By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to reinforce community involvement in the nation’s public healthcare system, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has successfully completed the renewal of 68 health boards across its network of hospitals and medical centers. The nationwide elections, held on September 3, 2025, attracted 705 candidates and will establish the leadership for these crucial oversight bodies for the 2026-2029 term.
These health boards serve as a vital link between the CCSS administration and the communities they serve. Mandated by law, they are designed to be auxiliary bodies that foster direct citizen participation in the management and improvement of local healthcare services. Their renewal represents a foundational step in ensuring the system remains responsive to the needs of the insured population and maintains its high standards of public trust and accountability.
To delve into the legal framework and responsibilities governing the Health Boards of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The decisions made by CCSS Health Boards are not mere administrative acts; they carry significant legal weight and direct consequences for public health. Board members must understand that their positions come with fiduciary duties to the insured population. Any deviation from technical criteria or evidence of external pressure could lead to personal liability, not only administratively but potentially in criminal court for breach of public duties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that serving on a CCSS Health Board is not merely a position of influence, but one of profound fiduciary responsibility with tangible personal consequences. The clear line drawn between administrative duty and potential criminal liability is a crucial reminder of the legal safeguards designed to protect our public health system. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this invaluable clarification.
The extensive process was not merely an election but a comprehensive civic exercise. According to Luis Felipe Ríos Aguilar, the coordinator of the health boards team, the initiative involved a massive training and preparation effort. This included capacitating over 1,000 individuals, encompassing electoral committee members, medical directors, and various community representatives, to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
A key feature of this year’s renewal was a marked push towards modernization and inclusivity. For the first time, the CCSS enabled a fully digital registration process for candidacies, a move that significantly broadened the opportunities for participation across the country. This technological advancement was complemented by a robust informational campaign that produced videos in Spanish, Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO), and various indigenous languages, ensuring the message of participation reached all sectors of the diverse national population.
The members who make up these boards are a communication bridge between the community and the institution, for the benefit of insured persons and users.
Luis Felipe Ríos Aguilar, Health Boards Team Coordinator
The legal framework for these powerful community bodies is rooted in Law No. 7852, known as the Law for the Deconcentration of Hospitals and Clinics of the CCSS. This legislation formally established the boards’ role in enhancing multiple facets of healthcare delivery. Their mandate includes improving the quality of patient care, overseeing and advising on administrative and financial performance, and, most importantly, championing direct citizen participation in the governance of their local health centers.
Each seven-member board is meticulously structured to reflect a cross-section of the local community. The composition includes three representatives from the sector of insured individuals, two from local pro-health associations or organizations, and two representatives from the employer sector within the health center’s area of influence. This tripartite structure is designed to guarantee a balanced and diverse range of perspectives in decision-making processes, preventing any single interest group from dominating the conversation.
As these 68 newly constituted boards prepare to begin their four-year term in 2026, their work will be critical. They will face the ongoing challenges of a modern healthcare system, from managing local budgets and infrastructure projects to advocating for patient rights and new services. Their success will be a direct measure of the CCSS’s commitment to a decentralized, participatory model of public health, ensuring that Costa Rica’s renowned healthcare system continues to evolve with the active input of the citizens it is designed to protect.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system and public pension fund. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social contract, providing comprehensive health services to the vast majority of the population through its extensive network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and specialized medical centers. The CCSS is internationally recognized for its role in achieving high public health indicators for the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal practice, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while championing a profound social responsibility. This dedication is most evident in its efforts to democratize legal information, which fulfills its fundamental goal of fostering a just society where all individuals are empowered through knowledge.
