Puerto Rico recently passed a law, Senate Bill 671, that will allow citizens to have access to laboratory tests without a medical order. This is a groundbreaking move that is expected to expand patients’ rights and medical freedom. The law promotes access to a variety of tests without the need for a doctor’s prescription, provided that the patient is willing to pay for these tests out of pocket.
According to Mr. Luis Caraballo, the president of the College of Medical Technologists of Puerto Rico (CTMPR), the law is a significant step forward for citizens. Patients will no longer have to rely on cumbersome home tests, which may not always be correctly conducted. Under the new law, it will be possible for individuals to visit a laboratory, pay for the test, and receive certified results that can be interpreted by any doctor. Importantly, the results must carry a clause indicating that they must be consulted and interpreted by a licensed doctor, which provides an added layer of protection for the patient.
Among the laboratory tests that will now be accessible without a doctor’s order are fasting glucose, pregnancy tests, complete blood count, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. However, all results must carry a note indicating that they should be interpreted and consulted by a licensed doctor to protect the patient.
The law is expected to come into force within the next 120 days or sooner, and the College of Medical Technologists of Puerto Rico, together with the Department of Health, will offer guidance to citizens so they can benefit from this new law. It will be announced when people can go to a laboratory without a doctor’s order to have their tests done.
Additionally, Governor Pedro Pierluisi signed the law on January 19 alongside 15 other legislative measures. The passing of this law represents a significant change in healthcare access and provides a newfound level of freedom for citizens to access necessary diagnostic tests on their own terms.