P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 420
Early detection of cancer refers to the application of strategies to determine when pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are present in an individual before he/she has any symptoms. It shall be the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico to contribute to early cancer detection by means of screening tests so that individuals can seek treatment in the early stages of the disease, and thus reduce cancer mortality, by complying with the following policies:
(a) To develop, implement, disseminate, and evaluate early detection programs for the control of colorectal, prostate, breast, cervical, oral, and any other type of cancer whose early detection is possible and cost-effective. The main focus of these programs should be to assist populations with a high risk of developing cancer.
(b) To develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based promotional mechanisms on the benefits of early cancer detection that are culturally appropriate for the people of Puerto Rico.
(c) To raise people’s awareness of the recommended ages for early cancer detection screening in accordance with the guidelines established by the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force.
(d) To establish mechanisms in order for healthcare providers to have a better understanding and be able to provide patients with adequate orientation, in accordance with the best early cancer detection recommendations applicable to the medical practice. This includes, but is not limited to effective communication with the patient, an early cancer detection reminder system, health plan and health insurance plan reimbursement methods, and the promotion of professional education courses and training in this field.
(e) To promote the inclusion of early cancer detection tests in private health plan and health insurance coverage.
(f) To optimize the use of early cancer detection tests among Health Reform beneficiaries, in accordance with the best clinical recommendations applicable to the medical practice.
(g) To encourage hospitals, clinical laboratories, and any health center, clinic, or medical office where early cancer detection tests are performed to incorporate the technological advances and developments of this field.
(h) To monitor facilities where early cancer detection tests are performed to ensure that the quality standards that govern the medical practice are met, that patient confidentiality is protected, and that patients receive the most courteous treatment possible.
(i) To guarantee an adequate geographic distribution of the locations were early cancer detection tests are performed so that every person can conveniently access them.
(j) To promote the use of genetic testing and the coverage thereof by health insurance and health plans, so that everyone can learn about their genetic predisposition to cancer and raise people’s awareness of the importance of early detection.
History —Apr. 8, 2011, No. 49, § 5.2.