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PS 992

Para enmendar los Artículos 4 y 7 de la Ley 106-2019, conocida como “Ley de Inclusión de Personas Significativas en las Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo de Adultos, Pediátricos y Neonatales, en las Instituciones de Salud de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de garantizar que el período de acompañamiento que establece esta Ley ocurrirá durante las veinticuatro horas (24) del día; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

PS 992 expands ICU visitation rights in Puerto Rico from limited hours to 24-hour accompaniment for significant persons across all health institutions.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 992

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 992 amends Puerto Rico's Law 106-2019 to expand visitation rights for significant persons in adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care units. The amendment would extend accompanying periods from limited hours to a full 24-hour basis in all health institutions across Puerto Rico.

Why is this important

This change directly affects patient care experiences and family support during critical medical situations. Allowing round-the-clock accompaniment could improve patient psychological outcomes, facilitate continuous family involvement in care decisions, and address emotional needs during life-threatening conditions, which is particularly significant in neonatal and pediatric cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource and staffing implications: Health institutions may face operational challenges accommodating 24-hour family presence, requiring additional space, security, and staff coordination, potentially increasing institutional costs
  • Medical workflow and infection control: Continuous family presence in ICUs could complicate clinical procedures, patient privacy, medical staff efficiency, and infection control protocols that may require restricted access periods
  • Equity in implementation: Ensuring consistent 24-hour access across all Puerto Rican health institutions (public and private) may create disparities, and resource-limited facilities might struggle more with implementation than well-funded ones

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

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