P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 6161a
Any minor who begins to receive direct outpatient services in mental healthcare at the various levels of care and treatment, rehabilitation and recovery modalities, or any such minor for whom such services are requested, shall receive, among others, the following services within the first seventy-two (72) hours:
(a) A physical examination, when clinically necessary to rule out physiological or organic conditions or as part of the clinical outpatient follow-up.
(b) Laboratory tests, when clinically necessary to rule out physiological or organic conditions or as part of the clinical outpatient follow-up.
(c) A psychiatric evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist, when a child and adolescent psychiatrist is not available due to fully justified reasons. If the evaluation is conducted by a general psychiatrist or a primary-care physician, consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist shall be made as soon as practicable.
(d) A psychological screening conducted by a psychologist, when clinically necessary.
(e) A psychological evaluation conducted by a psychologist, when clinically indicated.
(f) A social evaluation conducted by a social worker, when pertinent due to the existence of social situations or circumstances which might affect the ongoing nature of the person’s mental healthcare services.
(g) A psychiatric evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist; in the event that the institution does not have a psychiatrist, this evaluation may be conducted by a properly licensed physician.
(h) A substance screening conducted by a professional counselor knowledgeable in addiction issues, when clinically indicated to rule out or assess substance abuse and/or dependency.
The results of the tests, analyses and evaluations shall form part of the minor’s clinical record, and shall be used to establish the individualized treatment, recovery and rehabilitation plan at the corresponding level of care which accords the greatest autonomy. This plan shall be devised by an inter- or a multidisciplinary team not later than fifteen (15) days following commencement of treatment and such plan shall be reviewed every thirty (30) days to conform to the standards for each level of care or when a substantial change occurs. The procedures shall be included in the regulations to be promulgated for these purposes.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to mental healthcare professionals with private offices. In this case, such professionals shall make sure to comply with the standards applicable to their respective professions, based on the clinical protocols and the treatment guidelines recommended by the Administration.
History —Oct. 2, 2000, No. 408, § 10.02; Aug. 6, 2008, No. 183, § 57.