reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 152 - Board—Creation

The Board of Chiropractic Examiners of Puerto Rico is hereby created, which shall be composed of three (3) doctors in chiropractic, of recognized ability and moral repute, and who are graduates of a chiropractic school or college accepted by the Chiropractic Association of Puerto Rico.
Each member of the Board, including public officials, shall receive fifty dollars ($50) for each day or fraction thereof in which they render services to the Board, plus compensation for travel expenses as established in the regulations of the Department of the Treasury. As of January 1, 1997, the members of the Board shall receive per diems equal to the minimum per diems established in § 29 of Title 2 for the members of the Legislature for their attendance to sessions or committee meetings, for each session, special meeting, or committee meeting, or of any other body, or for performing any task authorized by the chairperson of the board to which they belong, except for those who are head[s] of agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its Instrumentalities, with the exception of the Chairperson of the Board, who shall receive per diems equal to one hundred and thirty-three percent 133%) [of] the per diems received by the other members of the Board.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 2; May 23, 1967, No. 52, p. 241; June 29, 1995, No. 64, § 1; Sept. 6, 1996, No. 201, § 1, eff. 60 days after Sept. 6, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 153 - Board—Members; appointment and term

Upon the effectiveness of this act, the Governor of Puerto Rico shall appoint a Board of Chiropractic Examiners, composed of three (3) doctors in chiropractic who are members of a chiropractic association duly registered in the Department of State of Puerto Rico as a nonprofit chiropractic association. Said appointments shall be: one (1) for one (1) year, one (1) for two (2) years, and the other for three (3) years. At the expiration of the term of each one of said members, his successor shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years and shall hold office until his successor has been appointed.
Said members shall appoint from among themselves a chairman and a vicechairman who shall hold office for the term and under the conditions which the Board may by regulation prescribe. The Governor of Puerto Rico may remove any member of the Board for inefficiency, incompetence, or immorality within or without his profession, upon preferment of charges in writing and an opportunity to answer within the term of fifteen (15) days after the said charges are sent to him by registered mail. Should said term elapse without said charges being answered, the member shall be ipso facto removed from office.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 154 - Board—Regulations

The Board shall be empowered to promulgate such regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of §§ 151—169 of this title, provided such regulations are not in conflict with any of the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title. Such regulations shall have the force of law after being published in at least one of the newspapers of largest circulation in Puerto Rico.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 155 - Board—Practice of chiropractic

The Board of Examiners shall have charge of the granting of authorization for the practice of the profession of chiropractic in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in accordance with the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title, through the granting of lifetime licenses.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 5; May 31, 1968, No. 66, p. 113, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 156 - Board—Admission to examinations

Any person shall be admitted to examinations for a license as doctor in chiropractic who establishes, to the satisfaction of the Board, that:
(a) He/she is of age, a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for one year prior to the date of application;
(b) he/she is a graduate from a high school, or its equivalent, approved by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Provided, That as of January 1, 1958, any applicant for examination shall establish that he/she has approved at least two (2) years of study at an accredited college or university;
(c) he/she is of good moral conduct and a graduate from a school or college approved by the Chiropractic Association of Puerto Rico which requires as a qualification for graduation a minimum of four (4) academic years of nine (9) months each. (Four thousand (4,000) hours’ attendance.) The time devoted to correspondence courses shall not be computed for such purposes.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 6; July 23, 1998, No. 163, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 157 - Board—Exemption from examinations

The Board shall issue a license as chiropractor, without examination, to such persons who on the date that this act takes effect are graduates from a school or college approved by the Chiropractic Association of Puerto Rico and to any other person who also meets such qualifications and proves to the satisfaction of the Board that he holds a license from any state of the American Union, provided such state grants a like privilege to licensees under the terms of §§ 151—169 of this title.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 158 - License—Powers granted

Any license to practice chiropractic, issued under the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title, authorizes its holder:
(a) To examine and analyze the human body by means of the use of physical, chemical, electric, thermic or radion [sic] methods, as well as by means of the use of x-rays.
(b) To treat the human body by manual, mechanic, electric or natural means, or by the employment of physical methods, or by means of physiotherapy (including light, heat, water and exercise), or by means of food and vitamins.
(c) To administer first aid or hygienic methods.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 159 - License—Limitations

A license to practice chiropractic, issued under the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title, does not authorize its holder:
(a) To prescribe or administer to any person any medicine or drug; neither
(b) to practice surgery, nor
(c) to practice obstetrics.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 160 - License—Duties of licensees

Any holder of a license under the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title shall be bound to comply with the laws relative to the control of contagious or infectious diseases, and it shall be the duty of such licensee to submit such cases to the Department of Health or to a doctor in medicine duly authorized to practice in Puerto Rico.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 161 - License—Fees

The following license fees shall be collected and paid in connection with the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title:
(a) Issuance of a license: $ 20.00
(b) Examination: $ 15.00
(c) when the candidate has previously failed: $ 10.00. Second examination, or other examination,
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 11; May 31, 1968, No. 66, p. 113, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 162 - Powers of Board and members; date of meetings and examinations

The Board shall have the following powers, duties and rights:
(1) It shall hold meetings as many times as it may deem it necessary.
(2) It shall hold examinations at least once a year, at the place and on the date it may deem most convenient. Such examinations shall be conducted in such manner as the Board may by regulation prescribe and shall cover, but without limitation, the following subjects: anatomy, physiology, chemistry, bacteriology, pathology, hygiene and chiropractic analyses.
(3) It shall use an official seal and shall keep an official record of all resolutions adopted at the meetings, which record shall be in charge of the Secretary of State.
(4) It shall examine all applications for licenses and shall grant, revoke or suspend licenses, as hereinafter provided in §§ 151—169 of this title.
(5) It shall investigate and resolve any complaints for violation of §§ 151—169 of this title, as hereinafter prescribed.
(6) It shall keep an official record of all persons to whom licenses have been issued, which record shall contain, among other information, the name, date and place of birth of the licensee, as well as the number and date of his license.
(7) It shall issue subpoenas through a court of justice, if necessary, to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in any investigation conducted or hearing held by the Board relative to presumptive violations of §§ 151—169 of this title.
(8) The members of the Board as well as the Secretary of State thereof may administer oaths to witnesses in any investigation or hearing and also to such persons producing documents to the Board for the purpose of securing a license.
(9) The Board may conduct such investigations as it may deem pertinent in order to ascertain that the law is being complied with.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 12; May 31, 1968, No. 66, p. 113, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 163 - Licenses—Registration

The Secretary of State shall enter in a record book the number and date of each license issued by the Board, the complete name of the authorized person, the place and date of his birth, and any other information which the Board may deem necessary. The production of this book in a court of justice shall be prima facie evidence to determine whether or not a person has been authorized to practice.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 164 - Licenses—Duplicates

Upon proof, by evidence satisfactory to the Board, that a license has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed, the Board may, upon payment of a fee of five dollars ($5), issue a duplicate of the original license.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 165 - Licenses—Collected funds

All fees shall be paid by means of vouchers issued in the internal revenue collectors’ offices, for the equivalent of the fees or amounts concerned. Only the fees paid by those candidates who fail to comply with the requirements of law for securing a license may be returned.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 15; May 31, 1968, No. 66, p. 113, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 167 - Violations and penalties

Any person who violates any of the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title or who practices as a chiropractor anywhere in Puerto Rico without holding a license issued in accordance with the terms of §§ 151—169 of this title, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction in a court of justice, shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), or by confinement in jail for a term of not less than one (1) month nor more than one (1) year, or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court. For subsequent offenses he shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by confinement in jail for a term of not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years, or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
Provided, That the use of the title of “Doctor [of] Chiropractic”, or any abbreviation derived therefrom, whether or not including the terms “Chiropractor”, “Chiropractic” or “Chiropraxia”, except in the case of persons legally authorized to practice chiropractic in Puerto Rico, shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by the same penalties above enumerated.
Any person who makes a false declaration in an application for examination or for a license shall be guilty of perjury and, upon conviction thereof in a court of justice, shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code.
In any trial or hearing for the violation of the provisions of §§ 151—169 of this title it shall be necessary to prove only a single act prohibited by law, without need of proving a general course of conduct, in order to constitute a violation.
Each act constituting a violation of §§ 151—169 of this title shall be considered a separate violation and the person found guilty thereof may be punished by a separate penalty for each act.
When the violation consists of “illegal practice”, each day such illegal practice [per]sists shall be considered a separate violation and shall be subject to the above-mentioned penalties.
Any member of the Board or the secretary thereof, or any inspector appointed by the Board, may request the cooperation of the police, of the detective bureau, or of a chiropractor, person or entity, to conduct investigations in connection with violations of §§ 151—169 of this title.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 168 - Authorization to sign documents

Doctors in chiropractic, duly authorized to practice the profession of chiropractic in Puerto Rico, as provided in §§ 151—169 of this title, may execute and sign any legal document or certificate incidental to the practice of chiropractic.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 169 - Registration with Health Department

Any person obtaining a license from the Board of Examiners of Chiropractors in Puerto Rico shall, within thirty (30) days after issuance thereof, have said license recorded in the Department of Health of Puerto Rico, where a register shall be kept for the purpose.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 171 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings stated below:
(a) Board. — Means the Puerto Rico Board of Examiners of Massage Therapists.
(b) Massage therapist. — Is a person who meets all the requirements of this chapter and has been duly certified by the Board to practice massaging [sic] in the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
(c) Massage therapist with provisional license. — Any person who is certified by the Board pursuant to this chapter to practice massage therapy according to the provisions of § 185 of this title.
(d) Massage therapy. — Means a system of structured manipulation for therapeutic, preventive and remedial purposes through scientific and skilled manipulation of superficial or deep soft tissue to promote general relaxation, improve circulation, joint mobility, soothe stress and muscular tension and generally promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The term and its practice include manual, mechanical and technical procedures generally accepted in the practice of massage, including but not limited to, rubbing, stroking, rocking, pressure, tapping, kneading, stretching and other techniques developed under the concept of bodywork, which may use the application of oils, salts, compresses and other externally applied products that ease movement. Excluded from this definition are those practices and techniques that are exclusive to the profession of physical therapy.
(e) Anatomy. — Is the study of the gross structure of the human body. All systems of the body are included: tegumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, exocrine, nervous, and all the components of each of these systems.
(f) Hydrotherapy. — Means the use of generally accepted methods for the external application of water for its mechanical, thermal or chemical effects.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 173 - License—Requirements

Any person who requests a massage therapist license pursuant to this chapter shall submit evidence, verified by oath and to the satisfaction of the Board, proving his/her compliance of the following requirements:
(a) Be over eighteen (18) years of age.
(b) Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident.
(c) Show evidence of having been domiciled in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for six (6) months prior to the application.
(d) Have passed a course of one thousand (1,000) hours in a therapeutic massage school authorized by the official entities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(e) Have passed a state-certified examination on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and holding an effective CPR techniques certification.
(f) Have completed the workshop on HIV offered by the Department of Health or the agency concerned for such purpose.
(g) Present a negative Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Police.
(h) Not having incurred any of the actions or infractions which would entail disciplinary measures pursuant to this chapter.
(i) Presents a health certificate issued annually by the Department of Health
(j) Have passed the revalidation examination offered by the Massage Therapists Examining Board. The aspirant shall have five (5) opportunities to pass the revalidation examination.
(k) Negative certificate from the Child Support Administration (ASUME, Spanish acronym).
(l) Certificate of no debts from the Department of the Treasury.
(m) Present evidence of liability insurance in effect.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 4; Oct. 13, 2004, No. 552, § 4; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 174 - License—Renewal

The license shall be renewed every three (3) years. The following requirements shall be met for the renewal of the license:
(a) Filing a request to the Board on the form provided by it.
(b) Present a current certificate of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
(c) Present a Negative Certificate of Penal Record issued by the Puerto Rico Police.
(d) Present a health certificate issued by the Department of Health.
(e) Show evidence of not owing income tax debts to the Department of the Treasury.
(f) Have complied with the required continuing education courses established in the Board regulations.
(g) Payment of administrative fees to the Secretary of the Treasury.
(h) Applicants trained abroad shall present proof of their training in an accredited institution that is compatible with subsection (e) of this section.
(i) Negative Certificate from the Child Support Administration (ASUME, Spanish acronym).
(j) Present evidence of merchant registration in the Department of the Treasury.
(k) Present evidence of liability insurance in effect.
If the renewal application is filed ninety (90) days after its expiration, the applicant shall submit a sworn statement stating that he/she has not rendered professional massage services, as defined by this chapter, during said period. Any violation shall be subject to the sanctions applicable under this chapter and its regulations.
After one (1) year has elapsed from its expiration without said license having been renewed and without the massage therapist having initiated the steps to renew it, the license shall be cancelled and the massage therapist involved shall have to comply anew with all the requirements established in § 173 of this title.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 5; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 175 - License—Inactive

Any massage therapist who, for any reason, no longer wishes to actively practice the profession, may turn in the license as inactive to the Board, if so desired, prior to the expiration date thereof.
No massage therapist whose license has been surrendered to the Board may practice the profession until the following requirements are met:
(a) Request reactivation of said license from the Board, in writing, on the form provided by the same.
(b) Present evidence of having met the continuing education requirements established in this chapter.
(c) Pay the fee for the renewal of the license established in the regulations of the Board.
(d) Comply with all the pertinent requirements applicable to the renewal of the license.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 6; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 176 - Massage business—Registration

A massage business must be registered in the Department of Health pursuant to the stipulations stated in this section. The applicant shall present a certificate issued by the Deputy Secretary of Regulations and Certification of Health Facilities. Said certification shall include the following:
(a) The name and address of the business. If a corporation, the name and address of any person who, directly or indirectly, owns or controls most of the shares of the business; the name and address of the directors, and a statement indicating that franchise taxes are current, and that the corporation is exempted from the payment of franchise taxes.
(b) Name and address of the sole owner or the partners[;] if it is any other type of organization, the name and address of the owners.
(c) Name and address of the persons in administrative positions.
(d) The type of existing branches or services, or under consideration, as follows: A blueprint of the massage establishment being considered, including a sketch of the following elements: entrances and exists, width and length of the business area, total amount of square footage, location of the restrooms, and the number of massage tables.
(e) Inspection report of the fire chief stating that said business meets the parameters established by law.
(f) Proof that the business is separated from any room for residential purposes or dormitory, whether totally or partially, and that said separation is achieved by means of a solid wall or a solid door that remains closed during hours of service.
The Department of Health shall not consider an application for registration as officially submitted until the applicant, who, in turn, shall be the owner, or a partner of the business, has paid the fees for the registration certificate of the business. The application shall include the corresponding payment. The Department of Health shall issue the registration certificate no later than thirty (30) days after the date of delivery of all the documents.
No massage business shall offer its services until it has been registered in the Department of Health, and the latter has issued the former the registration certificate and the certificate of registration of business. The massage business shall place the certificate in a visible place, in such a way that it can be examined by the public. A massage therapist who has not obtained the massage therapist license issued by the Board, cannot be hired by any massage business.
A massage business is subject to inspection by authorized Board personnel at any time it deems pertinent in order to verify its compliance of the law. The Board shall decide whether or not the business under consideration complies with this chapter.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 7; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 177 - Massage business—Legal actions

All massage businesses shall notify the Department of Health, in writing, of any legal action (civil or criminal) related to the operation of the massage business, its owner, employees, officials, directors, or any salaried personnel, within ten (10) days after the massage business, its owner, employees, officials, directors, or any salaried personnel has filed legal action or has been notified of a legal process. The massage business shall remit an official copy of the petition or complaint that has been filed in court with the written notification.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 8; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 178 - License—Denial of renewal, suspension

The Board may deny, renewal, suspend or revoke a license, of its own accord (motu propio) or at the request of a party, upon filing of the charges, and an administrative hearing, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, to any massage therapist who:
(a) Fails to meet the requirements to obtain a license under this chapter.
(b) Has practiced the profession of massage therapist illegally.
(c) Has obtained, or attempted to obtain a massage therapist license through fraud or deceit.
(d) Has incurred manifest incompetence in the exercise of the profession in prejudice of a third party.
(e) Has rendered professional massage therapist services with an expired license.
(f) Has incurred in any conduct prohibited in this chapter.
(g) Has been declared as mentally impaired by a court with jurisdiction; Provided, That the license may be granted when said person gives evidence of being capable, upon a statement to such effects issued by a court with jurisdiction, if said person meets the requirements established in this chapter.
(h) Is addicted to narcotic drugs or is a habitual drunkard; Provided, That the license may be issued as soon as said person gives evidence of being capable, if he/she meets the remaining requirements established in this chapter.
(i) Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor against decency involving moral turpitude, that has not been expunged from the criminal records, or which cannot be expunged as provided in Act No. 137 of July 1, 1975, as amended.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 179 - License—Right to reconsideration and appeal

The renewal of a license or certification cannot be denied, suspended or revoked for the reasons indicated in the previous sections without prior written notification, nor the offer of an opportunity for a formal hearing regarding said denial, suspension or revocation. The notification to such purposes shall be issued no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the decision of the Board. Said notice shall be in writing and must include an admonition regarding the statute of limitations for requesting the hearing and the procedure to request it.
When the license or certification of a practitioner has been suspended, the Board may revoke said suspension when it determines to its satisfaction that said licensed or certified practitioner is capable of exercising the profession with reasonable skill and safety. As a condition for the restitution of a suspended license or relief from probation, the Board may impose any disciplinary or corrective measure it deems pertinent and has been previously established in this chapter.
When an application has been denied or rejected and the applicant deems that the Board acted unfairly and that more rigorous rules have been imposed that are different from those imposed on other applicants or license holders, or that have otherwise contributed or caused the denial or rejection of the application, the applicant may appeal pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 180 - Penalties

Any person who practices the profession of massage therapist without the corresponding license, or who employs another person who does not hold a license for such practice shall incur a misdemeanor and shall be sanctioned with imprisonment for a term that shall not exceed six (6) months, or a fine that shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.
The Department of Health shall suspend the license of any massage business that hires a person that does not have the corresponding license after being sentenced, for a term of one (1) year; and if said business is a recidivist, it shall permanently lose the right to practice the profession in Puerto Rico.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 11; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 182 - Disciplinary measures

If the Board should find that a massage therapist has incurred one or more of the abovementioned faults [in § 181 of this title], it may impose one or more of the following disciplinary measures:
(a) Deny the license to the applicant.
(b) Revoke and/or suspend his/her license. Any person whose license has been suspended or revoked by the Board shall return it to the Board. If the suspended or revoked license has been lost, the person shall establish this fact for the record by means of a sworn statement. The Board shall publish the suspension or revoking of said license within seven (7) days subsequent to the decision.
(c) Issue a reprimand or censure for the record.
(d) Impose a separate administrative fine, as provided in Act No. 137 of July 1, 1975, as amended, for each of the charges and/or offenses.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 183 - License—Exhibition and/or display

Every massage therapists and provisionally licensed practitioner shall conspicuously display their certificate of registration or license with their photograph in their office, cubicle or in the workplace or business. The title granted by the certification or license may be abbreviated as LMT (TML, in Spanish).
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 184 - Grandfather clause

As of the date on which this act takes effect, up to one (1) year after, when its effectiveness shall expire automatically, any person who applies for a massage therapist license shall receive it once the Board approves the application, if the following requirements are met:
(a) Be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
(b) Present a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
(c) Have concluded, [passed] and graduated from a massage therapist course with at least five hundred (500) hours of instruction, offered by any educational institution authorized or accredited by the official bodies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The applicant must have completed his/her studies on or before the date in which the grandfather clause effectiveness term expires and shall submit the original diploma or evidence of graduation.
(d) Every massage therapist who has been practicing massag[e] for five (5) consecutive years prior to the approval of this amendment, and has taken and [passed] the examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work and/or who takes and [passes] said examination while this clause is still in effect.
(e) As provided by this chapter, every therapist who, before this amendment, has been practicing massag[e] for ten (10) or more consecutive years, and who has been taking massage courses and/or has taken the examination administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work, or shall take said examination while this clause [is still] in effect, shall be exempted from taking the revalidation examination to be offered by the Puerto Rico Board of Examiners of Massage Therapists.
(f) Present a Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Police Department.
(g) Present proof [of] having current professional liability insurance.
(h) Present a health certificate.
(i) Present an up to date CPR license and evidence of having taken the HIV workshop required for other health professionals.
(j) Show evidence of being domiciled in Puerto Rico for a term of at least six (6) months before submitting his/her application.
(k) Present evidence of no tax debt or of a payment plan with the Department of the Treasury.
(l) Present evidence of merchant registration at the Department of the Treasury.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 15; Oct. 13, 2004, No. 552, §§ 6, 7; Dec. 14, 2006, No. 267, § 1; Aug. 15, 2008, No. 282, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 185 - Provisional license

Any person who does not meet the education requirements provided by the Board, but who meets all other requirements, may obtain a non-renewable temporary two (2) year license that allows him/her to continue practicing the massage therapist profession during this period of time, while he/she completes studies of not less than one thousand (1,000) contact hours, in a massage school duly accredited by the General Education Council. This shall apply to every therapist graduated from a massage therapy school who is in the professional practice, or who was enrolled in a course of four hundred ninety nine (499) hours or less during the effective term of the grandfather clause of this chapter.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 16; Dec. 14, 2006, No. 267, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 186 - Reciprocity

The Board is hereby authorized to establish reciprocity agreements on:
(a) The granting of licenses without examination directly with several states or territories of the United States, or any foreign country in which substantially similar requirements to those set forth in this chapter, are required to obtain a massage therapist license, and in which a similar concession is provided for persons licensed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) Prior residence of six (6) months.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 8 - Massage Therapy (§§ 171 — 187) › § 187 - Exceptions

Excluded from the requirements of this chapter, shall be the practice of massage within osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, naturopathy, or any other branch of medicine in which the practice of massage has been regulated by law, provided this is within the context of the regular medical treatment, and not as part of a therapeutic massage business.
Unless these massages are incidental to the practice of the profession, any person who is prepared in the field of aesthetics, cosmetology or hair cutting who wishes to practice bodily or therapeutic massage professionally, must meet the requirements of this chapter, if they wish to provide massage services or any of its modalities.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 254, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 9 - Board of Nurse Examiners (§§ 191 — 203r) › § 203a - Board of Examiners—Organization

(a) The Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners attached to the Department of Health is hereby reorganized. The Board and the Department of Health shall establish the consultation and coordination mechanisms and shall adopt the necessary agreements to carry out their respective functions related to the regulation and certification of female and male nurses licensed to practice nursing in Puerto Rico.
(b) The Board shall be composed of seven (7) members who shall be persons licensed to practice nursing in Puerto Rico. Five (5) of the members shall be female or male nurses representing the associate, general and specialized categories; the remaining two (2) shall be licensed practical female or male nurses.
(c) The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(d) The position of Executive Director of the Board, who shall be a female or male nurse with the qualifications and functions provided by the Board in its regulations, is hereby created.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 3, 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) › § 203b - Board of Examiners—Appointment and qualifications

(a) When this act becomes effective, the Governor shall appoint the Board members as follows: four (4) members for a term of three (3) years, and three (3) for a term of two (2) years. Subsequent appointments shall be for a term of three (3) years. When vacancies arise before the end of a term, the Governor of Puerto Rico shall appoint the substitute for the remainder of the term. No member shall be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
(b) The Association of Nursing Professionals of Puerto Rico, the association, federation or college that represents the licensed practical nurses of Puerto Rico, the unions or bona fide organizations that represent female and male nurses may submit candidates for membership on the Board to the Governor of Puerto Rico for his consideration.
(c) The female or male nurses on the Board shall be persons licensed to practice nursing in Puerto Rico pursuant to the stipulations of §§ 203—203r of this title, with not less than five (5) years of experience in nursing. They must be citizens or legal residents of the United States of America and be residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 4, 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) › § 203c - Board of Examiners—Removal

The Governor of Puerto Rico may remove any member of the Board from office for noncompliance with his duties, inefficiency, incompetence, incapacity to carry out his functions, for conviction for a felony or misdemeanor that implies moral [depravity] or for any other justified cause.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 5, 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) › § 203d - Board of Examiners—Per diems and travel expenses

The members of the Board shall be entitled to per diems of fifty dollars ($50) per day or fraction thereof that they attend meetings of the Board. They shall be entitled to the payment expenses for miles travelled as provided by the regulations of the Department of the Treasury of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Payment for trips outside of Puerto Rico shall be considered on the basis of the merits and need thereof and on the availability of funds.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 6, 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) › § 203e - Board of Examiners—Meetings and quorum

The Board shall hold a meeting in the month of July of each year during which a chairperson and any other officials that are needed shall be elected from among the members. It shall hold meetings at least four (4) times a year or as many times as necessary to carry out its functions upon being summoned by the chairperson. Four (4) of the seven (7) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 7, 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) › § 203g - Board of Examiners—Disciplinary measures

The Board shall provide by regulations the sanctions corresponding to each violation established within the terms of this section. The Board is hereby empowered to hold hearings for the purpose of elucidating charges of violations of §§ 203—203r of this title on its own initiative, or through a complaint filed by the interested party against any person who:
(a) Practices nursing without having met the requirements to practice nursing in Puerto Rico.
(b) Commits fraud or deceit in the documents presented to the Board to try to obtain a certified license.
(c) Observes a conduct contrary to the public order as corroborated by evidence pursuant to the laws in effect in Puerto Rico.
(d) Is convicted of a felony in Puerto Rico or a crime committed outside Puerto Rico which, if filed in Puerto Rico, would be considered a felony related to the practice of nursing.
(e) Commits fraud or deceit in the practice of nursing.
(f) Is guilty of malpractice in the practice of nursing due to negligence or other causes.
(g) Is in the habit of using controlled substances and/or narcotics.
(h) Has repeatedly violated any of the provisions of §§ 203—203r of this title.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 9, 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) › § 203h - Mental unfitness

Any mentally unfit female or male nurse may be suspended from practicing the nursing profession as long as said condition exists. Provided, That all his rights to practice nursing shall be restored when his treatment and rehabilitation is ascertained through expert opinion.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 10, 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) › § 203j - Penalties

(a) It shall be considered as a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be sanctioned with a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a term not greater than thirty (30) days, or both penalties at the discretion of the court, if any person:
(1) Practices nursing in any part of Puerto Rico without holding a license pursuant to the terms of §§ 203—203r of this title or its regulations. Each day of violation shall be considered as a separate violation.
(2) Knowingly employs, assists or induces a person to practice nursing who does not have a license to practice as such as provided in §§ 203—203r of this title.
(3) Sells, traffics or offers to sell or traffic without being authorized to do so, extends or confers or offers to extend or confer any nursing title, diploma or document conferring or attempting to confer a nursing title or license or any certificate or transcript in accordance with the laws that govern the registration and licensing of female and male nurses.
(4) Uses another person’s diploma, certificate or transcript as evidence of studies; forges or alters any form to induce the Board to issue a nursing license.
(5) Practices nursing by impersonating another person who is licensed to practice nursing or practices nursing under a false or assumed name.
(6) Impersonates a female or male nurse without holding a license.
(7) Declares, states or causes to be stated and avows in an application for an examination or license, facts that said person knows as false.
(b) Any person who, before an examination is offered, circulates, sells, purchases, passes on or negotiates the contents of the questions or answers that make up a revalidation examination, or any of the materials used in its preparation, whether through the original, a photocopy or any other means shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be sanctioned with a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than sixty (60) days nor more than three (3) months, or both penalties, at the court’s discretion.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 12, 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) › § 203k - Application for license and right to nursing examination—Generally

(a) Any person who files an application for a license to practice nursing in Puerto Rico shall submit an official written certification to the Board indicating that he/she has completed the requirements of a nursing program at an educational institution recognized or accredited by the Council on Higher Education, or by the Department of Education, as pertinent.
(b) Once the person has shown that he meets the legal requirements for admission to the examination, he/she shall pay twenty-five dollars ($25) in postal or bank money order, a certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico, as a fee for that examination and application for a license as general or associate female or male nurse. Practical female or male nurses shall pay fifteen dollars ($15). The funds collected by this process shall be covered into the Health Fund, created by Act No. 26 of November 13, 1975, known as the “Health Facilities and Services Administration of Puerto Rico Act”, for the exclusive use of the Board of Female and Male Nurse Examiners.
(c) The candidate shall submit to examination on those subject matters determined by the Board in its regulations and in accordance with the previously recognized or accredited study programs. If he/she [passes] the examination or examinations, as the case may be, the Board shall grant a license to practice nursing in Puerto Rico.
History —Oct. 11, 1987, No. 9, p. 956, § 13; July 23, 1998, No. 161, § 2.