Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). If the violation to the provisions of this chapter affects a pediatric or geriatric cancer patient, the same shall be deemed to be aggravating circumstances, and the fine shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
The Office of the Healthcare Advocate shall be empowered to impose the fines authorized under this chapter, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedure Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”. All complaints shall be acted upon promptly.
Nothing provided in this chapter shall be understood to exclude, limit, impair, curtail, or affect in any way the rights of any natural or juridical person to initiate claim any rights, remedies, cause of action, or proceedings granted, recognized, or permitted under other laws and regulations, whether criminal, civil, or administrative in nature, in the corresponding judicial or administrative forums.
History —Sep. 27, 2012, No. 275, § 7, eff. 180 days after Sept. 27, 2012.