Certification Requirements Eliminated for PR Licensed Professionals Offering Telemedicine, Telehealth, and Cybertherapy
On April 11, 2025, Governor Jenniffer González signed Act No. 8-2025 into law, amending the statutes that regulate the practice of telemedicine, telehealth, and cybertherapy in Puerto Rico. The primary purpose of this legislation is to eliminate the requirement for Puerto Rico-licensed healthcare professionals to obtain separate certifications in order to offer telemedicine, telehealth, and cybertherapy.
With this change, physicians, audiologists, chiropractors, dentists, health educators, pharmacists, veterinarians, podiatrists, naturopathic doctors, naturopaths, nutritionists and dietitians, opticians, optometrists, and nurses who are already licensed to practice in Puerto Rico, are no longer required to obtain an additional certification to provide telehealth services. Similarly, professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and rehabilitation and educational counselors may now engage in cybertherapy without the need for a separate certificate.
This exemption applies only to professionals licensed to practice in Puerto Rico. Those who are licensed in the federal jurisdiction, must still apply for the corresponding certification from their Examining Board before offering telemedicine, telehealth, or cybertherapy services.
In addition to the elimination of certification requirements, Act No. 8-2025 also reaffirms the right of healthcare professionals to receive payment for telemedicine and telehealth services. Specifically, Act 8-2025 provides that any licensed professional authorized to practice telemedicine or telehealth in Puerto Rico may bill health insurance companies and the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (ASES) for services rendered remotely, as if they had been provided in person. Insurers and ASES are legally obligated to reimburse for these services under the same terms as in-person care.
The enactment of Act No. 8-2025 reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating the use of technology in healthcare by reducing unnecessary administrative barriers.
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