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PC 34

Para enmendar el Artículo 14 de la Ley Núm. 96 de 4 de junio de 1983, según enmendada, mejor conocida como la “Ley para Reglamentar el Ejercicio de la Profesión de la Psicología en Puerto Rico”, a fin de establecer una cláusula de exención o un “grandfather clause” en torno a todo aspirante que sea residente bona fide de Puerto Rico y que a la fecha del 31 de diciembre de 1999 haya obtenido un grado doctoral o una maestría en psicología de una universidad, colegio o centro de estudio acreditado; y para otros fines.

2025-2028 Session

Adds grandfather clause exempting psychology degree holders (pre-1999) from current licensing requirements if Puerto Rico residents, addressing decades-old regulatory barriers for established practitioners.

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Bill Summary · PC 34

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 34 proposes to amend Puerto Rico's Psychology Profession Regulation Law (Law 96 of 1983) by adding a "grandfather clause" exemption. This exemption would allow individuals who were bona fide Puerto Rico residents and obtained a doctoral or master's degree in psychology from an accredited institution by December 31, 1999, to practice psychology under grandfather provisions rather than meeting current licensing requirements.

Why is this important

The bill addresses professional licensing barriers for psychologists who obtained credentials before a specific regulatory deadline. It acknowledges prior educational achievement and residency status as qualifying factors for practice, potentially affecting workforce availability and creating pathways for experienced practitioners who may not meet updated regulatory standards. This could impact mental health service accessibility and the competitive landscape for psychology professionals in Puerto Rico.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory integrity concerns: Creating exemptions from current licensing requirements may undermine updated professional standards designed to protect public welfare and ensure competency of practicing psychologists
  • Fairness and equity questions: Grandfather clauses can create two-tiered systems where practitioners with identical credentials face different regulatory burdens based solely on date of degree completion, potentially disadvantaging younger professionals
  • Scope and enforcement ambiguity: The bill's language regarding "accredited" institutions (a term that may vary in meaning) could create implementation challenges and disputes over who qualifies for the exemption

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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