reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter I - Board of Dental Examiners (§§ 81 — 95) › § 94q - Dental assistants—Advertisements

Dental assistants are hereby prohibited to advertise as such.
History —Aug. 8, 1925, No. 75, p. 550, added as § 14Ñ on June 23, 1971, No. 74, p. 216, § 5, eff. 60 days after June 23, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter I - Board of Dental Examiners (§§ 81 — 95) › § 94s - Dental assistants—Regulation

The Board of Dental Examiners shall be empowered to approve and amend such norms and regulations as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of §§ 81—94u of this title as to the practice of the profession by dental hygienists and by dental assistants, subject to the provisions of the Rules and Regulations Act of 1958. The Board of Dental Examiners shall publish such rules and regulations at least during two (2) days in a newspaper of general circulation in Puerto Rico so that the dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants be duly informed of the applicable norms and regulations.
Those rules and regulations approved by the Board of Dental Examiners relative to dental hygienists under Act No. 6 of April 8, 1954, as amended, hereby repealed, shall continue in force in all that which is compatible until the Board approves new regulations and same shall take effect.
History —Aug. 8, 1925, No. 75, p. 550, added as § 14P on June 23, 1971, No. 74, p. 216, § 5, eff. 60 days after June 23, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter I - Board of Dental Examiners (§§ 81 — 95) › § 94t - Dental assistants—Reciprocity

The Board of Dental Examiners may establish [reciprocity] with fellow organizations of any of the states of the United States to permit the practice of the profession and to issue licenses without examination to those dental assistants holding a certificate or license of the state concerned and who meet the qualifications provided herein. In order to establish [reciprocity], qualifications fixed in the state concerned shall be similar or equivalent to those required in Puerto Rico and there shall be offered equal opportunity in said state to dental assistants licensed in Puerto Rico by the Board of Dental Examiners.
History —Aug. 8, 1925, No. 75, p. 550, added as § 14Q on June 23, 1971, No. 74, p. 216, § 5, eff. 60 days after June 23, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter I - Board of Dental Examiners (§§ 81 — 95) › § 94u - Dental assistants—Violations; penalties

Any person who violates any of the provisions of §§ 81—94u of this title and of the regulations promulgated thereunder relative to dental hygiene and dental assistance in Puerto Rico shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment in jail for a term of not less than fifteen (15) days nor more than six (6) months, or both penalties [at] the discretion of the court.
History —Aug. 8, 1925, No. 75, p. 550, added as § 14R on June 23, 1971, No. 74, p. 216, § 5, eff. 60 days after June 23, 1971.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 111 - Creation

Professionals entitled to practice dental surgery in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are hereby constituted into an artificial person or quasi-public corporation under the name of College of Dental Surgeons of Puerto Rico, with official domicile in San Juan.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 112 - Powers

The College of Dental Surgeons of Puerto Rico shall have power:
(a) To subsist in perpetuity under that name; to sue and to be sued as a [juridical] person.
(b) To possess and use a seal which it can alter at will.
(c) To acquire rights and property, both real and personal, through donation, legacy, quotas on its own members, purchase or otherwise; to hold, convey, mortgage and lease them, and to dispose thereof in any manner.
(d) To appoint and elect its directors and functionaries or officials, as stipulated in the bylaws of the College and the law that created it.
(e) To adopt its bylaws, which shall be binding on all its members, and to amend said bylaws, in such form and under the requirements established therein. The College is hereby authorized upon the holding of a hearing in which the interested parties shall be given the opportunity to be heard, to impose administrative sanctions to the members of said College who violate the provisions of the bylaws so adopted. The bylaws shall prescribe everything concerning the procedures to be followed in said hearing.
(f) To adopt or implant the rules of professional ethics which shall govern the conduct of dentists.
(g) To receive and investigate the complaints formulated under oath in regard to the conduct of the members in the practice of their profession, which complaints can be sent to the board of directors for decision, and if, after a preliminary hearing in which the interested person or his representative shall be given an opportunity to be heard, cause is found, to institute the proper proceedings for expulsion before the Board of Dental Examiners. Nothing provided in this subsection shall be understood in the sense of limiting or altering the power of the Board of Dental Examiners to institute these proceedings on its own account.
(h) In order to protect its members in the practice of the profession, and through the creation of gratuity funds, insurance systems and special funds, or in any other manner, to help those who retire for physical disability or advanced age, and the heirs or beneficiaries of those who die.
(i) To exercise such incidental powers that may be necessary or convenient for the purposes of its creation and operation, as are not in conflict with §§ 111—123 of this title.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 2; June 15, 1965, No. 32, p. 59, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 113 - Membership required; exceptions

No person not a member thereof may practice the profession of dental surgery in this Commonwealth except in the following cases:
Dentists in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States in the official discharge of their duties and permanent employees of federal agencies participating in odontological research projects duly recognized by the Board of Dental Examiners, the School of Odontology and the Department of Health.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 3; June 15, 1965, No. 32, p. 59, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 114 - Membership

All dentists who are legally admitted to practice the profession of dental surgery in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and who fulfill the duties prescribed by §§ 111—123 of this title and by the bylaws approved by the College shall be members of the College. Dentists specifically exempted by law from the license requirement to practice dental surgery in the discharge of their functions as fulltime members of the faculty of the School of Odontology of the University of Puerto Rico or as members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Puerto Rico, may be members of the College if they so request, provided they fulfill all the other requirements of law and of the bylaws of the College; Provided, That upon becoming such members of the College the limitations imposed as to the exemption of the license requirement are in no way altered.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 4; June 29, 1966, No. 135, p. 437; May 9, 1967, No. 26, p. 210.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 115 - Organization

The college shall be governed in the first place by its general assembly, and in the second place by its board of directors.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 5, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 116 - Officials

The officials of the College who, in turn, shall be officials of the board of directors, shall consist of a president, a first vicepresident, a second vicepresident, a secretary, a treasurer, an auditor, and one member for each section or district stipulated in the bylaws, which shall never be less than five (5) and shall represent the different geographical areas of Puerto Rico; these members shall be the presidents of their respective sections or districts.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 6; June 15, 1965, No. 32, p. 59, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 117 - Local organizations

The bylaws shall establish district sections or local organizations which shall be elected or designated, and shall operate and fulfill their duties in such form and under such conditions as the bylaws of the college shall [set]; but the election or designation of those who are to constitute them shall, save in the case of relinquishment of such power, be made by the members of the college who reside or have their offices in the respective territorial district of the sections or organizations.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 7, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 118 - Bylaws

The bylaws shall prescribe whatever has not been provided for in §§ 111—123 of this title, including everything concerning the functions, duties, and procedure of all its bodies and officials, calls, dates, quorum, form and requirements of the general assemblies and meetings of the board of directors; election of directors and officials; standing committees; budgets or investment of funds and disposal of property of the college, and terms for all offices, creation of vacancies and manner of filling them.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 8, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 119 - Fees

Each year the members of the College shall pay a fee which shall be [set] by regulation. Any change in fees shall be considered as one of the stated topics on the agenda at a general assembly duly constituted with the quorum established by regulation. This proposed change in fees shall be circulated to all the members of the College no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the assembly. Any change in fees shall be approved by a majority of not less than two-thirds (2 / 3) of those present at the time of voting.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 9; June 15, 1965, No. 32, p. 59, § 1; Mar. 16, 1979, No. 23, p. 49.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 120 - Suspension for nonpayment

Any member who does not pay his annual [dues] shall be suspended as such member, even though he is, in all other respects, qualified as a member of the college.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 10, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 121 - Certificate of membership

When a member of the dental profession duly authorized to practice the profession pays his first annual quota, there shall be issued to him, in addition to the receipt, a certificate on which it is set forth that said member of the college has fulfilled all the requirements of law and the regulations and is authorized to practice the profession during the year, in conformity with, and under the conditions that the bylaws of the college may establish. For the second and succeeding years, provision shall be made in the bylaws for the issuance of a card of renewal of the certificate entitling him to practice the profession as a member of the college; Provided, That it shall be an obligatory requirement for the member of the college to expose the said certificate to public view in his office.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 11, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 122 - Penalties

Every dentist who, without being duly admitted as a member of the College as provided by §§ 111—123 of this title, practices as a capacitated person authorized to do so, advertises himself as such dentist; or holds himself to be a practicing dentist, member of the College, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a minimum fine of one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125) or a maximum fine of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). In case of recidivism, he shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). In case of any dentist convicted of violating the provisions of this section, the College may submit his name to the Board of Dental Examiners of Puerto Rico for such action as it may deem pertinent. Provided, That §§ 81—94u of this title shall remain in force insofar as it is not incompatible with §§ 111—123 of this title.
It shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not he is a dentist, to practice dental surgery or to offer his services as a dental surgeon, under the name of any company, association, corporation or firm, or under any name other than his own; or to work, manage or be employed anywhere or in any office where dental work is done or contracted for and where such services are rendered in the name of any company, association, firm or corporation, and upon conviction, such person shall be punished, for the first offense, by a fine of not less than two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, if a recidivist, he shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and imprisonment in jail for a maximum term of two (2) years. This shall not be construed as prohibiting two (2) or more authorized dentists to associate themselves under an agreement to practice the profession under the individual names of each and every one of them. The provisions of this section referring to practice under the name of a company, association, corporation, firm or under any name other than his own shall not be applicable to nonprofit charitable government or private institutions; provided, the services are rendered by a dentist duly authorized in Puerto Rico and whose name appears conspicuously posted to the public in the office where the services are rendered.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 12; June 15, 1965, No. 32, p. 59, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 5 - Board of Dental Examiners and College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 81 — 123) › Subchapter II - College of Dental Surgeons (§§ 111 — 123) › § 123 - Duties

The College of Dental Surgeons of Puerto Rico shall have the following duties and obligations:
(1) To contribute to the advancement and development of the science and the art of odontology.
(2) To raise and maintain the dignity of the profession and of its members.
(3) To establish relations with similar associations in other countries within certain rules of solidarity and courtesy.
(4) To work for the implantation of adequate national and Commonwealth laws responding to a reasonable and just spirit and connected with the profession of dentistry.
(5) To cooperate with the medical and allied professions in everything of mutual interest and beneficial to general welfare.
(6) To promote fraternal relations among its members.
(7) To uphold sound and strict professional ethics among its associates.
(8) To furnish such reports as the government may request.
History —May 13, 1941, No. 162, p. 986, § 13, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132a - Powers

The Board shall have the power to:
(a) Adopt an official seal.
(b) Elect from among its members, in the first session, a Chair, to serve for one (1) year.
(c) Hold regular sessions to resolve its official affairs; Provided, That the Board shall hold at least one regular meeting a month and may also hold additional meetings as necessary to better discharge its functions.
(d) Hold emergency meetings at any time, called by the Chair or by a member, at the request of an officer and two Board members if required to comply with this chapter.
(e) Develop a meeting notice system within a reasonable term.
(f) Have the duty to hold regular meetings, thus stringently complying with this chapter and the rules of parliamentary procedure adopted by the Board.
(g) Consider the attendance of five (5) Board members to constitute a quorum, and decisions shall be made by the majority of the members present. Provided, That at the time of voting, quorum shall be ascertained.
(h) When the matter to be addressed is an order to suspend, cancel or revoke a regular license or to fix a probation period for a physician for a specific term, decisions are to be made by the affirmative vote of the absolute majority of the Board members convened into quorum.
(i) Establish relations of reciprocal consultation and coordination with the Secretary of Health, with bona fide health organizations, and with professional regulation and evaluation organizations.
(j) Amend, reject or approve the Code of Ethics for Physicians in Puerto Rico, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 73 et seq. of this title.
(k) Establish by regulation the requirements as to the continuing education courses that physicians can take and approve the courses offered for such purposes.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 4, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132b - Members, Code of Ethics

Board members shall be under the obligation to comply with the Code of Ethics of the Medical Discipline and Licensure Board. The Board shall have one hundred and eighty (180) days to draft and approve the Code of Ethics. Violation of the Code thus instituted shall constitute grounds for removal of any member of the Board.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 5, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132c - Official documents

The Chair and the Secretary of the Board shall sign all official documents issued by the Board, as well as any other document authorized by related laws and regulations. Provided, That all certifications of copies of documents at the Board may only be signed by the Secretary, as the Board may provide by regulation. Provided, That only the Chair of the Board shall have the authority to sign licenses for physicians and that said power is not delegable. The use of digital signatures is authorized, but said signature may not be used to sign licenses for physicians, and the Board shall adopt regulations to regulate the use thereof.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 6, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132f - Functions of the Chair

The Chair shall have the following functions, among others, within the Board:
(a) To chair and establish the order of the agenda at Board meetings.
(b) To appoint Committees and their members.
(c) To coordinate Board activities.
(d) To supervise the operations of the Board.
(e) To act as a liaison among the Board, the Secretary of Health and the Governor.
(f) To supervise the Executive Director.
(g) To speak on behalf of the Board.
(h) To sign official documents.
(i) To establish budget priorities together with all other Board members.
(j) To bear the non-delegable responsibility of signing licenses for physicians.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 9, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132g - Functions of the Executive Director

The Executive Director shall have the following functions, among others, within the Board:
(a) To answer directly to the Chair.
(b) To support the works of the Board.
(c) To supervise the areas of Human Resources, Finances, Budget and General Services.
(d) To bear the responsibility, in the first instance, of ensuring the safekeeping of the physicians’ records.
(e) To guarantee confidentiality in the management of physicians’ records.
(f) To bear the responsibility of being the custodian and protecting all official documents pertaining to the Board.
(g) To bear the responsibility of billing and collecting for services rendered by the Board.
(h) To render an annual report to the Board and to the Secretary of Health on tasks performed.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 10, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132h - Functions of the Secretary

The Secretary of the Board shall have the following functions, among others, within the Board:
(a) To certify Board member attendance per session.
(b) To keep a book of minutes of the sessions, which shall be approved by the Board and signed by the Chair and the Secretary. The same are to be approved in the following regular meeting.
(c) To ensure that the minutes and the register of non-public meetings are kept as privileged and confidential information except for the Board or its designees for the purpose of complying with this chapter, except for decisions concerning licensure and discipline orders, together with their findings of facts and conclusions of law.
(d) To be in charge of establishing the necessary mechanisms for the registration, every three (3) years, of the regular licenses issued by the Board.
(e) To keep a register of the provisional licenses issued by the Board.
(f) To be in charge of and to keep under his/her custody and responsibility, all documents, registration books and files pertaining to the Board.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 11, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132i - Confidentiality

For the purposes of this chapter, the following shall be deemed to be confidential:
(a) Renewal applications and forms and any evidence presented with the applications for practicing the medical profession.
(b) All investigations and investigation registers.
(c) Any report concerning the suitability of any person for receiving or keeping a license.
(d) Any communication of the Board or its committees, personnel, aides, attorneys, employees, examining officers, consultants, experts, investigators and panels when non-public proceedings are conducted.
(e) The identity of the individual or entity that lodges a complaint with the Board.
It being understood that none of the provisions of this section impedes the Board from cooperating and providing documentation to the Legislature, other boards, agencies, law enforcement corps of the Commonwealth or other jurisdictions, when presented with a written official request from such entities. Likewise, these provisions shall not be construed to constitute a prohibition on responding to the claim of the legal representation of a respondent in the exercise of the constitutional right to due process of law.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 12, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132j - Committees

The Committees shall have the duty to facilitate the work of the Board. The Board shall establish the following Standing Committees:
(a) Licensure and Testing Committee.
(b) Investigation Committee.
(c) Administration Committee.
(d) Legislation, Rules and Regulations Committee.
(e) Public Information Committee.
(f) Education Committee.
The majority of the members of each Committee shall constitute a quorum. Committee meetings shall be held in compliance with this chapter and the rules of parliamentary procedure adopted by the Board.
Additional committees may be appointed if required by the Chair of the Board to comply with the purposes of this chapter. The Chair of the Board shall appoint the members of each Committee, who shall serve for the term of one year as of the date of their appointment. Members may be re-nominated for additional terms.
The Committees shall meet as per the instructions of the Chair, at least once a year to perform their tasks and to prepare an annual report, which is to be submitted to the Board.
In these Committees, the Chair of the Board shall guarantee the participation of a member who is not a physician and who is a responsible citizen, a defender of the public interest, without interests in the medical profession or in the hospital, the insurance, the pharmaceutical or the biotechnological industries. This person shall have pursued college studies at the undergraduate level. For such a task, persons from other health professions or from the fields of public health, the law, scientific research, education and the humanities shall have preference.
The responsibilities delegated unto Committees shall be consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 13, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter II - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board (§§ 132 — 132k) › § 132k - Mileage allowance

All Board members, including public officials, shall be entitled to collect a an [sic] amount equal to mileage expended pursuant to that which is established in the regulations of the Department of Transportation and Public Works of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 14, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133 - Examinations

The Board shall offer total or partial licensure examinations in Puerto Rico at least twice (2) a year and pursuant to the norms to be established by the Board. This licensure examination shall be prepared by an external entity properly approved by the Board. The Board shall contract services for administering and evaluating the licensure examination. The procedure to be followed shall be established by regulation, with the proper safeguards to ensure security and confidentiality in the preparation as well as in administering and evaluating the licensure examination. Medical candidates shall have seven (7) years to pass said examination in its entirety-Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Practical Examination-with no limitation as to the number of times they can be tested for each part. The seven (7) year term shall begin to run as of the date the candidate passes any part of the examination for the first time. Provided, That when a student has failed four (4) times any of the parts of the licensure examination, he/she shall be under the obligation to meet continuing education requirements as determined by the Board before taking the licensure examination again. If said seven (7) year term should lapse before the candidate has passed the licensure revalidation in its entirety, the candidate shall have no additional opportunities whatsoever.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 15, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133c - Exemptions

Physicians or osteopaths of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the federal public health service are hereby relieved from the examinations established in this chapter and shall be able to practice medicine in Puerto Rico while in the active discharge of their official functions, for which they shall obtain a special license issued by the Board, in addition to complying with the provisions of § 133b of this title. This right shall be understood to have lapsed as soon as they cease to discharge their official functions.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 18, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133d - Physicians graduating from foreign schools

Minimal requirements for candidates holding a degree as a medical doctor:
(a) Candidates shall hold a degree as a medical doctor, a bachelor’s degree in medicine or an equivalent approved by the Board and which is geared toward satisfactorily fulfilling a Board-validated educational program.
(b) Candidates shall be eligible, by virtue of their medical education and training, for obtaining a license without restrictions or an authorization to practice medicine in the country where they have received education and training.
(c) Candidates shall have approved an examination whereby the Board ascertains that the candidate has an adequate basic knowledge.
(d) Candidates shall be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or by Board-approved successors, or by an equivalent Board-approved entity.
(e) Candidates shall satisfactorily complete at least one (1) year of progressive post-graduate medical training approved by the Board or by a nonprofit private accreditation entity approved by the Board, at an institution in the United States of America, Canada or Puerto Rico approved by the Board or by a nonprofit private accreditation entity approved by the Board.
(f) Credentials, diplomas or any other required documentation submitted to the Board in a foreign language by or on behalf of a candidate shall be accompanied with a notarized translation into Spanish or English.
(g) Candidates must meet all requirements set forth by the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States of America.
(h) If transferred from another university, candidates must have completed the last two (2) years in the school issuing their certification.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 19, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133e - Required documents

The Board shall obtain supplemental documentation, including but not limited to:
(a) Criminal records;
(b) absence of current or pending investigations in any jurisdiction where a candidate holds a license;
(c) verification of the specialty certificate, and
(d) professional experience.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 20, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133h - Special license; interns or residents

The Board shall issue a provisional license authorizing the practice of medicine and surgery in Puerto Rico for all physicians and surgeons who show evidence attesting that they have been admitted into an internship or a residence program at a Board-approved hospital in the United States of America, Canada, or Puerto Rico, who have approved that part of the licensure examination that the Board requires as it may see fit, and who meet all other requirements imposed by this chapter. Provided, That foreign physicians and surgeons shall submit evidence attesting that they have obtained the corresponding permits from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice of the United States of America.
Said provisional license shall be issued to interns for the term of one (1) year and may be renewed for one (1) additional year. Provided, That this term, as pertains to residents, may be [extended] to up to seven (7) years for special cases as the Board may deem necessary to meet specialty requirements.
Foreign citizens who wish to take their post-graduate training in Puerto Rico shall submit evidence attesting that they have obtained the corresponding permits from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice of the United States of America.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, all hopefuls for a license to practice the profession of physician and surgeon or osteopath in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall meet all the requirements provided for in this chapter as they may apply.
Omission or failure to meet these requirements shall constitute illegal practice of medicine in Puerto Rico and be subject to the penalties provided for in this chapter.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 23, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133i - Services [in] the Armed Forces credited toward internship

The Board shall credit for all physicians who have served in the Armed Forces of the Nation, the time they have thus served, in the same manner and with the same effect as if they have served under an internship at a renowned hospital or as officially appointed physicians of one of the municipalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, for purposes of admitting them into the licensure examination.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 24, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter III - Licensure (§§ 133 — 133j) › § 133j - Special license for sports medicine physicians

The Board shall grant a provisional license to all physicians who legally practice medicine in another state or jurisdiction, contingent upon the request by such physicians to the Board and on condition that they are coming to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by invitation extended by the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee or by any other authorized sports organization. This special license shall be granted for the duration of the event which causes the issue thereof and said license shall be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The physician may render medical services at the facilities where the sports activities are conducted and only to athletes and accompanying team staff who are registered to compete or train by invitation of sports organizations.
(2) The Olympic Committee or the hosting sports organization shall certify to the Board, the state or jurisdiction where the physician is authorized to practice medicine and the dates that he/she is to be rendering services in Puerto Rico.
(3) The Board shall be empowered to regulate all matters relative to granting this provisional license.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 25, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135 - Mandatory reports and investigations

The Board shall submit to the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Secretary of Health, an annual report attesting to its works and rendering an account of the number of applications received and licenses issued, of expense and income accounts, of mileage accounts refunded to Board members and to whom were said refunds made, as well as of any other data that the Governor or the Secretary of Health should request, or which, in its judgment, the Medical Discipline and Licensure Board should deem pertinent to set forth. A copy of said report shall be remitted to the Secretary of Health and copies thereof shall be provided free of charge to bona fide physicians’ organizations that so request.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 31, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135c - Protected actions and communications

The Board shall not be liable for actions taken in good faith within the bounds of its duties and functions, including, among others:
(a) Immunity. — There shall be no monetary liability, and no cause of action for damages may be filed against any formal member, officer, administrator, team member, committee member, examiner, representative, agent, employee, consultant, witness, or any other person who has served or serves in the Board, whether as an operational part of the Board or as an individual, as a result of any act or person resulting, in omission, procedure, conduct or decision relative to his/her duties while working in good faith and within the bounds of the functions of the Board, provided his/her actions are not illegal.
(b) Indemnity. — If any current formal member, officer, administrator, team member, committee member, examiner, representative, agent, employee, consultant, or any other person within the functions of the Board requests that the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico protect him/her against any claim lodged in connection with his/her duties discharged in good faith and within the bounds of the functions of the Board, and if such a request is made in writing, within a reasonable term, before the trial, and if the person requesting defense cooperates in good faith with the defense in the complaint or action, the Commonwealth shall pay and provide said defense and pay for any resulting judgment, agreement or settlement.
(c) Protected communication. — Any communications by or on behalf of a person, institution, agency or organization, the Board or any person designated by the Board, in connection with an investigation or the initiation of an investigation, be it through a report, a complaint or a statement, shall be privileged. No action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, shall be allowed against such person, institution, agency or organization if the same was made in good faith.
The protections contained in this chapter shall not constitute a prohibition on the exercise of due process of law carried out by the legal counsel of a party charged.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 34, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135e - License—Renewal

The Board shall establish the requirements and mechanisms necessary to recertify professionals every three (3) years, on the basis of continuing education. The Board shall also provide for the certification of specialties, when applicable, provided that up to a maximum of ten (10) credit hours may be granted per recertification period for medical advisor or expert witness services provided to the Medical Discipline and Licensure Board, Courts of Justice, and other agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.
The procedure for that which is provided herein shall be determined by regulations. This recertification procedure shall be staggered and efficient. Provided, That the recertification procedure shall not require the presence of the physician and the same may be processed by mail or any other electronic means.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 36, eff. Jan 1, 2009; Apr. 8, 2011, No. 57, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135g - Rules and regulations

The Board shall contract legal services as it deems necessary and fees shall be paid out from Board funds. The Board may also seek, when deemed necessary, the legal assistance of the Secretary of Justice.
The Board shall be empowered to subpoena witnesses and compel their appearance before the Board to take testimonies and oaths and to receive the evidence submitted thereto in all matters within its jurisdiction. Likewise, the Board may require remittance of copies of books, documents or excerpts thereof in all cases in which it is entitled to examine the original documents or to require the presentation thereof. Any subpoena under forewarning issued by the Board shall bear the seal of the Board and be signed by its Chair, which subpoena may be served by any adult in any part of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The Board shall fix by regulation the amounts to be paid for the appearance of witnesses and for each mile traveled by them, pursuant to applicable regulations. Refunds made to pay such fees shall be chargeable to the expense budget of the Board.
If any individual who has been subpoenaed to appear before the Board fails to appear or refuses to give an oath or to testify or to answer any pertinent question, or to present any pertinent document when so ordered by the Board, the Board may invoke the assistance of any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico to compel such appearance, the testimony of witnesses and the presentation of documents; and said court, based on just cause proven, shall issue an order for any person to appear before the Board and to present the documents required, if so ordered, and to testify on the matter under discussion; and failure to obey such order shall constitute contempt of court and be punished as such.
The Board shall approve its bylaws pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, as it may deem convenient for the proper operation of said entity. Such bylaws, once approved and published by the Board, shall have force of law. In the meantime and until that time, the bylaws which exist at present shall continue to be in effect.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 38, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135i - Relationship with the Department of Health

The Department of Health shall lend administrative support to the Board, to include the areas of human resources and finances.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 40, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 6 - Medical Discipline and Licensure Board Act (§§ 131 — 135j) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 135 — 135j) › § 135j - Preemption

Any law or part thereof, joint resolution or administrative provision that contravenes any provision of this chapter, shall be preempted thereby. Jurisprudential or legal norms not specifically revoked or which do not contravene that which is set forth in this chapter, shall remain in effect.
History —Aug. 1, 2008, No. 139, § 43, eff. Jan 1, 2009.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 7 - Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§§ 151 — 169) › § 151 - Definitions

Whenever used in §§ 151—169 of this title, the following words shall mean:
(a) Chiropractic. — Shall mean the science of the treatment of the human body by means of adjustments and manipulations for the purpose of correcting partial misalignment and subluxation of the spinal column, causing compression on the nerves, thus hindering the transmission of vital energy from the brain to the organs, tissues and cells of the human body.
(b) Board. — Shall mean the Board of Chiropractic Examiners of Puerto Rico.
History —May 15, 1952, No. 493, p. 1062, § 1.