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(a) Administrative sanction. — It shall be unlawful for any person to perform any of the following actions:\n(1) Introduce him/herself with the title of professional counselor or professional counselor with a provisional license, without being duly authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.\n(2) Engage in the practice of professional counseling, or with a provisional license without having met the provisions of this chapter, and without holding a valid license as required by this chapter.\n(3) Use any title, initials or abbreviations that can reasonably be confused with a designation stating a standard of professional or occupational competence for which he/she is not duly authorized as provided by this chapter.\nAny person who, after the filing of charges, notice and a hearing in an administrative procedure, is found to have performed any of the acts described in this section has incurred punishable conduct, for which the Secretary of Health is empowered to impose administrative fines, upon due process of law, up to a maximum of one thousand dollars ($1,000).\nIn the event of a second or subsequent violation, he/she shall be imposed a fine not less than two thousand

strative fines, upon due process of law, up to a maximum of one thousand dollars ($1,000).\nIn the event of a second or subsequent violation, he/she shall be imposed a fine not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).\n(b) Penalty. — Any person who practices professional counseling in Puerto Rico without being duly authorized therefor as required by this chapter, or performs said profession, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for a term of up to six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.\nBy petition of the Board, the Secretary of Justice shall request an injunction to prevent the person charged with practicing professional counseling in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico illegally from continuing the practice of said profession until the charges are resolved.\nHistory —Aug. 9, 2002, No. 147, § 15.