reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 12 - Physiotherapists (§§ 241 — 256) › § 255 - Penalties

(1) Any person violating §§ 242 or 254 of this title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars ($3,000), or by imprisonment in jail for a term of not more than one (1) year, or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court, for the first offense. For a second and subsequent offenses he shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment in jail for a term of not more than two (2) years.
(2) Any person deliberately making a false statement in his application for a license for the purposes of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars ($3,000), or imprisonment in jail for a period of not more than one year, or both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
History —June 29, 1962, No. 114, p. 337, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281 - Definitions

For the purposes of §§ 281—281p of this title, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning set forth hereinbelow:
(a) Clinical analysis. — Shall mean the use of laboratory techniques in order to obtain scientific information which may be used in the diagnosis, treatment, control or prevention of disease.
(b) Medical technology. — Shall mean the science or profession that determines by means of clinical analysis the chemical, physical, metabolical and immunological changes that occur in the human body, as well as the practice of obtaining, processing and preserving blood and its components to be used when needed.
(c) Medical technologist. — Shall mean any person licensed by the Board to practice medical technology, as defined in §§ 281—281p of this title.
(d) Clinical analysis laboratory. — Shall mean every establishment duly licensed by the Department of Health in accordance with the laws of Puerto Rico to perform clinical analysis.
(e) Board. — Shall mean the Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists of Puerto Rico that is created by §§ 281—281p of this title.
(f) Secretary. — Shall mean the Secretary of Health of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(g) Department. — Shall mean the Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(h) Revalidation examination. — Shall mean the qualifying examination that measures the level of knowledge, aptitudes and skills to practice the profession of medical technology in Puerto Rico.
(i) License. — Shall mean the document issued by the Board that authorizes the holder thereof to practice the profession of medical technologist in Puerto Rico.
(j) Recertification. — Shall mean the procedure provided for the health professions in §§ 3001 et seq. of this title.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281a - Board of Examiners—Creation

The Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists of Puerto Rico is hereby created, which shall be attached to the Regulations and Certification Office of Health Professionals of the Department.
The Board shall be composed of five (5) medical technologists appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, with the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico. The members of the Board shall take office for a term of four (4) years and until their successors have been appointed and take office. No member of the Board may be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The professional organizations and associations of medical technologists may submit their recommendations of candidates to compose the Board to the Governor.
The initial appointments of the members of the Board shall be made for the following terms: three (3) for a term of four (4) years each, and two (2) for a term of five (5) years each.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281b - Board of Examiners—Members; requirements

The members of the Board shall be persons over twenty-one (21) years of age, citizens of the United States of America and residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. They shall, likewise, hold a medical technology license duly recertified in accordance with the laws of Puerto Rico, have practiced actively as medical technologists for a term of not less than five (5) years, and at least one of them must have teaching experience in any of the branches of medical technology at an academic or clinical level. They must also be actively practicing as medical technologists in Puerto Rico at the time of their appointment.
No member of the Board may carry out teaching positions, be a shareholder or belong to the board of trustees or board of directors of a university, college or school of medical technology.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281c - Board of Examiners—Members; vacancies and dismissals

Any vacancy that arises on the Board before the expiration of the term of appointment of the member that causes it shall be filled in the same way that the former member was appointed for the remainder of his/her term.
The Governor of Puerto Rico may dismiss any member of the Board after due filing of charges, notice and hearings, for negligence in the performance of his duties, crass negligence in the practice of his profession, conviction for a felony or a misdemeanor that may imply moral turpitude or because his license to practice the profession of medical technologist in Puerto Rico has been suspended, revoked or cancelled.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281d - Board of Examiners—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 attend the meetings of the Board. They shall also be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses necessarily incurred to carry out their functions in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Department of the Treasury.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281e - Board of Examiners—Quorum; bylaws; officers

Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and a vacancy or the absence of two (2) of its members shall not affect the faculty of the three (3) remaining members to exercise all the powers and functions delegated to the Board. All agreements of the Board shall be made by simple majority vote of the members thereof.
The Board shall elect a chairperson and an alternate chairperson from among its members. The alternate chairperson of the Board shall perform the functions of the chairperson in every temporary absence of the latter. The Board shall adopt bylaws for its internal operation and shall meet in regular session at least once every month to attend to all its official matters. The Board may also hold any special meetings that may be needed, after due notice of a meeting to such effects, addressed to all of its members no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281h - Revalidation examination—Failure

Any person who, as of the effective date of this act, fails to pass the revalidation examination on three (3) different occasions cannot submit to a new examination until he/she presents attesting evidence to the Board that he/she has taken and approved the corresponding course or courses, after his particular situation has been evaluated by the Board. Once the person has taken and passed the course or courses required herein, he/she may take the examination on two (2) additional occasions.
Said courses may be offered by medical technology institutions accredited by the Council on Higher Education or by the accrediting agencies of medical technology programs. The Board may certify courses prepared by other educational institutions or qualified organizations which are interested in offering said courses.
If these courses are not available, the applicant shall have two additional opportunities to take the revalidation examination without being required to take said course.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281i - License—Issuance

The Board shall issue a license to authorize the practice of the profession of medical technologist in Puerto Rico to every person who passes the revalidation examination and has completed one year of public service as required in Act No. 79 of June 28, 1978.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281j - License—Fees

The following fees shall be paid through a mail or bank money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury:
(a) Revalidation examination and license $ 50.00 (b) License by reciprocity 100.00 (c) Reexamination 50.00 (d) Duplicate license 15.00 (e) Recertification 50.00
The funds generated by the fees established in this section shall be covered into the Health Fund and shall be destined by the Secretary for the sole use of the Board.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281k - License—Denial

The Board may deny a license to practice the profession of medical technologist to any person who:
(1) Tries to obtain a license by means of fraud or deceit; or
(2) does not meet the requirements established in §§ 281—281p of this title for the granting of a license; or
(3) has been found mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(4) is addicted to narcotic drugs or is a confirmed alcoholic, or
(5) has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor implying moral turpitude and it is shown that the crime for which he/she was convicted is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the medical technologist’s profession.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281l - License—Suspension, cancellation or revocation

The Board may suspend, cancel or revoke the license after due notice of charges and an administrative hearing, of any medical technologist who:
(a) Has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor implying moral turpitude and it is shown that the crime for which he/she was convicted is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the medical technologist’s profession.
(b) Has been found mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) Is addicted to narcotic drugs or is a confirmed alcoholic.
(d) Gives a false testimony on behalf of a person who has applied for the revalidation examination, or in any investigation of complaints filed before said Board for violations of the provisions of §§ 281—281p of this title and its regulations.
(e) Alters or forges any document or material with the express malicious intent of deceiving the members of the Board in the performance of official duties.
(f) Shows manifest incompetence in the practice of the profession.
(g) Does not comply with the continuing education requirement and registry provided in §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281m - Disciplinary sanctions

The Board may, after due notice and administrative hearing, censure and admonish any medical technologist who:
(a) Reveals data identifying a patient when it is obtained during the course of a physician-patient relationship, without the prior authorization of the patient, except when legally required or authorized.
(b) Carries out laboratory practices or methods for which he/she is not professionally authorized or qualified.
(c) Solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, fees, compensation, reimbursements or commissions for professional services that have not been rendered.
(d) Causes the personnel under his/her direction and supervision, by omission or commission, to incur illegal activities or perform laboratory acts or practices not allowed under the provisions of §§ 281—281p of this title or any other acts that regulate the health professions and services.
(e) Employs or delegates [to] unauthorized persons, or helps or instigates unauthorized persons to perform laboratory tests which, according to the provisions of §§ 281—281p of this title, may only be legally executed by duly licensed medical technologists.
(f) Harasses, abuses or intimidates patients.
(g) Denies his services to a patient without justified reason or cause.
(h) Advertises his medical technologist’s practice by false or deceitful means.
(i) A case of malpractice is adjudicated against him/her.
The Board shall establish, through regulations, the methods of censure and warning that shall apply to medical technologists who incur any of the above mentioned practices.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281n - Administrative and judicial procedures

Whenever the Board determines that the denial, suspension or revocation of a license is in order, or it determines that a medical technologist must be admonished or censured, it shall so notify the person concerned in writing by certified mail with acknowledgment of receipt, specifying the causes or reasons therefor. The person shall be notified therein of his/her right to an administrative hearing which must be held no later than thirty (30) days following the date on which he/she received the Board’s notice.
The party concerned may attend the hearing on his/her own, or represented by counsel, and shall be entitled to examine the evidence submitted against him/her, to cross-examine witnesses and introduce evidence on his/her behalf. The Board shall evaluate the oral and documentary evidence submitted, issue a decision within thirty (30) days following the date on which the case was filed, and notify the same to the party concerned by certified mail, no later than ten (10) days following the date on which the decision was issued. The Board’s decision must clearly and precisely state the grounds upon which it is based.
If the party concerned does not agree with the Board’s decision, he/she may file a reconsideration of its decision within ten (10) days following the date of notice. Such petition for reconsideration must be made by certified mail with acknowledgment of receipt. The Board must decide the motion for reconsideration within twenty (20) days following the date it was received and must, likewise, notify its decision to the party concerned by certified mail within ten (10) days following the date on which its decision in reconsideration is issued.
In the event that the reconsideration is denied, or if having been granted it affects the party concerned, he/she may appeal for review before the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico. The appeal for review shall be filed within thirty (30) days following the date on which the Board notifies the party of its decision in review. The Board is bound to take to court, within the term fixed by the court, the file of the administrative proceedings, including the transcription of the stenographer’s record of the hearing, without any cost to the petitioner.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281o - Reciprocity

The Board may establish [reciprocity] concerning the granting of licenses without examination with those entities of the United States of America that grant licenses through examination, but who impose requirements equivalent to those established in §§ 281—281p of this title to obtain a medical technologist’s license.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 13 - Board of Examiners of Medical Technologists (§§ 261 — 281p) › § 281p - Penalties

Any person who incurs a misdemeanor shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, for:
(a) Engaging in the practice as medical technologist in Puerto Rico without holding the license required in §§ 281—281p of this title, except medical specialists licensed to practice in Puerto Rico, who in order to reach a diagnosis and treatment, require his/her help to make a clinical analysis of his/her specialty; Provided, That said clinical analysis must be performed by said medical specialist; or
(b) employs another person who does not hold a medical technologist’s license to engage in the practice of medical technologist; or
(c) advertises or passes himself off as a medical technologist without being duly licensed to practice as such in Puerto Rico, or
(d) submits to the Board false or fraudulent documents to obtain a license or recertification.
Any person who distributes, sells, purchases, passes on or steals the contents of the questions or answers used to make up the medical technologist’s revalidation examination, or any of the subjects used in its preparation, whether in the original or who copies either orally, in writing, by photographs, photocopies or any other means, shall also incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment for a minimum term of two (2) months, but not more than six (6) months.
History —Aug. 11, 1988, No. 167, p. 733, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 322 - Board—Creation and terms

The Board of Examiners of Histologic Technicians and Histotechnologists is hereby created, attached to the Department of Health. Said Board shall be constituted by five (5) members who shall be appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico with the advice and consent of the Senate. One (1) of the members shall be a physician, specialized in pathology and duly authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Two (2) members shall be histologic technicians with educational experience in the field of histology with more than five (5) years experience in the practice and having been active in the practice for a term of not less than three (3) years immediately before being appointed. The two (2) remaining members shall be Histologic Technicians with more than five (5) years experience and having been active in the practice for a term of not less than three (3) years immediately before being appointed. Professional histology and medical organizations and associations may recommend candidates to the Governor for membership in the Board.
The members of the Board shall each hold office for a term of four (4) years and until their successors are appointed and take office.
No member of the Board may be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
The initial appointments of the members of the Board shall be made for the following terms: three (3) for a term of four (4) years and two (2) for a term of five (5) years. The vacancies that arise in the Board shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointments are made. The term of the member filling a vacancy shall be extended for the term remaining to its predecessor.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 323 - Board—Requirements

The members of the Board must be over twenty-one (21) years of age, citizens of the United States of America and residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for a period of not less than three (3) years before being appointed. They must have the necessary academic preparation, have been admitted to the practice of their profession and enjoy good conduct.
No member of the Board may hold an academic position, be a shareholder or belong to the board of trustees or directors of a university, college or school offering a program in histology.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 324 - Board—Vacancies and dismissal

Any vacancy arising in the Board before the term of appointment of a member causing said vacancy expires shall be filled in the same manner in which the substituted member was appointed for the term remaining to the latter.
The Governor of Puerto Rico may dismiss any member of the Board after notifying and bringing charges against said member and holding a hearing for negligence in the performance of his or her duties; for [gross] negligence in the exercise of his or his profession, for being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor implying moral turpitude [or] for having had his or her license for practicing his or her profession in Puerto Rico suspended, revoked or cancelled.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 325 - Board—Per diems and travel expenses

The members of the Board shall be entitled to per diems equal to the minimum per diem established in § 29 of Title 2, for the members of the Legislature, for attending sessions or committee meetings, per session, special meeting or meeting of any committee or other body or for carrying out any task authorized by the Chairperson of the Board to which they belong, except those that hold office as heads of agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities, except for the Chairperson of the Board who shall receive a per diem equal to one hundred and thirty-three percent (133%) of the per diem the other members of the Board receive. They shall be entitled to payment for travel expenses for miles traveled while in the performance of their duties, as provided in the Regulations of the Department of the Treasury of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 326 - Board—Quorum, bylaws, etc

Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute quorum and the vacancy or absence of two (2) of its members shall not affect the power of the three (3) remaining members to exercise all the powers and functions delegated to the Board. All agreements of the Board shall be reached by the vote of a simple majority of the Board members present.
The Board shall elect a chairperson and an alternate chairperson from among its members. The Alternate Chairperson of the Board shall exercise the function of the Chairperson whenever the latter is temporarily absent. The Board shall adopt regulations for its internal operation and shall hold a regular session at least once a month to conduct all its official affairs. It shall also hold any special meeting it may deem necessary, after issuing a summons to that effect to all its members at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 329 - Failure to pass the examination

Any person who as of the effective date of this act fails to pass the revalidation examination on three (3) different occasions may not take said examination again until he or she has submitted to the Board evidence of having taken and passed the pertinent course or courses after the Board has evaluated his or her particular situation. Once said person has taken and passed the course or courses herein required, he or she may take said examination on three (3) additional occasions.
Said courses may be offered by institutions accredited in the field of histology by the General Council on Education or by the agencies that accredit histology programs. The Board may certify courses prepared by other qualified educational institutions or organizations interested in offering said courses.
Should said courses not be available after the aspirant has failed to pass the revalidation examination on three (3) occasions, said aspirant, with the express authorization of the Board, shall have three (3) additional opportunities for taking the revalidation examination without having to meet the requirement of taking said courses. Those courses, should they be available, shall be required every three (3) times the aspirant fails to pass the examination.
The Board shall grant a term of ninety (90) days as of the date on which any person who has taken the examination is notified of the results thereof so that said person may file any allegation in his or her favor as to the grade obtained in the examinations. The pages of the examination of those who have passed the latter may be destroyed after the aforementioned ninety (90) days have transpired. The Board shall retain the pages of the examination of the last three (3) occasions on which the person failed the latter so as to expedite the procedure provided in this section.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 330 - License—Granting

The Board shall issue a license authorizing the practice in Puerto Rico of the profession of histologic technician and histotechnologist to any person who meets the requirements established and who has passed the revalidation examination.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 331 - License—Temporary

A temporary license to practice shall be granted, under the supervision of a physician specialized in pathology, to any person who meets the requirements for taking the revalidation examination established in § 328 of this title and who is in the process of applying for taking the revalidation examination. Said license shall be in effect for one (1) year as of its date of issue and may not be renewed.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 332 - License—Fees

The fees indicated below shall be paid for the following items with a postal or bank money order or a certified check payable to the Secretary of the Treasury:
Revalidation examination $ 50.00
Reciprocity license $ 50.00
Temporary license $ 50.00
Reexamination $ 50.00
License duplicate $ 15.00
Recertification $ 50.00
Registration $ 50.00
The fees collected by the Board may not be reimbursed and may vary through regulations to that effect.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 333 - License—Renewal

Any license issued by the Board shall expire three (3) years after being issued. Application for its renewal must be submitted to the Secretary of the Board at least thirty (30) days before the date of expiration of said license.
The Board shall renew the license of a histologic technician or a histotechnologist without their having to take an additional examination when they meet the following requirements:
(a) File a duly completed application with the Board in the document provided by the Board for such a purpose.
(b) Pay the fees provided in the regulations of the Board.
(c) Present evidence of having taken continuous education courses, as established in the regulations of the Board.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 334 - License—Denial

The Board may deny the issue of a license to practice the profession of histologic technician or histotechnologist after notifying the interested party and giving the latter the opportunity of being heard, to any person who:
(1) Tries to obtain a license by fraud or deceit.
(2) Fails to meet the requirements established in this chapter for obtaining a license.
(3) Has been declared mentally disabled by a competent court.
(4) Is addicted to drugs or habitually inebriated.
(5) Has been convicted for a felony or misdemeanor entailing moral turpitude and it has been shown that the crime for which convicted is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the profession of histologic technician or histotechnologist.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 335 - License—Suspension, cancellation, etc

The Board may suspend, cancel or revoke the license, after notifying them of charges and holding an administrative hearing, of any histologic technician or histotechnologist who:
(a) Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor entailing moral turpitude and it has been shown that the crime for which convicted is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of his or her profession;
(b) has been declared mentally disabled by a competent court;
(c) is addicted to drugs or habitually inebriated
(d) gives any type of false testimony in benefit of a person who has applied for taking the revalidation examination or in any investigation of complaints filed with said Board for violations to the provisions of this chapter or its regulations;
(e) alters or falsifies any document or material with the malicious intent of deceiving the members of the Board in the performance of his or her official duties;
(f) shows manifest incompetence in the exercise of his profession, or
(g) fails to comply with the continuous education and registration requirements provided in §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 336 - Disciplinary sanctions

The Board may[, with prior notice and administrative hearing,] censure and admonish any histologic technician or histotechnologist who:
(a) Divulges data identifying a patient without the latter’s prior authority when said data is obtained in the course of his or her professional relationship with said patient, except when it is required or authorized by law;
(b) conducts laboratory practices or methods for which he or she is not professionally authorized or qualified;
(c) solicits or receives, directly or indirectly, fees, compensation, reimbursements or commissions for professional services not rendered;
(d) causes, by action or omission, the personnel under his or her direction or supervisions to incur illegal act or conduct laboratory acts or practices not permitted under the provisions of this chapter or any other laws that regulate health professions and services;
(e) employs or delegates on unauthorized persons, or helps or coaxes unauthorized persons to conduct laboratory tests that according to the provisions of this chapter may only be legally conducted by duly licensed histologic technicians or histotechnologists;
(f) harasses, abuses or intimidates patients;
(g) denies his or her services to a patient without justified cause or reasons;
(h) advertises the practice of histotechnology by false or deceitful means, or
(i) has a case of medical malpractice adjudicated against him or her.
The Board shall establish, through regulations, the methods it shall apply for censuring or admonishing those histologic technicians or histotechnologists that incur any of the aforementioned conducts according to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, that could consist of a reprimand, temporary suspension or administrative fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 337 - Administrative and judicial proceeding

When the Board determines that the denial, suspension or revocation of a license is in order or when it determines that a histologic technician or a histotechnologist must be admonished or censured, it shall notify the person affected in writing, by receipt requested certified mail, specifying the reasons or causes for so doing. Said notice shall inform the person of his or her right to an administrative hearing, which must be held no later than fifteen (15) days following the date the notice from the Board is received.
The affected party may attend the hearing on his or her own or accompanied by an attorney and shall be entitled to examine the evidence introduced against him or her, to cross-examine witnesses and to introduce evidence in his or her favor. The Board shall evaluate the attesting and documentary evidence introduced, issue a decision within fifteen (15) days following the date on which the case was submitted and notify the affected party by certified mail no later than ten (10) days after the date on which the decision is issued. The decision of the Board shall clearly and precisely state the grounds upon which the same is based.
Should the affected party be in disagreement with the decision of the Board, it may request that the latter reconsider its decision within twenty (20) days following the date the same was notified. Said request for reconsideration must be made by receipt requested certified mail. The Board must resolve the request for reconsideration within fifteen (15) days following the date the same was received and it must likewise notify the affected party of its determination by certified mail within ten (10) days following the date on which it issued its decision in reconsideration.
Should the reconsideration be denied, or if after having been granted it was adverse, the affected party may appeal so that the Puerto Rico Circuit Court of Appeals may review the same. The appeal for review must be filed within the thirty (30) days following the date on which the Board notifies its decision in review. The Board shall be bound to submit to the court, within the term the latter sets, the file of the administrative procedure, including the transcription of the record of the hearing taken by the court stenographer, free of charge to the appellant.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 338 - Reciprocity

The Board may establish reciprocity agreements with those entities of the United States of America that issue licenses upon examination, but that set requirements equivalent to those established in this chapter to obtain a license to practice as the profession of histologic technician or histotechnologist.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 339 - Penalties

Any person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished with a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more [than] five thousand dollars ($5,000), or a penalty of imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months who:
(a) Practices the profession of histologic technician or histotechnologist in Puerto Rico without the license required by this chapter, or who employs another person who is not licensed as histologic technician or histotechnologist to practice said profession; or
(b) advertises or pretends to be a histologic technician or histotechnologist without being duly licensed to practice as such in Puerto Rico; or
(c) submits false or fraudulent documents to the Board with the intention of obtaining a license or a recertification, or
(d) circulates, sells, purchases, passes on or steals the contents of the questions or answers of the histologic technician or histotechnologist revalidation examination, whether they are in the original or copies or oral, written, photographed, photocopied or any other method of copying any of the material used in the preparation of said examination.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 20.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 16 - Regulation of the Practice of Histology (§§ 321 — 340) › § 340 - Special licenses

Within the unpostponable term of one (1) year immediately following the date of effectiveness of this act, any person practicing the profession of histologic technician or histotechnologist for a term of two (2) years prior to said effectiveness, may obtain the license of histologic technician or histotechnologist without having to take the examination.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 22.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 341 - Creation

The professionals entitled to practice as physicians’ aides in Puerto Rico are hereby constituted into an artificial entity or quasi-public corporation under the name of College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico with domicile at the place determined by the inaugural assembly.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 342 - Powers

The College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico shall have power:
(a) To subsist in perpetuity under that name and to sue and be sued as [a juridical] person.
(b) To possess and use a seal which it may alter at will.
(c) To acquire rights and property, both real and personal, by donation, legacy, assessments on its own members, purchase or otherwise; and to possess them, mortgage them, lease them and dispose thereof in any form.
(d) To appoint its directors and officers or officials.
(e) To adopt its bylaws, which shall be binding on all its members and to amend the same in the form, and under the requirements established therein.
(f) To protect its members in the exercise of their profession, and through the creation of gratuity funds, insurance systems, and special funds, or in any other way, to help those who retire for physical disability or advanced age, and the heirs or the beneficiaries of those who die.
(g) To exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary or advisable for the purposes of its creation and are not in conflict with §§ 341—353 of this title.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 2, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 343 - Membership required

No person who is not a member of the College can practice the profession of physicians’ aide in Puerto Rico, and if he does practice it, he shall be subject to the penalties provided in § 19 of this Act.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 3, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 344 - Members

All persons admitted to practice the profession of physicians’ aide in Puerto Rico pursuant to the provisions of §§ 341—353 of this title, and who fulfill the duties fixed for them by §§ 341—353 of this title, shall be members of the College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 4, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 345 - License

Only those persons who hold a license issued by the Board, authorized by law, shall be entitled to practice the profession of physicians’ aides in Puerto Rico and to use the corresponding title; Provided, That all persons who possess a license to practice the profession of physicians’ aide in Puerto Rico when this act takes effect may continue to practice the same.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 5, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 346 - Organization

The destiny of the College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico shall be governed in the first place by its general assembly, and in second place, by its Board of Directors.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 6, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 347 - Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be composed as the General Assembly may determine and shall be designated thereby.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 7, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 348 - Bylaws

The bylaws of the College shall provide for everything which has not been provided for in §§ 341—353 of this title, including everything concerning the functions, duties, and proceedings of all its bodies and officials; calls; meetings of the Board of Directors; election of directors and officials; standing committees; budget or expenditure of funds and disposal of the property of the College; the term of all the offices; the creation of vacancies and the method of filling them.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 8, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 349 - Dues

Each year the members of the College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico shall pay [dues] of six dollars ($6) on the date and in the installments which the bylaws may [set], by provision of which [dues] can be increased, provided it does not exceed fifteen dollars ($15).
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 9, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 350 - Dues—Suspension for nonpayment

Any member who does not pay his [dues] but who is, in all other respects, classified as a member shall be suspended as such member but may be reinstated upon the payment of what he owes for that reason.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 10, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 351 - Penalties

Every person who, without being duly authorized to practice the profession of physicians’ aide as provided by §§ 341—353 of this title, or who, during the suspension of his license, practices as a person legally qualified therefor, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, he shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or shall be imprisoned for not less than two (2) months, or shall suffer both penalties.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 11, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 17 - College of Physicians’ Aides (§§ 341 — 353) › § 352 - Duties of College

The College of Physicians’ Aides of Puerto Rico shall have the following duties: (1) to cooperate in the improvement of the profession of physicians’ aide; (2) to watch over the health of the people at all times; (3) to issue such reports and answer such inquiries as the government may require from it; (4) to defend the rights and immunities of physicians’ aides; (5) to cooperate in the socioeconomic improvement of physicians’ aides in Puerto Rico, and (6) to maintain wholesome and strict professional ethics among its members.
History —May 15, 1943, No. 174, p. 622, § 12, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 20 - Pharmacy (§§ 407 — 412c) › Subchapter II - The Profession (§§ 407a — 407e) › § 407a - Responsibilities

The profession of pharmacy is the health care profession geared towards the patient that has the social responsibility of providing pharmaceutical services to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the patient, prevent diseases and achieve optimum results in the use of drugs, as integral part of health services. The profession of pharmacy also includes the active practice of the pharmacist in process of manufacture, storing, distribution, and dispensing of drugs.
History —Sept. 3, 2004, No. 247, § 2.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 20 - Pharmacy (§§ 407 — 412c) › Subchapter II - The Profession (§§ 407a — 407e) › § 407c - Responsibilities of the pharmacy technician occupation

The pharmacy technician occupation entails the responsibility to assist the pharmacist in technical and administrative functions regarding the dispensing of drugs and devices by prescription, pursuant to subsection (a) of § 407b of this title, delegated by him/her. Upon performing such functions, the pharmacy technician shall always be under direct supervision of an authorized pharmacist.
History —Sept. 3, 2004, No. 247, § 2.03.