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RC 477

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Adultos Mayores y Bienestar Social de la Cámara de Representantes a realizar una investigación sobre la viabilidad de establecer un hospital geriátrico en las facilidades del Hospital El Maestro, ubicado en San Juan, recientemente cerrado, con el fin de atender las necesidades de la creciente población de adultos mayores en Puerto Rico; evaluar la posibilidad de adquisición del mismo por parte del Departamento de Salud o mediante alianzas con el sector privado, y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Directs Puerto Rico House to study converting closed San Juan hospital into geriatric facility for aging population via public or private acquisition.

Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios y Reglas Especiales de Debate de la Cámara
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Bill Summary · RC 477

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 477 directs Puerto Rico's House Commission on Older Adults and Social Welfare to investigate converting the recently closed Hospital El Maestro in San Juan into a specialized geriatric hospital. The bill mandates evaluation of acquisition options through the Department of Health or private sector partnerships to address the island's growing elderly population healthcare needs.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico faces a demographic shift with a rapidly aging population that requires specialized medical services. The repurposing of an already-constructed facility could address critical healthcare gaps more efficiently than building new infrastructure, while potentially revitalizing an underutilized public asset in San Juan.

Potential points of contention

  • Financial viability uncertainty: No cost-benefit analysis is included; operating a geriatric hospital requires specialized staffing, equipment, and ongoing funding that may exceed available government resources
  • Public versus private ownership debate: The bill permits private sector partnerships, raising concerns about profit motives potentially conflicting with affordable care for low-income elderly residents
  • Timeline and implementation gaps: The bill mandates investigation but lacks deadlines, accountability measures, or funding allocation for the study itself, making follow-through uncertain

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

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