Puerto Rico Department of Health Waives Certain Regulatory Requirements

As a result of the passage of Hurricane Maria through Puerto Rico, and to help with public health issues related to the crisis, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (“DOH”) waived certain regulation requirements. The following is a summary of these important changes: 

Authorized the Administration of Vaccines by a Duly Certified Pharmacist to People aged between 7 and 17 years

On September 22, 2017, the DOH  issued Administrative Order No. 2017-369A to temporarily authorize the administration of vaccines by a duly certified pharmacist to people aged between 7 to 17 years. Pharmacies so authorized shall develop and implement written procedures for the vaccine administration process, including parental consent and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Once vaccines are administered, pharmacies are required to notify the Assistant Secretary of Regulation and Accreditation of Health Facilities (SARAFS) on a weekly basis of the vaccines administered and the number of patients vaccinated.

Sixty-day Extension to Licenses and Permits Expired in September 2017

On September 21, 2017, the DOH issued Administrative Order No. 2017-369B, which granted a 60-day extension to licenses, permits, and certificates of need and convenience issued by SARAFS or the Assistant Secretary of Environmental Health Affairs which terms expired in September 2017.

Physicians May Dispense Drugs to their Patients where the Healthcare is provided

On September 21, 2017 the DOH issued Administrative Order No. 2017-369C to allow physicians to dispense drugs from their drug cabinet outside their medical offices. Such physicians shall be required to submit a report stating the patient’s name, dosage and number of drugs dispensed, among other information.

Provisional Licenses of 90 days to authorize U.S. licensed to help during the Emergency

On September 21, 2017 the DOH issued Administrative Order No. 2017-369D to authorize the issuance of provisional emergency licenses for up to 90 days to physicians authorized to practice in any U.S. jurisdiction. Such physicians shall not charge for their services.

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