P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 3563
Every healthcare provider that offers services to the pediatrics population, in general, shall use the Guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics to identify potential cases that may eventually be confirmed as autism spectrum disorder. In the case of professionals who offer psychological and psychiatric- related services to the autism spectrum disorder population, said providers shall use the diagnostic criteria established in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Professionals shall use instruments to carry out assessment, evaluation, and diagnostic procedures applicable to the autism spectrum disorder population.
Professionals shall be required to implement an evaluation protocol in accordance with the discipline and guidelines prescribed therefor by the Department of Health, which shall include, at least, the following requirements in medical and social areas:
(a) Medical and family record.
(b) Interdisciplinary team evaluation.
Case managers of pediatrics centers shall be responsible for making referrals to qualified medical specialists, as provided by the interdisciplinary team of the pediatrics center, so that persons with an autism spectrum disorder may receive complete services, according to the development stage, provided by specialists in the areas where impairment or delay is suspected for the purpose of complying with the public policy set forth in this chapter.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organization, among other instruments, shall be used for functional status assessment of persons with an autism spectrum disorder. The ICF is used for goal setting and treatment planning and monitoring, as well as outcome measurement. It is a classification of health and health-related domains. These domains are classified, according to a biological, individual, and social perspective, into two components: body functions and body structures, and activities and participation. The ICF also takes into account environmental factors.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 5.