P.R. Laws tit. 8, § 446a
Any of the professionals and/or officials obliged to provide information in every case of abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect, as well as any protection case worker, may take photographs or have photographs taken of the minor’s trauma areas, and if medically indicated, shall perform or order radiological or dental examinations, laboratory tests, or any other medical examination of the minor that is necessary, even without the consent of the father, mother, or other person responsible for the wellbeing of the minor, in cases where they are opposed to these or are not available at the time. Taking photographs of the location where the abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect has occurred is also authorized.
The taking of photographs or performing of radiological or dental examinations, laboratory tests, or any other necessary medical examination shall be conducted in such a way that the condition of the minor is not aggravated or his or her dignity offended; and they shall be remitted to the Department as quickly as possible. The Department shall cover the initial expenses for the evaluation and care of the allegedly abused or abandoned minor and may require that the father, mother, or other person responsible for the minor reimburse the expenses. Moreover, it may require the participation of other agencies in contributing to cover the cost of the services for the necessary care. This evidence shall be available to initiate criminal prosecution for violations of the provisions of this chapter or other related statutes.
History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 177, § 22, eff. 90 days after Aug. 1, 2003.