The Secretary shall chair the Steering Committee composed of one (1) representative designated by the Secretary of Education, one (1) social worker of the Department of the Family, one (1) representative designated by the Administrator of the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, one (1) representative designated by the Director of Centro Filius of the University of Puerto Rico, two (2) citizens who are members of parents and family organizations recommended by the Governor of Puerto Rico, and two (2) citizens who render services to the autism spectrum disorder population recommended by the Governor of Puerto Rico.
This Steering Committee shall be responsible for evaluating, promoting, and supervising the implementation of the public policy set forth in this chapter. It shall be authorized to conduct on-site inspections of every pediatric center in the regions of the Department of Health, as well as of schools to which students with autism attend, as part of the Committee’s supervisory and oversight duties.
The Secretary of Health may call meetings of the Steering Committee as deemed necessary, but may never be less than once (1) every two (2) months. In order to meet and constitute a quorum, at least five (5) members shall be present. For the purposes of approving or making any decision, the absolute majority of the total membership shall be present.
The Steering Committee shall file with the Legislative Assembly, on March of every year, a report on the situation of the autism spectrum disorder population and of how the services provided in this chapter are being rendered, including specific recommendations on new legislation that addresses areas not included in this chapter.
Upon request by the Secretary of Health or the Steering Committee under this chapter, the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities shall provide advice on the available services, current legislation, the issuance of administrative orders, or promulgation of the necessary regulations to be adopted for the implementation of this chapter.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 22.