Puerto RicoPS 050820th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para enmendar los Artículos 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 17, 21, 22 y 27 de la Ley 139-2008, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley de la Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Médica", a los fines de facilitar el proceso de obtención de documentos que son requeridos para solicitud o recertificación de la licencia provistos por instituciones, universidades o entidades autorizadas por medios electrónicos; eliminar la premédica como requisito para la solicitud de la reválida; facilitar la obtención de la licencia de Puerto Rico a médicos que cuenten con licencia en la jurisdicción federal y desean establecerse en Puerto Rico para ejercer la medicina; facultar a los abogados de la Junta a atender los casos de impericia profesional; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Héctor E. Ferrer Santiago (PPD)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Electronic documents and guidance for students

Schools and authorized groups can send and receive required licensing and education documents electronically. The Board also runs an orientation program that lists approved medical schools in the U.S., Canada, and foreign schools of equal or higher quality.

Free provisional license for volunteers

Doctors licensed elsewhere can get a free provisional license to give voluntary, free medical care in Puerto Rico for up to one year. No fee is charged.

Easier Puerto Rico license for U.S. doctors

If you hold a current U.S. medical license, you can apply for a Puerto Rico license with fewer papers. You must show Good Standing, FCVS records, a criminal background check, and pay the fee. The Board can check your credentials and may require your consent for that check.

New specialist and procedure certifications

To use the title Specialist, a doctor must hold a Puerto Rico license and a recognized specialty certification, such as from ABMS or another reputable body. The Board can certify specialized training for procedures under standards it sets. The Board can also allow trained physicians to practice acupuncture, based on training and experience rules it adopts.

Stronger oversight of medical board

The Board President nominates the Executive Director and the Secretary of Health must approve. The Executive Director runs HR, finance, budget, and services, protects doctors’ records, and signs official licenses. The Board can give the Director more duties by resolution. The Health Department supervises and audits the Board’s finances and HR; the Board sets its budget priorities. The Board can hold emergency meetings when called by the President or any member. A nominations committee, led by the Secretary of Health, can advise appointments and has up to nine members, including a citizen and former leaders from health, medicine, and law. Board members cannot serve more than three straight terms. The Board must update its rules within 90 days of this law.

Pass exam and 1-year training

To practice medicine in Puerto Rico, you must pass a licensing exam the Board accepts. You also must finish at least one year of postgraduate medical training at an approved institution in Puerto Rico, the United States, or Canada.

Faster doctor discipline and probes

The Board can fine or charge fees to licensed doctors during informal investigations, as set by rule. The Board can also hire attorney investigators to work with the Official Investigator. They can step in if the official designation is delayed more than 30 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Héctor E. Ferrer Santiago

    PPD • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 74 • No: 2

House vote 2/17/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 47 • No: 1

Senate vote 6/24/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 27 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 46 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    3/20/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

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

    3/9/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    3/9/2026Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    2/26/2026Senate
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    2/26/2026Senate
  7. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    2/17/2026House
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    2/17/2026Senate
  9. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    2/17/2026Senate
  10. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    2/17/2026House
  11. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    11/13/2025House
  12. Entirillado del Informe

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

    11/13/2025Senate
  14. Referido a Comisión(es)

    6/27/2025Senate
  15. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    6/27/2025House
  16. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    6/24/2025House
  17. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    6/24/2025Senate
  18. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    6/24/2025Senate
  19. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    6/24/2025Senate
  20. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    6/16/2025Senate
  21. Entirillado del Informe

    6/16/2025Senate
  22. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    6/16/2025Senate
  23. Vista Pública: Salón Miguel Angel García Méndez

    6/3/2025Senate
  24. Referido a Comisión(es)

    4/10/2025Senate
  25. Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado

    4/10/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    2/26/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    6/24/2025

  • Radicado

    4/8/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    4/8/2025

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