(a) In a guardianship or protective proceeding in a court of Puerto Rico, the judge in charge may request the appropriate court of another state to do any of the following:
(1) Hold an evidentiary hearing.
(2) Order a person in that state to produce evidence or give testimony pursuant to procedures of that state.
(3) Order that an evaluation or assessment be made of the respondent or incapacitated person.
(4) Order any appropriate investigation of a person involved in a proceeding.
(5) Forward to the court of that state a certified copy of the transcript or other record of a hearing under clause (1) or any other proceeding, any evidence otherwise produced under clause (2), and any evaluation or assessment prepared in compliance with an order under clauses (3) or (4).
(6) Issue any order necessary to assure the appearance in the proceeding of a person whose presence is necessary for the court to make a determination, including the respondent or the incapacitated or protected person.
(7) Issue an order authorizing the release of medical, financial, criminal, or other relevant information in that state, including protected health information, as defined in 45 C.F.R. 160.103, as amended.
(b) If a court of another state in which a guardianship or protective proceeding is pending requests assistance of the kind provided in subsection (a), a court of Puerto Rico has jurisdiction for the limited purpose of granting the request or making reasonable efforts to comply with the request.
History —Oct. 5, 2012, No. 296, § 5.