P.R. Laws tit. 20, § 327
In addition to others provided in this chapter, the Board shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Authorize the practice of the profession of histologic technician and histotechnologist in Puerto Rico according to the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Prepare, evaluate and administer revalidation examinations at least once a year. These revalidation examinations must be prepared under the following concepts:
(1) That they be designed for the purpose for which they are to be used;
(2) that a passing grade relative to the capabilities the examination intends to measure be used, that is, that in preparing the same the knowledge to be tested have a rational nexus to the minimum knowledge acquired.
The above notwithstanding, the Board may delegate the preparation and evaluation of said examinations to national examining agencies of recognized prestige and experience, provided the concepts herein set forth are complied with.
(c) Issue, deny, suspend and revoke licenses to practice histology in Puerto Rico and admonish or censure its members for violations of this chapter.
(d) Maintain a current register of all licenses issued which shall contain the full name and the personal data of each professional to whom a license is issued, the date of issue, the number and term of effectiveness of the license as well as a note on its corresponding margin indicating which licenses have been recertified, suspended, revoked or cancelled.
(e) Maintain a list of the license applications submitted to the Board and those that the Board has denied.
(f) Establish, through regulations, the requirements and procedures for recertifying histologic technicians and histotechnologists every three (3) years on the basis of their continuing education, as required by §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
(g) Evaluate and approve education courses and programs for histologic technicians and histotechnologists.
(h) Maintain a record of the minutes of all procedures and set forth in the proper books its resolutions and actions.
(i) Implement an orientation program directed towards all persons aspiring to study histology about the academic requirements for taking the revalidation examination and for obtaining the license needed by this chapter to exercise the practice of histologic technician and histotechnologist in Puerto Rico as well as about the limitations and consequences of studying in unrecognized educational institutions.
(j) Develop an information system to allow the establishment of a statistical comparison between the results of the revalidation examinations and the characteristics of the aspirants, such as age, gender, school attended and grade point index of said aspirants per educational institution where they studied.
(k) Adopt an official seal which shall be stamped on all licenses issued and all other official documents of the Board.
(l) Consider and resolve all complaints filed for violations of the provisions of this chapter and the regulations adopted by virtue thereof.
(m) Hold administrative hearings, resolve controversies on matters under its jurisdiction, issue orders pursuant to its resolutions and agreements, issue summons to require the appearance of witnesses and interested parties, require the presentation of documentary evidence, take statements or oaths and receive evidence submitted regarding all matters under its jurisdiction.
(n) Adopt, not later than the six (6) months following the date on which the Board was constituted and after public hearings have been held, the regulations needed to apply its provisions, which must establish, without it being understood as a limitation, the requirements and procedures for applying for licenses and recertifications, as well as the procedures for holding administrative hearings before the Board. Said regulations shall be in effect only after they have been ratified by the Secretary and after compliance with the procedures for their adoption as established in §§ 2101 of Title 3.
(o) Petition the Secretary of Justice to promote those civil and criminal proceedings needed to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History —Aug. 31, 2000, No. 258, § 8.