For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning expressed hereinafter:
(a) Premature thelarche. — An advanced and incomplete form of sexual development characterized by the presence of mammary tissue in girls who are younger than eight (8) years of age in the absence of other sexual development characteristics.
(b) Precocious sexual development. — The presence of sexual characteristics normally associated with puberty occurring before the age of eight (8) years in females and nine (9) years in males. This precocious sexual development may be complete or incomplete, and may manifest itself by the premature development of mammary tissue (thelarche), sexual hair (pubic and axillary), apocrine secretion (sweat with an offensive odor), vaginal bleeding or genital growth. In some cases these characteristics, particularly those with a complete precocious sexual development, are accompanied by accelerated growth and osseous maturity and biochemical and hormonal changes which normally accompany puberty.
(c) Department. — Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(d) Assistant Secretariat. — The Assistant Secretariat for Preventive Medicine and Family Health of the Department of Health.
(e) Secretary. — The Secretary of the Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —July 22, 1988, No. 137, p. 573, § 1, retroactive to July 1, 1988.