(a) Creation.— The Center shall be directed by a Board of Directors to whom is conferred the exercise of the duties and powers of the Center by virtue of this chapter.
(b) Composition.—
(1) The Board shall consist of nine (9) members, of which the following four (4) shall be ex-officio members: the President of the University of Puerto Rico, the Chancellor of the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health of Puerto Rico; the Dean of the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico, all of whom may be represented in this capacity by the persons designated in writing by said officials. The five (5) remaining members shall be private citizens who have shown their commitment to cancer issues, of which, one (1) shall be a member of the Puerto Rico Cancer League; two (2) shall be members of the cancer research, study, or treatment community; one (1) shall have experience in the fields of management, finance, business administration, or previous managerial experience in hospitals or medical research centers or clinics; and one (1) shall be a cancer patient or survivor.
(2) The Governor of Puerto Rico shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, five (5) private citizens who shall be members of the Board. The private citizens that are currently members of the Board and meet the requirements set forth herein may conclude the terms of their appointments. As their respective terms as members of the Board expire, the Governor shall appoint their successors for a term of four (4) years. The remaining members shall be appointed for initial terms of two (2), three (3), and (4) years, as appropriate. As their respective initial terms expire, the Governor shall appoint their successors for terms of four (4) years.
(3) The Governor shall appoint a Chairman from the members of the Board. The members of the Board shall elect the Vice Chairman of the Board.
(c) Requirements.— The members of the Board of Directors shall be persons of legal age, committed to promoting the development of cancer research and treatment.
(d) Vacancies.— Should a vacancy arise in case of resignation, death, or destitution, the Governor shall select a substitute for the outgoing member, who shall fill the existing vacancy for the unexpired term of the original member.
(e) Meetings.— The Board shall hold its first meeting within thirty (30) days following Senate confirmation of those members who so require. The Board shall subsequently hold four regular meetings per year and as many special meetings as necessary. The form, procedure and contents of the summons to the meetings shall be determined by the Board itself in its bylaws.
(f) Quorum.— Five (5) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for conducting its affairs. All Board agreements shall be reached with the concurrent vote of a simple majority of the total number of members who constitute a quorum, provided that at least two (2) of such concurrent votes shall be cast by ex-officio members of the Board.
(g) Bylaws.— The Board shall adopt its bylaws.
(h) Executive Director.— The Board shall appoint an Executive Director, who shall be responsible for the operations and administration of the Center as provided in this chapter or as delegated by the Board. The Executive Director shall hold a Medical Doctor degree with a specialty and vast experience in oncology and shall report to the Board.
The Executive Director shall establish an area, division, or unit focused on clinical research; an area, division, or unit focused on medical affairs; and an area, division, or unit focused on the administration and operation of the Center. The Executive Director shall appoint, upon consultation with the Board, a Deputy Director to whom he/she may assign those duties deemed appropriate pursuant to this chapter. The Deputy Director may substitute the Executive Director in the event of absence or temporary disability.
The Executive Director shall submit quarterly and annual reports to the Board relating to the operational and scientific activities of the Center. The contents and scope of said reports shall be determined by the Board through regulations.
History —Aug. 26, 2004, No. 230, § 6; July 13, 2011, No. 141, § 1.