P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 3569
The development of professionals and service providers for the autism spectrum disorder population shall serve to support the design and implementation of quality and evidence-based services. Autism-related training shall be a requirement for all service providers who interact with the autism spectrum disorder population and their families. These professionals should be able to recognize the core characteristics of the disorders and where to refer persons with these disorders. Primary physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and others must be trained to assess, evaluate, identify, and intervene with the autism spectrum disorder population and make the corresponding referrals. Other professionals that may interact with this population, including security-related and other rapid response personnel must receive training annually on how to evaluate and interact with the autism spectrum disorder population.
Academic programs shall have both trans-disciplinary and disciplinary competencies. Students and professionals who render services to this population shall receive training for which they shall obtain a certification or credit hours. Said training shall consist of assessing the needs of persons with an autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as of the services they require. Moreover, universities offering graduate certificate programs shall issue a certificate attesting to the education of students in said field upon meeting the academic requirements.
The examining boards of healthcare professionals that work with autism spectrum disorder, which boards are attached to the Department of Health shall ensure the competence of said professionals.
Said professionals shall have trans-disciplinary competencies, thus, they shall receive training therefor in order to be certified. Such training shall consist of assessing the needs of and services required by the population.
The Puerto Rico Surgeons Association shall conduct an orientation campaign in connection with autism spectrum disorder aimed at healthcare professionals who render services to the autism spectrum disorder population.
The Medical Discipline and Licensure Board of Puerto Rico shall establish the continuing education requirements with regard to autism spectrum disorder.
History —Sep. 4, 2012, No. 220, § 11.