reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2819 - Reconsideration of orders or decisions

Any person affected adversely by any order or final decision of the Board may request a reconsideration thereof within the term of fifteen (15) days after receiving a copy of said order or decision. The reconsideration shall be a requirement before proceeding with an appeal for judicial review.
The filing of the petition for reconsideration shall not exempt any person from complying or obeying any order or decision of the Board, nor shall it act as a stay or postponement of said order or decision, unless a special order is issued by the Board. The petition for reconsideration shall specifically include the grounds therefor. The Board shall be empowered to grant or deny the reconsideration, or to suspend, amend or revoke its order or decision, with or without a hearing.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2820 - Judicial review

Any party adversely affected by an order or decision of the Board, after complying with the reconsideration requirement, may petition the Court of First Instance of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, San Juan Part, for review of said order or decision. The petition for review must be filed with the Court of First Instance within fifteen (15) days from the date of the notice of the resolution or order of the Board.
The petitioner shall serve the Board, through its President, with a copy of the petition for review on the same date the petition is filed.
The filing of the petition for review shall not stay the effects of said order or decision unless the court should so order it at the request of an interested party, and after a hearing and determination that the party against whom the resolution or order was issued shall suffer grave or irreparable injury, unless such stay is ordered. The resolution held by the court shall include a bond in the amount deemed fair, to guarantee adequate compensation for the damages produced by the stay of the execution of the order or resolution of the Board.
The court shall set down a hearing on the petition within thirty (30) days following the filing of the petition, which shall take place no later than fifteen (15) days after the date of setting or of the extension [set] by the court.
The review shall be held on the basis of the record of the administrative hearing submitted by the Board.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2821 - Reciprocity

The Board shall be authorized to establish, by means of the conditions and requirements it deems necessary, reciprocity for the granting of licenses with or without examination directly with the states of the United States or any other country in which similar requirements are established in each law to obtain an operator’s license, and similar concessions are provided for those who are granted licenses by this Board.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 20.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2822 - Penalties

After one (1) year from the effective date of this act, any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or engages in the practice as operator without having previously obtained a license to do so, or who continues practicing as an operator after his license has been suspended or revoked, or who employs or allows the employment of a person to work as an operator knowing that said person does not hold a license to do so, or that his license has been revoked or suspended shall incur a misdemeanor. After conviction, said person shall be sentenced by imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 21.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 91 - Board of Examiners for Operators of Treatment Plants for Drinking Water and Used Water (§§ 2801 — 2823) › § 2823 - Rules and regulations

The Board is hereby authorized to issue the necessary regulations to implement the purposes of this chapter. Said regulations shall be adopted after public hearings are held, and according to the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957.
History —July 13, 1978, No. 53, p. 528, § 23.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2851 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall govern:
(a) Podiatric medicine. — A branch of medicine that refers to the diagnosis, treatment and study of the conditions that affect the human foot, and the related structures that govern it, including the manifestations of systemic conditions, through appropriate means.
(b) Doctor of podiatric medicine. — A health professional that holds a degree of “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine”, obtained through a school of podiatric medicine accredited by the Podiatric Doctors Examining Board, and recognized by the American National Association of Podiatric Medicine. He/she examines, diagnoses, treats, prevents and cares for the diseases and conditions of the human foot, using medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and other knowledge, and scientific methods. They shall be authorized to practice in their private offices as well as in hospitals, health centers and in the home.
(c) Board. — Podiatric Doctors Examining Board created by this chapter.
(d) Secretary. — The person designated by the Secretary of Health to perform the functions of Secretary of the Podiatric Doctors Examining Board, created by this chapter.
(e) Re-certification. — Procedure provided for health professionals in §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 1; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 1; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2852 - Creation

The Examining Board of Podiatric Doctors, attached to the Examining Board Division of the Department of Health, that shall be composed of three (3) members, podiatrist doctors licensed to practice podiatric medicine in Puerto Rico, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bonafide associations or entities of podiatric physicians in Puerto Rico may recommend qualified candidates who have a genuine interest in the functions of the Board, to the Governor. Two (2) of the members shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years, and one for the term of three (3) years. Subsequent appointments shall be made for the term of four (4) years. No member of the Board shall be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The members of the Board shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and take office. Appointments to fill vacancies other than those due to the expiration of the term established by law shall be made until the expiration of the appointment of the person replaced.
Members of the Board shall be citizens of the United States of America, over twenty-one (21) years of age, and have resided in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for at least three (3) years, immediately prior to their appointment; have actively practiced podiatric medicine in Puerto Rico for a term of three (3) years, and be actively practicing their profession at the time of their appointment. Once appointed, no member of the Board may be a shareholder or belong to the Board of Trustees or Directors of a university, college or school where studies leading to obtain a degree of doctor of podiatry are conducted.
The Governor of Puerto Rico may remove any member of the Board after due notice and hearing for negligence in the performance of his duties, for negligence in the exercise of his profession, for conviction of a felony or for the suspension, cancellation or revocation of his license.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 2; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 2; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2854 - Meetings

The Board shall hold at least six (6) meetings a year to attend to its official business, and any additional meetings that are needed for the faithful performance of its functions.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 4; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 4; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2855 - Quorum

Two (2) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and the decisions shall be made by a majority of the members present.
The Board shall determine, through regulations, those situations in which the vote of the three (3) members of the Board shall be needed to make a decision.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 5; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2856 - Duties of Secretary

The Secretary of the Board shall have the following duties:
(a) To sign all official documents arising from the Board singly, or in conjunction with the Chairman.
(b) To keep a book of the minutes of all the proceedings of the Board.
(c) To certify the Board members’ attendance per session.
(d) To safeguard the official seal, documents, record books and files of the Board.
(e) To supervise the disposition of documents.
(f) To issue certificates or reports requested by interested parties.
(g) To perform any other duty delegated by the Board or authorized by duly promulgated laws or regulations.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 6, eff. 3 months after July 20, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2857 - Per diems

The members of the Board shall be entitled to per diems of fifty dollars ($50) for each day or fraction thereof that they devote to their official duties as members of the Board. They shall also be entitled to reimbursement of travelling expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, pursuant to applicable regulations of the Department of the Treasury.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 7; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2858 - Examinations

The Board shall offer revalidation examinations in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico at least twice (2 times) a year on the subjects stipulated by the regulations and according to the standards established in coordination with the Department of Health. The examinations on subject matter shall be given in writing and shall be offered in English or Spanish as selected by the aspirant, according to regulations, provided that written evidence of the evaluation made in each case, is preserved.
The Board shall seek advice from professionals with expertise in the drafting of examinations, in order to ensure the validity thereof as adequate instruments to measure knowledge and skills.
The Board shall establish, through regulations, everything concerning the overall grade point average needed to pass the examinations, which shall be informed to the aspirants prior to the date on which the examinations will be administered. The Board shall also establish the norms regarding make-up examinations, in case an aspirant fails to pass the examination, and shall set the limit for the number of times it can be taken, which under no circumstances can be more than five (5) times. The Board shall also create a procedure that enables those aspirants who fail the examination to request a reconsideration and review their examination. Any person who has taken said examination shall be granted a term of ninety (90) days from the date the examination results are notified, to file any allegation in his/her favor regarding the scores obtained. The examination papers of those who have passed the examination may be disposed of after the aforementioned ninety (90) days have elapsed. The Board shall keep the papers of those persons who have failed the examination for the time needed to comply with the regulations it adopts on the review of examinations.
The Board shall provide for guidance to acquaint the aspirants with the examination procedure, the norms that apply, the method for the evaluation thereof, and any other pertinent information. To such effects, the Board shall prepare and publish a handbook containing all the information regarding the revalidation examination, a copy of which shall be made available to any person who requests admission to the examination. Said handbook shall be handed to aspirants upon presenting a money order or certified check drawn to the account of the Secretary of the Treasury, in the amount of ten dollars ($10). The Board may review the price of this handbook from time to time, based on the expenses of preparing and publishing the same; but the amount to be charged shall never exceed the real cost of such expense.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 8; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2859 - License—Fees

Every person who is interested in being admitted to an examination, re-examination, granting of license, re-certification and registration, duplicate license, shall submit a duly-completed form that is furnished to such effects by the Board, along with an internal revenue receipt for the corresponding amount, as indicated below:
(a) License by examination, seventy-five dollars ($75).
(b) Reciprocity license, one hundred and fifty dollars ($150).
(c) Re-certification and registry, seventy-five dollars ($75).
(d) Duplicate license, twenty-five dollars ($25).
(e) Re-examination, fifty dollars ($50).
(f) Special licenses for U. S. armed forces podiatric doctors and U.S. Public Health Service, twenty-five dollars ($25).
The fee for these rights shall not be returned for failure to appear for examination nor for failure thereof.
The fees shall be covered into the Health Fund and shall be destined by the Secretary of Health for the exclusive use of the Office of Regulation and Certification of Health Professionals of the Department of Health.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 9; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 8; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2860 - License—Requirements

Every person who aspires to obtain a license to practice the profession as doctor of podiatric medicine in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Hold a diploma or title of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, issued by a school or college of podiatric medicine, approved and recognized by the Council on Podiatric Medicine of the United States, the American National Association of Podiatric Medicine, the United States Department of Health, and the Board. The course of studies shall be of not less than four (4) years.
(b) Have approved the examinations referred to in § 2858 of this title.
(c) Have satisfactorily approved the National Podiatric Medicine Examinations, Part I and II (“National Boards of Podiatric Examiners”);
(d) Have completed a residential post-graduate program accredited by the United States Podiatric Medicine Education Council, in a hospital accredited by said organization, with a minimum of one (1) year of continuing education or have practiced podiatric medicine with a valid license in any state of the United States of America for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years in the same place.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 10; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2861 - License—special

Podiatric doctors of the Armed Forces of the United States and the Public Health Service, shall be exempted from the examinations established in § 2858 of this title, and may practice podiatric medicine in Puerto Rico while in the active exercise of their official functions, for which the Board shall issue a special license. Provided, That they must comply with the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of § 2860 of this title, and pay the corresponding fees stated in subsection (g) of Section 9 of this act. This special license shall be deemed to have expired as soon as the person ceases his/her official functions.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 11; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2862 - License—Reciprocity

The Podiatric Doctors Examining Board shall establish, in the best possible manner, reciprocity relationships with similar bodies in the states, possessions and the District of Columbia of the United States, in order to issue a license without an examination to those Doctors of Podiatry that have obtained a license through an examination approved before said body.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 12; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2863 - Illegal practice of podiatric medicine

Any person who does not hold a license issued by the Board, shall be deemed to be practicing podiatric medicine illegally, who:
(a) Writes, drafts or publishes a notice or advertisement purporting to be legally qualified to practice podiatric medicine.
(b) Offers podiatric medical services by means of any notice, announcement, or otherwise.
(c) Purports to be qualified to examine, diagnose, treat or prevent foot diseases or ailments.
(d) Examines, diagnoses, treats, prevents or looks after any foot disease, with or without remuneration for such services.
Provided, That whatever is provided herein shall not be interpreted as limiting or restricting the practice of medicine or surgery in Puerto Rico.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 13; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2864 - Penalties

For the purposes of this chapter, any person who:
(a) Practices podiatric medicine in Puerto Rico, illegally.
(b) Employs a person without a license of doctor in podiatry, in order for that person to provide said services.
(c) Uses the title of “Doctor in Podiatry”, “Doctor in Podiatric Medicine” or any abbreviation thereof, alone, or associated to other terms, with the purpose of offering services or soliciting patients, without being legally authorized to practice as a doctor of podiatry in Puerto Rico.
(d) Uses the terms “chiropodist”, “podologist”, or “podiatrist” or any other term used to identify a doctor in podiatry, or with the purpose of offering services or soliciting patients as a doctor in podiatry without being duly authorized by the Board.
(e) Advertises, offers or renders services or uses any term related to a specialty of podiatric medicine without being duly certified as such by the Board; and upon conviction thereof, shall be sanctioned with a penalty of imprisonment for a fixed term of three (3) years or of a fine that shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
If there were aggravating circumstances, the fixed penalty established may be increased to a maximum of five (5) years; if there were extenuating circumstances, if could be reduced to a minimum of one (1) year.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 14; Apr. 11, 2000, No. 61, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2865 - Denial of license

The Board may deny a license to a candidate for any of the following reasons:
(a) Trying to obtain a license by fraud or deceit.
(b) Does not meet the requirements established in § 2860 of this title.
(c) Has been declared mentally disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) Is addicted to drugs or is a habitual drunkard.
(e) For being unable to prove his/her good reputation through the presentation of a negative penal history certificate issued by the Police Department of Puerto Rico, and any other credential established by the Board through regulations.
(f) Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor entailing moral turpitude; Provided, That the Board may deny a license under this subsection when it can prove that the offense committed is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the profession regulated by this chapter.
(g) Has been convicted of illegally practicing any profession in Puerto Rico.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 15; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2866 - Suspension, cancellation or revocation of license

The Board may suspend, cancel or revoke a license as follows:
(a) Suspension of license. — The Board may suspend a license for the term it deems convenient, depending on the facts in each case, for the following reasons:
(1) Noncompliance with the requirements for the renewal of licenses at the expiration of the term fixed by this chapter or any other applicable law.
(2) For not submitting the information required for registration every three (3) years, as provided in this chapter, or any other applicable act.
Provided, however, That once the person meets these requirements, his/her license shall be activated by the Board.
(b) Cancellation or revocation of license. — The Board may cancel or revoke a license after due notice of charges and an administrative hearing where the injured party is guaranteed due process of law for:
(1) Having been convicted of fraud or deceit in the practice of any profession regulated by law in Puerto Rico.
(2) Having been convicted of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining a license to practice any profession regulated by law in Puerto Rico.
(3) Having been convicted of felony or misdemeanor entailing moral turpitude.
(4) Having been declared mentally disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(5) Being addicted to drugs or for habitual drunkenness.
(6) Being incompetent as manifested in his practice of the profession.
(7) Negotiating or offering for sale a license to practice any of the professions regulated by law in Puerto Rico.
(8) Giving false evidence in behalf of a candidate for examination before any Examining Board in Puerto Rico or in any determination of a complaint presented before said bodies for violations of the provisions of the laws or the regulations approved pursuant thereto.
(9) Altering any document or material with malice aforethought of deceiving the members of any Examining Board, in the performance of their duties as such.
(10) Violating the provisions of this chapter or the regulations approved pursuant thereto.
(11) Advertising or practicing as a specialist without being duly certified by the Board.
The procedure to be followed in the suspension, cancellation or revocation of a license shall follow the course established in the regulations approved pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3.
Any person whose license is suspended, cancelled or revoked by the Board may request a review before the Court of First Instance, San Juan Part; provided, that he/she had first requested a reconsideration before the Board and the same had resolved against him/her.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 16; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 111, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2867 - Transfer of records

The Secretary shall be responsible for the transfer of records from the Board of Medical Examiners to the Board.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 17, eff. 3 months after July 20, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2868 - Summoning of witnesses or interested parties

The summons issued by the Board for the appearance of witnesses or interested parties, pursuant to the provisions of subsection (m) of § 2853 of this title, shall bear its official seal and shall be sent by certified mail.
If any individual who is summoned to appear before the Board, or any of its members, refuses to obey such summons or, although he obeys the summons, refuses to take an oath, give testimony, answer any question or bring any relevant document when ordered to do so by the Board, it may invoke the assistance of any Part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, and said court, for proven just cause, shall issue an order to the effect that the order issued by the Board be complied with. Any disobedience of the court’s order shall constitute contempt of court and shall be punished as such.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 18, eff. 3 months after July 20, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2869 - Compensation of witnesses

Any witness required to appear before the Board or before any of its members shall be paid for the expenses incurred, in the same way that he would be compensated by the General Court of Justice.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 19, eff. 3 months after July 20, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 93 - Board of Examiners of Podiatrists (§§ 2851 — 2870) › § 2870 - Funds

The expenses originated pursuant to this chapter shall be paid from the funds received from the payment of fees or other legal sources and any other uncommitted funds in the General Fund of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 170, p. 433, § 20, eff. 3 months after July 20, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2951 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as the “Act to Regulate the Practice of Veterinary Medicine in Puerto Rico”.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 1; Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2953 - Accreditation standards

The bodies responsible therefore under this chapter shall be governed by the following accreditation standards from schools or colleges of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology whose graduates request a license for the professional practice of their respective professions in Puerto Rico:
(a) The Higher Education Council shall have the exclusive power to issue licenses for the authorization and accreditation of schools of veterinary medicine and of veterinary technology that are established in Puerto Rico. The Council shall perform its functions according to the provisions of Act No. 31 of May 10, 1976.
(b) The Higher Education Council shall recognize for their accreditation the schools of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology that operate in the United States of America, and abroad, and those accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, as a body specialized in veterinary medicine, operating as such by express, exclusive and official delegation of the U.S. Department of Education.
(c) Prior to filing an application for the revalidation examination, the graduates of non-accredited schools must have approved [sic] an additional one (1) year evaluation and training program, as provided by the Board or Subboard in the case of medical technologists or technicians, through regulations. Provided, That said requirement may also be satisfied, as provided by Board regulations through:
(1) The approval [sic] of a national program in effect endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, including the one offered by the Educational Commission for Graduates of Foreign Veterinary Schools, or
(2) the approval [sic] of the program offered by the National Association of State Veterinary Medicine Examining Boards.
(d) No diplomas obtained through correspondence schools shall, be accepted.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 3; Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2957 - Former—Licenses

Every holder of a license to practice veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico issued prior to the date of enactment of this act shall be deemed to be a licensed veterinarian with all the rights and obligations hereby provided.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 7, renumbered as § 8 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2960 - Reciprocity

The Board may register as a veterinarian and issue a license to practice the profession in Puerto Rico without taking an examination any person with good moral repute who presents satisfactory evidence to the Board that as of that date he is duly registered and authorized to practice the profession by virtue of an examination before a Board in any of the states of the United States of America; Provided, also, That the power conferred to the Board in this section to register such persons as veterinarians without an examination shall only be used in those cases in which the applicant for registration and a license comes from a state where there is an act of veterinary medicine in force which allows reciprocal registration and the practice of the profession without examination to those doctors in veterinary medicine, duly authorized and registered to practice in Puerto Rico, adjusting, in each case, the requirements and conditions to obtain a license by reciprocity in Puerto Rico to those required and in force in the state the applicant is from; Provided, finally, That the persons who resort to this provision shall pay the fees required under this chapter for registration and licensing.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 10, renumbered as § 11 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2961 - Provisional license

(a) The Board may issue a provisional license to practice veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico to an applicant who meets all the requirements stipulated in this chapter, and is waiting to take the revalidation examination.
(b) Any person who holds a license as veterinary technologist or veterinary technician from any state of the United States whose examining entities require a degree of professional education equal to or higher than that of Puerto Rico, and pays the corresponding fees, shows official evidence of holding said license, and meets all other requirements established by the Subboard, shall be granted a provisional license.
(c) Said provisional license may be granted for private practice or to work with the Government of Puerto Rico, provided that the applicant works under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinary doctor designated for such purpose in the application for the provisional license. The Board or the Subboard shall establish by regulations, all matters related to the granting of provisional licenses.
(d) All provisional licenses shall expire, when the results of the revalidation examinations that are given on dates after the issuing of said provisional licenses, are served. Provided, That for the candidate that [passes] the revalidation examination, said provisional license shall be valid until it is replaced by a permanent license.
(e) This privilege shall not be extended to any applicant who has failed the revalidation examination in Puerto Rico.
(f) A provisional license may be revoked for just cause by the respective Board or the Subboard, after holding a public hearing.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 11, renumbered as § 12 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2963 - License holders—Disciplinary measures

If any person should file a written complaint under oath against a license holder, and if the Board or the Subboard, as the case may be, determines that said complaint states facts that raise a reasonable doubt as to whether or not the respondent has incurred [sic] improper conduct as provided in this chapter, the Board or the Subboard shall hold a public hearing following the procedure outlined in §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, and by a simple majority of its members may revoke or suspend the license of a veterinary doctor, technician or technologist, for a specific period, or take any other disciplinary action as provided in the bylaws of the Board or the Subboard, or for any of the following reasons:
(a) Using fraud, deceit or misrepresentation to obtain a license.
(b) Having been found mentally disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction; Provided, That the license shall be granted anew as soon as the person is found able by a similar court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) Habitual drunkenness or drug addiction, found by a court of competent jurisdiction; Provided, That the license shall be granted anew as soon as the person is found able by a similar court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) Using advertising or untruthful and deceitful application forms or using behavior contrary to the standards of professional conduct adopted by the Board or the Subboard through of [sic] regulations.
(e) Being convicted for a misdemeanor that implies moral turpitude or a felony.
(f) Incompetence, gross negligence or malpractice in the practice of veterinary medicine or technology, as the case may be.
(g) Be associated with or dealing with, providing working facilities for, or allowing persons who illegally practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology, as the case may be, or hiring such persons.
(h) Using fraud or deceit when executing or reporting on any test for disease of an animal.
(i) Failing to keep the veterinary equipment and facilities in good sanitary condition.
(j) Neglecting to report in the manner prescribed by law, or falsely reporting any contagious or infectious disease, as regularly required by the government agencies concerned.
(k) Dishonesty or negligence in the inspection of food or in issuing health or inspection certificates.
(l) Cruelty to animals.
(m) Revocation of doctor of veterinary medicine license by any state of the United States of America, or by any other country, for not complying with all the requirements for the renewal of his veterinary doctor’s license except for the payment of fees.
(n) Noncompliance with the requirement of license registration and recertification as required in Section 13-d of this Act and §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 13, renumbered as § 14 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2963a - License holders—Revocation of license

The Board may refuse to issue a license to the interested party after due notice and hearing, when said party:
(a) Has practiced the profession of doctor of veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico illegally.
(b) Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that implies moral turpitude; Provided, That the Board may refuse a license under this subsection when it can prove that the offense committed is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the profession regulated in this chapter.
(c) Has obtained or tried to obtain a license as veterinary doctor by means of fraud, deception or deceit.
(d) Has been guilty of gross incompetence in the practice of the profession in prejudice of a third party.
(e) Has been declared mentally disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction or his disability has been established before the Board by a medical expert; Provided, That the license may be granted as soon as the person is declared able anew, if he meets all the other requirements established in this chapter.
(f) Has been a drug addict or an alcoholic; Provided, That the license may be granted as soon as this person proves he is able, and meets the other requirements established in this chapter.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, added as § 14.1 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2964 - Adjudication procedures

In all cases of license suspension or revocation, the Board or the Subboard shall follow the procedures established by §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 14, renumbered as § 15 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2965 - Judicial review

(a) Any party adversely affected by a resolution or order of the Board or the Subboard may request the judicial review of said resolution or order before the Circuit Court of Appeals of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The petition for review shall be filed before the Circuit Court of Appeals within thirty (30) days counted from the date of the notice of the resolution or order of the Board or the Subboard.
(b) The order, resolution or regulation of the Board or the Subboard shall remain in full force and effect, as long as if has not been revoked by a final, firm and enforceable decision of the Circuit Court of Appeals of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) The appeal for review shall be executed by filing an application in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Appeals in which the facts on which the appeal for review are based are explained. After filing the appeal, the petitioner shall notify the Board or the Subboard thereof within a term of ten (10) days after the filing.
(d) Once the appeal for review has been established, it shall be the duty of the Board or the Subboard to send to remit a certified or photostatic copy of the documents in the file to the Circuit Court of Appeals, within a terms [sic] of ten (10) days counting from the date it was advised that the appeal for review was filed. The petitioner may request a transcription, at his/her own expense, of the stenographic record and the Circuit Court of Appeals shall grant a reasonable term for such purpose.
(e) The court shall review the disputed resolution or order based on the file submitted.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 15, renumbered as § 16 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2966 - Reinstatement

Any person whose license has been revoked or suspended may request its reinstatement, in writing, after the period of revocation or suspension has elapsed, with the facts that justify such request. The Board or the Subboard [are] authorized to approve such application at any time and to reinstate or issue a license to said person, with or without a revalidation examination. If the license has been revoked, as soon as it is determined that said applicant has complied with the requirement for which the license was revoked, the Board or the Subboard shall reinstate said applicant with all his/her rights.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 16, renumbered as § 17 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2967 - Penalties

(a) Any person who practices veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico or who impersonates a licensed veterinary technologist or veterinary technician without having a license in effect, duly issued by the Board, whether or not said person charges for such practice, he/she shall incur a felony and upon conviction, shall be penalized by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or a jail term of not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years, or both penalties, at the discretion of a court with jurisdiction; Provided, That each case of illegal practice of veterinary medicine shall be considered as a separate offense.
(b) The Board, motu proprio, the Secretary of Health, or any District Attorney, police officer, or government official, as well as the College of Veterinary Doctors of Puerto Rico, or any private citizen may initiate and file an injunction or any other civil or criminal procedure against any person who practices, is practicing or intends to practice veterinary medicine illegally in Puerto Rico, so that the court with jurisdiction may prevent and prohibit his/her performance of such illegal acts pursuant to the provisions set forth in this section and the pertinent legal canons.
(c) The penal and civil actions of subsection (a) and (b) may be executed jointly or severally and the execution of one shall not affect the execution of the other.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 17, renumbered as § 18 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2968 - Ethical standards

The Board shall adopt the Code of Ethics promulgated by the College of Veterinary Doctors of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 20, renumbered as § 21 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 97 - Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine (§§ 2951 — 2969) › § 2969 - Attachment

The Board and the Subboard shall be attached to the Department of Health, in whose annual budget the funds needed to defray their operating expenses shall be included.
History —Aug. 4, 1979, No. 194, p. 549, § 21, renumbered as § 22 and amended on Dec. 28, 2001, No. 187, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 98 - College of Veterinarians (§§ 2971 — 2971k) › § 2971 - Creation

By this chapter, all persons holding a license to practice the profession of veterinary medicine in Puerto Rico are constituted in a legal entity denominated the “College of Veterinarians of Puerto Rico” with its legal domicile in San Juan, provided the majority of them do so agree in a referendum which shall be held as provided hereinbelow.
History —July 10, 1986, No. 107, p. 340, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 98 - College of Veterinarians (§§ 2971 — 2971k) › § 2971a - Compulsory membership

Ninety (90) days after the first General Constituti[ve] Assembly is held and the first Board of Directors of the College of Veterinarians of Puerto Rico is elected, no veterinarian who is not a member of the College may practice his profession in Puerto Rico, and if he were to do so, he would be subject to the penalties provided herein.
History —July 10, 1986, No. 107, p. 340, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 98 - College of Veterinarians (§§ 2971 — 2971k) › § 2971b - Members

All doctors of veterinary medicine who have been admitted to the practice of their profession in Puerto Rico by the Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine as provided in §§ 2951 et seq. of this title may be members of the College of Veterinarians of Puerto Rico.
History —July 10, 1986, No. 107, p. 340, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 98 - College of Veterinarians (§§ 2971 — 2971k) › § 2971c - Duties

The College of Veterinarians of Puerto Rico shall have the following duties:
(a) To contribute to the progress and development of the science and art of veterinary medicine by stimulating the continuous professional development of veterinarians through the divulging of scientific knowledge.
(b) To raise and maintain the dignity of the profession and its members.
(c) To work towards the implementation of adequate laws that answer to a fair and reasonable spirit and that are related to the profession of veterinary medicine and defend it from any harmful legislation.
(d) To maintain the strict honesty and high degree of responsibility that identifies this profession.
(e) To hold and stimulate a greater understanding between the veterinarians and other professionals.
(f) To contribute to the progress of veterinary medicine through scientific research.
(g) To determine measures of mutual protection strengthening the ties of friendship and comradeship between the members that constitute it.
(h) To furnish pertinent reports required by the Government.
(i) To cooperate in improving the practice of veterinary medicine, watching over the public health at all times.
(j) To establish relationships with counterpart associations in other countries, within certain rules of solidarity and courtesy.
History —July 10, 1986, No. 107, p. 340, § 7.