Para enmendar el Artículo 1; enmendar el inciso (c) del Artículo 3; y enmendar los incisos (a), (b) y (d) del Artículo 8 de la Ley 163-2024, conocida como “Ley para la Protección, Seguridad, Integración, Bienestar y Desarrollo Integral de las Personas con los Trastornos del Espectro Autista”, a los fines de uniformar la terminología de la Ley, atemperar las definiciones al Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales (DSM-5), reforzar la composición interdisciplinaria de los equipos de servicios en los Centros de Autismo, y clarificar las competencias entre el Coordinador Interinstitucional de Servicios y el Comité Interinstitucional de Servicios; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico amends its 2024 autism law to standardize terminology, align with DSM-5 diagnostics, strengthen interdisciplinary service teams, and clarify institutional responsibilities for coordinated care.

Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 997 proposes amendments to Law 163-2024, Puerto Rico's comprehensive autism protection and services law. The amendments aim to standardize terminology, align diagnostic definitions with the DSM-5 (the current clinical diagnostic manual), strengthen the interdisciplinary composition of autism center service teams, and clarify the roles and responsibilities between the Interinstitutional Services Coordinator and the Interinstitutional Services Committee.

Why is this important

Autism services in Puerto Rico affect thousands of individuals and families who depend on coordinated, high-quality care. Aligning terminology and definitions with internationally recognized diagnostic standards (DSM-5) ensures consistency between Puerto Rico's law and clinical practice worldwide, potentially improving diagnosis accuracy and service delivery. Clarifying institutional roles reduces bureaucratic confusion and gaps in service provision, while strengthening interdisciplinary teams means individuals with autism receive more comprehensive, coordinated support across medical, educational, psychological, and social services.

Potential points of contention

Implementation costs: Strengthening interdisciplinary teams may require hiring additional specialists (speech therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists), increasing government expenditure during budget constraints

Transition and training: Updating terminology and aligning with DSM-5 requires retraining existing staff and potentially reassessing current diagnoses, creating operational disruption

Jurisdictional clarity: Clarifying roles between the Coordinator and Committee could reveal power imbalances or resource disputes between agencies, potentially requiring deeper institutional restructuring beyond this bill's scope