Health department backs C-1409’s access goals but urges narrow role and health safeguards

The Department of Health submitted a written position supporting the purpose of C-1409 while proposing specific limits and clarifications. Wilmer Rivera read the department’s memo and said the measure ‘‘procura eliminar barreras que afectan el acceso de las personas con discapacidad acompañadas por animales de asistencia’’ and that Health’s participation should be limited to public-health responsibilities such as infection-control guidance and not assume primary adjudicative duties.

Health told the commission that in clinical settings the right of access must coexist with infection-control and safety measures, and that any removal of an animal should be individualized and evidence-based rather than based on assumptions about species or breed. The department agreed to work on the informational signage model referenced in the bill and to provide the commission with proposals on distribution and content when requested.

Health’s conditional support underscores broad agency agreement on eliminating unnecessary documentary requirements, coupled with precise operational limits to preserve patient safety and avoid overreach.