrician license are required, and a similar concession is prescribed for those licensed by this Board.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 10, renumbered as § 11 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2711 - Maximum number of apprentices and assistants

No collegiated [sic] expert electrician may have under his/her immediate supervision more than nine (9) apprentices or authorized assistant expert electricians.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 11; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 8; renumbered as § 12 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 7; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2712 - Persons exempted

The following natural or artificial persons are exempted from the provisions of this chapter:
(a) The apprentices and assistants duly authorized by this chapter provided they perform their work under the personal and immediate supervision of a collegiated [sic] expert electrician.
(b) Collegiated [sic] electrical engineers graduated from a college or university of engineering who hold a license issued by the Examining Board of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors, who make electrical installations, or who employ collegiated expert electricians.
(c) The employees of the Electric Power Authority while they work in the properties of the Authority.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 12; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 9; renumbered as § 13 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 8; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2713 - Complaints, investigation; procedure

The Board shall receive and investigate the complaints filed with respect to persons who have been authorized by this chapter to practice as apprentices, assistants or expert electricians. In the event that good cause is found, the corresponding procedure for suspension or revocation of the license may be instituted, which shall be in harmony with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3. The Board shall notify the College of Expert Electricians from the commencement of the proceeding, for whatever action it may deem pertinent.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 13, renumbered as § 14 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2714 - Denial of granting of license

The Board may deny the granting of a license upon prior notice and hearing to any person who:
(a) Tries to obtain a license by fraud or deceit.
(b) Does not meet the requirements to obtain a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(c) Has been declared mentally incapacitated by a competent court; or his incapacity is established before the Board by medical experts; Provided, That the license may be granted as soon as the person is declared to be again capacitated and if he meets the other requirements provided herein.
The decisions adopted by the Board in these cases may be reviewed by the Court of First Instance, San Juan Part, within the term of thirty (30) days after notice of the decision is served on the person concerned.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 14; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 10; renumbered as § 15 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2716 - Subpoenas

The Board or any member thereof may issue subpoenas to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents, administer oaths and take testimony, introduce evidence and receive authentic documents in evidence in connection with or at the hearing. In case of disobedience to a subpoena, the Board may invoke the aid of any court of Puerto Rico to require the appearance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 16, renumbered as § 17 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2717 - Compliance with provisions, persons responsible

The members of the Board created herein, the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources and the employees or officers authorized by the latter, the members of the Police and the Firefighters Corps of Puerto Rico, the College of Expert Electricians, and the expert electricians duly authorized to practice their profession shall be the persons charged to ascertain that the provisions of this chapter are enforced.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 17; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 11; renumbered as § 18 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2718 - Entrance into establishments authorized

Any member of the Examining Board, the inspectors of the College of Expert Electricians of Puerto Rico licensed by the Board, the Firefighters Corps, the Commonwealth Police, the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources and his employees or officials authorized by him, are hereby authorized to enter construction projects or industries where electrical installations are being made, to make investigations, inspections or interrogatories related to the enforcement of this chapter.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 18; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 11; renumbered as § 19 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; June 1, 1984, No. 46, p. 122, § 10, eff. 60 days after June 1, 1984.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2719 - License required

No person shall advertise, assume or use the title of expert electrician, nor practice said profession in Puerto Rico unless he/she holds a license as such, issued under the provisions of this chapter, and which has not been revoked or suspended.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 19; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 11; renumbered as § 20 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2; Nov. 6, 1992, No. 86, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2720 - Transfer of property, files, etc

All property, files, records and personal documents relating to expert electricians which are in possession of the Board of Examiners of Cinematograph Machine Operators and Expert Electricians shall be transferred to the Examining Board of Expert Electricians created under this chapter.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 20, renumbered as § 21 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 87 - Board of Examiners of Expert Electricians (§§ 2701 — 2722) › § 2721 - Prosecution of actions or proceedings

The Secretary of Justice shall institute and prosecute any action or proceeding before the courts of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History —June 2, 1976, No. 115, p. 334, § 21; June 12, 1980, No. 123, p. 443, § 11; renumbered as § 22 on Mar. 7, 1983, No. 4, p. 9, § 2, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2752 - Creation; members; bylaws; per diems and mileage

There is hereby created the Board of Examiners of Opticians attached to the Office of Regulations and Certifications of Health Professionals of the Department of Health of Puerto Rico, which shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico. The members of the Board shall be citizens of the United States, shall have resided in Puerto Rico for not less than three years immediately before being appointed, shall have an optician diploma issued by recognized colleges, universities and schools, and shall have practiced the optical profession in Puerto Rico for at least five (5) years. The first members of the Board that are appointed shall hold office for the following terms: one for one year, two (2) for two (2) years and two (2) for three (3) years in the order of appointment by the Governor. Subsequent appointments shall be for a five (5) year term each and the aforesaid shall hold office until their successors are appointed and take office. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired part of the term of the member causing the vacancy. The Governor may remove any member of the Board for neglect of duty, malpractice in his/her profession, or for moral turpitude, after the Board of Examiners of Opticians has given him/her an opportunity to be heard.
Once appointed, no member of the Board may be a shareholder or belong to a Board of Trustees or Directors of a university, college or school offering studies leading to a degree in optics.
The Board of Examiners of Opticians shall approve bylaws establishing the internal proceedings of the Board which shall hold at least six (6) regular sessions a year to solve official matters. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
The members of the Board shall receive fifty dollars ($50) for each day or fraction thereof devoted to their official duties. They shall also be entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses incurred in the performance of their functions, pursuant to the applicable regulations of the Department of the Treasury.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 2; Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2754 - Licenses—Requirements

(a) Applicants for licenses to be obtained by means of an examination shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(1) Be of legal age and have resided in Puerto Rico for a term of six (6) months immediately before filing the application, excluding sporadic departures from the country for medical, business, or study purposes or for pleasure. The applicant shall also file before the Board a recent criminal record certificate.
(2) Hold an associate degree in optical sciences obtained at a school or college recognized by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico, or from a school which was recognized by the city or the state thereof at the time the diploma was awarded, or have practiced the optical profession in Puerto Rico during three (3) years prior to December 31, 1968. No diplomas of optical studies made by correspondence shall be admitted.
The previously established requirement of an associated degree in optical sciences diploma shall be effective three (3) years after the date of effectiveness of this amendatory act.
(3) The applicant shall, in addition, fill in the blank forms furnished by the Board to establish, under oath, his/her identify, and the genuineness of the diplomas and degrees he/she holds. The revalidation examinations shall be made in writing, in English or Spanish at the applicant’s choice, and shall cover the pertinent subjects as the Board may prescribe. Each candidate shall also be submitted to a practical examination consisting in the handling of the apparatus and instruments used in the optical profession.
Upon the prior advice of the Council on Higher Education, the Board shall establish through regulations, the specific requirements regarding the courses, studies or academic credits that must be approved by the candidates aspiring to practice the optician’s profession. Any change adopted by the Board related to said requirements shall only apply to those students that commence their studies after the modification or extension of the aforesaid.
The Board shall also establish a method to offer orientation about the revalidation examinations, the administrative norms and the applicable regulations, the type or kind of examination and the form of evaluating the aforesaid, so that the applicants may properly acquaint themselves with the revalidation process. To that effect the Board shall prepare and publish a handbook with all the information concerning the examination, and a copy of said handbook shall be given to every applicant who pays the amount of ten dollars ($10) through a postal/bank money order, or certified check payable to the Secretary of the Treasury. From time to time the Board may revise the cost of acquisition of this handbook based on the cost of preparing and publishing same, although the amount to be charged shall never exceed the real cost represented by such an expense.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 4; Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2755 - Licenses—Persons eligible

The Board of Examiners shall issue an optician’s license to any person who having applied therefor, prior to December 31, 1969, paid the corresponding fees, passed the practical test and submitted to the Board evidence under oath, establishing that he is over twenty-one (21) years and is a citizen of the United States, of good moral conduct, has primarily been devoted to the practice of optics in Puerto Rico on the date of his application and during a period of eight (8) years prior to the application of same or who has satisfactorily completed studies in a school or college of optics recognized by the Board and has obtained the corresponding diploma.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 5, eff. 60 days after June 3, 1976.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2756 - Licenses—Fees

The Board shall collect the following fees:
$ 25 for each examination.
$ 75 for each original license issued.
$ 15 for a duplicate of a misplaced or lost license.
$75 for recertification.
$ 75 for a license issued to opticians from any state of the United States having an agreement of reciprocity with the Board of Opticians of Puerto Rico.
The funds generated by the fees established in this section shall be covered into the Health Fund created by §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24, to cover the operating expenses of the Office for the Regulation and Certification of Health Professionals.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 6; Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2756a - Licenses—Failure to pass examination

Any person who fails any part of the revalidation examination on three (3) occasions may not take to a new examination until he/she presents evidence to the Board attesting that he/she has taken and approved the remedial course or courses recognized or accredited by the Board. After these courses, the person shall have three (3) additional opportunities for taking the examination. Were these courses unavailable after having failed the revalidation examination on three (3) occasions, the applicant shall have three (3) additional opportunities for taking the revalidation examination without having to meet the requirement of taking these courses, upon prior express authorization of the Board. Were it available, this course will be required after having failed the examination on three (3) additional occasions.
The Board shall guarantee to the persons who have not approved one or more parts of the revalidation examination, the right to examine their answer sheet, to obtain a breakdown of the score achieved, and to request a reconsideration of the evaluation and grading of his/her examination.
The Board shall grant a term of ninety (90) days, from the date the results of the examination are posted, to any person who has taken the examination, for filing any allegation in his/her favor regarding the grading of the examinations. The examination papers of those that have passed may be destroyed after the abovementioned ninety (90) days have elapsed. The Board shall retain the examination papers of the last three examinations taken by the person who fails, for the purpose of expediting the procedure established in this section.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, added as § 7 on Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2757 - Licenses—Cancellation

(a) The Board may revoke and cancel the license of any optician in the following cases:
(1) For fraud or deceit committed during the practice of his profession.
(2) For conviction of a felony under the laws of Puerto Rico or of any state or of the United States.
(3) For being an habitual drunkard or addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.
(4) For manifest incompetency in the practice of his profession.
(5) For trading with or offering for sale a license for the practice of optics.
(6) For giving any false testimony in favor of any applicant for examination before the Board of Examiners of Opticians.
(7) For altering any document or matter with the malicious intent that an applicant who does not have the necessary preparation and knowledge be admitted for examination to validate his diploma or obtain a license to practice.
(8) For gross violation of this chapter or its rules and regulations.
(9) For authorizing a person under his/her supervision to carry out the functions of an optician, pursuant to what is established by §§ 2751 and 2754 of this title.
(b) These revocation and cancellation cases shall be brought before the Board following the procedure established in the rules and regulations authorized by it.
(c) The final decisions of the Board shall be reviewable by the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, San Juan Part.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 7, renumbered as § 8 and amended on Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2758 - Reciprocity agreements

The Board of Examiners of Opticians of Puerto Rico may establish reciprocity relations or agreements for the granting of a license without an examination, with those entities of the United States of America which grant licenses through examination, but which have requirements equivalent to those established in this title for obtaining an optician’s license.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 8, renumbered as § 9 and amended on Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2759 - Duly authorized optometrists

The provisions of this chapter shall not affect optometrists duly authorized to practice their profession in Puerto Rico.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 9, renumbered as § 10 on Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 89 - Board of Examiners of Opticians (§§ 2751 — 2760) › § 2760 - Penalties

Any person who directly or indirectly engages himself in the practice of the optical profession without holding the corresponding license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by imprisonment in jail for a term of not more than one (1) month or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties in the discretion of the court; Provided, That in case of recidivism the offense shall entail a minimum of thirty (30) days in jail in addition to the seizure of all the instruments and furniture used in the illegal practice of optics.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 152, p. 448, § 10, renumbered as § 11 on Sept. 1, 1990, No. 82, p. 484, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2801 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as Act for the Certification of Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water, and may be cited as such.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 1; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2803 - Creation; composition

A Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants and/or Systems for Drinking Water and Used Water of Puerto Rico is hereby created, attached to the Department of State, which shall be composed of seven (7) members. Four of them shall be ex officio members: the Secretary of Health or his/her authorized representative, the Chairperson of the Environmental Quality Board or his/her authorized representative, the Executive Director of the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority or his/her authorized representative, and the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico or his/her authorized representative. The three (3) remaining members, one of whom shall be a certified operator, shall be private citizens of recognized probity, and knowledgeable about water pollution or treatment and the laws and regulations applicable on the subject.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 3; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2804 - Members, appointment, term of office, per diems

The Governor of Puerto Rico shall appoint non-ex officio members with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the appointments for office shall be for a term of two (2) years, another for a term of four (4) years, and another for a term of six (6) years. They shall perform their duties until their successors are appointed and qualify. In case of a vacancy, the person designated by the Governor to fill the vacancy shall perform the duties of the office for the term remaining for the person being replaced.
The Governor of Puerto Rico may dismiss any member of the Board from office, after due notice and hearing, for lack of professional ethics, violations of the provisions of this chapter, improper conduct or negligence in the performance of his duties, or conviction for a felony or misdemeanor implying moral depravation.
The members of the Board, including public employees and officials, shall be entitled to per diems of fifty dollars ($50) for each day on which they attend a meeting. As of July 1, 1999, the members of the Board shall receive per diems equal to the minimum per diem established for members of the legislature, up to a maximum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) per year, except for the Chairperson of the Board who shall receive per diems equal to one hundred and thirty-three percent (133%) of the per diems received by the remaining members of the Board. The members shall be entitled to be reimbursed for transportation and other necessary expenses incurred for the performance of their official duties according to the regulations adopted to such effects by the Secretary of the Treasury.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 4; Aug. 2, 1995, No. 92, § 1; Jan. 4, 2000, No. 7, § 1; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2805 - Powers and duties

The Board shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To determine the skills, knowledge, and experience that the operators of the treatment plants and/or systems should have in order to operate and maintain the same, so that the public health is safeguarded and contamination is prevented, and to issue licenses according to the class and category of the plant and/or system for the treatment of drinking water and used water that they operate.
(2) To give examinations and issue the corresponding licenses to authorize those persons who qualify to work as operators according to the provisions of this chapter. The licenses shall be renewed every three (3) years.
(3) In justified cases, to suspend, deny or revoke the license of any treatment plant and/or system in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) To adopt the necessary rules and regulations for the faithful compliance of this chapter, its duties and functions.
(5) To keep a record of all its procedures and organize its files so that all the applications made are registered, and to keep a minute book to record its actions and resolutions.
(6) To render a report to the Governor at the close of operations of each fiscal year on the activities carried out during the year.
(7) To keep a permanent registry which shall include a list of names of the operators who have been granted a license, the number of the license, as well as any other pertinent facts.
(8) To adopt an official seal which it shall stamp on its official documents.
(9) To conduct public hearings to investigate and determine violations of the provisions of this chapter or its regulations.
(10) To issue summons for the appearance of witnesses and presentation of documents in any hearing held in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; to compel the appearance of witnesses or the presentation of documents, under penalty of contempt requesting that the summons or order be issued by a magistrate of the District Court of Puerto Rico.
(11) To establish administrative procedures for the hearings for the renewal of operators’ licenses.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 5; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2806 - Meetings; quorum

The Board shall hold meetings at least twice a year for the consideration and resolution of its affairs, but may meet as many times as needed for the prompt transaction of its affairs and duties.
Four (4) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Any agreement of the Board shall be taken with the affirmative vote of at least four (4) of its members.
The Executive Director of the Board on Environmental Quality shall call the members of the Board to the first meeting, at which the Chairman shall be elected.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 6; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2807 - Certified operator—License requirements

All treatment plants and/or systems for drinking water and used water, whether public or private, must operate under the direct supervision of one (1) operator certified through a license for the corresponding class and category or higher.
The Environmental Quality Board or the Department of Health, as the case may be, shall have the authority to determine, with the advice of the Board, the number and category of certified operators required to have available to tend to each plant and/or system or group of plants for drinking water and used water, based on the categories established and as required by the degree of the operation, maintenance, and conservation of said plants or systems.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 7; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2808 - Licenses—Application and issuance fees

Any aspirant to obtaining a license as an operator of a treatment plant and/or system of any class and category who meets the requirements established in § 2808a of this title may apply to the Board for an examination for the issue thereof.
The application for examination shall be made on the form and have the documents and photographs enclosed as the Board determines by regulation. The application shall also include the corresponding fees pursuant to the Service Fee Regulations of the Examining Boards attached to the Department of State. Provided, That the fees mentioned herein shall be covered into the General Fund of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Any person to whom a license has been issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter must bear it with him/her while he/she works in the operation of the treatment plant and/or system and the same shall be nontransferable. Provided, That an operator with a license, whether permanent or by reciprocity, may exercise as such in the class and category of the corresponding plant and/or system or in a lesser category for which the license has been issued. A person with a provisional license may only exercise as operator in the plant and/or system for which class and category the license has been issued.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 8; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2808a - License—Requirements

Any person who aspires to obtain a license to practice as an operator of treatment plants and/or systems in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be of legal age.
(2) Be literate.
(3) Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(4) Be a person of good reputation, credited as such by a certificate of criminal record issued by the Puerto Rico Police Department and any other credential established by the Board through regulation.
(5) Be physically and mentally fit.
The aspirant shall, in addition, meet the requirements of experience and continuing education that the Environmental Quality Board or the Department of Health, as the case may be, establishes through regulations for each class and category of treatment plant and/or system.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, added as § 8A on Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 9; Mar. 8, 2006, No. 68, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2809 - Classification

The systems plants and/or systems shall be classified, according to installation, equipment and kind of treatment conducted thereon, into at least two (2) basic groups or classes: Treatment Plants and/or Systems for Drinking Water; and Treatment Plants and/or Systems for Used Water. Provided, That any plant and/or system that cannot be classified into the two (2) classes mentioned herein, shall be classified individually according to the judgment of the Environmental Quality Board and/or the Department of Health, as applicable, through regulations to such effect.
Likewise, the classes and groups of treatment plants and/or systems shall be subdivided into different categories, which shall have a fixed grading scale of minimum and maximum score for each, through regulations for those purposes issued by the Department of Health or the Environmental Quality Board, as the case may be.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 9A; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2811 - Licenses—Examinations

(a) The Board shall offer theoretical examinations for each classification and category of treatment plants and/or systems for drinking water and used water at least twice (2x) a year to assess the capability, knowledge and skills of all applicants for a license as a certified operator. Such examinations shall be proctored as provided by the regulations of the Board. Their content shall be according to the level required by each category or classification and shall comprehend, without this being construed as a limitation, any of the following subjects or a combination thereof:
(1) Biology.
(2) Chemistry.
(3) Physics.
(4) Math.
(5) Public Health (General).
(6) Environmental regulations.
(7) Treatment processes.
(b) The Board shall offer practical examinations for the issuance of a license as operator-in-training of treatment plants and/or systems for drinking water and used water, as the case may be, with the purpose of assessing the capability of any applicant for conducting the daily operation of a treatment facility, upkeep and draft reports, apply chemical products, and conduct physical, chemical and biological assays.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 10; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2812 - Licenses—Provisional

The Board may issue provisional licenses to practice as operator for the term of one year to any aspirant to obtaining a permanent license as operator who has applied for the corresponding examination and who, at the date of effectiveness of this act, is practicing the occupation of operator and has been practicing the same for a period of not less than one year in the corresponding class and category.
The provisional license shall be applied for by using the form and by enclosing the documents determined by the Board through regulations. The application shall also include the corresponding fees pursuant to what is established in the Service Fee Regulations of the Examining Boards attached to the Department of State. Provided, That the fees indicated herein shall be covered into the General Fund of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Any person for whom a provisional license has been issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall bear it with him/her while he/she is working in the operation of a treatment plant and/or system, and the same shall be nontransferable. Provided, That a person holding a provisional license may only practice as operator in the plant and/or system in the class and category for which said license was issued and only under the direct supervision of a certified operator.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 11; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2813 - Licenses—Permanent

The Board shall issue permanent licenses to those persons who have passed the practical or theoretical examination and meet all other requirements of probity and suitability as provided by the Board.
The license shall bear the name and all other descriptive data of the person to whom said license identification is issued, as well as the issue and expiration dates, kind of license, classification and category, and a passport-type photograph. When the license is lost or has been stolen or destroyed, the person to whom the license had been issued may request a duplicate thereof as established by regulation.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 12; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2814 - Licenses—Permanent; effectiveness

Permanent licenses shall be effective for a term of three (3) years, unless the same is suspended or revoked by the Board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 13; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2815 - Licenses—Denial

The Board is hereby empowered to deny a license to any person who:
(a) Does not fulfill the requirements established in this chapter and its regulations.
(b) Has attempted to obtain or helped someone else to obtain a license through fraud or deceit.
(c) Has been found to be mentally unfit by a competent court.
(d) Is a narcotic drug addict or is a habitual drunk.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 14; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2816 - Licenses—Renewal

Any person who holds a permanent license may apply for the renewal of the same at least thirty (30) days before its expiration date to the Board by paying the corresponding fees as established in the Service Fee Retulations of the Examining Boards. Said application shall be made by using the form and by enclosing the documents that the Board determines through regulations.
The applicant shall also present crediting proof of having met the continu[ing] education requirements established by the Department of Health through regulations on treatment plants and/or systems for drinking water, and by the Environmental Quality Board on the treatment plants and/or systems for used water.
Any person whose permanent license has expired may apply for the renewal thereof within a period not to exceed one (1) year from its expiration date. Any person whose permanent license has been expired for a term greater than one (1) year must apply for recertification.
The Board may deny renewal of a permanent license to any person who does not meet the requirements established by this chapter and the regulations thereunder after having given notice and hearing, by following the established adjudicative procedure.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 15; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2817 - Licenses—Suspension

The Board may suspend a license for a term it deems pertinent, after having given written notice of the violations incurred and a hearing to any operator who:
(a) Has attempted to help someone else to obtain a license through fraud or deceit.
(b) For fraud, deceit or negligence in the performance of his duties.
(c) Has violated the provisions of this chapter or its regulations.
(d) Who temporarily becomes mentally or physically unable to perform the duties of his position, as long as his handicap persists.
(e) Is a narcotic drug addict or a habitual drunk pursuant to the standards provided for these purposes under the collective bargaining agreement between the agency and the union to which he/she belongs.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 16; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2818 - Licenses—Revocation

The Board may revoke a license, after having given written notice of the violations incurred and hearing, when:
(a) The operator is mentally or physically unfit and his/her incapability is proven before the Board by a medical expert.
(b) The operator has incurred violations of this chapter.
(c) The operator has incurred gross negligence in the practice of his/her occupation in the judgment of the Board.
(d) The license had been obtained by fraudulent means or was granted by mistake.
(e) The operator is a narcotic drug addict or a habitual drunk according to the standards provided for those purposes under the collective bargaining agreement between the agency and the union to shich he/she belongs.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 17; Jan. 16, 2002, No. 29, § 19.