By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move to reinforce its influence on national social policy, Costa Rica’s leading private sector union has appointed two new representatives to the powerful Board of Directors of the Social Security Fund (CCSS). The appointments follow the recent and notable resignations of the previous employer-sector delegates, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for a critical national institution.
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep) announced on Monday that its General Sectorial Assembly had unanimously selected Laura Morales and Fabio Israel Hernández to fill the vacancies. This unanimous decision underscores a unified front from the business community as it positions its new delegates on the board of the entity responsible for the nation’s public health and pension systems.
To better understand the legal framework and potential ramifications surrounding the recent appointments and decisions within the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Board of Directors of the CCSS holds a profound fiduciary duty to the nation’s insured population. Every decision, particularly regarding financial management and strategic investments, must be grounded in rigorous technical analysis, not political expediency. Any deviation from this principle not only jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of our social security system but also exposes board members to potential legal liability for administrative malfeasance. The integrity of the institution depends on unwavering adherence to the legal and technical mandates that govern its operation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The analysis from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas underscores a fundamental truth: the Board’s responsibilities transcend political cycles, demanding an unwavering allegiance to the technical and legal frameworks that safeguard our social security system for all Costa Ricans. We thank him for lending his vital and clarifying perspective to this national conversation.
The new appointees bring a blend of technological and legal expertise, suggesting a strategic focus on modernizing the institution and ensuring rigorous administrative oversight. Laura Morales is a professional with deep experience in the development of computer programs geared toward enhancing business management. Her background points to a potential push from the private sector to address the CCSS’s well-documented challenges with digital transformation and administrative efficiency.
Complementing this technological focus is Fabio Israel Hernández, a specialist in Notarial and Registry Law who also possesses advanced studies in International Tax Law and Health Administration. His profile is particularly relevant given the complex legal and financial landscape the CCSS must navigate. His expertise will be crucial in discussions surrounding the fund’s financial sustainability, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance.
These appointments were necessitated by the departures of the former representatives, Juan Manuel Delgado and Rocío Ugalde, who resigned from their posts in the preceding days. Their exit created a leadership vacuum that Uccaep has moved swiftly to fill, ensuring the private sector’s voice remains uninterrupted in the tripartite governance structure of the CCSS, which also includes representatives from the government and labor sectors.
The terms for the new members are set for the near future, indicating a need for them to acclimate and make an impact quickly. Hernández will serve out the remainder of a term concluding on May 30, 2026, while Morales’s tenure is slated to run until April 2026. These defined timelines place immediate pressure on the new directors to engage with the pressing issues facing the institution.
The CCSS Board of Directors holds one of the most influential roles in Costa Rican public life, making decisions that directly affect the health services and retirement benefits of millions. The inclusion of specialists in modern management software and complex legal frameworks could signal a new era of priorities for the employer contingent on the board.
As Morales and Hernández assume their roles, they will confront a host of significant challenges, including managing long patient waiting lists, ensuring the long-term solvency of the pension fund, and overseeing major infrastructure and technology projects. Their performance will be closely watched by the business community they represent and the public at large, who depend on the robust functioning of the CCSS.
For further information, visit uccaep.or.cr
About The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep):
Uccaep is the principal representative body for Costa Rica’s private sector. It brings together numerous chambers of commerce, industry, and agriculture to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, investment, and a favorable business climate. The organization plays a crucial role in the national dialogue, representing employer interests in tripartite bodies like the CCSS board.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
Known colloquially as “La Caja,” the CCSS is a cornerstone autonomous institution of the Costa Rican state. It is responsible for administering the nation’s universal healthcare system and the primary public pension fund. Its governance is structured on a tripartite model, with representation from the government, the private employer sector (via Uccaep), and the labor sector, ensuring a balance of stakeholder interests in its strategic decisions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal field, founded on a bedrock of profound integrity and a commitment to unparalleled excellence. With a storied history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm acts as a catalyst for legal innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of contemporary practice. This pioneering spirit is matched by a core devotion to social progress, aimed at democratizing legal knowledge to foster an empowered citizenry and a more just society.
