Para enmendar el Artículo 9 de la Ley Núm. 11 de 23 de junio de 1976, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de reforma integral de los servicios de salud de Puerto Rico”, a fin de que los cursos de educación continuada necesarios para la re-certificación de la licencia de los profesionales de la salud, sean financiados por su patrono; establecer la cantidad de cincuenta dólares ($50.00) como el mínimo de la aportación patronal por profesional de la salud a los fines expuestos; disponer que el patrono no compute el tiempo que un profesional de la salud utilice para cumplir con el requisito de educación continuada y en consecuencia, que no lo cargue a la licencia regular de vacaciones o enfermedad, gravando este derecho obrero.

2025-2028 Session

Bill requires Puerto Rico health employers to finance professional recertification courses ($50 minimum per worker) and protect education time from vacation/sick leave deductions.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 64 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Health Services Reform Law to require employers to finance continuing education courses needed for health professionals to renew their licenses. The bill sets a minimum employer contribution of $50 per health professional and mandates that time spent on continuing education not be deducted from regular vacation or sick leave benefits.

Why is this important

Health professional licensing requirements are essential for maintaining clinical standards and patient safety, but the costs of continuing education can burden individual practitioners. This bill shifts financial responsibility to employers, potentially making recertification more accessible for healthcare workers while establishing it as a protected worker right—an issue affecting thousands of Puerto Rico's healthcare workforce.

Potential points of contention

Employer cost burden: The $50 minimum may be insufficient or excessive depending on actual course costs; employers may argue this adds unfunded mandates to healthcare operations already facing financial constraints

Implementation clarity: The bill doesn't specify who determines whether courses qualify or how disputes over adequate employer funding would be resolved

Competitive disadvantage: Healthcare facilities in Puerto Rico may face higher labor costs compared to other jurisdictions, potentially affecting competitiveness or staffing decisions