SAN JUAN City has launched a Right To Care Card program for LGBTQ+ couples and live-in partners, allowing them to designate a person they trust to carry out their medical and health care decisions when they are unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
Mayor Francis Zamora disclosed the program on Wednesday during the city’s 19th Cityhood Anniversary celebration, describing it as part of San Juan’s efforts to create a more inclusive and rights-based city.
Seventeen couples comprised the first batch of beneficiaries who completed the requirements for card issuance.
Under the program, a resident may appoint a health care proxy through a notarized special power of attorney (SPA), specifying the health care and medical decisions the chosen person may execute on their behalf in cases of illness, injury, or incapacity.
Zamora said the health care proxy's authority is based on the wishes of the resident who executed the SPA, not on the proxy’s own decisions.
“The Right To Care Card is not a piece of plastic. It is peace of mind. It is dignity. It is autonomy. It is empowerment,” Zamora said.
The card serves as official proof that the Healthcare Proxy has been registered with the City Government of San Juan and allows authorized health care providers to verify the designation through a unique QR Code.
Once scanned, the QR Code provides access to the registered SPA, allowing health care professionals to confirm the authorized person and the specific medical decisions approved by the resident.
San Juan created the program through City Ordinance 16, Series of 2025, later strengthened and expanded by City Ordinance 22, Series of 2026, collectively known as the San Juan Healthcare Proxy Ordinance.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have full legal capacity, and be bona fide residents of San Juan City, while their chosen Healthcare Proxy must also meet the same legal requirements.
Residents applying for the card must submit the application form, a valid government-issued ID showing a San Juan address, recent 1x1 photos of both parties, and a notarized SPA.
The City Gender and Development Office will evaluate applications, conduct verification, and require applicants and their designated health care proxies to attend an orientation seminar covering their rights, responsibilities and the limits of the proxy authority.
Zamora said the city will continue to conduct monthly seminars and release additional batches of cards for applicants who complete all documentary and legal requirements.
The Right To Care Card will remain valid for three years unless revoked by the resident, replaced by a new SPA, invalidated by a court decision, or terminated under existing laws.
