reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2703 - Declaration of dangerous substance; variations and exemptions

(a) The Secretary may declare by regulation that any substance or mixture of substances is a dangerous substance meeting the requirements of § 2702(a) of this title, when said action encourages the objectives of this chapter.
(b) When any dangerous substance in particular bears some specific danger and the Secretary determines that the requirements in § 2702(o)(1) of this title are not adequate to protect the public health and security, he shall establish by regulation the reasonable variations or additional requirements for labeling he deems necessary, and any dangerous substance of this type made or packaged for household or children’s use which fails to bear a label conforming to said regulations shall be considered an unduly labeled dangerous substance.
(c) If the Secretary determines that because of the size of the container, the minimum danger the substance represents, or for any other reason it is unnecessary to comply with the labeling requirements which would be otherwise applicable, he shall issue regulations exempting the substance from said requirements provided the public health and security are adequately protected.
(d) When the Secretary determines that a substance represents an imminent danger to the public health and security he shall prohibit through an order the distribution, sale, transportation or possession of said substance and shall proceed with the embargo or detention of said substance. Within five (5) working days following the embargo or detention of said substance, the aggrieved party shall be granted an administrative hearing to submit his allegations.
Any person aggrieved by the Secretary’s final order as a result of the administrative hearing may appeal to the Court of First Instance for the judicial review thereof.
The aggrieved party shall appeal to the Court [within] fifteen (15) days after the Secretary issues the order.
If the aggrieved party should fail to appear at the administrative hearing set by the Secretary, it will be understood that he has waived his right to oppose the embargo or detention of said substance.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 3, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2704 - Prohibitions

(1) The following activities are prohibited:
(a) The distribution, sale, transportation or possession of any unduly labeled dangerous substance or any prohibited dangerous substance; Provided, That the responsibility for the sale of an unduly labeled dangerous substance with respect to the ingredients or other technical information shall fall on the manufacturer, seller or distributor.
(b) The alteration, mutilation, destruction or total or partial removal of the label of a dangerous substance.
(c) The commercial transaction of any dangerous substance unduly labeled or any prohibited dangerous substance and the delivery or offer for delivery thereof in exchange for money or other compensation; Provided, That the responsibility for the sale of an unduly labeled dangerous substance with respect to the ingredients or other technical information shall fall on the manufacturer, seller or distributor.
(d) Refusal to permit the entrance of or inspection by the employees or officials of the Department as authorized in § 2709 of this title.
(e) The introduction, remittance, possession, receipt, sale, delivery and offer for delivery of a dangerous substance in a food, drug or cosmetic container previously used or in a container that, despite not being previously used, can be identified as a container for food, drug or cosmetic by its label or other kind of identification.
Repeated use of a food, drug or cosmetic container for a dangerous substance shall be considered as an action turning the dangerous substance into an unduly labeled dangerous substance. The terms food, drug and cosmetic as used in this part shall have the meanings provided by §§ 711—732 of this title.
(f) The manufacture, distribution, sale, transportation, delivery, possession with the intention of selling, distributing, transporting or delivering an unduly labeled dangerous substance or a prohibited dangerous substance within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is also prohibited to keep said substances within the reach of children.
(g) The use by any person for his personal benefit or the revelation to another person other than the Secretary or the employees or officials of the Department, or to the courts, of any information obtained under § 2709 of this title, related to any method or process that as a commercial secret is entitled to protection.
(h) Removal or disposal of any substance detained or embargoed, as provided for in § 2706 of this title.
(i) The self-service of dangerous substances in establishments where retailed. Establishments where these dangerous substances are retailed shall keep them separated from the rest of the substances for sale.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 4, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2705 - Penalties

Any person violating the provisions of this chapter or the regulations promulgated hereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment in jail for not more than six (6) months or both penalties, in the discretion of the court.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 5, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2707 - Injunctions

The Court of First Instance shall have jurisdiction to issue injunctions to hinder violations of this chapter, or to hinder obstruction of compliance with this chapter, according to the established procedure in the Rules of Civil Procedure, upon request of the Secretary of Health.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 7, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2708 - Regulations

The Secretary is empowered to promulgate the rules and regulations he deems necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
The regulations issued by the Secretary shall be approved after the holding of a public hearing, to take place ten (10) days after the publication of a digest of the proposed regulations in a newspaper of general circulation in Puerto Rico and they shall become effective within thirty (30) days following their filing in the Department of State, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 1—19 of Act June 30, 1957, No. 112.
The approval of amendments to the regulations shall follow the same procedure and rules established in this section for the approval of the original regulation.
In relation to regulations promulgated by the Secretary in emergency cases, the same shall take effect immediately and the term of publication in the newspapers shall not apply.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 8, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2709 - Examinations, investigations or inspections

The Secretary or his authorized representative is hereby empowered to carry out any examination, investigation or inspection in order to [ensure] the compliance of this chapter.
The employees and officials authorized by the Secretary are hereby empowered to enter any factory, warehouse, vehicle or establishment which manufactures, processes, packages, transports or stores dangerous substances, and to inspect said factory, warehouse, establishment or vehicle and all related equipment, finished and unfinished materials, the labeling they bear, and to obtain samples of such materials, packages or labels, free of charge, for the Department of Health.
When the official or employee authorized by the Secretary should obtain samples after performing an inspection, he shall give the owner, operator, or agent in charge a receipt describing the sample or samples taken and a portion thereof, so that the owner, operator or agent in charge can verify the results through a test. When an analysis of the sample or samples is performed, a copy of the results shall be handed in to the owner, operator or agent in charge, as soon as they are ready.
Inspections authorized by this section shall take place at regular hours and after the identification of the employee or authorized agent.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 9, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121 - Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico (§§ 2701 — 2710) › § 2710 - Administrative hearings

The Secretary of Health is hereby authorized to hold administrative hearings when requested according to the provisions of this chapter.
History —July 23, 1974, No. 233, Part 2, p. 207, § 10, eff. 60 days after July 23, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2711 - Investigation and seizure by various officers

Agents of the Police Corps, Municipal Police Corps, Rangers of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Penal Guards, Firefighters Corps, and other duly authorized representatives and officers of the public order are hereby authorized to investigate and seize dangerous substances, as they are defined in § 2702 of this title.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2712 - Samples of dangerous substances; custody, disposition, destruction

With the approval of the corresponding part of the court, all agents of the Police Corps, Municipal Police Corps, Rangers of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Penal Guards, Firefighters Corps, and other duly authorized representatives and officers of the public order are hereby authorized to investigate, seize or confiscate dangerous substances as evidence related to or that can be related to any criminal activity or with an investigation in progress; to obtain samples of said dangerous substances, as well as pictures, videotapes, samples for laboratory testing and other irrefutable form that demonstrates the amount of the existing substance; and subsequently, direct the disposition or destruction of the remaining amounts of the controlled or dangerous substance. It is herein Provided, That the handling, custody, disposition and destruction of said dangerous substances shall be conduct pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2701—2710 of this title, known as the “Dangerous Substances Act of Puerto Rico”, and to the Puerto Rico Rules of Evidence.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2713 - Evidence in judicial proceedings

In every judicial proceeding, the representative samples of the dangerous substances, as well as pictures, videotapes, laboratory testing reports, or any other evidence as to the quantity or weight of substance, shall be considered adequate evidence of the presence of the substance that was found at the time of the intervention.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2714 - Evidence in judicial procedings—Destruction of excess

In every judicial proceeding in which the quantity of the corresponding substance is the element of crime, or in which the weight or quantity is necessary to prove the element of crime, the samples and pictures, videotapes, laboratory testing reports and any other evidence as to the quantity or weight of the substance, shall be admitted as evidence in every proceeding, hearing or trial if it were offered as such in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Evidence; Provided, That any amount in excess of the amount needed for these purposes shall be destroyed pursuant to the applicable statutory and administrative provisions.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2715 - Custody

After an agent of Police Corps, Municipal Police Corps, Rangers of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Penal Guards, Firefighters Corps, and other duly authorized representatives and officers of the public order has obtained the sample and the pictures, videotapes, laboratory testing reports or any other evidence, he/she shall send the same to the custody of the Secretary of Health, the Superintendent of Police or the Secretary of Justice, pursuant to the applicable statutory and administrative provisions; Provided, That once the agent has delivered the substance, he/she shall obtain a permit that describes in detail all the evidence delivered and report it to his superior.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VI - Dangerous Substances (§§ 2701 — 2716) › Chapter 121A - Officers Authorized to Investigate and Seize Dangerous Substances (§§ 2711 — 2716) › § 2716 - Penalties

Any person who incurs in the following acts thus obstructing the work of the defense or of the prosecutor shall incur a crime pursuant to the provisions of this chapter:
(a) Alter, destroy, suppress or conceal any registry, document or object with the purpose of causing detriment to its credibility, legality or availability in any official proceeding or investigation.
(b) Fabricate, falsify, present or use any registry, document or object with knowledge of its false condition with the purpose of undermining or impeding the work of another public official or servant who is or may be conducting an official proceeding or investigation.
(c) The penalty for the commission of the crime described herein shall be imposed as it arises from the articles germane to and contained in the Penal Code of Puerto Rico.
History —Sept. 1, 2000, No. 292, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3001 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as “Health Services Integral Reform Act of Puerto Rico.”
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3002 - Statement of public policy and legislative purpose

Health problems have always been a cause of deep concern for the people, the health professionals and the Government of Puerto Rico. Because of that concern, a high priority has been given and substantial resources have been devoted to the solution of those problems [throughout the years]. This is evinced by the achievements obtained of the health levels of our people, as shown by the most important indexes in this field. Such indexes are: the general mortality rate which for the year 1974 was 6.4 for each one thousand inhabitants; the life expectancy which for the year 1972 was 72 years, and infant mortality, which in 1974 was 23.1 for each one thousand births.
On the basis of the aforesaid data, it is fair to point out that significant progress has been achieved in the health field, and this chapter responds to the Government’s purpose that the health services be continuously improved. Furthermore, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico recognizes that upon reaching higher levels in the living standards of our people and in their income, there is a growing hope for progress in all the areas of our life, including health. Such hopes are legitimate and, therefore, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico wishes to formulate and leave proof here of its public policy insofar as the health of our people is concerned.
It is hereby acknowledged and declared by this Legislative Assembly, as the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, that the health of our people deserves and must have the highest priority in the undertakings of the Government. That the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico must see to it that the inhabitants of this Island be rendered and tendered first-rate health services without any barriers whatsoever that may prevent access to such services, guaranteeing the right of each citizen to the free selection of medico-dental services and hospital facilities from among those of a governmental and nongovernmental nature. That for the evident purpose of achieving the above-mentioned basic objective, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall conduct appropriate research in the administration and rendering of government health services, by promoting a plurality of models of prepaid health services and medical-insurance mechanisms which may offer the benefits of an experience based on reality, and in light of which the Government may hereafter make decisions as to the most efficient manner of supervising the administration of and rendering the health services it now offers. To such ends, the organizations for the furnishing of health services in the public sector are created and restructured, and the mechanisms thereof are reformed; and proper and feasible mechanisms of regulation for the public as well as the private sector are established.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 2; June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 2; July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3005 - Coordinating Health Council—Organization

The Council may create any special committees it deems necessary to carry out its functions.
The Council, as well as any of its committees may seek outside professional or technical counsel with the purpose of fulfilling its functions or duties. Government agencies related to the field of health shall be bound to furnish the information, guidance and resources required by the Council, provided they are available.
Seventeen (17) members shall constitute quorum to hold the meetings of the Council in full and its agreements shall be approved by the majority of those present.
The Council in full shall meet as many times as it deems necessary, but not less than once every three (3) months. The Council shall hold at least one meeting a year in which the general public shall have the opportunity to state their viewpoints related to the field of health in Puerto Rico and the services rendered by the Department. To such effects it shall publish the public notice thereof no later than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting, in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
The Council, as well as its committees commissions, shall make available to the public the minutes of all the meetings they hold, as well as the reports that they render with regard to their operations and studies.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 5; June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 5; July 24, 1985, No. 16, p. 711, § 3; Aug. 7, 1993, No. 67, § 23, eff. 60 days after Aug. 7, 1993.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3007 - Coordinating Health Council—Powers

The Council shall have, without being limited to, the following powers:
(a) To formulate, adopt, amend and repeal rules and bylaws to govern its internal activities in general, and to exercise and discharge the powers, faculties and duties imposed by this chapter or entrusted to it by the Secretary.
(b) To contract such professional and consultant services as it may consider necessary after due consultation and approval by the Secretary.
(c) To approve rules to control and supervise the nature and need of all its expenses, as well as the way they are incurred, authorized and paid.
(d) To make investigations, subpoena witnesses through the General Court of Justice subject to contempt proceedings, administer oaths, examine witnesses, receive pertinent evidence, rule on said evidence, take or make depositions, regulate the hearings, and perform all acts necessary to carry out its functions of investigation and counseling.
(e) To request persons and entities rendering health services, both in the public and private sectors, to furnish all information needed to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(f) By regulations to such effect, the Council may delegate to any of its committees such powers and duties as it may deem proper, necessary or convenient, to best comply with the purposes of this chapter.
(g) To appoint and fix the salary of an Executive Director, who shall be the executive and administrative officer of the Council, as well as to request and have the Secretary provide any other personnel, materials and facilities that are needed for the Council to perform its functions. The person appointed as Executive Director shall have recognized competence and broad experience in the health administration field.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 7; June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 7; July 24, 1985, No. 16, p. 711, § 5, eff. 60 days after July 24, 1985.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3008 - Priorities

For the purpose of giving immediate effectiveness to the public policy declared in this chapter, the Council is hereby authorized and directed to give priority to the following areas within the framework of its responsibilities and functions:
(1) Preventive health; availability, accessibility, acceptance, visibility and rendering of health services.
(2) Programs for mothers and children.
(3) Mental health and addiction.
(4) Medical emergencies.
(5) Environmental health.
(6) Evaluation and updating of the models for the rendering of health services, based on the established criteria.
(7) Bolstering of the coordination of the components of the health system in Puerto Rico.
(8) Short- and long-term programs for elderly persons sixty (60) years old or older.
It shall also be the responsibility of the Council to continually evaluate the effectiveness of the efforts being carried out by government bodies to attend the priorities indicated above using, without it being construed as a limitation, empirical measurements of variables and analyses of the health indicators and of any other information or statistical data that is relevant. Once this evaluation has been made, the Council shall draft the recommendations it deems pertinent.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 8; June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 8; July 24, 1985, No. 16, p. 711, § 6; Aug. 7, 1993, No. 67, § 23; Aug. 31, 2000, No. 262, § 3, eff. 90 days after Aug. 31, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3010 - Regulation and evaluation of professionals

The Council shall recommend the regulation it deems necessary in connection with the rendering of professional health services and the evaluation of such services, subject to the provisions stated hereinafter. The corresponding Examining Board shall be in charge of the public hearings for the regulations in connection with licenses, renewal of licenses, continuing education, and the certification of specialties. The Department of Health shall be in charge of the approval and application of all the standards, rules, and regulations regarding licenses, regulations, and the evaluation of these services. Provided, That every regulation that is adopted shall provide that the examinations offered by the Examining Boards to candidates aspiring to practice the diverse professions, be offered in Spanish or in English, at the request of the candidate.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 18, renumbered as § 10 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 9; July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 1; Sept. 19, 1996, No. 240, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3011 - Professional regulation and evaluation organizations

(a) For each health profession, the Department shall designate a professional organization which meets the requirements indicated below and shall delegate to each one of them the power to draft all the regulations applicable to their respective professions, as to the quality of the service rendered by the health professionals, including the structures that shall be created for the evaluation of the professional practice. The medical and hospital services offered to beneficiary patients of the federal programs covered by Federal Law 92-608 shall be evaluated by the organization designated by virtue of said law.
(b) To be designated pursuant to the provisions in the preceding subsection (a), the professional organization shall be legally constituted either as a college or as a nonprofit association and recorded as such in the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and shall represent the largest number of members of the regular licensed professionals to practice said profession.
(c) Any professional organization which meets the requirements prescribed in subsection (b) of this section above may request the Department to designate it to carry out the work indicated. When two (2) or more organizations request to be designated for the purposes mentioned for the same profession, the Department shall designate the one that meets the requirements of the foregoing subsection (b) of this section. Said organizations shall be known as professional regulation and evaluation organizations exclusively for the purposes of this chapter.
(d) Where there is no professional organization which meets the requirements mentioned in subsection (b) of this section, or if one exists but does not accept the task of drafting the regulations applicable to a health profession in particular, or if after having been designated fails to fulfill its mission, the Department may delegate the power of drafting said regulations to any organization, group or committee constituted by members of said profession or, in default thereof, prepare the regulations itself.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 19, renumbered as § 11 on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 23.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3012 - Professional regulation and evaluation organizations—Approval procedures and standards

(a) The regulations prepared by each professional regulation and evaluation organization shall be submitted to the Council. The Council shall study the proposed regulations, shall discuss them with the pertinent organization, shall hold public hearings pursuant to § 3030 of this title and shall recommend the necessary regulations applicable to each profession for final approval by the Secretary of Health.
(b) The regulations to these effects promulgated by the Secretary shall provide the following, in the measure they may be applicable, but shall not be understood as a limitation:
(1) Standards and requirements that shall be met in the rendering of professional health services.
(2) Records and documents that shall be kept and maintained by the health professionals.
(3) Reports that shall be submitted to the respective professional regulation and evaluation of health professionals organizations.
(4) Criteria to be taken into account in the evaluation of professional services rendered, as well as the means, mechanisms and procedures to carry out said evaluation.
(5) Penalties that shall be imposed for the violation of the regulatory standards.
(6) Mechanisms for appeal and review of the penalties imposed subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(c) The Council shall recommend to the Secretary other guides to serve as a basis for the regulations that each professional organization shall prepare.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 20, renumbered as § 12 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 10; July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3013 - Professional regulation and evaluation organizations—Other functions

The professional regulation and evaluation organizations shall perform the following additional functions:
(a) They shall establish and maintain a close relationship with the examining boards corresponding to the professions they represent, and shall collaborate mutually to see that first-rate health services be offered to the people at the lowest possible cost. As part of this relationship said organizations may make surveys and recommendations to the corresponding examining boards on matters relating to the different health professions.
(b) Said organizations may attend consultations and offer counsel.
(c) Receive, investigate and resolve any complaint or charge connected with the provision of the professional services represented by each, brought before them by any consumer or member of said profession, and shall submit a report to the examining board and the corresponding agency, in the case of government employees, with due consideration to the confidential nature of the investigation and report, for the proper action.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 21, renumbered as § 13 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3015 - Professional regulation and evaluation organizations—Terms and conditions

The Department shall set, in agreement with the different professional regulation organizations, the terms and conditions under which they shall discharge their mission and it shall provide them with the funds necessary to carry out their work.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 22, renumbered as § 15 on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 23.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3017 - Health Institutions and Facilities Accreditation and Certification Advisory Board—Powers and functions

The Consulting Board for the Accreditation of Institutions and Health Facilities shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) It shall revise and recommend to the Secretary the necessary regulation for the licensing of health facilities in Puerto Rico. These regulations shall include the organizational, administrative, conservational maintenance and operational standards and requirements which shall be met by every health facility in order to obtain a license pursuant to §§ 331—333p of this title.
(b) It shall revise and recommend to the Secretary, and in harmony with the master development plan, the standards and requirements on location and construction, as well as the procedures that shall be complied with and followed by every person interested in obtaining a certificate of necessity authorizing him to establish a new health facility, or to extend or modernize an existing facility in Puerto Rico pursuant to §§ 334—334j of this title.
(c) It shall revise and recommend to the Secretary a system of reports which shall be submitted periodically by all health facilities for the purpose of evaluation, to obtain a license, or the renewal thereof.
(d) It shall revise the reports on the inspection of health facilities prepared by the Department, including records, documents, and physical facilities, when required to obtain a license or the renewal thereof, pursuant to §§ 331—331p of this title.
(e) It shall make recommendations to the Secretary for the granting or denial of certificates of necessity and convenience referred by the Secretary, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 334—334j of this title.
(f) It shall meet as often as it deems necessary, but at least once a month, to attend to its affairs, evaluate applications, perform its duties and make the necessary decisions.
(g) It shall exercise all other powers and perform all other acts needed to carry out the functions entrusted to it, or which by order or regulations are assigned to it by the Department.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 26, renumbered as § 17 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 13; July 11, 1978, No. 32, § 1, p. 459, § 1; July 20, 1979, No. 163, p. 414, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3018 - Health Institutions and Facilities Accreditation and Certification Advisory Board—Terms and conditions

The Department shall determine, in consultation with this Board, the terms and conditions under which it shall discharge its mission and shall provide the resources it needs to carry out its work.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 27, renumbered as § 18 on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 23.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3020 - Health Institutions and Facilities Accreditation and Certification Advisory Board—Regulations

The Council shall advise the Secretary and the Accreditation and Certification Consulting Board on the proposed regulations, after public hearings and consultations are held with the professional groups concerned.
The regulations promulgated by the Secretary for these purposes shall provide, among other things, the criteria to be taken into consideration, the standards and requirements that shall be met, and the records and documents that shall be submitted periodically to the Department.
The regulations shall also provide a reasonable term or probation period of not more than two (2) years for the health facilities to comply with the standards and requirements imposed upon them, for certification or recertification. They shall also provide that each health facility shall be recertified every two (2) years. Likewise, said regulations shall provide the procedures to be followed for determining the reasonability of the charges made by the health facilities for each day, by type of accommodation and institutional service rendered.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 29, renumbered as § 20 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 14; July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3024a - Fixing of prices of medication

The Department of Consumer Affairs shall fix reasonable maximum prices and/or profit margins for medications pursuant to the criteria recommended by the Secretary.
The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs shall draft, approve and promulgate the rules and regulations that are necessary and convenient to implement the provisions of this section.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, added as § 25 on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 2; July 12, 1987, No. 79, p. 278, § 5; renumbered as § 26 and amended on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3026 - Reports

The Council shall submit complete and detailed reports on its operations and financial status for each fiscal year to the Secretary and the Legislature within forty-five (45) days following the close of the corresponding fiscal year. In addition, the Council shall submit to the Secretary duly documented quarterly reports on the results of the evaluations performed with regard to the functioning of the government bodies or dependencies charged with supervising the entities that offer medical-hospital insurance services and also on the efficiency and effectiveness of the experiments or pilot plans, for the furnishing of health services that are implemented and the government efforts that are executed to attend to the priorities indicated in § 3008 of this title.
The Secretary, likewise, shall submit to the House and Senate Committees on Health and Welfare annual reports on the progress of its studies, the implementation of priorities and the development of the reforms contemplated by this chapter and specifically, the plans for the development, organization and distribution of resources for the furnishing of health services, the regionalization plan for the Health Services and Facilities Administration and the Educational Development plan as well as the distribution of the Health Fund.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 39, renumbered as § 26 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 20; renumbered as § 29 on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 5; July 24, 1985, No. 16, p. 711, § 7; renumbered as § 30 on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3027 - Reports to House and Senate Health Committees

The Senate and House Health Committees shall receive and evaluate the annual reports submitted to them by the Council and by the Secretary, and shall take such action as they deem pertinent to insure that the act which created said Council is being duly enforced.
Each Committee shall render at least one report to the Legislature at the beginning of each regular session, including recommendations and proposed legislation, if it deems the latter to be necessary or convenient.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, added as § 27 on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 20; renumbered as § 30 on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 5; renumbered as § 31 on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3028 - Authorization of funds

The sum of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) is hereby appropriated to the Secretary of Health from the General Fund of the Government for the purpose of facilitating the organization and operation of the Council hereunder, during fiscal year 1976-77. For subsequent years, the operating expenses of the Council shall be defrayed from the funds of the Department of Health.
The Bureau of the Budget is hereby empowered upon authorization of the Governor, to appropriate to the Department of Health from any available funds the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), to defray the expenses of a publicity and orientation program on the scope and purposes of this chapter, for providers and users of the health services in Puerto Rico and the citizenry in general. This appropriation shall take effect immediately.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 44, renumbered as § 30 by § 23 and amended on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 22; renumbered as § 33 on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 5; renumbered as § 34 on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3029 - Penalties

(a) Any person who, for the purpose of obtaining payment for services rendered, presents false information or documents to the Administration, to the Department of Health or to the Council, or who assists other persons in achieving such purposes, shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for a term of not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year, or both penalties in the discretion of the court.
(b) Any person who, after having been duly summoned by the Administration, the Department or the Council, or any of the bodies created hereby, refuses without good cause to furnish information, data, documents or reports needed to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, or who furnishes false information, data, documents or reports, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a maximum fine of five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a maximum term of six (6) months, or both penalties in the discretion of the court.
(c) Any person who wilfully and knowingly violates any of the provisions of §§ 3009—3025a of this title or the regulations promulgated thereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a maximum term of six (6) months, or both penalties in the discretion of the court.
(d) Any person who wilfully violates any other provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a term not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or both penalties in the discretion of the court.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, § 45, renumbered as § 31 on June 29, 1977, No. 124, p. 338, § 23; renumbered as § 34 and amended on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 6; renumbered as § 35 on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 8; Sept. 3, 2004, No. 247, § 7.05(e).
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 131 - Health Services Integral Reform (§§ 3001 — 3030) › § 3030 - Rules and regulations

Every regulation adopted by virtue of this chapter, which is not a bylaw, must be approved according to the following procedure, in addition to complying with Act June 30, 1957, No. 112.
Before recommending that the Secretary of Health give his/her final approval, the Council or the corresponding examining board shall hold public hearings. At least twenty-one (21) days before holding a hearing, a public notice with the date, place and nature of said hearing, as well as the place and manner of obtaining additional information concerning the matter to be heard, shall be published in two newspapers of general circulation.
Any interested party may request copies of the proposed regulations and/or the proposed amendments and shall have a reasonable opportunity to submit, verbally or in writing, data, opinions or comments on said proposed regulations or amendments.
The Council or the corresponding examining board shall request groups, entities or knowledgeable individuals in the community or in the sectors affected by the regulations or the amendments to participate in the hearings.
History —June 23, 1976, No. 11, p. 672, added as § 32 on July 11, 1978, No. 32, p. 459, § 2; renumbered as § 35 and amended on June 12, 1980, No. 124, p. 449, § 6; renumbered as § 36 on Dec. 28, 1995, No. 257, § 8; Sept. 3, 2004, No. 247, § 7.05(f).
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FOUR - Health and Sanitation (§§ 1 — 15010) › PART VII - Hospitals, Institutions and Health Programs (§§ 3001 — 3891) › Chapter 132 - Bill of Rights and Responsibilities of the Patient (§§ 3041 — 3058) › § 3042 - Rights—High quality health services

Any patient shall be entitled to receive health services of the highest quality, consistent with generally accepted medical practice principles.
History —Aug. 25, 2000, No. 194, § 4.