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RC 53

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Salud de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre nuestro actual sistema de cuidado de salud mental, particularmente si el mismo incorpora todos aquellos avances en el campo de la salud mental que fortalezcan los aspectos de recuperación y rehabilitación como parte integrante del tratamiento, así como la prevención, tanto en la población adulta, como en los menores de edad y si resulta necesaria la aprobación de un nuevo marco legal que responda a la necesidad imperiosa que tiene nuestra sociedad de mejorar la salud mental de sus ciudadanos; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

RC 53 directs a comprehensive review of Puerto Rico’s mental health system to assess recovery-focused care, prevention, and whether new laws are needed.

Reunión Ejecutiva: Oficina de la Comisión
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Bill Summary · RC 53

Summary — RC 53 (Resolution)

Title (Spanish): Para ordenar a la Comisión de Salud de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre nuestro actual sistema de cuidado de salud mental...

Purpose and intent

RC 53 is a House resolution directing the Puerto Rico House Committee on Health to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the island’s current mental health care system. The inquiry should evaluate whether the system incorporates modern advances that emphasize recovery and rehabilitation as integral parts of treatment, and whether it includes effective prevention strategies for both adults and minors. The resolution also calls for assessing whether a new legal framework is necessary to improve population mental health.

Key provisions / required actions

  • Orders the House Health Committee to carry out a comprehensive investigation of Puerto Rico’s mental health care system.
  • Specifies focal areas for review:
    • Integration of recovery-oriented and rehabilitative approaches into standard treatment.
    • Preventive services and programs for adults and children/adolescents.
    • Alignment of current services, policies and laws with contemporary best practices in mental health care.
  • Calls for assessment of the need for new or revised legislation (a new legal framework) to address identified gaps.
  • Implies collection of evidence, stakeholder input and development of recommendations (the bill text as provided does not specify detailed procedures, deadlines, or budget for the study).

Who would be affected

  • Individuals receiving mental health services (adults and minors) and their families.
  • Mental health providers and facilities (public and private), hospitals, primary care providers, schools and juvenile services.
  • Government agencies involved in health policy and program delivery (e.g., Department of Health, Medicaid/ASES).
  • Insurers and managed care entities, advocacy groups, and workforce training/education entities.
  • The Legislature, as findings could lead to future policy or statutory changes.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced (radicado): January 13, 2025.
  • First reading and referred to committee: January 16, 2025.
  • Committee activity: 1st committee report with amendments (Feb 10, 2025); executive meetings noted Feb 10 and Feb 13, 2025.
  • House floor: Placed on Calendar of Special Orders and approved in the House unanimously with amendments on February 13, 2025 (final approval text recorded that day).
  • Post-approval: Referred to committee(s) and subsequent executive meeting in the committee office recorded September 18, 2025.
  • Classification: Resolution — does not by itself create law or appropriate funds.

Potential impact

If the investigation leads to recommendations for legislative or administrative change, potential outcomes include reforms to service delivery models (greater emphasis on recovery and rehabilitation), expanded prevention programs (including school- and community-based initiatives), updated licensing, workforce training, funding shifts, and changes to insurance coverage and regulatory frameworks. The resolution’s actual impact depends on the Committee’s findings and any follow-up legislation; available records do not indicate a legal mandate, deadline, or funding allocation for the study.

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

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