START WITH FIVE DETAILS

What are you planning?

Will you renovate or do construction?
Will you offer lab or pharmacy services?

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How to prepare to open a medical clinic in Puerto Rico

Start with your entity, location and planned services. A consultorio, outpatient site, laboratory or other clinic may follow different steps depending on CNC review, Department of Health facility licensing, Permiso Único/OGPe, municipal registration and professional boards.

  1. 1

    Form your entity and prepare Hacienda registration

    Confirm your legal entity structure and review the Registro de Comerciante and tax responsibilities that may apply to your planned clinical activities.

    Official source
  2. 2

    Confirm whether a CNC (Certificate of Need) may apply

    Certain healthcare facilities may need a Certificado de Necesidad y Conveniencia. Confirm with the Department of Health whether your clinic type and services trigger CNC review — do not assume it always applies or never applies.

    Official source
  3. 3

    Review Department of Health facility licensing

    Ask the Department of Health which facility license or health authorization may apply to your consultorio, outpatient site, laboratory or other clinical operation.

    Official source
  4. 4

    Review the Permiso Único / OGPe pathway

    Confirm operating licenses, use, and certifications that may apply through the Permiso Único process, including fire-safety and other reviews tied to your premises.

    Official source

Does every clinic need a CNC in Puerto Rico?

Not necessarily. CNC requirements depend on facility type and services. Confirm with the Department of Health whether a Certificado de Necesidad y Conveniencia may apply to your plans — do not treat this checklist as a determination.

Are clinic permits the same in every municipality?

Do not assume the same process applies everywhere. Confirm municipal registration, the proposed clinical use of the space and the office responsible for your location before committing to a lease or construction.

Does this checklist approve my clinic?

No. This is a preliminary preparation tool, not a permit, legal determination or guarantee of approval. Confirm requirements with the responsible agencies. Complete the five questions above to see which preparation topics match your plans.