reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XI - Sexual Harassment in Learning Institutions (§§ 149 — 149k) › § 149h - Obligation of learning institution in place of studies

Every learning institution is under the obligation of maintaining the place of studies free from sexual harassment and intimidation and shall clearly explain its policy against sexual harassment to the students and the teaching and non-teaching personnel. It shall guarantee that its students shall be able to study in a safe and dignified environment. In compliance with the obligation imposed on the learning institution to prevent, discourage and avoid sexual harassment at the place of study, the learning institution should take the measures it may deem convenient and necessary to achieve this purpose, including, but not limited to:
(a) Clearly explain to, the students and the teaching and non-teaching personnel that the institution follows an active policy against sexual harassment in the place of study.
(b) Draft regulations stating the responsibilities, procedures and penalties that shall apply at the place of study to, handle sexual harassment complaints as well as those that may arise as a result of frivolous allegations from unscrupulous students or persons.
(c) Divulge throughout the institution the rights and protection conferred and granted to the students by §§ 149—149k of this title.
(d) Develop and put into practice the necessary means to create awareness and make known the fact that sexual harassment is prohibited at the place of study.
History —Jan. 4, 1998, No. 3, § 9, renumbered as § 10 on Aug. 18, 1999, No. 274, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XI - Sexual Harassment in Learning Institutions (§§ 149 — 149k) › § 149i - Responsibility of institution with relation to personnel, to students or any other person

Every learning institution shall be liable for the acts of sexual harassment incurred by the students, persons not employed by it and the teaching and non teaching personnel, as these are defined in §§ 149—149k of this title, and once the fact has been established, it shall incur civil liability for an amount which shall never be less that five thousand dollars ($5,000), plus all monetary damages, costs, expenses and fees incurred by the student or his/her legal representative or guardian.
Concerning civil judgments or those judgments pronounced by virtue of the provisions of §§ 149—149k of this title, the Court of First Instance shall direct the learning institution to cease or desist of any act which may be prejudicial to the student and reinstate him/her in his/her studies and shall furthermore caution the institution to the fact that it may incur criminal contempt should it fail to comply with its order.
History —Jan. 4, 1998, No. 3, § 10, renumbered as § 11 on Aug. 18, 1999, No. 274, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XI - Sexual Harassment in Learning Institutions (§§ 149 — 149k) › § 149j - Rights and remedies of students

The student aggrieved by the sexual harassment acts perpetrated by students, persons not employed by the institution or teaching or non-teaching personnel of the institution shall have the following rights and remedies, including, but not limited to:
(a) To be compensated for damages.
(b) To be reinstated in his/her studies.
(c) To file a complaint with the institution.
(d) To file a civil suit with the Court of First Instance and petition for an injunction or an order to cease and desist.
In order to initiate the judicial procedures provided in this chapter it shall not be necessary to exhaust the administrative remedies.
History —Jan. 4, 1998, No. 3, § 11, renumbered as § 12 on Aug. 18, 1999, No. 274, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XI - Sexual Harassment in Learning Institutions (§§ 149 — 149k) › § 149k - Liability of frivolous allegations

None of the above provisions shall prevent the imposition of liability on unscrupulous persons or students who knowingly make frivolous allegations pursuant to §§ 149—149k of this title.
History —Jan. 4, 1998, No. 3, § 12, renumbered as § 13 on Aug. 18, 1999, No. 274, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XII - Emergency Teacher Appointments (§§ 150 — 150c) › § 150 - Definitions

(a) Situations of difficult recruitment.— Means situations in which the supply of teachers is lower than the demand.
(b) Retired teachers.— Means teachers who avail themselves of the System of Annuities and Pensions for Teachers established through Act No. 218 of May 6, 1951, known as “Teachers Retirement Act”, or any other retirement system of the Government of Puerto Rico or its instrumentalities.
History —May 24, 2002, No. 68, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XII - Emergency Teacher Appointments (§§ 150 — 150c) › § 150a - Contracting retired teachers

The Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized to contract retired teachers to temporarily fill vacant teachers positions in situations of difficult recruitment, as long as there is no personnel available in the registry of eligible teachers and the registry of special recruiting; said recruitment shall be made pursuant to the provisions of the organic act and the collective bargaining agreement, as well as circular letters and memos which regulate these procedures.
History —May 24, 2002, No. 68, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XII - Emergency Teacher Appointments (§§ 150 — 150c) › § 150b - Government ethics

The teachers contracted in agreement with the provisions of this subchapter are hereby exempted from the prohibitions of subsection (e) of Article 3.7 of Act No. 12 of July 24, 1985, known as part of “Ethics in Government Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”.
History —May 24, 2002, No. 68, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 9A - Department of Education (1999) › Subchapter XII - Emergency Teacher Appointments (§§ 150 — 150c) › § 150c - Effects on the pension

The provisions of this subchapter shall not limit or reduce whatsoever the rights acquired by the provisions of Act No. 218 of May 6, 1951, known as “Teachers Retirement Act”.
History —May 24, 2002, No. 68, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 151 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as the “Organic Act of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources”.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 1, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 152 - Creation

There is hereby created as a government executive department a Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 2, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 153 - Responsibility

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall be responsible for implementing, with respect to the operational phase, the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico contained in § 19 of Art. VI of the Constitution by the Board on Environmental Quality in accordance with Act No. 9 of June 18, 1970. To such effects it shall place in force programs for the use and conservation of the natural resources of Puerto Rico, always within the standards established by the Board on Environmental Quality.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 3, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 154 - Direction and supervision

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall be under the direction and supervision of a Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources who shall be appointed by the Governor in accordance with § 5 of Article IV of the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 4, eff. Jan 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 155a - Power to enter into agreements and transfer funds

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby empowered to contract with Commonwealth and federal agencies in Puerto Rico, or to transfer funds to said agencies of those that are appropriated and transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources for the protection of hydrographic basins and to the study for the conservation and development of water resources in Puerto Rico.
Likewise, the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources is hereby empowered to enter into contracts with municipalities in order to carry out the powers described in the preceding paragraph, as well as any others that may be delegated to him/her through a previously agreed on agreement.
Those municipalities that through an agreement are delegated competencies described in the cited provisions of §§ 151 et seq. of Title 3, shall keep a registry thereof and render an annual report to the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources for his/her knowledge and for the pertinent action.
History —May 15, 1974, No. 40, Part 1, p. 188, § 2; June 30, 1998, No. 103, § 2; June 24, 2004, No. 163, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 156 - Transfers

The following functions, faculties and duties at present assigned by law to other agencies of the Commonwealth are hereby transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources for their execution by the Secretary:
(a) The powers and functions of the Mining Commission and of its Executive Secretary conferred by the Puerto Rico Mining Law, §§ 110—124 of Title 28, and the Mining Commission and the office of Executive Secretary are hereby abolished.
(b) The powers and functions of the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works conferred by §§ 429—429i of this title and the office of Assistant Secretary [in charge] of Natural Resources is hereby abolished.
(c) The powers, faculties, functions and activities of the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works on flood prevention and conservation of rivers and beaches conferred by §§ 225—225b of Title 12 and on the extraction of materials from the earth’s crust conferred by §§ 206—222 of Title 28.
(d) The powers, functions and activities of the Public Service Commission related with the granting of franchise for the use of public waters and the enforcement of the Law of Waters and the responsibility of the police of waters and all the functions with regard to said faculties and responsibilities.
(e) The functions and activities related with geological and mineralogical surveys in charge of the Industrial Research Department of the Economic Development Administration.
(f) The powers and functions of the Secretary of Agriculture conferred by the “Game Act”, Number 374, May 11, 1950; “Fisheries Act”, Act No. 83 of May 13, 1936; “Forest Law”, Number 22, Nov. 22, 1917; the powers and functions with respect to forest lands and hatcheries of Acts Number 19, May 28, 1925; Number 38, April 25, 1930; Number 39, April 25, 1930; Number 307, April 13, 1946; Number 149, May 9, 1945 and § 261 of Title 12; for the protection of hydrographical basins and flood control of §§ 252, 253 and 254 of Title 12.
(g) The powers and functions of the Board on Environmental Quality with respect to the sinking of wells for the pumping of subterranean waters conferred by § 11, subsection (23) of the Public Policy Environmental Act.
(h) The records and the property used in connection with the functions or activities transferred by this chapter, the personnel employed at present in these functions or activities, the budgetary appropriations and other resources available to be used in connection with said functions or activities.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 6; July 14, 1973, No. 5, p. 830, § 1; Apr. 1, 1980, No. 12, p. 21, § 1, eff. 30 days after Apr. 1, 1980.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 156a - Additional transfers

The powers conferred [on] the Department of Agriculture through § 251 of Title 12, regarding the eligibility of said Department for the benefits of the Federal Act for the Protection of Hydrographic Basins and Flood Prevention (68 Stat. 666, as amended), and the funds appropriated to the Department of Agriculture through § 18(B)(1) and (3) of Act No. 53 of June 21, 1971, § 1567 of Title 5, as this section was amended by Joint Resolution No. 24 of June 21, 1972, note under said § 1567 of Title 5, regarding the acquisition or capital improvements on flood control in hydrographic basins and the acquisition of land for forests, are hereby transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. The activities related to the Conservation of the Critical Area of the Toa Vaca Basin are also transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, as well as any surplus of the funds appropriated to the Department of Agriculture by Joint Resolution No. 63 of June 6, 1973, § 1, Subsection (a)(3), as well as the funds that are subsequently appropriated for these same purposes.
History —May 15, 1974, No. 40, Part 1, p. 188, § 1; June 30, 1998, No. 103, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 157 - Effectiveness of other provisions

Except the modifications that may be necessary to adjust the agencies and programs transferred by this chapter to the departmental structure, the laws governing such agencies and programs shall continue in force, except those provisions that might be in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 7, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 159 - Appropriations

The sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) is hereby appropriated from unencumbered funds in the Commonwealth Treasury to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources for the fulfillment of the functions established herein during fiscal year 1972-73. The funds necessary for subsequent years shall be set aside in the General Budget.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 9, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 160 - Committee for Negotiations of Mining Affairs

There is hereby created in the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources a Committee for Negotiations of Mining Affairs which shall be composed of seven members appointed by the Governor representing the Planning Board, the Department of Justice, Health, Treasury, Agriculture, Transportation and Public Works and a private citizen. The Committee shall advise the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources in the negotiations and covenants as to the terms and conditions of mine leases.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 10, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 161 - Secretary, member of Board on Environmental Quality

In accordance with the purposes of this chapter the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources shall be another member in addition to the present members of the Board on Environmental Quality.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 11, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 162 - Implementation of programs

All programs administered by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the faculties herein conferred to its Secretary shall be implemented in accordance with the established environmental public policy.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 12, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 10 - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 151 — 163) › § 163 - Study committee

There is hereby directed the creation of a committee composed by the Board on Environmental Quality, the Secretary of Justice and an additional number of members appointed by the Governor until completing eleven (11) so that from the date of the effectiveness of this act it may carry out a study in which there shall be determined the functions and programs of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico which shall be transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources by reason of their close relations with the operational phase of the problems or of the environmental affairs which shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
The Governor is hereby empowered to transfer to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, by Executive Order, any offices, functions and programs of the Government of the Commonwealth, as well as its personnel, properties, archives and budgetary funds which in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Committee created herein, shall continue their functions under the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources by reason of administering programs related with the problems or environmental affairs or otherwise provide for the development and environmental welfare. The Governor shall send a copy of every executive order providing for one or more of such transfers to the Legislature for its information in the regular or special session nearest to the date in which the order is issued.
No program, board, office, dependency or organization created by law may be transferred through executive order to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
History —June 20, 1972, No. 23, p. 415, § 13, eff. Jan. 2, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 171 - Secretary of Health—Head of Department; scope of power

The Secretary of Health shall be the Head of the Department of Health, as provided by §§ 5 and 6 of Art. IV of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and shall be charged with all matters provided by law, related to public health, sanitation and welfare, except those related to maritime quarantine services.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 1; May 10, 1945, No. 156, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 1; June 29, 1977, No. 126, p. 360, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 172 - Undersecretary of Health; appointment, duties, tenure

The Secretary of Health shall appoint an Undersecretary of Health, who shall be charged with the operational phase of all matters entrusted to the Secretary of Health by this, or any other act.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 9; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 3; June 29, 1977, No. 126, p. 360, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 173 - Reorganization of Department; appointment of personnel

The Secretary of Health may, provided it is not in conflict with legislative provisions, establish or reorganize, consolidate, or eliminate, divisions, bureaus, services, and offices, for the best conduct of the Department, and he shall appoint all the personnel necessary for the functioning of the Department in accordance with the Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act, §§ 1301—1431 of this title.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 8; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 174 - Annual report to Governor

The Secretary of Health shall file an annual report with the Governor of Puerto Rico, for transmittal to the Legislature, wherein he shall set forth the sanitary services that shall have been rendered and the sanitary conditions prevailing in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico at the time.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 6, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 175 - Emergency measures for epidemics

In case an epidemic threatens the health of the Commonwealth, the Secretary of Health shall take such measures as he may deem necessary to combat same, and shall, with the approval of the Governor, incur such expenses as may be necessary, for account of the Commonwealth Government, chargeable to the Commonwealth Emergency Fund created by §§ 457—465 of this title.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 5; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 176 - Problems of public health; notices of diseases and epidemics

The Secretary of Health shall, as entrusted to him by law, attend to all problems affecting public health and shall publish suitable notices covering the prevailing diseases and epidemics.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 7; May 7, 1931, No. 86, p. 530, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 177 - Vital statistics and other services

The Secretary of Health shall keep and have in his/her charge such vital statistics services, and all other services that are necessary for the performance of his/her duties and all other necessary services for the protection, care, improvement and conservation of public health that are assigned to him/her by law.
The Secretary of Health, through the Statistics Division of the Department of Health, shall be responsible for the publication of the Annual Vital Statistics Report, the Puerto Rico Statistics of Health Facilities Report, the Puerto Rico Health Professionals Report, and the State of the Health Report of the Penal Population of Puerto Rico, subject to the jurisdiction of the Correction and Rehabilitation Administration.
In turn, the Secretary shall place at the immediate disposal of the people the statistical services ordered pursuant to this legislation through their publication on the Internet web page of the Department of Health, in which the content and scope of each of the statistical services provided by the Department shall be stated concisely.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 10; May 7, 1931, No. 86, p. 530, § 1; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 4; Sept. 3, 2003, No. 250, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 179 - Regulations to prevent diseases and protect public health—Procedure; hearings; approval

The following procedure shall be followed to enable the Secretary of Health to prescribe, repeal or amend regulations, as expressly authorized to do so by §§ 171—190 of this title:
(1) The Secretary of Health shall draft the proposed regulations.
(2) The Secretary of Health or his representative shall call for a public hearing on the proposed regulations.
(3) After the public hearing is held, the Secretary of Health shall prepare the proposed regulations, which shall be approved and promulgated, subject to the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957.
(4) After the regulations have been approved and signed by the Governor of Puerto Rico, the same shall have the force of law and shall be promulgated by the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico; Provided, That the Secretary of Health shall serve notice on the public that the said regulations have been promulgated and shall publish for general knowledge in at least two newspapers of general circulation in Puerto Rico a general description of the provisions of the regulations more likely to affect the public; Provided, also, That any interested party may obtain from the Secretary of Health a copy of the regulations in toto as promulgated; Provided, That copies of such regulations shall be forwarded to the members of the Legislature of Puerto Rico, to labor unions, to municipalities, to the courts, to the departments affected by said regulations and to other organizations of a civic-social nature; and Provided, further, That any citizen desiring to obtain a copy of such regulations shall obtain the same free of charge.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 13; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1; July 1, 1947, No. 23, p. 108, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 5; June 29, 1977, No. 126, p. 360.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 180 - Regulations to prevent diseases and protect public health—Judicial notice of regulations

All courts are required to take judicial notice of the adoption of such rules and regulations and of the publication thereof required by § 179 of this title.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 15, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 182 - Liability to abate or remove public nuisance; lien on property

In the event of the failure of the owner, agent or tenant of any property where a public nuisance exists to remove or abate the same within a reasonable time after the proper notification to perform the work has been served, the sanitary authorities are hereby empowered to remove or abate the nuisance at the expense of said owner, agent or tenant, and the party in interest shall be given due notice of the expenses thereby incurred, and shall reimburse the health authorities therefor. Any sums so paid by the sanitary officials for the removal or abatement of a nuisance shall be a lien upon the property from which removed, or upon which abated, and a legal claim against the owner, agent or tenant. This action shall not, however, relieve any such owner, agent or tenant from liability for the violation of the provisions of the sanitary regulations. The Secretary of Health shall file, in the Office of the Registrar of Property of the district in which the property upon which the lien attaches is located, a copy of the notice of expenses incurred in the removal or abatement of a nuisance, as herein provided, together with a description of the property from which the nuisance was removed, or upon which it was abated, which notice, from the time of its filing, as herein provided, shall be notice of the existence of the lien herein created to all persons.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 31, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 183 - Claims against Commonwealth from enforcement of Department regulations

Every person whose property may have been unjustly or illegally destroyed or injured by the enforcement of any order, regulation, ordinance, or by any action taken by the Department of Health, or be its employees or agents exempt from personal liability, may maintain the appropriate action against the Government of Puerto Rico for the recovery of proper damages; but in such cases the claim must be presented to the Secretary of Health, in writing, within thirty days after the occurrence of the acts which gave rise thereto, and the date, place and degree of the damage or injury suffered, and the estimated value thereof shall set forth in the complaint under oath or affirmation. The Secretary of Health shall render his decision within twenty days after the receipt of the claim, and after hearing the official or employee responsible for the loss or damage. No judicial action can be brought against the Commonwealth Government for such damages or injury unless it be established that the claim was presented to the Secretary of Health in due time and that the Secretary has failed to decide, or has decided adversely or in a form not satisfactory to the claimant, within the period of twenty days allowed for him for decision.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 32, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 184 - Notice to Secretary prior to redress by court

No court of justice shall make any order which may tend to hinder, retard, suspend or impede the Secretary of Health, the District Inspectors, or the Health Officers, or any of their duly authorized inspectors or agents, in their efforts to correct or suppress a public nuisance which may engender sickness or endanger public health, without previously notifying the Secretary of Health thereof, that he may have the opportunity, personally or through a legal representative, to appear at the trial of the motion which to that effect may have been filed.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 34, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 185 - Notice to Health Council Coordinator of local health ordinances

The mayors and administrators of the municipalities of Puerto Rico shall send a copy of all public health ordinances approved by the municipal legislatures, or boards of commissioners of the municipalities of Puerto Rico, to the Coordinating Health Council for its information, within thirty (30) days after their approval.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 18; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1; June 23, 1976, No. 13, p. 717, § 6; June 29, 1977, No. 126, p. 360.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 186 - Power to make arrests

The Secretary of Health, medical inspectors, health officers, and assistants, shall have the power to make arrests of persons found or apprehended in the act of violating the sanitary law, or any sanitary rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, delivering them as soon as practicable to the nearest police officer, and at the same time making the necessary charges against such offenders, but nothing in this section contained shall authorize any of the officers or assistants enumerated herein to carry revolvers or other unlawful weapons while in the performance of their official duties.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 27, eff. Apr. 1, 1912.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 187 - Penalties; administrative fines

(a) Any natural or juridical person who violates the provisions of §§ 171—190 of this title or the regulations issued by the Department of Health thereunder shall incur a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, may be sentenced to imprisonment that shall not exceed six (6) months, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties in the discretion of the court. In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, the penalty of restitution shall be imposed.
(b) Any natural or juridical person who violates the provisions of §§ 171—190 of this title or the regulations set forth by the Department of Health hereunder for the first time, shall be liable for an administrative fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), as provided in §§ 2101 et seq. of this title, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”; in the case of a new violation of this chapter or the regulations set forth by the Department by virtue thereof within the term of one (1) year, the fine imposed may be raised to a maximum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 33; July 28, 1969, No. 109, p. 312; July 23, 1974, No. 189, Part 2, p. 67; July 23, 1974, No. 240, Part 2, p. 227; Mar. 26, 1999, No. 101, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 188 - Health officers for municipalities; duties; expenses

The health officer shall enforce all laws, ordinances and sanitary rules, and shall exercise general supervision over public health within his respective municipality or municipalities and towns. The health officer shall not receive any expense allowance for any duty within the limits of his respective territory, except upon special authority of the Secretary of Health, nor shall he travel on official business outside of his respective municipality or municipalities and towns without the approval of the Secretary.
That, beginning July 1, 1914, the municipalities of the Commonwealth shall, at their own expense, provide for and carry out the cleaning and watering of streets, the removal of garbage and other refuse, the draining of streets, ditches and other municipal lands, the cleaning of latrines, and other deposits of refuse in municipal properties, the cleaning and flushing of sewers, the collection of dead and stray animals; Provided, That in case any municipality shall fail to attend properly to the duties fixed hereby, the Secretary of Health is authorized to remove and abate, at the expense of said municipality, the damage or nuisance which may result from such failure, and the Secretary of Treasury of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to retain the sum expended for such purposes from any revenues which he may collect pertaining to the said municipality, after having received due notice from the Secretary of Health of such expense. Provided, That should the expense so incurred by the Secretary of Health prove to be materially in excess of the average, normal expense of the said municipality for municipal sanitation, then the excess of such expense above the normal amount, or any portion of such excess may, with the approval of the Executive Council, be paid from the Emergency Fund provided by the act approved March 13, 1913, entitled “An Act for the purpose of making additional appropriations for the support of the government of Porto Rico and supplying certain deficiencies in previous appropriations, and for other purposes.” Provided, further, That the appropriation made by each municipality for carrying on the work above prescribed shall in no case be less than the amount which the said municipality is required, in accordance with §§ 171—190 of this title and §§ 351—353 of Title 24, to contribute to the Commonwealth Treasury for the expenses of the Department of Health.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 26; Mar. 28, 1914, No. 25, p. 171, § 1; July 31, 1919, No. 85, p. 684, § 75.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 189 - Municipalities to maintain public works protecting health; enforcement

It shall be the duty of the municipalities to maintain and repair the public works of a permanent character designed to protect public health, and the Secretary of Health, in case such obligation is not complied with within a reasonable time, shall notify the municipal legislature of the necessity of such maintenance and repair, and if no attention shall be paid to his said notification he shall notify the Secretary of Justice of Puerto Rico, whose duty it shall be to institute the proper legal proceeding in the Court of First Instance where the municipality is situated, in the name of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, for the purpose of compelling compliance with such notification; it shall also be the duty of the municipalities to construct public works of a permanent character designed to protect public health, provided that the necessity therefor for the health of the inhabitants of the municipality is manifest, and that they have sufficient funds within their regular income for such construction, and the Secretary of Health may, in such cases, call attention to the necessity for the aforesaid public works, and in case that the same are not made within a reasonable time thereafter, then the Secretary of Health may bring the matter to the attention of the Secretary of Justice whose duty it shall be to commence the proper legal proceeding in the Court of First Instance where the municipality is situated, in the name of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, for the purpose of compelling compliance with said notification.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 36; Mar. 28, 1914, No. 25, p. 171, § 2; July 31, 1919, No. 85, p. 684, § 75.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 189a - Appearance or presentation of documents; refusal; subpoenas; penalties

The Secretary of Health, in the discharge of the duties and faculties vested in him by §§ 171—190 of this title, may issue subpoenas and if any person thus summoned fails to comply therewith or if, upon appearing before the Secretary of Health refuses to take an oath, to testify or to answer any pertinent questions or to file any pertinent document when so ordered, the Secretary of Health may request the assistance of the Court of First Instance to compel the appearance, statement and presentment of documents. Said court, for a proven just cause shall order any person to appear before the Secretary of Health and to file documents or testify with respect to matter being dealt with. Failure to comply with the summons of the court may be punished by it as contempt. Any person who fails or refuses to appear and to testify, who disregards any licit request or refuses to file books, papers and documents, if able to do so, in compliance with a subpoena or legal request of the Secretary of Health, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in jail for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or by both penalties, in the discretion of the court.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, added as § 37 on July 23, 1974, No. 189, Part 2, p. 67, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 190 - Examining boards to inform Secretary of authorized practitioners in health field

It shall be the duty of all examining boards of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and such others whose professions are related to health, to inform the Secretary of Health of any such professional persons who are authorized to practice in the Commonwealth.
History —Mar. 14, 1912, No. 81, p. 122, § 19; May 10, 1945, No. 156, p. 528, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 191 - Cooperation with federal government—Promotion of maternal and child health

The Department of Health of Puerto Rico is hereby designated as the Commonwealth agency which is to cooperate with the federal government, through its corresponding agencies, in extending and developing services for the promotion of maternal and child health, in accordance with the provisions of Part I, Title V, of the Federal Social Security Act, approved August 14, 1935, and as said Act of Congress may be subsequently amended; and the said Department is hereby empowered to administer all the funds which the federal or Commonwealth Government, or any political subdivision thereof, may place at its disposal, or funds from any other source, and for other purposes.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 192 - Cooperation with federal government—Program for crippled children

The Department of Health is hereby designated as the Commonwealth Government agency which is to apply a program of services for crippled children or children suffering from diseases which leave them crippled, and to supervise the administration of the services which are included in said program and are not administered directly by said Department. The purposes of said program are to develop, extend and improve the services for locating such children and for providing them with medical, surgical, corrective, and other services and care, and facilities for diagnosis, hospitalization and convalescence.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 193 - Cooperation with federal government—Preparation of plan; rules and regulations

The Department of Health is hereby empowered:
(a) To formulate and apply a detailed plan or plans for the purposes specified in § 192 of this title, and to prescribe such rules and regulations as may be necessary or expedient for the application of said plans and of the provisions of §§ 191—197 of this title. Each of such plans shall provide for:
(1) Financial participation by the Commonwealth Government.
(2) Application of the plan by the Department, or supervision thereby of the administration of the services which are included in the plan and are not administered directly by the Department.
(3) Such methods of application as may be necessary for the efficient operation of the plan.
(4) The keeping of records and the preparation of reports on the services rendered.
(5) Cooperation with medical, health, nursing, and welfare groups and organizations, and with any agency of the Commonwealth Government, charged with enforcing laws providing for vocational rehabilitation of physically handicapped children.
(6) Carrying out the purposes specified in § 192 of this title.
(b) To administer, according to said plans, all the funds placed at the disposal of the Department by the federal or Commonwealth Government, or by any political subdivision thereof, or funds from other sources, for such purposes.
(c) To cooperate with the federal government, through its corresponding agency, in developing, extending, and improving said services and in applying such plans.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 194 - Cooperation with federal government—Promotion of child public welfare services

The Department of Health is hereby empowered to cooperate with the federal government, through its corresponding agency, in establishing, extending and strengthening child public-welfare services.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 195 - Cooperation with federal government—Social Welfare Bureau of Department; responsibilities

The Social Welfare Bureau of the Department of Health shall be responsible for:
(1) Conducting the child-welfare activities, including the services for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and abandoned children and children in danger of becoming delinquent;
(2) encouraging the development of the local child-welfare agencies necessary for the efficient application of §§ 191—197 of this title;
(3) favoring the development of adequate policies for the care of children by public and private institutions, associations, organizations and agencies;
(4) cooperating with the Commonwealth institutions which provide for the care of children, especially by making investigations and observing the course of each case;
(5) cooperating with other Commonwealth departments, institutions and agencies, with the Court of First Instance, and with public or private agencies or organizations which render child services;
(6) cooperating with the federal government, through its corresponding agency, in the establishment, extension and strengthening of the services for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and abandoned children and children in danger of becoming delinquent;
(7) developing, jointly with the federal government, through its corresponding agency, a plan or plans for the purposes specified in subsection (6) of this section, and
(8) administering all the funds placed at the disposal of the Department of Health by the federal or Commonwealth Government or by any political subdivision thereof, for such purposes.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 196 - Cooperation with federal government—Maintenance of public health services

The Department of Health is hereby designated as the Commonwealth agency which is to cooperate with the federal government, through its corresponding agency, in establishing and maintaining adequate public-health services, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Federal Social Security Act, approved August 14, 1935, and as said Act of Congress may be subsequently amended; and the said Department is hereby authorized to administer all the funds which may be placed at its disposal by the federal or Commonwealth Government or by any political subdivision thereof, or funds from other sources, for such purposes.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 197 - Cooperation with federal government—Receipt and disbursement of funds

The Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico shall receive:
(1) The funds granted to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the aforesaid purposes by the federal government, the Commonwealth Government and other sources;
(2) shall have the custody of said funds;
(3) shall deposit them in the Health Fund.
The Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico is hereby empowered and directed to disburse said funds upon certification of the Secretary of Health and warrant signed by the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico, subject solely to the provisions and limitations of Titles 5 and 6 of the Federal Social Security Act approved August 14, 1935, as said law of Congress may be subsequently amended, and to the provisions and limitations of §§ 191—197 of this title.
History —May 10, 1937, No. 76, p. 200, § 7; June 2, 1976, No. 105, p. 305.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 11 - Department of Health (§§ 171 — 206) › § 197a - Advance of funds for programs shared by federal government

(a) The Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized to advance and place at the disposal of the Secretary of Health, as he may request, the necessary funds from any available general funds not otherwise appropriated, to facilitate the carrying out of the public health programs shared by the federal government.
(b) The Secretary of Health shall accompany each requisition for funds referred to by this section, by the necessary evidence to prove that the advances requested are guaranteed by federal appropriations.
(c) All advances made pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be reimbursed to the Commonwealth General Fund as soon as the corresponding federal funds are available. For such purposes, the Secretary of Health shall forthwith make the pertinent transfer of funds.
History —May 3, 1963, No. 16, p. 21, §§ 1—3.