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PC 84

Para enmendar los Artículos 1 y 9 y añadir un Artículo 7a, a la Ley Núm. 82 del 31 de mayo de 1972, según enmendada, mejor conocida como la “Ley para crear Junta Examinadora y Colegio de Nutricionistas y Dietistas”, para definir los centros de nutrición y requerir que sea mandatorio que todo centro establecido en Puerto Rico en el que se interpreten y apliquen conocimientos científicos sobre nutrición para la selección y preparación de alimentos, planificación de menús y dietas, y organización y dirección de servicios de alimentación, y/o en el que se prepare, elabore, fabrique, empaque, reempaque, sirva, o procese en forma alguna suplementos y/o bebidas nutricionales para consumo humano, cuente con al menos un nutricionista-dietista, según definido en la propia ley; establecer penalidades;y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Requires Puerto Rico centers using nutrition knowledge to hire at least one licensed nutricionista-dietista, with penalties for noncompliance, strengthening oversight.

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Bill Summary · PC 84

PC 84 — Summary

Overview

PC 84 is a bill introduced in Puerto Rico on January 2, 2025, titled to amend Law Núm. 82 (May 31, 1972), the “Ley para crear Junta Examinadora y Colegio de Nutricionistas y Dietistas.” The bill proposes to define what constitutes a “centro de nutrición,” require that any such center in Puerto Rico employing nutrition knowledge for food selection/preparation, menu and diet planning, and organization/direction of food services, and/or involved in the preparation or processing of supplements or nutritional beverages for human consumption, have at least one licensed nutricionista-dietista, and establish penalties for noncompliance. It would also introduce a new Article 7a and make related amendments to Articles 1 and 9 of Law 82.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure that centers engaged in nutrition-related activities adhere to professional standards by employing a minimum of one nutritionist-dietitian.
  • Strengthen oversight and regulatory consistency within the framework of the Junta Examinadora y Colegio de Nutricionistas y Dietistas.
  • Clarify the scope of operations that fall under nutrition oversight, particularly in food service settings and production/handling of nutritional supplements and beverages.

Key provisions (summary)

  • Define “centros de nutrición” for purposes of applying scientific nutrition knowledge to:
    • Selection and preparation of foods
    • Planning of menus and diets
    • Organization and direction of food service operations
    • Preparation/processing/packaging/re-packaging/serving of supplements and/or nutritional beverages for human consumption
  • Require at least one nutricionista-dietista employed at such centers, in accordance with the law.
  • Add a new Article 7a to Law 82 (specific language to be determined by the bill).
  • Amend Articles 1 and 9 of Law 82 to align with the new definitions and staffing requirements.
  • Establish penalties for noncompliance (penalties to be specified in the bill).

Affected parties and entities

  • Centers in Puerto Rico that conduct nutrition-related activities as described (food service operations, menu/diet planning, and processing or handling nutritional supplements/beverages).
  • Employers and administrators of such centers who would need to hire at least one licensed nutricionista-dietista.
  • The regulatory regime administered by the Junta Examinadora y Colegio de Nutricionistas y Dietistas.

Penalties

  • The bill indicates penalties will be established to enforce compliance; specific sanctions are not provided in the summary but are anticipated to cover noncompliance with staffing requirements and related provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to committee(s).
  • Introduced: January 2, 2025.
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • January 2, 2025: Filed (Radicado).
    • January 16, 2025: Appears in Primera Lectura de la Cámara.
    • January 16, 2025: Referred to Committee(s).
  • Next steps: Committee review, public hearings (if scheduled), potential amendments, and consideration for floor votes.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Could improve public health protections by ensuring qualified nutrition professionals oversee relevant operations.
  • May impose new staffing costs on affected centers, particularly smaller facilities.
  • Aligns practical operations with regulatory standards for nutrition professionals in Puerto Rico.
  • Implications for the scope and authority of Law 82, including how Centers de Nutrición are defined and regulated.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor committee action for amendments or changes to scope.
  • Review the full text, once available, to understand penalties, licensing definitions, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Assess which facilities in Puerto Rico would be subject to the new staffing requirement.

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

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