COMPARISON OF REPUBLIC 7164 AND REPUBLIC ACT 9173 REPEALIN* FOR T+E PURPOSE REPUBLIC Republic o !

"e P"ilippi#e$ ACT NO)71644 OT+ER5ISE 6NO5N AS T+E P%o e$$io#&l Re'ul&!io# Co((i$$io# P+ILIPPINE NURSIN* ACT OF 1991 AND M&#il& FOR OT+ER PURPOSES) Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: A%!icle I TITLE REPUBLIC ACT NO) 7164 AN ACT RE*ULATIN* T+E PRACTICE OF NURSIN* IN T+E P+ILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled: A%!icle I TITLE Sec!io# 1) Ti!le) , This Act shall be kno n as the Philippine !ursing of "##"$ A%!icle II DECLARATION OF POLICSec).) Decl&%&!io# o Polic/) , %t is hereby declared the policy of the State to assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures that ill result in relevant nursing education& and in humane orking conditions& better career prospects& and a dignified e'istence for our nurses$ The State hereby guarantees the delivery of basic health services through an ade(uate nursing personnel throughout the country$ A%!icle III OR*ANI0ATION OF T+E BOARD OF NURSIN* Sec)3) N&(e &#1 Co(po$i!io# o !"e Bo&%1) , There shall be created a Board of !ursing to be composed of a Chairman and four )*+ members ho shall be appointed by the Republic o !"e P"ilippi#e$ Co#'%e$$ o !"e P"ilippi#e$ M&#il& T2el !" Co#'%e$$ Seco#1 Re'ul&% $e$$io# Begun and held in ,etro ,anila& on ,onday& the t enty-second day of .uly& t o thousand t o$ REPUBLIC ACT NO) 9173 AN ACT PRO3IDIN* FOR A MORE RESPONSI3E NURSIN* PROFESSION4 Sec!io# 1) 7 T"i$ &c! $"&ll be 8#o2# &$ !"e P"ilippi#e Nu%$i#' Ac! o .99. A%!icle II DECLARATION OF POLICSec).) Decl&%&!io# o Polic/) 7 %t is hereby declared the policy of the State to assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures that ill result in relevant nursing education& humane orking conditions& better career prospects& and a dignified e'istence of our nurses$ The State hereby guarantees the delivery of (uality basic health services through an ade(uate nursing personnel system throughout the country$ A%!icle III OR*ANI0ATION OF T+E BOARD OF NURSIN* Sec)3) C%e&!io# &#1 Co(pe#$&!io# o !"e Bo&%1) 7 There shall be created a Professional Regulatory of !ursing& hereinafter e Board& to be composed of a Chairperson and si' President from a list of t elve )"/+ nominees ho are registered nurses of recogni0ed standing in the Philippines and ho possess the (ualifications prescribed in Section 1 of this Act as certified by the accredited national nurses2 association to the Professional Regulation Comm ission$$ Sec)4) Po2e%$ &#1 Du!ie$ o !"e Bo&%1) 7 The Board shall have the follo ing po ers& duties& and functions a$ b$ Supervise and regulate the practice of the nursing profession$ 3escribe the sub4ects in the licensure e'amination& determine the syllabi of the sub4ects& and their relative eight& construct the test (uestions in the licensure e'amination& and score and rate the e'amination paper$ The Board shall& ithin one hundred t enty )"/5+ days after the e'amination& submit a report of the e'amination result hich shall contain the

eighted average rating of each e'aminee to the 6ffice of the President for release and publication7 c$ %ssue& suspend& or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of nursing7 d$ Study the conditions affecting the nursing practice in the Philippines and e'ercise the po ers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient& ethical& technical& moral and professional standards in the practice of nursing& taking into account the health needs of the nation7 e$ 8'amine the prescribed facilities of the universities or colleges seeking permission to open ne colleges of nursing or departments of nursing education in order to ensure that standards and essential re(uirements for a (ualified dean and faculty and ade(uate budget are properly complied ith and maintained at all times$ The authori0ation to open colleges of nursing shall be based upon the favorable ritten recommendation of both the Board and the )9+ members$ They shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among t o )/+ recommendees& per vacancy& of the Professional Regulation Commission& hereinafter referred to as the Commission& chosen and ranked from a list of three ):+ nominees& per vacancy& of the accredited professional organi0ation of nurses in the Philippines ho posses the (ualifications prescribed in Section * of this Act$ Sec)4 ) :u&li ic&!io# o !"e C"&i%pe%$o# &#1 Me(be%$ o !"e Bo&%1 . The Chairperson and ,embers of the Board shall& at the time of their appointment& possess the follo ing (ualifications: a$+ Be a natural born citi0en and resident of the Philippines7 b$+ Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organi0ation of nurses7 c$+ Be a registered nurse and holder of a master2s degree in nursing& education or other allied medical profession conferred by a college or university duly recogni0ed by the ;overnment7 Provided& That the ma4ority of the ,embers of the Board shall be holders of a master2s degree in nursing7 Provided& further that the Chairperson shall be a holder of a master2s degree in nursing7 d$+ Have at least ten )"5+ years of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment: Provided& ho ever& That the last last five )1+ years of hich shall be in the Philippines7 and

e$+ !ot have been convicted of any offenses involving moral turpitude7 Provided& That the membership of the Board shall represent the three ):+ areas of nursing& namely: nursing education& nursing service and community health nursing$

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3epartment of 8ducation& Culture and Sports7 Re(uire nurses ho graduate from state colleges and universities to render& after being issued the necessary board licenses& at least one )"+ year of nursing service in the Philippines before they are allo ed to leave for overseas 4obs7 %nvestigate violation of this Act$ <or this purpose it may& through its Chairman& ith the approval of the Board issue summons& subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to violators of this act and itnesses thereof and to compel their attendance by the po er of contempt7 and Promulgate decisions or adopt measures as may be necessary for the improvement of the nursing practice& for the advancement of the profession& and for the proper and full enforcement of this Act$

Sec) ;) :u&li ic&!io#$ o Bo&%1 Me(be%$) , A member of the Board shall: a$ b$ c$ Be a citi0en and resident of the Philippines7 Be a member in good standing of the accredited national nurses2 association7 Be a registered nurse and holder of a master2s degree in nursing conferred by a college or university duly recogni0ed by the ;overnment7 Have at least ten )"5+ years of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment7 !ot be a holder of a green card or its e(uivalent7 and !ot have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude even if previously e'tended pardon by the President of the Philippines$

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Sec) 6) Re<ui%e(e#!$ Upo# :u&li ic&!io# &$ Me(be% o !"e Bo&%1 o Nu%$i#') 7 Any person ho (ualifies as

Chairman or member of the Board shall automatically resign from any teaching position in any school& college& or university and=or revie program for the local nursing board

Sec) 7) Te%( o O ice%) 7 The Chairman and the members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three ):+ years and until their successors shall have (ualified: Provided& That a member of the Board may be reappointed for another term not e'ceeding three ):+ years: Provided further& That in the event only one )"+ member of the Board is reappointed& he or she& by virtue of seniority& shall automatically become the Chairman of the ne Board$ Ho ever& in case t o )/+ or more members are reappointed& the best (ualified among them& to be determined by all the members of the ne Board& shall become the ne Chairman of the Board7 Provided7 finally& That& in case all members of the old Board are reappointed or all members are ne & all the members of the ne Board shall determine the best (ualified from among themselves ho shall be recommended to the President of the Philippines to be the Chairman of the Board$ Any vacancy in the Board occurring ithin the term of a member shall be filled for the une'pired portion of the term only$ 8ach member of the Board shall take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of his or her duties$

Sec) ;) Re<ui%e(e#!$ Upo# :u&li ic&!io# &$ & Me(be% o !"e Bo&%1 o Nu%$i#') 7 Any person appointed as a Chairperson or ,ember of the Board shall immediately resign from any teaching position in any school& college& university offering Bachelor of Science in !ursing an=or other revie program for the local nursing board e'aminations or in any office or employment in the government or any subdivision& agency or instrumentality thereof& including government-o ned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries as ell as those employed in the private sector$ He=shall not have any pecuniary interest in or administrative supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in !ursing including revie classes$

Sec)=) Co(pe#$&!io# o !"e Bo&%1 Me(be%$) The Chairman and members of the Board shall receive as compensation an amount e(ual to that given the Chairman and members of other government boards situated under analogous circumstances$ Sec) 9) Re(o>&l o Bo&%1 Me(be%$) 7 The President may remove any member of the Board on the follo ing grounds after giving the member concerned an opportunity to defend himself or herself in a proper administrative investigation to be conducted under the supervision and control of the 3epartment of .ustice& upon instruction of the President: Continued neglect of duty or incompetence7 Any vacancy in the Board occurring ithin the term of a ,ember shall be filled for the une'pired portion of the term only$ 8ach ,ember of the Board shall take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of his=her duties$ The incumbent Chairperson and ,embers of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term under Republic Act$ !o$ >"9* until their replacement have been appointed by the President and shall have been duly (ualified$ Sec) 7) Co(pe#$&!io# o Bo&%1 Me(be%$) 7 The Chairperson and ,embers of the Board shall receive compensation and allo ances comparable to the compensation and allo ances received by the Chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards$ a$

Sec) 6) Te%( o O ice 7 The Chairperson and ,embers of the Board shall hold office for a term of three ):+ years and until their successors shall have been appointed and (ualified: Provided& That the Chairperson and ,embers of the Board may be reappointed for another term$ e'aminations or in any office or employment in the ;overnment or any subdivision& agency& or instrumentality thereof& including governmento ned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries$ He shall not have any pecuniary interest in or administrative supervision over any institution offering basic nursing education programs& including revie classes$

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Sec) =) A1(i#i$!%&!i>e Supe%>i$io# o !"e Bo&%14 Cu$!o1i&# o i!$ Reco%1$4 Sec%e!&%i&! &#1 Suppo%! Se%>ice$) 7 The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission$ All Records of the Board& including applications for e'aminations& administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board& shall be under the custody of the Commission$ The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act$ Sec) 9) Po2e%$ &#1 Du!ie$ o !"e Bo&%1) 7 The Board shall supervise and regulate the practice of the nursing profession b$ Commission or toleration of irregularities in the e'amination conducted by the Board7 and c$ ?nprofessional or dishonorable conduct$ Sec) 19) Rule$ &#1 Re'ul&!io#$) 7 The Board shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act$ Sec) 11) Reco%1$) 7 All records of the Board of !ursing& including e'amination papers& minutes of deliberations& records of administrative cases and investigations& and e'amination results shall be kept by the Professional Regulation Commission under the direct custody of the person designated by the Chairman of the Commission$ !o record shall be removed& altered or e'amined ithout the prior authori0ation of the Board$ Sec)1.) E?&(i#&!io# Re<ui%e1) 7 All applicants for license to practice nursing shall be re(uired to pass ritten e'aminations by the Board of !ursing$ Sec) 13) :u&li ic&!io#$ o Applic&#!$) 7 %n order to be admitted to the e'amination for nurses& an applicant must& at the time of filing his or her application& establish to the satisfaction of the Board of !ursing that: a$ He=She is a citi0en of the Philippines& or a citi0en or sub4ect

of a country hich permits <ilipino nurses to practice ithin its territorial limits on the same basis as the sub4ect or citi0en of such country: Provided& That the re(uirements for the registration or licencing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act7 He or she is at least eighteen )"@+ years of age: Provided that any underage applicant ho successfully passes the e'amination shall not be permitted or licensed to practice nursing until he or she shall have reached the age of ma4ority7

and shall have the follo ing po ers& duties& and functions: a$ b$ c$ Conduct the licensure e'amination for nurses7 %ssue& suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of nursing7 ,onitor and enforce (uality standards of nursing practice in the Philippines and e'ercise po ers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient& ethical and technical& moral and professional standards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of the nation7 8nsure (uality nursing education by e'amining the prescribed facilities of universities or colleges of nursing or departments of nursing education and those seeking permission to open nursing courses to ensure that the standards of nursing education are properly complied ith and maintained at all times$ The authority to open and close colleges of nursing and=or nursing education programs shall be vested on the Commission on Higher 8ducation upon the ritten recommendation of the Board$ Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations of this Act& or its rules and regulations and in connection there ith& issue subpoena and testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to ensure the appearance of respondents and itnesses and the production of documents and

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punish ith contempt persons obstructing& impeding& and=or other ise interfering ith the conduct of such proceedings& upon application ith the court$ Promulgate a Code of 8thics in coordination and consultation He or she is in good health and is of good moral character7 and He or she is a holder of a bachelor2s degree in nursing from a college or university duly recogni0ed by the proper government agency$

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Recogni0e nursing specialty organi0ations in coordination ith the accredited professional organi0ation7 and Prescribe& adopt& issue and promulgate guidelines& regulations& measures and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of the* nursing practice& advancement of the profession and for the proper and full enforcement of this Act sub4ect to the revie and approval by the Commission$

Sec)14) Lice#$u%e E?&(i#&!io#) 7 The licensure e'amination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall be given by the Board not earlier than one )"+ month but not later than t o )/+ months after the closing of the semester prescribed by the 3epartment of 8ducation& Culture and sports$ The e'amination shall be held in the City of ,anila or in such places as may be decided by the Board sub4ect to the approval of the Professional Regulation Commission$ Sec) 1;) Scope o E?&(i#&!io#) 7 The scope of e'amination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall be determined by the Board$ The Board shall take into consideration the ob4ectives of the nursing curriculum& the board areas of nursing& and other related disciplines and competencies in determining the sub4ects of e'aminations$ Sec)16) R&!i#' i# !"e E?&(i#&!io#) 7 %n order to pass the e'amination& an e'aminee must obtain a general average rating of at least seventy-five percent )>1A+ ith a rating of not belo si'ty percent )95A+ in any sub4ect$ An e'aminee ho obtains an average rating of seventy five percent )>1A+ or higher but gets a rating belo si'ty percent )95A+ in any given sub4ect must take the e'amination again& but only in the sub4ect or sub4ects here he or she rated belo si'ty percent )95A+$ %n order to pass the succeeding e'amination& an e'aminee must obtain a rating of at least seventy five percent )>1A+ in the sub4ect or sub4ects repeated$ An e'aminee ho& despite the third e'amination& fails to obtain at lest seventy five percent )>1A+ in the sub4ect or sub4ects repeated shall no longer be allo ed to take the e'amination& unless he proves to the satisfaction of the Board that he=she has undergone a refresher course consisting in enrollment and passing in the regular fourth year sub4ects in a recogni0ed nursing school$ ith the accredited professional organi0ation of nurses ithin one )"+ year from the effectivity of this Act7

Sec)19) A##u&l Repo%!) 7 The Board shall at the close of its calendar year submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines through the Commission giving a detailed account of its proceedings and the accomplishment during the year and making recommendations for the adoption of nurses that ill upgrade and improve the conditions affecting the practice of the nursing profession$ Sec) 11) Re(o>&l o% Su$pe#$io# o Bo&%1 Me(be%$) , The President may remove or suspend any member of the Board after been given the opportunity to defend himself=herself in a proper administrative investigation& on the follo ing grounds: a$ b$ c$ Continued neglect of duty or incompetence7 Commission or tolerance of irregularities in the licensure e'amination7 and ?nprofessional& immoral or dishonorable conduct$

Sec)17) I$$u&#ce o Ce%!i ic&!e$) 7 certificate of registration as nurse shall be issued to any applicant ho passes the e'amination upon payment of the prescribed fees$ 8very certificate of registration shall allo the full name of the registrant7 the serial number& the signature of the members of the Board& and the official seal of the Board$ Sec) 1=) Fee$ o% E?&(i#&!io# &#1 Re'i$!%&!io#) 7 Applicants for licensure e'amination and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by the Professional Regulation Commission$

Sec) 19) Re'i$!%&!io# b/ Recip%oci!/) 7 Certificates of registration may be issued ithout e'amination to nurses registered under the la s of any foreign state or country: Provided& That the re(uirements for the registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided& further& That the la s of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the sub4ect or citi0ens of such foreign state or country$ Sec) .9) No#7i$$u&#ce o Ce%!i ic&!e$ i# Ce%!&i# C&$e$) 7 !o pe*rson convicted by final 4udgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct shall be issued a certificate of registration$ The Board shall furnish the applicant a ritten statement setting forth the reasons for its actions hich shall be incorporated in the records of the Board$ Sec).1) Re>oc&!io# &#1 Su$pe#$io# o Ce%!i ic&!e$) 7 The Board shall have the po er to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration of a nurse upon any of the follo ing grounds7 a$ b$ c$ d$ <or any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section7 <or unprofessional and unethical conduct7 <or gross incompetence and serious ignorance7 <or malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing7 or

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<or the use of fraud& deceit& or false statements in obtaining a certificate of registration$

Sec)..) Re7i$$u&#ce o Re>o8e1 Ce%!i ic&!e$ &#1 Repl&ce(e#! o Lo$! Ce%!i ic&!e$) 7 The Board may& for reasons of e(uity and 4ustice or hen the cause for revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected& upon proper application therefore and the payment of the re(uired fees& issue another copy of the certificate of registration$ A%!icle I3 NURSIN* EDUCATION Sec).3) *e#e%&l E#!%&#ce Re<ui%e(e#!$) 7 Applicants desiring to enroll in a nursing course must belong to the upper forty percent )*5A+ of the graduating class of the general secondary course& as certified by the school$ Sec).4) Nu%$i#' E1uc&!io# P%o'%&() 7 The nursing education program shall provide sound academic and professional foundation for the practice of nursing$ Sec).;) Nu%$i#' E?pe%ie#ce$) 7 The learning e'periences re(uired in a classroom& hospital& home& community or other health= elfare agency shall adhere strictly to specific re(uirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum for the nursing course and in rules& policies and standards of

nursing education$ Such learning e'periences shall not be less than si' )9+ units or its e(uivalent$ Sec) .6) :u&li ic&!io#$ o !"e F&cul!/) 7 A member of the faculty in a college or school of nursing must: a$ b$ c$ d$ Be a <ilipino citi0en7 Be a registered nurse in the Philippines7 Have at least three ):+ years of clinical practice in a field of speciali0ation7 Be a member of good standing in the accredited national nurses2 association7 and

recogni0ed by the proper government agency $ e$ Be a holder of a master2s degree in nursing or other related fields conferred by a college or university duly recogni0ed by the ;overnment of the Republic of the Philippines: Provided& ho ever& That nothing in this Act shall be construed to dis(ualify those ho have already been considered (ualified and actually occupying the position before the effectivity of this Act$ Provided& further& That those occupying such position before the effectivity of this Act shall be given a period of five )1+ years from the date of effectivity of this Act ithin hich to (ualify under the provision hereof$ Provided& finally& That by the year /555& all colleges of nursing shall only employ faculty members ith a master2s degree in nursing or in other related fields$

A%!icle I3 E@AMINATION AND RE*ISTRATION Sec) 1. Lice#$u%e E?&(i#&!io#) 7 All applicants for license to practice nursing shall be re(uired to pass a ritten e'amination& hich shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may be designated by the Commission7 Provided& That it shall be in accordance ith Republic Act$ !o$ @#@"& other ise kno n as the PRC ,oderni0ation Act of /555$ Sec) 13 :u&li ic&!io#$ o% A1(i$$io# !o Lice#$u%e E?&(i#&!io#) 7 %n order to be admitted to the e'amination for nurses& an applicant must& at the time of filing his=her application& establish to the satisfaction of the Board that: a$ He= She is a citi0en of the Philippines& or a citi0en or a sub4ect of a country hich permits <ilipino nurses to practice ithin its territorial limits on the same basis as the sub4ect or citi0en of such country: Provided& That the re(uirements for the registration or licencing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act7 He=She is a person of good moral character7 and He= She is a holder of a Bachelor2s 3egree in !ursing from a college or university that complies ith the standards of nursing education duly

%n addition to the aforementioned (ualifications& the dean of a college or school of nursing must have at least three ):+ years of e'perience in teaching and supervision in nursing education& and preferably must have a masterB2 degree in administration and supervision of nursing education programs$ A%!icle 3 NURSIN* PRACTICE Sec) .7) Scope o Nu%$i#') 7 A person shall be deemed to be practicing nursing ithin the meaning of this Act hen he=she& for a fee& salary or other re ard or compensation& singly or in collaboration ith another& initiates and performs nursing services to individuals& families and communities in various stages of development to ard the promotion of health& prevention of illness& restoration of health& and alleviation of suffering through: a$ ?tili0ation of the nursing process& including assessment& planning& implementation and evaluation of nursing care$ !ursing care includes& but is not

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Sec) 14) Scope o E?&(i#&!io#) 7 The scope of the e'amination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall be determined by the Board$ The Board shall take into consideration the ob4ectives of the nursing curriculum& the board areas of nursing& and other related disciplines and competencies in determining the sub4ects of e'aminations$

Sec) 1;) R&!i#'$) 7 %n order to pass the e'amination& an e'aminee must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five percent )>1A+ ith a rating of nor belo si'ty percent )95A+ in any sub4ect$ An e'aminee ho obtains an average rating of seventy five percent )>1A+ or higher but gets a rating belo si'ty percent )95A+ in any sub4ect must take e'amination again but only in the sub4ect or sub4ects here he=she is rated belo si'ty percent )95A+$ %n order to pass the succeeding e'amination& an e'aminee must obtain a rating of at least seventy five percent )>1A+ in the sub4ect or sub4ects repeated$ Sec) 16) O&!") 7 All successful candidates in the e'amination shall be re(uired to take an oath of profession before the Board or any government official authori0ed to administer oaths to entering upon the nursing practice$ Sec) 17) I$$u&#ce o Ce%!i ic&!e o Re'i$!%&!io#AP%o e$$io#&l Lice#$e &#1 P%o e$$io#&l I1e#!i ic&!io# C&%1) 7 A certificate of registration=professional license as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant ho passes the e'amination upon payment of the prescribed fees$ 8very certificate of registration=professional license shall sho the full name of the registrant& the serial number& the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and of the ,embers of the Board& and the official seal of the Commission$ A professional identification card& duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission& bearing the date of registration& license number& and the date of issuance and e'piration thereof shall like ise be issued to every registrant upon payment of the re(uired fees$ Sec) 1=) Fee$ o% E?&(i#&!io# &#1 Re'i$!%&!io#) 7 Applicants for licensure and for registration shall pay the described fees set by Commission$ limited to& traditional and innovative approaches in use of self& e'ecuting nursing techni(ues and procedure& comfort measures& health teaching and administration of legal and ritten prescriptions for treatment& therapies& medication and hypodermic& intramuscular& or intravenous in4ections: Provided& ho ever& That& in the administration of intravenous in4ections& special training shall be re(uired according to protocol established7 8stablishment of linkages ith community resources and coordination of the health team: ,otivation of individuals& families& and communities7 resources and

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coordination of services ith other members of the health team7 Participation in teaching& guidance& and supervision of students in nursing education programs& including administering nursing services in varied settings such as hospitals& homes& communities and the like7 undertaking consultation services7 and engaging in such other activities that re(uire the utili0ation of kno ledge and decision-making skills of a registered nurse7 and ?ndertaking nursing and health manpo er development training and research and soliciting finances therefore& in cooperation ith the appropriate government or private agency7 Provided& ho ever& That this provision shall not apply to nursing students ho perform the nursing functions under the direct supervision of (ualified faculty$

Sec).=) :u&li ic&!io#$ o Nu%$i#' Se%>ice A1(i#i$!%&!o%$) 7 A person occupying supervisory or managerial positions re(uiring kno ledge of nursing must: Sec) 19) Au!o(&!ic Re'i$!%&!io# o Nu%$e$) 7 All nurses hose name s appear at the roster of nurses shall be automatically or ipso facto registered as nurses under this Act upon its effectivity$ Sec) .9 Re'i$!%&!io# b/ Recip%oci!/) 7 A certificated of registration=professional license may be issued ithout e'amination to nurses registered under the la s of a foreign state or country: Provided& That the re(uirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided& further& That the la s of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the sub4ects or citi0en of such foreign state or country$ Sec) .1) P%&c!ice T"%ou'" Speci&lATe(po%&%/ Pe%(i!) A special=temporary permit may be issued by the Board to the follo ing persons sub4ect to the approval of the Commission and upon payment of the prescribed fees: a$ Cicensed nurses from foreign countries=$states hose service are either for a fee or free if they are internationally ell-kno n specialists or outstanding e'perts in any branch or specialty of nursing7 Cicensed nurses from foreign countries=states on medical mission

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hose services shall be free in a particular hospital& center or clinic7 and Cicensed nurses from foreign countries=states employed by schools=colleges of nursing as e'change professors in a branch or specialty of nursing7 Provided& ho ever& That the special=temporary permit shall be effective only for the duration of the pro4ect& medical mission or employment contract$

A%!icle 3I +EALT+ +UMAN RESOURCE DE3ELOPMENT4 PRODUCTION4 AND UTILI0ATION

Sec) ..) No#7%e'i$!%&!io# &#1 No#7 i$$u&#ce o Ce%!i ic&!e$ o Re'i$!%&!io#) 7 !o person convicted by the final 4udgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person declared by the court to be unsound mind shall be registered and be issued a certificate of registration=professional license or a special=temporary permit$ a$ Be a <ilipino or a former citi0en ho has officially declared his=her intention to reac(uire <ilipino citi0enship7 Be a registered nurse in the Philippines7 Be a member in good standing of the of the accredited national organi0ation of nurses7 Have at least t o )/+ years e'perience in general nursing service administration7 and Possess a degree of Bachelor of Science in !ursing& ith at least nine )#+ units in management courses at the graduate level$

The Board shall furnish the applicant a ritten statement setting forth the reasons for its actions& hich shall be incorporated in the records of the Board$ Sec) .3) Re>oc&!io# &#1 Su$pe#$io#) The Board shall have the po er to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration=professional license or cancel the special=temporary permit of a nurse upon any of the follo ing grounds: a$ <or any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section7 b$ <or unprofessional and unethical conduct7 d$ <or gross incompetence or serious ignorance7 c$ <or malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing7 e$ <or the use of fraud& deceit& or false statements in obtaining a certificated of registration=professional license or a temporary= special permit7 f$ <or violation of this Act& the rules and regulations& Code of 8thics for nurses and technical standards for nursing practice& policies of the Board and the Commission& or the conditions and limitations for the issuance of the temporary special permit7 or g$ <or practicing his=her profession during his=her suspension from such practice7 Provided& ho ever& That the suspension of the certificate of registration=professional license shall be for a period not to e'ceed four )*+ years$ Sec) .4) Re7i$$u&#ce o Re>o8e1 Ce%!i ic&!e$ &#1 Repl&ce(e#! o Lo$! Ce%!i ic&!e$) 7 The Board may& after the e'piration of a ma'imum of four )*+ years from the date of revocation of a certificate& for reasons of e(uity and 4ustice and hen the cause of revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected& upon proper application therefore and the payment of the re(uired fees& issue another copy of the certificate of registration=professional license$ A ne certificated=professional license to replace the certificated that has been lost& destroyed or mutilated may be issued& sub4ect to the rules of the Board$

b$ c$ d$ e$

Provided& That a person occupying the position of chief nurse or director of nursing service shall& in addition to the foregoing (ualifications& possess: a$ At least five )1+ years of e'perience in a supervisory or managerial position in nursing77 and A master2s degree ma4or in nursing service administration or its e(uivalent: Provided& ho ever& That those occupying such position before the effectivity of this Act shall be given a period of five )1+ years from the date of effectivity of this Act ithin hich to (ualify7 Provided& further& That& by the year /555& only holders of a master2s degree ma4or in nursing administration shall be appointed to such position: Provided& finally& That& for hospitals ith bed capacity of fifty )15+ and belo & the minimum academic (ualification and e'periences for a chief nurse shall be as specified under subsections ) c +& )d+ an d )e+ of this section$

b$

Sec).9) M&#po2e% Nee1$4

S!u1ie$ o% Nu%$i#' P%o1uc!io#4 U!iliB&!io#

&#1 De>elop(e#!) 7 The !ursing Board shall undertake a studies and initiate and=or cooperate ith appropriate government or private agencies in the conduct of studies for health human resource production& utili0ation& and development$ A%!icle 3II PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PRO3ISIONS Sec) 39) P%o"ibi!io#$ i# !"e P%&c!ice o Nu%$i#'4 7 A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos ) P "5&555$55+ nor more than <orty Thousand pesos )p *5&555$55+ or imprisonment of not less than one )"+ year nor more than si' )9+ years& or both& in the discretion of the court& shall imposed upon: a$ Any person practicing nursing in the Philippines ithin the meaning of this Act: "$ Dithout a certificate of registration or ithout having been declared e'empt from the e'amination in accordance ith the provisions of this act7 /$ Dho uses as his= her o n the certificate registration of another7 :$ Dho uses an e'pired& suspended& or revoked certificate of registration7 *$ Dho gives any false evidence to the Board of !ursing in order to obtain a certificated of registration7 1$Dho falsely poses or advertises as a registered nurse or uses any other means that tend to convey the impression that he or she is a registered nurse7 or 9$ Dho appends BS!=R! )Bachelor of Science in !ursing=Registered !urse+ to his=her name ithout having been conferred said degree of registration7 b$ Any person ho undertakes in-service educational programs or ho conducts revie classes for both local and foreign e'aminations ithout A%!icle 3 NURSIN* EDUCATION Sec) .;) Nu%$i#' E1uc&!io# P%o'%&() 7 The nursing education program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing$ The learning e'periences shall adhere strictly to specific re(uirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher 8ducation2s policies and standards of nursing education$

Sec) .6) Re<ui%e(e#!$ Fo% I#&c!i>e Nu%$e$ Re!u%#i#' !o P%&c!ice) 7 !urses ho have not actively practiced the profession for five )1+ consecutive years are re(uired to undergo one )"+ month of didactic training and three ):+ months of practicum$ The Board shall accredit hospitals to conduct the said training program$ Sec) .7) :u&li ic&!io#$ o !"e F&cul!/) 7 A member of the faculty in a college of nursing technical professional courses must: a$ b$ c$ Be a registered nurse in the Philippines7 Have at least one )"+ year of clinical practice in the field of speciali0ation7 Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional organi0ation of nurses7 and Be a holder of a master2s degree in nursing& education& or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recogni0ed by the ;overnment of the Republic of the Philippines$

d$

%n addition to the aforementioned (ualifications& the dean of college must have a master2s degree in nursing$ He=She must have at least five )1+ years of e'perience in nursing$

c$

permit=clearance from the Philippine !ursing Association& the Board of !ursing and the appropriate office or officer of the 3epartment of Cabor and 8mployment7 and Any person violating any provision of this Act$

Sec)31) S!&#1&%1 B&$ic P&/) 7 Based on current !ational 8conomic and 3evelopment Authority )!83A+ figures& the proper government office or agency shall fi' a standard pay for all nurses orking in either public or private health agencies$ The same standard basic pay shall be increased periodically to cope ith the increasing cost of living$ Sec)3.) E# o%ce(e#! o !"i$ Ac!) 7 %t shall be the duty of all duly constituted la enforcement agencies and officers of national&& provincial& city and municipal government to enforce the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any person violating the same$ Sec) 33) Repe&li#' Cl&u$e) 7 All la s& decrees& orders& circulars& rules and regulations& and other issuances hich are

consistent ith this Act are hereby repealed& amended or modified accordingly: Sec) 34) Sep&%&bili!/ Cl&u$e) 7 %f any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional& the remaining part not affected thereby shall continue to valid and operational$ Sec) 3;) E ec!i>i!/) 7 This Act shall take effect one )"+ month after its publication in any ne spaper of general circulation in the Philippines$ Approved$ This Act hich is a consolidation of House Bill !o$ :/>"9 and Senate Bill !o$ ::1 as finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on .une 9& "##"$

and delivery$ %n case of suturing of perineal laceration& special training shall be provided according to protocol established7 b$ 8stablish linkages ith the community resources and coordination ith the health team7 c$ Provide health education to individuals& families& and communities7 d$ Teach& guide& and supervise students in nursing education programs including the administration of nursing services in varied settings such as Approved: !ovember /"& "##"

)Sgd$+ ED5IN P) ACOBA Secretary of Senate )Sgd$+ CAMILO L) SABIO Secretary ;eneral& House of Representatives A%!icle 3I NURSIN* PRACTICE Sec) .=) Scope o Nu%$i#') 7 A person shall be deemed to be a practicing nursing ithin the meaning of this Act hen he=she singly or in collaboration ith another & initiates and performs nursing services to individuals& families& and communities in any healthcare setting$ %t includes& but not limited to& nursing care during conception& labor& delivery& infancy& childhood& toddler& pre-school& school age& adolescence& adulthood& and old age$ As independent practitioners& nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and prevention illness$ As members of the health team& nurses shall collaborate ith other healthcare providers for the curative& preventive and rehabilitative aspects of care& restoration of health& alleviation of suffering & and hen recovery is not possible& to ard a peaceful death$ %t shall be the duty of the nurse to: a$ Provide nursing care through the utili0ation of the nursing process$ !ursing care includes& but is not limited to& traditional and innovative approaches& therapeutic use of self& e'ecuting healthcare techni(ues and procedures& essential primary health care& comfort measures& health teachings& and administration of ritten prescription for treatment& therapies& oral& tropical& and parenteral medications& internal e'amination during labor in the absence of antenatal bleeding

CS'1)D CORA0ON C) A:UINO President of the Philippines

e$

hospitals and clinics7 undertake consultation services7 engage in such activities that re(uire the utili0ation of kno ledge and decision-making skills of a registered nurse7 and ?ndertake nursing and health human resource development training and research hich shall include& but is not limited to& the development of advance nursing practice7

Provided& That this section shall not apply to nursing students ho perform nursing functions under the direct supervision of a (ualified faculty: Provided& further& That in the practice of nursing in all settings& the nurse is duty-bound to observe the Code of 8thics for nurses and uphold the standards of safe nursing practice$ The nurse is re(uired to maintain competence by continual learning e'perience through continuing professional education to be provided by the accredited professional organi0ation or any recogni0ed professional nursing organi0ation: Provided& finally& The program and activity for the continuing professional education shall be submitted to and approved by the Board$ Sec) .9) :u&li ic&!io#$ o Nu%$i#' Se%>ice A1(i#i$!%&!o%$) 7 A person occupying supervisory or managerial positions re(uiring kno ledge of nursing must: a$ b$ Be a registered nurse in the Philippines7 Have at least t o )/+ years e'perience in general nursing service administration7 Possess a degree of Bachelor of Science in !ursing& ith at least nine )#+ units in management and administration courses at the graduate level7 Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organi0ation of nurses7

c$

e$

d$

f$

$At least five )1+ years e'perience in s supervisory or managerial position in nursing7 and $A master2s degree ma4or in nursing7

Provided& That a person occupying the position of chief nurse or director of nursing service shall& in addition to the foregoing (ualifications& possess:

Provided& further& That for primary hospitals& the ma'imum academic (ualifications and e'periences for a chief nurse shall be as specified in subsections )a+& )b+& and )c+ of this section: Provided& furthermore& That for chief nurses in the public health agencies& those ho have a master2s degree in public health=community health nursing shall be given priority$ Provided& even further& that for chief nurses in military hospitals& priority shall be given to those ho have finished a master2s degree in nursing and the completion of the ;eneral Staff Course );SC+: Provided& finally& That those occupying such positions before the

effectivity of this Act shall be given a period of five )1+ years ithin hich to (ualify$ A%!icle 3II +EALT+ +UMAN RESOURCE PRODUCTION4 UTILI0ATION4 AND DE3ELOPMENT Sec) 39) S!u1ie$ o% Nu%$i#' M&#po2e% Nee1$4 P%o1uc!io#4 U!iliB&!io# &#1 De>elop(e#!) 7 The Board& in coordination ith the accredited professional organi0ation and appropriate government or private agencies shall initiate& undertake and conduct studies on health human resource production& utili0ation& and development$ Sec) 31) Co(p%e"e#$i>e Nu%$i#' Speci&l!/ P%o'%&() 7 Dithin ninety )#5+ days from the effectivity of this Act& the Board& in coordination ith the accredited professional organi0ation& recogni0ed specialty organi0ations to formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that ould upgrade the level of skill and competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the country& such as but not limited to the areas of critical care& oncology& renal and such areas as may be determined by the Board$ The beneficiaries of this program are obliged to serve in any Philippine hospital for a

period of at least t o )/+ years of continuous service$ Sec) 3.) S&l&%/) 7 %n order to enhance the general elfare& commitment to service& and professionalism of nurses& the minimum base pay of nurses orking in the public health institutions shall not be lo er than salary grade "1 prescribed under Republic Act 9>1@& other ise kno n as the Compensation and Classification Act of "#@#: Provided& That for nurses orking in local government units& ad4ustments to their salaries shall be in accordance ith Section "5 of the said la $ Sec) 33) Fu#1i#' o% !"e Co(p%e"e#$i>e Nu%$i#' Speci&l!/ P%o'%&() 7 The annual financial re(uirement needed to train at least ten percent )"5A+ of the nursing staff of the participating government hospital shall be chargeable against the income of the Philippine Charity S eepstakes and the Philippine Amusement and ;aming Corporation& hich shall e(ually share in the costs and shall be released to the 3epartment of Health sub4ect to accounting and auditing procedures: Provided& That the 3epartment of Health shall set the criteria for the availment of this program$ Sec) 34) I#ce#!i>e$ &#1 Be#e i!$) 7 The Board of !ursing& in accordance ith the 3epartment of Health and other concerned government agencies& association of hospitals and the accredited professional organi0ation& shall be establish an incentive and benefit system in the form of free hospital care of nurses and their dependents& scholarship grants& and other non-cash benefits$ The government and private hospitals are hereby mandated to maintain the standard nurse-patient ratio set by the 3epartment of Health$

A%!icle 3III

PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PRO3ISIONS Sec) 3;) P%o"ibi!io#$ i# !"e P%&c!ice o Nu%$i#') 7 A fine of not less than <ifty thousand pesos )P 15&555$55+ nor more than 6ne hundred thousand pesos )P "55&555$55+ or imprisonment of not less than one )"+ year nor

a$ Any person practicing nursing in the Philippines ithin the meaning of this Act: "$ Dithout a certificate of registration=professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit or ithout having been declared e'empt from the e'amination ith the provision of this Act: or :$ Dho uses as his=her o n the certificated of registration=professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit of another7 or *$ Dho uses an invalid certificate of registration=professional license& a suspended or revoked certificate of registration=professional license& or an e'pired or cancelled special=temporary permit7 or 1$ Dho gives any false evidence to the Board in order to obtain a certificate of registration=professional license& a professional identification card or special permit7 or 9$ Dho falsely poses or advertises as a registered and licensed nurse or uses any other means that tend to convey the impression that he=she is a registered and licensed nurse7 or >$ Dho appends BS!=R! )Bachelor of Science in !ursing=registered !urse+ or any similar appendage to his=her name ithout having been conferred said degree or registration7 or @$ Dho& as registered and licensed nurse& abets or assists the illegal practice of a person ho is not

more than si' )9+ years& or both& upon the discretion of the court& shall imposed upon:

assistanc:e in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any persons violating the same$ Sec) 37) App%op%i&!io#$) 7 The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission shall immediately include in its program and issue such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act& funding of hich shall be included in the Annual ;eneral Appropriations Act$ Sec) 3=) Rule$ &#1 Re'ul&!io#$) Dithin ninety )#5+ days after the effectivity of this act& the Board and the Commission& in coordination ith the accredited professional organi0ation& the 3epartment of Health& the 3epartment of Budget and ,anagement& and other concerned government agencies& shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act$ The implementing rules and regulations shall be published in the 6fficial ;a0ette or in any ne spaper of general circulation$ Sec) 39) Sep&%&bili!/ Cl&u$e) 7 %f any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional& the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue to be valid and operational$

la fully (ualified to practice nursing$ b$ Any person or chief e'ecutive office of a 4uridical entity ho undertakes in-service educational programs or ho conducts revie classes for both local and foreign e'amination ithout permit=clearance from the Board and the Commission7 or c$ Any person or employer of nurses ho violate the minimum base of nurses and the incentives and benefits that should be accorded them as specified in Section :/ and :*7 or d$ Any person or the chief e'ecutive officer of a 4uridical entity violating any provisions of this Act and its rules and regulations$ A%!icle I@ FINAL PRO3ISIONS Sec) 36) E# o%ce(e#! o !"i$ Ac!) 7 %t shall be the primary duty of the Commission and the Board to effectively implement this Act$ Any duly la enforcement agencies and officers of national& provincial& city& or municipal governments shall& upon the call or re(uest of the Commission or the Board& render

Sec) 49) Repe&li#' Cl&u$e) 7 Republic Act$ !o$ >"9*& other ise kno n as the Philippine nursing Act of "##" is hereby repealed$ All other la s& decrees& orders& circulars& issuances& rules and regulations and parts thereof hich are inconsistent ith this Act are hereby repealed& amended or modified accordingly$ Sec) 41) E ec!i>i!/) 7 This Act shall take effect fifteen )"1+ days upon its publication in the 6fficial ;a0ette or any t o )/+ ne spaper of general circulation in the Philippines$

CS'1)D FRAN6LIN M) DRILON President of the Senate CS'1)D EOSE DE 3ENECIA Speaker of the House of Representative This Act hich originated in the House of Representatives& as finally passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate on 6ctober "1& /55/ and 6ctober @& /55/& respectively$ CS'1)D OSCR *) -ABES Secretary of the Senate CS'1)D ROBERTO P) NA0ARENO Secretary ;eneral& House of Representatives Approved: 6ctober /"& /55/ CS'1)D *LORIA MACAPA*AL7ARRO-O P%e$i1e#! o !"e P"ilippi#e$