Puerto RicoPS 011020th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para enmendar los Artículos 3 y 12; y añadir un nuevo Artículo 12.2 a la Ley Núm. 194 de 4 de agosto de 1979, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Ejercicio de la Medicina Veterinaria de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de aclarar y precisar los requisitos para solicitar los exámenes de reválidas, así como obtener licencias provisionales bajo esta Ley; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Carmelo J. Ríos Santiago (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More veterinary graduates qualify for licensing exams

Graduates of veterinary technology or technician programs authorized by Puerto Rico’s Board of Postsecondary Institutions qualify for licensing exams. They are exempt from the additional requirements in Article 3(b) and (c). Graduates of universities that later gain American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation also qualify, including those graduating after the 1979 law took effect. The Board of Postsecondary Institutions has sole authority to license Puerto Rico veterinary schools. The law takes effect immediately upon approval.

Supervised temporary licenses expand veterinary work access

Puerto Rico can issue temporary licenses to qualifying veterinarians, technicians, and technologists while their licensing exams are pending. Graduates must meet legal requirements and have American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited education, including the veterinary technology accreditation pathway for technicians and technologists. Technicians and technologists can also qualify through a U.S. state license requiring education equal to or above Puerto Rico’s. Those applicants must submit official license proof, pay applicable fees, and meet the licensing subboard’s other requirements. These licenses allow private or government work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian named in the application. Licenses expire when exam results are reported, but passing applicants keep them until permanent licenses replace them. Licenses can be revoked for just cause after a public hearing.

Unaccredited veterinary graduates gain temporary license pathway

Puerto Rico’s veterinary licensing board can issue temporary licenses to graduates of veterinary schools without American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation. Applicants must prove graduation, pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, and submit required exam results. Work requires direct supervision by a veterinarian licensed in Puerto Rico. The license lasts one year from issuance, with one renewal of up to eight additional months. The board charges no issuance fee and must submit implementing rules to the Department of State within six months after approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carmelo J. Ríos Santiago

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 79 • No: 0

House vote • 1/14/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/19/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 25 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    2/18/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    2/12/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    2/9/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    2/9/2026Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    2/5/2026House
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    2/5/2026Senate
  7. Se reconsideró

    1/19/2026House
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    1/19/2026House
  9. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    1/19/2026House
  10. Se solicita reconsideración de la medida

    1/19/2026House
  11. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    1/19/2026House
  12. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    1/14/2026House
  13. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    1/14/2026House
  14. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    1/14/2026House
  15. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    1/14/2026House
  16. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    11/13/2025House
  17. Entirillado del Informe

    11/13/2025House
  18. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    11/13/2025House
  19. Referido a Comisión(es)

    5/27/2025House
  20. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    5/27/2025House
  21. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    5/19/2025Senate
  22. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    5/19/2025Senate
  23. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    5/19/2025Senate
  24. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    5/19/2025Senate
  25. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    5/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    2/5/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    5/19/2025

  • Radicado

    1/2/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/2/2025

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