P.R. Laws tit. 20, § 545k
The College shall have, without it being construed as a limitation, the following powers and duties:
(a) Make the maximum effort to uphold the honor and dignity of the profession of optometry and to make known, extol and honor that image in every way within its reach.
(b) Contribute to the permanence, progress and advancement of the profession of optometry in Puerto Rico, as well as of those arts and industries related thereto, and to publish and circulate newspapers, magazines, books, articles and printed material, as well as to prepare or sponsor and present programs on optometry using any existing meaning of communication.
(c) Instruct the public about the profession of optometry.
(d) Render those reports and consultations requested by the Government, and cooperate with the municipal, Commonwealth and federal governments and their agencies, public instrumentalities and regulatory bodies in all matters of mutual interest or benefit to the general welfare of the public that are related to the profession of optometry.
(e) Protect optometrists and the profession of optometry, defend their rights and immunities and contest any act that is harmful to the profession, including taking before the courts any natural or juridical person who [is] responsible for or cause[s] said acts, and intervene, should it be deemed proper, in those matters related to the profession of optometry or to those optometrists who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, merit its intervention.
(f) Promote fraternal relations between its members, entities and other professional colleges.
(g) Establish the seat of the College of Optometrists of Puerto Rico.
(h) Arrange with accredited universities the offering of pre-optometry study programs as well as review and continuing education courses for its members. Said courses must have the approval of the Board of Examiners.
(i) Obtain group life insurance, health and disability insurance policies, and retirement and pension plans for the benefit of its members.
(j) Sponsor legislation or take steps to amend the legislation that regulates the admission to and practice of the profession of optometry in Puerto Rico and see to it that said profession keeps up with the progress and developments in optometry provided in said act, regarding the profession and practice of optometry.
(k) Maintain a high level of professional conduct and ethics among the members of the College and denounce any disloyal practice of the profession of optometry.
History —Dec. 17, 1993, No. 129, § 12.