Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.13.0 1.

Introduced by Hon. JC Rahman A. Nava, M.D.

Explanatory Note

Audiologists play an important role in our country’s national health program
Audiologists are health care professionals who assess, treat and educate to prevent
hearing and balances problems. They are trained to perform a variety of tests to
determine the nature and degree of an individual's hearing and/or balance problems
They see people of all ages — babies, children and adults.

This bill seeks to recognize the important role audiologists have in our society
through the following provisions, among others:

1, Creation of a Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology under the supervision
and control of the Professional Regulations Commission:

2, Licensure examination requirement for all applicants for registration for practice
of audiology, and;

3. Guidelines and regulations in the practice of audiology in the country.

The objective of the bill to professionalize and regulate the practice of
audiology in the country is in consonance with the greater role of the state which is to
promote and protect the right to health of the people as mandated in Article II
Section 15 of the Constitution.

Thus, immediate approval of the bill is earnestly sought

HMAN A. NAVA, MD


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.1 301

Introduced by Hon. JC Rahman A. Nava, M.D.

AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGY CREATING FOR THE
PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY,
UPGRADING AUDIOLOGICAL EDUCATION, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
ARTICLE |

TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as “The Philippine Audiology
Act of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The state recognizes the essential role of
audiology as a profession in safeguarding and enhancing the health and general
physical well-being of the citizens. Hence, it shall develop a competent, globally
competitive and well-rounded audiologists through honest, effective and credible
licensure examination and through regulatory measures, programs and activities that
foster their professional growth. Audiological services should therefore be promoted
as a regular component of the primary health care system.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean:

(a) Audiology is the science and art of hearing, whether normal or disordered, as a
fundamental component of human communication behavior; the development and
application effective strategies leading to optimal use of sensory or oral expressive
skills in hearing-impaired children and adults, analyzing and evaluating the auditory
function through behavioral and psychological tests; selecting, prescribing and
dispensing hearing aids, auditory assistive device and their accessories and
solutions, and similar appliances and devices; using educational techniques;

(b) Audiometry is the measurement of hearing including procedures and tests used
to define type, degree and communicative consequences of hearing loss; utilizing
clinical hearing tests to evaluate sensitivity and discrimination (acuity) aspect of
audition



including but not limited to tone and speech audiometry based on behavioral responses,
electrophysiologic procedures, acoustic-immitance measures, loudness recruitment,
loudness adaptation, and test of central auditory dysfunction.

(c) Audologist is a natural person who, having satisfactorily completed an academic
program leading to at least a bachelor's degree in audiology or its equivalent or higher
degree, inclusive of at least three hundred (300) hours of supervised clinical experience
followed by the equivalent of six months full time professional experience under the
supervision of a certified audiologist, has passed the national board examination in
Audiology administered by the Board of Audiology, and has been granted a Certificate of
Clinical Competence (CCC) in audiology and registered with the Professional Regulations
Commission (PRC) as being qualified to practice audiology in the Philippines.

(d) Audiologist in good standing refers to a registered audiologist who is authorized
to practice the profession in the Philippines by virtue of a valid certificate of registration
and a valid professional license isssued by the PRC for the purpose

(e) Audiometrician is a natural person who has not satisfactorily completed an
academic program leading to a bachelor's degree in audiology or its equivalent; and has
not passed the national board examination in audiology administered by the Board of
Audiology, but by virtue of accredited course work and clinical experience has been
accredited by the Board of Audiology for the limited practice of Audiometry in the
Philippines under the supervision of an audiologist in good standing

(f) Audiometrician in good standing refers to a qualified audiometician who by virtue
of a valid certificate of accreditation in audiometry issued by the Board of Audiology for the
purpose is authorized in the limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines under the
supervision of an audiologist in good standing

(g) Cetificate of Registration refers to the document signed by the chairperson of the
PRC and by the members of the Board of Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an
applicant who has satisfied the requirement for the practice of audiology. It shall serve as a
proof that the registrant is qualified to practice the respective profession in the Philippines.

(h) Professional License refers to the renewable card issued by the PRC to a
registered audiologist indicating that he/she is competent and authorized to practice
audiology in the Philippines. Until the loss of its validity or its expiration, such license shall
serve as evidence that its bearer is an audiologist or audiometrician in good standing

(i) Certificate of Accreditation is a document signed by all the members of the Board
of Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an applicant who has satisfied the
requirements for the limited practice of audiology in the Philippines under the supervision
of an audiologist in good standing. It shall serve as proof that the person is accredited for
such limited practice.

(i) Code of Professional Ethics refers to the sets of standards relating to the
conduct, integrity and moral duties of audiologists, as prescribed by the Philippine Society
of Audiology as duly integrated and accredited national organization of audiologists, and
adopted and promulgated by the Board of Audiology upon approval by the PRC.


ARTICLE II
THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGY

Section 4. Acts Constituting the Practice of Audiology. - Any of the following acts
constitute the practice of audiology:

(a) The analysis and evaluation of human auditory function through the employment
of clinical subjective and objective procedures and test to measure hearing and define the
type, degree and communicative coonsequences of hearing loss; including the use of
specific instruments, tools, equipment, implements, aids, apparatuses, machines,
exercises and related devices, for the purpose of determining the condition, sensitivity, and
discrimination of human hearing to correct and improve the same when not medically or
surgically treatable, in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) hereof;

(b) The selection, prescription and dispensing of hearing aids, auditory assistive
devices and their accessories and solutions, and supplies for the purpose of correcting
and treating defects, deficiencies, and abnormalities of audition that are not medically and
surgically treatable;

(c) The use of educational techniques to enhance visual perception of speech and
to improve auditory discrimination, developing and maintaining optimal speech and voice
skills; conduct auditory exercises and hearing habilitation and rehabilitation, the provision
of other measures, devices and procedures to aid, correct, habilitate, rehabilitate or relieve
abnormalities of human audition and comfort except those that should be medically or
surgically provided;

(d) The counselling of patients regarding educational, social or vocational concerns
that may occur as a consequence of hearing impairment; and implementation of programs
for hearing of conservation, and for the prevention of reduced auditory function;

(e) The establishment of offices, clinics, and similar places where audiological
services are offered; and

(f) The collection of professional fees for performance of any acts mentioned in
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

Section 5. Prohibition against Unauthorized Practice of Audiology. - No person shall
practice audiology as defined in Section 3 of this Act, nor perform any acts constituting the
practice of audiology as set forth in Section 4 hereof, without having been first admitted to
the practice of this profession under the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules
and regulations; Provided, that this prohibition shalll not apply to regularly licensed and
duly registered physicians who have received post-graduate training in the diagnosis and
treatment of hearing disorders and ear diseases; Provided, however, That the examination
of the human ear and auditory apparatus by duly registered physicians in connection with
the physical examination of patients shall not be considered as practice of audiology;
Provided, further, That the evaluation and management of speech and voice functions and
dysfunctions by speech pathologists, therapists, and phoniatrists shall be considered as
practice of audiology: Provided, furthermore,That public health workers and health care
providers trained and involved in the government's “universal newborn screening program
for the prevention, early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss” and other hearing


conservation programs may conduct only specific hearing acuity tests and hearing
screening; Provided, finally, That audiometricians in good standing may only perform their
limited duties and services under the supervision of audiologist in good standing

Sec. 6. Disclosure of Authority to Practice. - An audiologist shall be required to
indicate his/her professional license number and the date of its expiration in the
documents he/she issues and signs in connection with the practice of his/her profession.
He/she shall also display his/her certificate of registration in a conspicuous area of his/her
clinic or office.

ARTICLE Ill
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY

Sec. 7. The Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology. - There is hereby created a
Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology, hereinafter referred as the Board, composed
of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the
recommendation of the PRC, from a list of ten (10) nominees submitted by the duly
integrated and accredited national organization of audiologists.

Sec. 8. Qualification of the Chairperson and the Members of the Professional
Regulatory Board of Audiology. - The Chairperson and membrs of the Board shall, at the

time of the appointment and for the course of their term, possess the following
qualifications:

(a) Anatural born citizen of the Philippines;

(b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age;

(c) Possess good moral character;

(d) A duly registered audiologist in good standing, except in the case of the first
members of the Board who shall automatically be conferred a valid certificate of
registration as Audiologists upon appointment to the Board;

(e) In active practice of the profession for at least ten (10) years prior to his or her
appointment: Provided, That for the purpose of creating the initial Board, an active
practice of the profession for at least five (5) years will suffice; Provided, also, That
a person who is a member of a faculty, whether full time, part time, or lecturer of any
school, college or university where a regular course of audiology is taught, or who
has a pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly in such an institution, must forego of
his/her membership in the faculty or relinquish his or her interest in said institution
before or upon taking his/ her oath as member of the Board: Provided, further, That
‘an incumbent officer of the Philippine Society of Audiology or any audiologic

association, is disqualified from concurrently being appointed to or serving in the

Board.

Sec. 9. Term of Office. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a non-
renewable term of five (5) years starting from the date of appointment until their succesor
shall have been appointed and duly qualified: Provided, however, That the first appointees


of the Board shall hold office as follows: the Chairperson for five (5) years and the four (4)
other members for a fixed term of four (4), three (3), two (2), and one (1) year/s, such that
the term of one of the member shall be due to expire every year. Thereafter, one member
shall be appointed for a full term every year and such member, in the last year of his term,
shall automatically become the chairperson of the Board. Vacancies brought about by
reasons other tha the expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term
only.

Sec, 10. Removal and Suspension of Board Members. - Any member of the Board,
after having been given the opportunity to defend himself/herself in a proper administrative
investigation conducted by the PRC, may be removed by the President of the Philippines
for neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, or unprofessional, unethical, immoral or
dishonorable conduct. During the process of investigation, the President of the Philippines
may suspend such member under investigation for a period of not more than sixty (60)
days and appoint a temporary member in his place.

Sec, 11. Compensation of Board Members. - The members of the Board shall each
receive a compensation in accordance with the rules and regulation of the Professional
Regulations Commission

Sec. 12. Functions and Power of the Board. - The board is hereby vested with the
authority to:

(a) Promulgate the rules and regulations for the practice of audiology, subject to the
approval of the PRC and in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(b) Administer and enforce the rules and regulations specified in the preceding
subsection;

(c) Determine, prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi and contents of, and
questions for licensure examinations, adopt measures to insure the integrity thereof,
correct and rate the examination papers and submit the results thereof to the PRC;

(d) Formulate and oversee, in consultation and coordination with the PRC,
guidelines for the proper conduct of licensure examinations and the registration of
audiologists as well as the accreditation of audiometricians;

(e) Issue, suspend, revoke and reissue certificates of registration of qualified
audiologists and renew their professional licenses and issue, suspend, revoke, and
reissue certificates of accreditation of audiometricians;

(f) Impose reasonable requirements and conditions, such as attendance in
continuing education activities and programs, for the renewal of an audiologist's
license to practice and for the purpose of upgrading the professional competence of
audiologists and audiometricians;

(g) Maintain a registry of audiologists and audiometricians in good standing:

(h) Adopt, promulgate and disseminate the Code of Ethics for the practice of
audiology in the Philippines;

(i) Administer oaths in connection with the implementation of this Act


() Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against practitioners
of audiology for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional conduct, and violations of
this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, and in connection therewith, issue
sub poena ad tesfificandum and sub poena duces tecum and punish with contempt
persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the the conduct of
such proceedings;

(K) Conduct ocular inspections of estabishments and/or premises where
audiological services are offered to ascertain that professional standards are
complied with;

(1) Upon application, to issue an order enjoining or abating the illegal practice of
audiology by unqualified persons;

(m) Impose fines and penalties after due process and in accordance with the
provisions of this Act, for causes provided for by law or by the rules and regulations
promulgated thereof;

(n) Evaluate periodically the status of audiological education and recommend and/or
adopt measures to upgrade and maintain its high standards; and

(0) Study the conditions affecting the practice of audiology in all parts of the
Philippines, and whatever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed
proper for the maintenance of good ethics and high professional standards of
audiologic practice

Sec. 13. Quorum in Board Meetings. - The attendance of three (3) members shall
constitute a quorum for the Board to officially transact business.

Sec. 14. Votes Required in Administrative Cases. - To render a decision in an
administrative case for unethical practice, malpractice, immorality, dishonesty, and related
charges affecting the professional fitness and integrity of an audiologist or audiometrician,
the vote of three (3) members must be obtained: Provided, That in case members are
disqualified to vote by virtue of their relation to or interest in any of the parties or voluntarily
inhibits themselves from participating in the proceedings, the Board shall designate, with
the approval of the Commission, an audiologist in good standing who is respected in the
audiological community for their probity and integrity to sit in the Board, participate in the
proceedings and vote on the case.

Sec. 15. Supervision of the Board and Custody of its Records. - The members of
the Board shall be under the general supervision of the PRC. All records, including
examination papers, examination results, minutes of deliberations, records of
administrative cases and investigation of the Board shall be kept by the said Commission

Sec. 16. Annual Report. - The Board shall, at the end of each calendar year, submit
to the Commission, an annual report of its activities and proceedings during the year.
Other information or data may be requested by the Commission as often as may be
necessary and practicable


ARTICLE IV
THE AUDIOLOGY BOARD EXAMINATION

Sec. 17. Licensure Examination. - Every applicant seeking to be registered as an
audiologist shall undergo an examination as provided in this Act. Examinations for the
practice of audiology or limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines shall be given by
the Board at least once every year in such places and dates as the PRC may designate.

Sec. 18. Scope of Examination. - The Board of Audiology shall prescribe the scope
and prepare the contents of the licensure examinations. In the discharge of this function,
the Board shall take into account recent developments in audiology and audiometry as
well as the academic standards imposed by the Commission on Higher Education on
educational institutions which offer a course in audiology.

Sec. 19. Requirements for Examination of Applicants. - To be eligible to take the
licensure exmination in audiology, the applicant must be

(a) A Filipino citizen;
(b) Of good moral character;

(c) A holder of at least the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science
(B. Sc.) in Audiology or its equivalent or higher degree (such as Masters in Clinical
Audiology (M. Clin. Aud.), Masters of Audiology (M.Aud.), Doctor 0 Audiology (Aud.

D.), Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology (Ph. D.), Doctor of Science in Audiology (D.

Sc.), obtained from a school, college, university or institution duly accredited or
recognized by the government, with coursework inclusive of the following minimum
basic subject areas: mathematics, human biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics,
psychology, sociology, history, English and Filipino; and the following Audiology
major subject areas: anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, introduction to
disorder and of speech and hearing process (pathophysiology), introduction to
audiology, hearing loss and audiometry, normal speech and language acquisition
and development, introduction to language and communication disorders,
psychology of language, clinical methods in audiology, aural habilitation,
rehabilitation and amplification, Philippine sign language, audiology ethics and
jurisprudence, audiology economies and practice management, environmental and
public health audiology, pediatric audiology, audiology practicum one and two and
audiology research methods.

Sec. 20. Minimum Passing Level.- In order that the candidate may be considered to
have sucessfully passed the examination, he or she must have obtained a general
average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in all subjects, with no rating below fifty
percent (50%) in any subject.

Sec. 21. Report of the Result of the Examination. - The Board shall report the
ratings obtained by each candidate to the PRC within sixty (60) days after the last
examination day, unless extended by the Commission. The PRC shall cause the
publication of the names of successful candidates in alphabetical order, without ratings
obtained by each, within sixty (60) days of the date the Commission receives the
aforementioned report from the Board


Sec. 22. Additional Requirement for Reexamination. - Any applicant who, for the
third time, fail to pass the Board examination shall not be allowed to take the next
succeeding examination without submitting to the Board proof that he or she has taken a
Tefresher course in a duly accredited institute.

ARTICLE V
REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE OF AUDIOLOGISTS

Sec. 23. Oath of Audiologists.- All successful examinees shall be required to take
their oath before the Board or before any person authorized to administer oaths prior to the
issuance of the certificate of registration: Provided, however, That the applicant is not
disqualified under any of the provisions in section 24 hereof.

Section 24. Disqualification. - The following applicants shall not be allowed to take
their oath as audiologists nor issued certificates of registration:

(a) Those who do not possess the qualifications set forth in Section 19 of this Act;
(b) Those who fail to pass the Audiology Board licensure examination;

(c) Those who have been convicted by final judgment of any crime involving moral
turpitude by any court;

(d) Those who have been found guilty by the Board of immoral or dishonorable
conduct;

(e) Those who have been declared to be of unsound mind

Such fact of disqualification shall be communicated by the Board to the applicant by
written statement, which statement shall form part of the records of the Board.

Sec. 25. Registration. - The PRC shall register the successful examinees who have
taken their oath and thereafter grant them professional licenses to practice audiology. The
certificate of registration shall be considered as evidence that the registrant is qualified to
practice audiology in the Philippines.

Sec. 26. Registration Without Taking Licensure Examination. - A person who
possess pertinent qualifications listed below pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be
registered without examination:

(@) Doctoral, masters, or bachelors degree in Audiology from a recognized
institution with at least three (3) years of teaching Audiology courses and/or
audiology practice in the Philippines for the same priod; or

(b) A duly-registered Doctor of Medicine in the Philippines and fully certified
Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery with at
least five (5) years of clinical, experience in the practice of audiology in the
Philippines;


(c) Has passed at least eighteen (18) units of tertiary level (doctoral, masteral or
baccalaureate) courses in Audiology and had at least seven (7) years of clinical
experience in audiology.

Provided, That the applicant files with the Board within three (3) years after its
creation, an application for registration, issuance of certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card by submitting his or her credentials showing that the
applicant was a member of good standing in the Philippine Society of Audiology for three
(3) years before the effectivity of this Act

Sec. 27. Accreditation. - The Board of Audiology shall grant certificates of
accreditation for the limited practice of audiometry to successful examinees. It shall serve
as proof that the person is accredited for the limited practice of audiometry in the
Philippines under the supervision of an audiologist in good standing

Sec. 28. Revocation of Certificates and Suspension of Professional Licenses. - The
Board may, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concemed, revoke an
audiologist's certificate of registration or suspend his/her license to practice for any
unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, or violation of any of the provisions of
this Act or its rules and regulations, or upon the conviction of the audiologist of a crime

involving moral turpitude. The same applies to an audiometrician's certificate of
accreditation.

Sec. 29. Appeals. - The revocation of a certificate or suspension of a professional
license by the Board shall become final unless appealed ot the PRC within fifteen (15)
days from receipt of the decision.

Sec. 30. Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of Certificates. - The Board
may, upon application and for reasons deemied proper and sufficient, reinstate any
suspended certificate of registration or accreditation, or issue another certificate in lieu of
one previously revoked, and in so doing it may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from
taking another examination.

A new certificate to replace any certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated may be
issued subject to the rules that may be implemented by the Board

Sec. 31. Renewal of Professional Licenses. - All licenses shall be renewable every
three (3) years and shall be considered renewed only upon satisfying the requirements
imposed by the Board, such as attendance in continuing education programs and payment
of corresponding fees as may be fixed by the Board in accordance with the schedule of
fees fixed by the PRC

ARTICLE VI
AUDIOLOGICAL EDUCATION

Sec. 32. The Technical Panel on Audiological Education. - To attain the objective of
upgrading audiological education in the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education,
pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7722 shall, within sixty (60) days after the
approval of this Act, convene and organize a technical panel on audiological education
For this purpose, senior practioners, specialists, academicians in the field of audiology and


@ representative from the accredited national organization of audiologists shall be
appointed and tapped to assist the following:

(a) setting a minimum standard curriculum for the study of audiology to be
implemented in all schools offering audiology as an undergraduate course and
degree;

(b) Establishing teaching standards, including the qualifications of members of the
faculty of schools and colleges of audiology;

(c) Monitoring th progress and program on the study of audiology and undertaking
measures for the attainment of a high quality of audiologic education in the country;
and

(d) Evaluation periodically the performance of educational institutions offering
audiological education for the purpose of granting accreditation and incentives as
well as for the impositionof sanctions when warranted

ARTICLE VII
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

Sec. 33. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited

(a) Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or to any member

thereof for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of registration or a professional
license;

(b) Assumption, use or advertisement by a person, not holding a valid certificate of
registration and a valid professional license in accordance with this Act, of a
description, in connection with his name or title tending to convey the impression
that he or she is a duly registered audiologist;

(c) Any form of advertisement in media outlets giving information and impression to
the public that the particular audiologist is better than others, is collecting lower
professional fees or selling cheaper hearing aids or devices;

(d) Engaging in an unauthorized practice of audiology as defined in Section 5 of this
Act; and

(e) Violation by any person, whether natural or juridical, of any of the provisions of
this Act and the rules and regulations promulgated for its effective implementation

Sec. 34. Penal Provisions. - The Commission of any of the prohibited acts listed in
the immediately preceding section shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than
one (1) year but not more than eight (8) years, or a fine of not less than fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or
both, at the discretion of the court.

In addition, the administrative penalties specified in Section 28 hereof shall be
imposed whenever applicable.


If the violation is committed by an association, partnership, corporation or any other
institution, the managing officers and other persons responsible for its commission shall be
liable for the penalties provided for in this Act.

ARTICLE VIII
PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Sec. 35. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreigner shall be admitted to the audiology board
examinations unless he/she proves in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Court that by
specific provision of law, the country of which he/she is a citizen, subject or national, either
admits Filipino citizens to the practice of audiology without restriction, or allow them to
practice audiology after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with
citizens, subjects or nationals of this country, including the unconditional recognition of
prerequisite degrees prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education: Provided,
however, That the Board upon approval by the PRC, may grant a special permit to a
foreign audiologist to practice the profession in this country whether or not reciprocity
exists between his or her country and the Philippines and under such conditions as may
be determined by the Board, if such foreigner is internationally known to be outstanding
expert in the profession or a well-known specialist in any of its branches, and that his/her
services will promote the advancement of the profession in the Philippines. The Board is
also hereby authorized to prescribe, upon approval by the PRC, additional requirements or
grant certain privileges to foreigners, seeking registration in the Philippines if the same
privileges are granted to or some additional requirements are required of citizens of the
Philippines in acquiring the same certificate in his country.

Sec. 36, Rules and Regulations. - The Board shall set professional standards for
the practice of audiology in the Philippines and ‘adopt such rules and regulations as may
be necessary to carry otu the provisions of this Act, subject to the approval of the PRC:
Such standards, rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation

Sec. 37. Integration of Audiologists. - In order for every audiologist to contribute to
his/her profession and to bear his/her share of professional responsibilities, all audiologist
shall be encouraged to join and be integrated into one national organization which shall be
recognized by he Board and the PRC. Every audiologist, upon registration with the Board,
may become a member of the integrated national organization. Those who have been
registered with the Board before the effectivity of this Act may register as member of the
integrated organization within three (3) years after said effectivity.

Sec. 38. Purposes. - The integrated national organization of audiologists shall
promulgate the Code of Ethics for the practice of the profession, define the professional
responsibilities of its members, ensure adherence to said professional ethics and
fesponsibilities, improve the standards of the profession and enable all audiologists to
discharge their public responsibility more effectively.

Sec. 39. Membership Fees and Dues. - All members shall be subject to the
payment of reasonable fees and dues for the effective discharge of the purposes of the
integrated national organization. An audiologist shall receive the benefits and privileges

appurtenant to his membership only upon payment of the required membership fees and
dues.


Sec. 40. Other Organizations. - The integration of audiologists into one national
organization shall not prohibit the creation of other associations of audiologists organized
by individual audiologists themselves.

Sec. 41. Code of Professional Ethics. - The Board shall adopt the Professional
Code of Ethics promulgated by the integrated national organization of audiologists
Provided, That such Code provides that itis the duty of an audiologist to:

(a) Consider as his/her primary responsibility the auditory welfare of the public;

(b) Promote the best possible standard of professional care;

(c) Enhance continuously his/her theoretical and practical proficiency;

(d) Render his/her service with equal diligence to all regardless of race, creed and
status;

(e) Respect the confidential nature of information concerning those he/she
serves; and

(f) Refer for medical or other professional attention where the need is indicated

The Board shall also distribute the Code of Ethics of the Audiological Profession in
the Philippines to all new audiologists during their oath taking

Any act or omission which violates this Code shall be considered as unethical
conduct and shall be suspended or prohibited from the practice of audiology, in
accordance with Section 28 of this Act. .

ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 42. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Commission shall include in
the Commission's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the General Apppropriations Act

Sec. 43. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agencies. - Any law enforcement agency
shall upon call or request of the Commission or Board, render assistance in enforcing this
Act including all the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by prosecuting the
violators thereof in accordance with the law and Rules of Court.

Sec. 44. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the
effectivity of this Act, subject to the approval of the Commission, the Board shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations in coordination with the accredited and
integrated national organization to implement the provision of this Act which shall be
effective fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers
of general circulation


Sec. 45. Separability Clause. - If any of the provision of this Act shall at any time be
found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not affected by such
eclaration shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 46. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, rules or regulations inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 47. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or two (2) newspaper of national circulation.

Approved,