The faculties and duties of the Board shall be:
(1) To evaluate all license and license renewal applications received.
(2) To offer examinations to issue the respective licenses.
(3) To authorize the practice of the professions of occupational therapist and assistant in occupational therapy by the issuing of licenses, and establishing the mechanisms needed for the registration of such licenses and the recertification of professionals based on continuing education, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 24.
(4) To suspend, deny or revoke the license in justified cases of any occupational therapist or certified assistant in occupational therapy, in accordance with § 1039 of this title.
(5) To adopt such norms and regulations as may be necessary for the faithful compliance of this chapter, its duties and its functions, provided same are not contrary to public law and order, and are adopted after holding public hearings and promulgated pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”.
(6) To maintain an updated registry of the licenses issued, consigning the name and address of the professional, personal data, license number, date of issue and effective date thereof, and any reference to recertification.
(7) To develop an information and registration system that allows a statistical ratio to be established between the revalidation examination results and the examinees characteristics, such as age, gender, school [attended], and academic index, among others.
(8) To attend and resolve all the complaints filed for violations of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted by virtue thereof, after due notice and hearing.
(9) To serve summons by certified mail with acknowledgment of receipt, for the appearance of witnesses or interested parties and to require the presentation of the pertinent documents to be used as documentary evidence in any hearing to be held in compliance with the purposes of this chapter. Should the duly notified parties not appear, or hand over the required documents, the Board may appeal to the Court of First instance for assistance to require the appearance, or delivery of the documentary evidence. Disobedience of such order shall constitute contempt of court.
(10) To take statements and oaths and receive the evidence submitted with regard to matters under its jurisdiction.
(11) To comply with that which is set forth in §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Puerto Rico Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”, in the exercise of the powers granted through this chapter to regulate, investigate and adjudicate matters under its jurisdiction.
(12) To adopt an official seal for the handling of its matters.
(13) To present to the Governor, through the Secretary of Health, an annual report of its work, stating the number of licenses issued, denied, cancelled, suspended and on the recertification of professionals.
History —June 26, 1968, No. 137, p. 325, § 4; June 24, 1971, No. 89, p. 304, § 1; Dec. 20, 1991, No. 113, § 3.