reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203l - Application for license and right to nursing examination—Persons with licenses from other places or countries

Every person authorized to practice nursing in the United States of America, the District of Columbia or a foreign country and is interested in practicing nursing in Puerto Rico shall take the revalidation examination offered by the Board. In order to obtain the license that authorizes him to practice nursing in Puerto Rico, he shall meet the requirements established by §§ 203—203r of this title. The Board may issue a license without an examination to those nurses who hold a license issued by the government of any state, possession or territory of the United States of America if, in the Board’s judgment, these candidates meet Puerto Rico’s requirements to practice nursing or those of the states or territories of the United States of America with which the Board has established reciprocity. Every female or male nurse covered by this section shall pay fifty dollars ($50) in a postal or bank money order, or certified check to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. The fees thus collected shall be covered into the Health Fund for the exclusive use of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 14, eff. 90 days after Oct. 11, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203m - Application for license and right to nursing examination—Examinations

The Board shall offer revalidation examinations for the practice of nursing twice a year, pursuant to the norms established by its regulations for these purposes. The examination shall be prepared, taking into account the following rationale requirements:
(1) That it be designed for the purpose for which it is going to be used.
(2) That the passing grade to be used is related to the quality that the examination intends to measure, that is, that it has a rational link to the minimum knowledge learned to practice the profession.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 15, eff. 90 days after Oct. 11, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203n - Application for license and right to nursing examination—Provisional license

Every person admitted to the examination for the first time under the previous sections shall be entitled to be issued a provisional license by the Board to practice nursing in Puerto Rico pursuant to the provisions of §§ 203—203r of this title. The candidate shall pay the sum of ten dollars ($10) by a certified check, postal or bank money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury with the application for reexamination.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 16, eff. 90 days after Oct. 11, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203o - Application for license and right to nursing examination—As specialist

(a) Every person who files an application before the Board to practice as a specialized female or male nurse shall submit written evidence of having completed studies in the specialty he or she is requesting pursuant to the provisions of §§ 203—203r of this title and shall not have to submit to the examination requirement. Provided, That in the case of female or male nurses whose specialty is in anesthesiology or obstetrics, in addition to meeting all the above mentioned requirements they shall have to [pass] a revalidation examination offered by the Board of Examiners of the corrresponding specialty. The Board shall state the specialty of the applicant on the license issued.
(b) Once the person shows that he meets the requirements established by the Board, he shall pay the sum of thirty dollars ($30) in a [postal] or bank money order or certified check drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury for evaluation of documents and issuing of the license. The fees thus collected shall be covered into the Health Fund for the exclusive use of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 17; Aug. 31, 1996, No. 169, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203p - Application for certification as specialist

(a) Every female or male nurse who holds evidence of studies and practice to work in a specialized area pursued at an institution of higher learning accredited or recognized by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico shall be recognized by the Board according to the criteria and requirements established in its regulations.
(b) The Board shall determine the sum to be paid as a certification fee. The money thus collected shall be covered into the Health Fund for the exclusive use to the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 18, eff. 90 days after Oct. 11, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203q - Registration and recertification

(a) Every three (3) years, every person who possesses a license to practice nursing shall recertify his license pursuant to the laws in effect in Puerto Rico.
(b) Every female or male nurse must complete the application for Registry of Health Professionals of the Department of Health of Puerto Rico as provided by §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24, known as the “Act for the Integral Reform of Health Services of Puerto Rico”. He shall accompany his application with a certified check or postal or bank money order for fifteen dollars ($15) drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. The funds thus collected shall be covered into the Health Fund for the exclusive use of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners of Puerto Rico.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 19, eff. 90 days after Oct. 1, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203r - Penalty for not recertifying

Every person authorized to practice nursing who has not recertified his license must pay the sum of ten dollars ($10) as penalty, besides the corresponding fee, through a bank or postal money order or certified check drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico. The funds thus collected shall be covered into the Health Fund for the exclusive use of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners. Any person who continues to practice nursing after the effective date of this act without having met the requirements of registering as indicated by law for such purposes, shall be deemed to be practicing illegally and shall be subject to the penalties provided for such purposes.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 20, eff. 90 days after Oct. 11, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211 - Creation

Professional nurses authorized by the Board of Nurse Examiners of Puerto Rico are hereby empowered to practice as such in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to constitute themselves into a legal entity under the name of “College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico”. The official domicile of the College shall be determined by its Board of Governors.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 1; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211a - Definitions

For the purposes of §§ 211—211n of this title, the terms listed below shall have the meaning herein expressed:
(a) College. — The College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico established by §§ 211—211n of this title.
(b) Female nurse or male nurse. — Any person authorized by the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners of Puerto Rico to practice the nursing profession in the categories of specialist, female or male advanced practice nurse, generalist or associate nurse, as these are defined in §§ 203—203r of this title. Licensed practical nurses, who by the provisions of §§ 235—235k of this title, are affiliated to the College of Licensed Practical Nursing of Puerto Rico, are excluded from §§ 211—211n of this title.
(c) Retired female nurse or retired male nurse. — Person retired or pensioned from the practice of the nursing profession. Such a person would have had to have his/her license currently in force and would have had to belong to the College of Nursing Professionals until his/her retirement for years of service, age or disability.
(d) Board of Examiners. — The Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners created by virtue of §§ 203—203r of this title.
(e) Board of Governors. — Refers to the officials who constitute the governing body of the College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico, as established in the Bylaws.
(f) Bylaws. — Body of rules or precepts duly approved by the General Assembly that governs the College of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 1-A; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211b - Powers

The College shall have the power to:
(a) Subsist in perpetuity under that name; to sue and be sued as an [juridical] person.
(b) Possess and use a seal which it can alter at will.
(c) Adopt its internal bylaws, which shall be binding on all its members and to amend it in the form and under the requirements established therein.
(d) Acquire rights and real and personal properties; and any funds by donation, legacy, taxes on its own members, purchase, transfers, cessions, subsidies, appropriations, advances, loans or any other legal way, of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as well as of the federal government or its agencies or from private persons or entities; and to possess, mortgage, lease, administer and dispose of said property in legal form and pursuant to its bylaws.
(e) Appoint the directors, officials or officers who shall constitute the Board of Governors, pursuant to what was adopted in the bylaws. The members of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners of Puerto Rico, of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Nursing of the Department of Health and those who work at the College be it by regular appointment or by contract may not hold office as members of the Board of Governors. Neither may those persons who have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor that entails moral turpitude or dishonesty or those persons who have been removed from office as officials of the governing bodies of the College for violations of their fiduciary duties or violations of the Code of Ethics that governs the nursing profession be members of the Board of Governors nor of any of the governing bodies of the College.
(f) Protect its members in the practice of their profession, and through the establishment of pension funds, insurance systems and special funds, or in any other legal way to help those college members who are unemployed or who retire for physical disability or old age and the heirs and beneficiaries of those who die.
(g) Adopt and implant with the Board the code of professional ethics which shall govern the conduct of College members.
(h) Receive and investigate complaints made under oath in regard to the conduct of its members in the practice of their profession and transmit them to the Governing Board, established in § 211f of this title, for action, after a preliminary hearing in which the defendant or his legal representative is allowed to bring his own witnesses and be heard; and if just cause is found, to institute the proper proceedings for suspension or cancellation of license before the Board for pertinent action. Nothing herein provided shall be construed as limiting or interfering with the Board’s power to conduct its own investigation.
(i) Exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary or advisable for the purposes of its establishment and which are not in conflict with §§ 211—211n of this title.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 2; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211c - Members

All female nurses and male nurses, according to the categories defined in §§ 203—203r of this title, who have been authorized by the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners of Puerto Rico to practice as such in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and who comply with the duties of §§ 211—211n of this title and the bylaws approved by the College, shall be members of the College. All retired female nurses and male nurses shall also belong to the College.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 3; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211d - Membership required

No person may practice the nursing profession in Puerto Rico, as defined in §§ 203—203r of this title, if he/she is not affiliated to the College. Any person who practices the profession not being a member of the College shall be subject to the penalties provided in §§ 211—211n of this title.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 4; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211e - Organization

The College shall be governed first, by its General Assembly, and second by its Governing Board.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 5, eff. 90 days after June 1, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211f - Governing Board, composition

The College officials shall constitute the Board of Governors. The General Assembly shall determine, through the adoption of bylaws, its composition, internal organization and the terms of office of its components.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 6; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211g - Regulation

The College bylaws shall provide for everything necessary to its internal operation including that concerning the functions and duties of its officers and other college members and of all its bodies; calls, dates, quorum, form and requirements of the general assemblies and meetings of the Governing Board, as well as its powers and duties; budget and funds investment and disposal of College property; terms of all offices, appointments and duties of employees needed to enforce the College program, salaries and requirements; vacancies and how to fill them. The bylaws shall indicate the procedure to be followed in order to establish district and municipal delegations which shall be constituted and operated in accordance therewith. The bylaws may only be amended, approved or repealed by the College General Assembly through the proceedings established therein.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 7, eff. 90 days after June 1, 1973.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211h - Dues

College members shall pay a fee every year on the date or in the manner established in the bylaws, and they shall be fixed by the provisions of the Regular Annual Assembly of the College. The quorum prescribed in the bylaws to modify the annual fees shall be as required by the assembly for amendments to the bylaws. Provided, That a period of not less than ten (10) years shall elapse after the assembly in which a modification of the fees is approved before a new modification of the fees may be considered.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 8; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 7; Dec. 26, 2006, No. 302, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211i - Obligation of all employers to require compulsory evidence of annual College membership

Any female nurse or male nurse who in the practice of his/her profession works for the federal government (with the exception of those agencies or institutions of the federal government to whom the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico do not apply by express provision of the law), or for the Commonwealth or municipal governments or for the private sector, must be a duly certified College member. For this reason, any employer or person who contracts the services of a female nurse or a male nurse shall be obligated to require, at the time of recruitment or annually, a certification as member of the College which shall include the date of issue, the expiration date, the membership number, the social security number and the College seal. The female nurses and male nurses that work as independent contractors and receive compensation directly from the client or patient shall show evidence of membership in the College.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 9; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211l-a - Suspension for failure to pay

Any member of the College who fails to pay his/her dues on the regulatory date shall not be entitled to vote. The debtor shall be deemed as a passive member of the College for a maximum term of thirty (30) days during which the College shall notify said person in writing by certified mail indicating that he/she:
(a) Is indebted to the College on account of the membership dues.
(b) Must show cause, before the person designated by the Board of Governors within a term of ten (10) working days, as of the date of the notice, as to why the College should not cancel his/her membership.
(c) After the aforementioned term has expired and the corresponding payment has not been made and no proof in his/her favor has been presented, the membership shall be cancelled and notice thereof shall be forwarded to his/her employer.
(d) Shall be advised of the intention of the College to petition the Board of Examiners as to the immediate suspension of his/her license to practice the nursing profession in Puerto Rico through the process established in the bylaws of the Board of Examiners for such a purpose. Once the aforementioned process has been completed, the College shall present a petition for the suspension of the license for noncompliance with the payment of the membership dues before the Board of Examiners, within a period of thirty (30) days after the member has been declared as suspended and has not presented any documentation whatsoever or settled his/her debt.
Once the member, whose license has been suspended, pays the amount owed, the same shall recover all rights and duties proceeding from having an active and current license.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, added as § 10-A on Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211l-b - Injunctions against illegal acts

The College shall have the power to solicit that the court issue an injunction, a writ of prohibition or any other pertinent interlocutory order to cease and desist from committing acts or practices against the provisions of §§ 211—211n of this title.
Said order may also be solicited against any natural or juridical person that uses or allows to be used, the services of any female nurse or male nurse who fails to comply with the provisions of §§ 211—211n of this title and who lacks a valid license to practice the nursing profession. This action of the College is independent from any other action or recourse initiated by the Board of Examiners against a nursing professional for the same acts or practices.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, added as § 10-B on Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211m - Representation of members

The College hereby established shall assume the representation of all College members and shall have the authority to speak on their behalf and as their representative according to the terms established in §§ 211—211n of this title and the bylaws to be approved and the decisions adopted by the College members in the regular and special annual assemblies held.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 13; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 10 - College of Nursing Professionals (§§ 211 — 211n) › § 211n - Penalties

Any person who practices the Nursing profession in Puerto Rico in any of the categories described in §§ 203—203r of this title, without being a duly registered member of the College; any natural or juridical person who helps, facilitates or employs a non-member of the College of female or male nurses and any person who practices or advertises him/herself as a female nurse or as a male nurse without being duly licensed by the Board; shall incur a misdemeanor and be punished with a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200), nor of more that five hundred dollars ($500) or with a term of imprisonment of not less than one (1) month, nor of more than three (3) months, or with both penalties at the discretion of the court. In case of recidivism the fine shall be of not less than three thousand dollars ($3,000), nor of more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) and the term of imprisonment shall be of not less than three (3) months nor of more than six (6) months, or with both penalties at the discretion of the court.
The Secretary of Justice, on his/her own initiative, or at the request of the College, may initiate before a competent court, the corresponding criminal proceedings and actions against those persons who practice illegally.
History —June 1, 1973, No. 82, p. 367, § 14; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 306, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235 - Constitution

The [male and female practical nurses] are hereby authorized to practice as such in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to constitute themselves as a juridical entity or quasi-public corporation under the name of College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Puerto Rico; provided, that the majority of said persons do so resolve in a referendum which shall be held for such purpose as provided by Section 11 of this Act. The official domicile of the College shall be determined by the Governing Board of the College, without prior consultation [with] the Assembly.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 1; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235a - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms listed hereinafter shall have the meanings expressed below:
(a) College. — The College of Licensed Practical Nursing of Puerto Rico created by this chapter.
(b) Licensed practical nursing. — A male or female person engaged in performing and practicing selective activities in benefit of injured or disabled patients that require ability and the judgment, but not the extent of knowledge required from the general and specialist nurses, or nurses working with doctors and dentists licensed to practice in Puerto Rico, and who, therefore, must perform and practice under the direction of the above-mentioned professionals.
(c) Governing Board. — The Governing Board of the College of Licensed Practical Nursing of Puerto Rico created by this chapter.
(d) Examining Board. — The Nursing Examining Board of Puerto Rico.
(e) (L.P.N.).— The English initials of the term Licensed Practical Nurse, in Spanish, Enfermeras/os Practicas/os Licenciadas/os.
(f) Regulations. — The College’s rules and bylaws.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 2, eff. 90 days after July 2, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235b - Powers

The College shall have the authority to:
(a) Subsist in perpetuity under that name and sue and be sued as a juridical person.
(b) Possess and use a seal which it can alter at will.
(c) Adopt its bylaws which shall be binding on all its members and to amend them in the form and under the requirements enacted therein.
(d) Acquire assets and real and personal properties; and any funds by donation, legacy, levies on its own members, purchase, transfers, conveyances, subsidies, advances, loans or any other legal way, from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as well as the federal government or its agencies, or from private persons or entities; and may own mortgages, lease, manage and dispose of said properties legally and pursuant to its bylaws.
(e) Appoint its directors and officials or officers who shall constitute the College Governing Board.
(f) The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Puerto Rico shall establish, through regulations, the benefits it shall offer to the College members, according to the financial capacity of the College.
(g) Adopt and implement, in coordination with the Examining Board, the code of professional ethics which shall govern the conduct of the College members.
(h) Receive and investigate any complaints made under oath regarding the conduct of its members in the practice of their profession, and to remit them for action to the Governing Board established in § 235f of this title, after a preliminary hearing in which the defendant or his/her legal representative is allowed to bring his own witnesses and be heard; and if just cause is found, to institute the corresponding proceedings for suspension or cancellation of license before the Examining Board for pertinent action. Nothing provided herein shall be construed as limiting or interfering with the Examining Board’s power to conduct its own investigation.
(i) To exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary or convenient which are not in conflict with this chapter.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 3; July 20, 2005, No. 26, §§ 2—4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235c - Members

All practical female and male nurses legally authorized by the Examining Board to practice as such in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and who comply with the duties provided by this chapter and the regulations approved by the College may be members of the College.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 4, eff. 90 days after July 2, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235d - Mandatory membership

After the first meeting of the Governing Board of the College, no male or female practical nurse who is not a member of the College shall practice this profession in Puerto Rico, and if he/she should so practice, shall be subject to the penalties established herein after.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 5; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235e - Government

The College shall be governed first by its General Assembly, and second by its Governing Board.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 6, eff. 90 days after July 2, 1987.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235f - Governing Board

The officers of the College shall constitute the College Governing Board which shall consist of a president, a first vice president, a second vice president, a secretary, a treasurer and eight (8) board members, one for each senate district.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 7; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235g - Regulations

The regulations of the College shall provide for all in regard of its internal operations including that which concerns the functions and duties of all its bodies, calls, dates, quorum, forms and requirements of the general assemblies and sessions of the Governing Board as well as its powers and duties; budget or investment and disposal of the assets of the Board. The regulations shall state the procedures to be followed to establish district and municipal delegations which shall be constituted and operated in accordance therewith. The regulations shall only be amended, approved or repealed by the College’s General Assembly through the procedures established therein.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 8; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235h - Annual dues—Determination

Each year, the members shall pay fees on the date or in the manner established in the regulations, which shall be fixed by the Regular Assembly of the College. The quorum prescribed by regulations to fix fees shall be established by regulations.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 9; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235i - Annual dues—Nonpayment

Any member who fails to pay his/her fees shall be considered as a passive member without right to voice nor vote for a period of time that shall be established in the regulations, and once this period is over, he shall be suspended as a College member after prior notice to the Examining Board but can be reinstated upon the payment of what he owes on account of dues.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 10; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235j - Representation

The College herein established shall assume the representation of all College members and shall have the authority to speak on their behalf and in their representation pursuant to the terms of this chapter and the regulations to be approved, and shall implement the decisions adopted by the College members in the annual regular and special assemblies.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 14; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 11A - College of Licensed Practical Nursing (§§ 235 — 235k) › § 235k - Penalties

Any person who practices the profession of practical licensed nurse in Puerto Rico without being duly registered as a College member and every person who acts or advertises as such without being duly licensed by the Board of Examiners, shall incur a misdemeanor and shall be punished with a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than five hundred [dollars] ($500) or imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) month nor more than two (2) months, or both penalties at the discretion of the court. In the case of recidivism, the fine shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand [dollars] ($1,000) or imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) months nor more than six (6) months, or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 86, p. 330, § 15; July 20, 2005, No. 26, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 241 - Definitions

(1) Physical therapy or physiotherapy. — Treatment of any disability, injury, illness or other condition of health, or the prevention of such disability, injury, illness or other condition of health in the human being, and his rehabilitation, by the use of the physical, chemical and other properties, of heat or cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage and therapeutic exercises, which include posture and rehabilitation procedures; as well as the administration of neuromuscular tests to aid the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition. For purposes of this chapter, “physical therapy or physiotherapy” does not include the use of radiology or of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization.
(2) Physical therapist or physiotherapist. — A professional related to the health field who applies physiotherapy or physical therapy following the diagnosis and prescription or the referral of a physician authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico.
(3) Board. — The Board of Physical Therapy of Puerto Rico, as established in § 243 of this title.
(4) Physical therapy assistant. — A person who has obtained an associate degree in physical therapy and who, under the direction and direct supervision of a physical therapist duly licensed by the Board, carries out activities related to physical therapy delegated to him by the latter. The work carried out by the physical therapist assistant shall not include those complicated procedures requiring greater specialization nor shall it include clinical evaluations of the patient nor the planning or evaluation of the patient’s treatment.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 1; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 242 - License required

No person shall practice or offer to practice as a physical therapist or as a physical therapist assistant in Puerto Rico, nor shall practice as a physical therapist assistant unless he holds a license under this chapter; Provided, however, That nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent a person from practicing the profession for which he is authorized under the laws of Puerto Rico.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 2; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 244 - Board of Physical Therapy—Powers and duties

The following shall be the powers and duties of the Board:
(1) It shall evaluate all applications received for the practice of the profession of physical therapist or physiotherapist and of physical therapist assistant, hold examinations, grant licenses to physical therapists and to physical therapist assistants complying with the provisions of this chapter, and, in justified cases, suspend, cancel or revoke such licenses pursuant to § 252 hereof.
(2) It shall adopt such policies and regulations as may be necessary for the strict compliance with this chapter, and for the discharge of its duties and the exercise of its powers, provided the same are not contrary to law and public order, and are adopted after hearings have been held. They shall not be effective until filed in the Department of State in accordance with Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957.
(3) It shall keep a register of each and every one of the physical therapists and of the physical therapist assistants authorized by law to practice their profession in Puerto Rico, his work address and home address, and his license date and number.
(4) It shall revise and verify this register at least once a year for the purpose of keeping it up to date.
(5) It shall hand out copies of this register to any person on the asking, upon payment of a fee fixed by the Board.
(6) It shall have power to incur whatever expenses may be necessary for the administration of the provisions of this chapter pursuant to § 253 of this title.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 4; Apr. 10, 1963, No. 5, p. 9; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 245 - License—Application

Every physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, citizen of the United States of North America, who desires that a license be issued to him to practice his profession in Puerto Rico, shall fill in the blank form which the Board shall furnish him for such purpose. Such blank form shall be accompanied by a fee of fifteen dollars ($15) for a license without examination; twenty-five dollars ($25) for a license after examination; and ten dollars ($10) for a provisional or special license. Such fees shall not be reimbursed at any time or under any circumstance.
The application for each reexamination requested shall be accompanied in each case by the sum of fifteen dollars ($15). The applicant for a license shall present before the Board satisfactory evidence of good moral conduct and of his having completed a course of study at a school of physical therapy recognized by the Medical Council of Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association and/or the American Association of Physical Therapy; Provided, That in the case of an applicant for a license of physical therapist assistant, the course of study shall be approved by the Higher Education Council of the University of Puerto Rico.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 5; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 246 - License—Examinations

The Board shall hold a theoretical and practical examination to test the knowledge of the candidate fulfilling the requirements of § 245 of this title. The subject matter to be covered by the examination for physical therapist or physiotherapist shall include anatomy, chemistry, kinesiology, pathology, physics, psychology, physical therapy as applied to medicine, surgery and psychiatry; theory and procedure of physical therapy, ethics in the practice of physical therapy, ethics in the practice of medicine, and such other disciplines as the Board may deem necessary for measuring the ability of the applicant for the practice of physical therapy. The examination for physical therapist assistant shall cover the subject matters that the Board may prescribe in the regulations. These examinations shall be given at least once a year on the date that the Board may determine.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 6; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 247 - License—After examination

The Board shall grant a license to each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant passing the examination according to the standards fixed thereby, provided such physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is not affected by any of the conditions set forth in § 252 of this title.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 7; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 249 - License—Special

(1) Physiotherapist license. — A special physiotherapist’s license shall be granted without examination to persons having a diploma or certificate of graduate nurse, who have been practicing physical therapy in the Government of Puerto Rico for a period of not less than five (5) years and who are holding a position as physical therapist in the Government of Puerto Rico on the date this act takes effect. This special license shall exclusively authorize such persons to continue rendering their services in the Government of Puerto Rico.
(2) Practical physiotherapist license. — Any person who fails to meet the requirements of professional studies for the practice of physiotherapy, who is at present working as physiotherapist outside the Government of Puerto Rico and who presents evidence to the Board to the effect that he has been practicing such profession for a period of not less than five (5) years under the direction of a medical doctor authorized to practice his profession in Puerto Rico, shall be entitled to a practical physiotherapist’s license. Such license must be applied for within a term of three (3) months counting from the date on which the Board becomes duly established, and, once granted, such person shall have the right to practice physical therapy only under the direct supervision of a graduate physiotherapist who is authorized by this chapter.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 9; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 250 - License—Provisional

The Board shall issue provisional licenses without examination to:
(1) Physiotherapists meeting the requirements established in § 245 of this title who present satisfactory evidence of the fact that they are in Puerto Rico temporarily to render services of an emergency nature, or for educational purposes. In such cases, the license shall be issued for an [non]extendable term of not more than six (6) months, counting from the date when issued.
(2) Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants meeting the requirements established in § 245 of this title who make written application for a license, provided the Board considers them eligible for taking the examination specified in § 246 of this title. Such licenses shall not be extendable, and shall be considered null as soon as said examinations are held. The provisional license may be renewed only three (3) times; Provided, further, That to be entitled thereto, the applicant shall be bound to take the examination in consecutive terms. This provision shall in no way limit the right—of any person meeting the requirements of law—to take the examination of physical therapist or of physical therapist assistant as many times as he may deem convenient until he passes it.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 10; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 251a - License—Reciprocity

The Board shall have authority to establish a system of reciprocity and, in this case, it may issue physical therapist or physiotherapist or physical therapist assistant licenses to any person who presents evidence before the Board that he has been duly licensed to practice as such, upon examination by a competent organization therefor in any state of the United States, and who further proves that the academic and examination requirements he had to comply with to obtain said license are not lower than those required at the time in Puerto Rico by the Board. He shall also prove that the state concerned grants a similar kind of license to persons holding licenses issued by the Board in accordance with our statute. The applicant shall pay the corresponding fees as prescribed by § 245 of this title and shall meet the other requirements under the law and regulations that the Board may promulgate.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 359, added as § 11 on May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 3; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 252 - License—Denial, suspension, or revocation

The Board may suspend or revoke a physical therapist or physiotherapist or physical therapist assistant license and refuse to grant it as well, upon notice and hearing, to any person who:
(1) Practices physical therapy without the prescription therefor of a physician authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico.
(2) Has used drugs or intoxicating liquors to the point where his professional ability is hampered.
(3) Has been convicted of a felony or of any offense involving moral turpitude.
(4) Has obtained or tried to obtain a license by fraud or deceit.
(5) Has incurred in gross negligence in the practice of physical therapy.
(6) Has been declared mentally deranged by a competent court.
(7) Practices as a practical physical therapist or as a physical therapist assistant without being under the direction and direct supervision of a physiotherapist duly licensed by the Board.
Any person whose license has been denied, suspended, revoked or cancelled by the Board may petition the Court of First Instance, San Juan Part, for a review, which may be granted if and when the Board has obviously erred in the evaluation of the test, and/or has committed errors of law in resolving the case.
The applicant must first petition the Board for a reconsideration of its adverse resolution within a term of ten (10) days after notice thereof by the Board. Once reconsidered, if the decision is adverse, the applicant may appeal to the Court of First Instance within a term of fifteen (15) days after notification of the resolution.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 12; Apr. 10, 1963, No. 5, p. 9; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1; May 30, 1976, No. 79, p. 245, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 253 - Fees and expenses

All fees collected by the Board shall be paid in internal revenue stamps, checks or in cash and shall be covered into the Health Fund.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 13; Apr. 10, 1963, No. 5, p. 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 254 - Undue use of certain terms, words and phrases

Any person not granted a license to practice as physical therapist or physiotherapist in Puerto Rico by the Board, posing as, or holding himself out to be a physical therapist, or using the words Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Technician, Physical Therapy-Technician, Registered Physical Therapist or the letters P.T., Ph.T., P.T.T., or R.P.T. or any other letters, words, abbreviations or insignia, indicating or implying that he is a physical therapist, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished pursuant to the provisions of § 255 of this title. However, nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent Y.M.C.A. clubs, athletic clubs or similar organizations from administering some kind of massage and other treatments to their players or members. Nor does this chapter prevent [masseurs] from practicing their profession, provided they do not designate themselves as physical therapists, physiotherapists, etc., or use any other of the words, terms or phrases mentioned in this section or engage in the dissembled practice of physical therapy.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 14; May 28, 1970, No. 41, p. 97, § 1.