Introduced by Representatives Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Constitution provides that the State “shall protect and promote the right to health of the
prone sed foal boat coneclocee, among, then’ (Section 15, Article I, 1987 Philippine

aed ath rsa na hem igh profes ana whie embligod
a health to and
ath professionals and subject them professional standards while enabling,

Such is true for various medical and allied health professionals in the country today, except
fora select few such as Speech Language Pathology.

Ses Teena De say a atoion Gah nh nd let Sesto sl
who may have difficulty with communication, speech, and language or swallowing diso

It is a branch of rehabilitation involving the study of human communication, its normal

ment and its disorders. Studies have shown that around one percent (1%) of the estimated
2016 population or 75 million individuals suffer from uterine physical impairment often
linked to neurological and genetic causes, commonly present during the early development years of
children. Moreover, Speech Language Pathologists frequently treat individuals who have suffered
from stroke, especially when their speech has been impaired.

Metre ody amg arn hs pepe on Filipinos.
According to the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists (PASP), there are currently only 400
speech pathologists registered in the country. Presently, there are only four (4) universities that offer
ee

luates annt

allied health profession and palecaaedhergo virion peter ix iz innmeand rhrst ytd
standards, their patients receive world-class treatment and services.

I alzo seeks to promote the development of the profession of speech pathology and increase
the competence of speech pathologists by institutionalizing preventive regulatory measures,
programs and activities that will foster their continuing professional growth.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

M
ANGELINA ‘D.L. TAN, M.D,
4" District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF
Quezon City

CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5812

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representatives Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

ARTICLE I
‘TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Speech Language Pathology Act”.

SEC, 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the important role of speech language
pathologists in nation building and promotes the sustained development of a reservoir of speech
language pathologists whose competence have been determined by honest and credible licensure
examinations whose standards of professional practice and service are world-class and
internationally-recognized, globally competitive through preventive regulatory measures, programs,
and activities that foster their continuing, professional growth.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) “Speech Language Pathology” shall mean an allied health profession devoted to the
evaluation, diagnosis, management and prevention of human communication disorder.

b) “Speech Language Pathologist” shall mean a person who is registered and licensed to
ice speech language pathology and who holds a valid certificate of registration/professional
conse and profeasional dentifcation,

c) “Communication Disorder” shall mean impairment in the ability to (1) receive and/or
process symbol systems; (2) represents concepts in systems; (3) transmit and use symbol systems.
‘The impairment may be observed in the disorders of hearing, language and/or speech processes.

d) “Evaluation” shall mean the global appraisal of the significance and implications of a
diagnostic assessment that shall include formal and informal assessment.

(e) “Diagnosis” shall mean the act of identifying a human communication or swallowing
abnormality or disorder by analyzing the symptoms presented. It may also include a study of the
origin and development of the symptoms.

(f) “Language” is any socially and culturally accepted, structured, symbolic system for
interpersonal communication composed of sounds, letters, manual sign or other symbols arranged in
ordered sequences or strings that express thoughts, intentions, experiences and feelings comprised
of orthographic, phonological, syntactical, semantic and pragmatic components.

(g) “Speech” shall mean the medium of oral communication that employs a linguistic code
(language); through this medium, one can express thoughts and feelings and understand those of
others who employ the same code.

ARTICLE I
‘THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Board. - Within ninety days after the effectivity of
this Act, there shall be created the Professional Regulatory Board of Speech Language Pathology,
hereinafter referred to as the Board under the administrative control and supervision of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be composed of a
Chairperson and two members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from the


three (3) recommendees for each vacant position chosen from the five nominees of the integrated
and accredited national organization of speech language pathologist.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - To be the Chairperson or a member of
the Board, one must at the time of higher appointment be:

a) A natural born citizen of the Philippines and an actual resident thereof for at least five (5)
years before his/her appointment;

b) A duly registered and licensed allied health professional holding a valid certificate of
registration/professional license and professional identification card, in active practice for the past
five (5) years and a member in good standing of the accredited integrated national organization of
speech language pathologists prior to his/her appointment, except if appointed the first
Chairperson/member;

¢) Of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any offense involving moral
turpitude; and

d) Must not have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, academy, college,
university or institution conferring an academic degree necessary for administration to the practice
of speech language pathology or where review classes in preparation for the licensure examination
are being offered or conducted, nor shall he/she be a member of the faculty or of the administration
thereof at the time of his/her appointment to the Board.

‘SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the authority to:

a) Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the
provisions of this Act;

b) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

©) Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of speech language
pathology in the Philippines;

d) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

e) Maintain a roster of speech language pathologists indicating therein the basic information
about the registered professionals;

) Study the conditions affecting the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines
and adopt measures for the enhancement of the professional ethical and technical standards therein;

8) Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that all
educational institutions offering speech language pathology education comply with the policies,
standards and requirements of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum,
faculty, library and facilities;

h) Prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for the practice
of speech language pathology;

i) Standards for the practice of speech language pathology; Issue, reinstate, suspend, revoke
certificate of registration and/or professional license or cancel special permits for the practice of
speech language

J) Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program
for speech language pathologist;

k) In consultation with the duly accredited organization of speech language pathologist and

recognized association of schools conferring a Bachelor's or other entry level degree in

Speech Language Pathology, prescribe the area of competence to be included in the computerized

licensure examination and their relative weights, determined the syllabi of the subjects, construct the
test questions in licensure examination, score and rate examination papers;

1) Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and regulations and
the Code of Ethies for speech language pathologists, and for this purpose, to issue subpoena duces


tecum and/or ad testificandum to secure the appearance of the witnesses and the production of
documents in connection therewith; Provided, that the decision of the Board shall, unless appealed
to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of the judgment or
decision;

m) Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination;
1n) Grant registration without examination subject to the approval by the Commission;

0) Issue and/or cancel special permits to persons admitted to the practice of speech language
pathology for a specific duration of time, and certificates of recognition for advanced studies,
researches and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the profession; and

p) Perform such other powers and functions as it may deem necessary to carry out the
objectives of this Act.

‘The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the Board shall be
subject to the review and approval of the Commission.

SEC. 7. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for
three (3) years after appointment or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly
qualified; Provided, that members of the first Board to be appointed after the approval of this Act
shall hold office for the following terms:

Chairperson for three (3) years, one member for two (2) years, and the other member for one
Q) years: Provided, further, that the Chairperson or any member may be reappointed for another
term of three (3) years but in no case shall he/she serve continuously for more than six (6) years.
Vacancy in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Each member of the Board shall
automatically be registered as speech language pathologists and issued certificate of
registration/ professional license and professional identification card and shall take the proper oath
of office prior to assumption.

SEC. 8. Compensation of the Members of the Professional Regulatory Boards. - The

and members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to

that being received by the Chairpersons and members of existing regulatory boards under the
Commission as provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC, 9, Suspension and/or Removal of Board Members. - Any member of the Board may be
suspended or removed from office for gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice,
unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final judgment of crimes
involving moral turpitude, and manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results,
disclosure of secret and confidential information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of
the said examination or tampering of grades.

ie aici ieattee pacers cae Seal be etre fhe Cots teen en serene aton
shall be submitted to the Office of the President. During the investigation, the respondent shall be
placed under preventive suspension by the Commission and another designated to fill the temporary
vacaney in the Board.

SEC. 10. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support
Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of
the Board, including applications for examination, and 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 provision of this Act.

SEC, 11. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit an annual report to the Commission after
the close of each calendar year, giving a detailed account of the proceedings of the Board during the
year and recommending measures to be adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving
the conditions affecting the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines.

ARTICLE It
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION


SEC. 12. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice of speech
language pathology shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the Board in
such places and dates asthe Commission may designate subjet to compliance with the requirements

SEC. 13. Qualification for Examination. - In order to be allowed to take part in the licensure
examination, an applicant must, at the time of filing of higher application, establish to the
satisfaction of the Board that he/she has met the following qualifications:

a) A Filipino citizen or a foreign citizen whose state/country has reciprocity agreement with
the Philippines in the practice of speech language pathology;

'b) Good moral character;

c) Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; and

S11A arate ot a Rectilons Ones 5: seeds owinee patholony om: 9 oly ener
school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad and recognized/accredited by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

SEC. 14. Scope of Examination. - The subjects in the licensure examination for Speech
Pathologists shall cover the following:

a) Anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism

'b) Neurological bases of speech and hearing disorders

¢) Articulation and phonological disorders

) Hearing impairment and aural habilitation

¢) Language and cognitive communication disorders

f) Fluency disorders

&) Voice disorders

h) Cleft lip and palate and craniofacial conditions

i) Dysphagia

j) Medical and neurological disorders that may cause communication and swallowing

k) Normal development and function of speech, language, hearing and swallowing
__1) Principles of assessment and intervention for speech, language, hearing and/or swallowing

m) Research, Professional Ethics and Community Development The Board may recluster,
rearrange, modify, add or exclude any subject or change the percentage or weiglit given to said
subjects, as the need arises so as to conform to technological changes.

SEC. 1. Registration Without Examination as Speech Language Pathologist. A person who
possesses the pertinent qualifications required for admission in the examination for registration as a
i to without

Sinton, rv, Tat te pliant les with the Bord wins) months fer te
effectivity of the Implementing Rules Sod Pagsiaticess os sopliestion fr megecetion snc. issuance of
a certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card by submitting

of speech language pathology from a college or university accredited by the CHED. Provided, further,
that the applicant is a member of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of speech
language pathologists.


SEC. 16. Ratings tn the Beamination, - To be qualified as having passed the licensure
examination for speech language pathologists, a candidate must have obtained a weighted general
average of seventy-five (75%), with no grade lower than fifty (50%) in any given subject. A candidate
Mice In/ae Gus n-aeuse boo iy pase (oto wilia too Gh pers oon eee
pore beep oaeee tee fifty percent (50%) within two (2) years from the date of
his/her last examination. The topic or subjects retaken must have each a rating of no less than
sevaaky Sivatseteank (7A) Sa ondin to Gunite ox Laviug paneed the exeatnations

SEC. 17. Report Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained by
candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the examination unless extended for just cause.

a eee Lm a All successful examinees qualified for
registration and all q ‘applicants for registration without examination shall be required to take
an oath of profession before any member of the Board or any authorized officer of the Commission to
administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines.

SEC. 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Professional
Identification Card. - ‘certificate of registration/ professional license and professional identification
card shall be issued to all successful and registrants either Seneca
upon compliance with all the legal requirements including payment of fees prescribed by the
Commission. The certificate of registration/professional license shall bear the signature of the
Chairperson of the Commission and the Chairperson and members of the Board, indicating that the
person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant
thereto. The said certificate shall remain in full force and effect until withdrawn, suspended or
revoked in accordance with this Act.

A professional identification card bearing number, date of issuance, expiry
date, duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant
the prescribed
SEC. 20, Indication of of ye Tae

elspa fw tana Mra eal cc ghd ra gk on the
documents he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her profession.

SEC. 21. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall refuse to register and shall not issue a
of ‘professional professional identification

is if zis moana app sape lobes Berea
fei the rea Sor sath Eetibe: wfUeh sttomont skal Rebuennsctued in thereeeni cena mete:

SEC. 22. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration/Professional License
ae Die Rae eae Care GAG Gneaiation of Soscaal Ferra The, Bowed ciay, ater
giving proper notice of hearing to the party concerned, revoke the practitioner's certificate of
registration/professional license or suspend him/her from the practice of his/her profession or
cancel his/her permit for any of the causes or grounds mentioned in Section 21 of this Act or for any
unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, violation of any of the provisions of this Act, its
rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics and the Standards for speech language pathologists.

SEC. 23. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of Certificate of
Registration/Professional License. - A person may apply to the Board for reinstatement of a
certificate of registration/professional license at any time after two (2) years from the date of
revocation of said certificate. The application shall be in writing and shall conform with the
requirements as provided by the Board. No certificate/license shall be reinstated unless the Board is
satisfied that a good cause exists to warrant such reinstatement.

SEC. 24. Roster of Speech Language Pathologist. - The Board shall prepare, update and
maintain a roster of speech language pathologist in ee of a gn eae


pps cle is reap rs prcteneoy let lecturer, or critic in fields
essential to speech language pathology education in the Philippines is. to teaching only.

‘The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and conditions: the same

ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
ae See See ieee Lane Pathology. - The scope of the practice of
Language Pathology shall embrace, but shall not be limited to the performance, in
collaboration with other professionals, families and the community of any of the following:

sited) ee, eats ‘assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of speech such as, but not
limited to articulation, fluency, voice, hearing and language;

b) Screen, identify, assess, diagnose, manage and prevent disorders of oralpharyngeal
functions such as, but not limited to dysphagia and related disorders;

©) Screen, identify, assess, diagnose and manage cognitive communication systems and
provide training in their use;

d) Assess, select and develop augmentative and alternative communication systems and
provide training in their use;
) Screen hearing acuity for the purpose of speech language evaluation and aural
lon;

iy

) Plan, teach and carry out home programs and training for patients and their families;

g) Plan, conduct and evaluate teaching-learning activities for students of speech language
pathology and other related courses; for other health professionals, patients and their families;

h) Plan, conduct and evaluate researches in pursuit of new knowledge for the growth of
language pathology in the Philippines;

Boni omy ores An Sener ten craetiction tearing tt
of speech language pathology;

j) Perform administrative duties language clinics/units in itals,
5) Perform me Gots Se me pathology clinics; in hospi

k) Teaching, lecturing and reviewing subjects given in the licensure examination.

SEC, 27. Prohibition on the Practice of Speech Language Pathology. — No person shall
practice or offer to practice speech language pathology in the Philippines or offer himself/herself as


speech language pathologist, or use the title, word, letter figure, or a sign tending to convey the
impression that he/she is a speech language pathologist, or advertise or indicate in any manner
whatsoever that he/she is qualified to perform the work of a speech language pathologist unless
he/she has satisfactorily the licensure examination given by the Board, except as otherwise
provided in this Act, is a holder of a valid certificate of registration/professional license and
professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit duly issued to him/her by the
Board and the Commission.

‘SEC, 28. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall:

a) Engage in the practice of speech language pathology by representing himself/herself as a
speech language pathologist without a valid certificate of registration/ professional license or a valid
temporary/special permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act;

7 sce Practice his/her profession during the period of his/her suspension from the practice
thereof;

©) Allow an unqualified person to advertise or to practice the profession by using his/her
certificate of registration/professional license or temporary/special permit; and
4) Use as his/her own the certifiate of regstration/ professional eense or temporary/specal permit
anot

SEC. a9, Coe of Bthies andl Cod of Technical Standards for Speech Language Pathologist.
The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for
speech language pathologist pevaccved and doeusd by the Accredited and Intagrated Professloral
Organization (AIPO) of speech language pathologists.

SEC. 30. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). - All speech language pathologists
shall abide by the requirements, rules, and regulation on continuing professional education to be
promulgated by the PRC Regulatory Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, in
coordination with the AIPO for speech language pathology and the representative of duly accredited
education institutions, For this purpose, the Board may create a CPD Council to implement the CPD
program subject to the guidelines as may be issued by the Commission.

SEC. 31, Integration of Speech Language Pathologist. - The speech language pathology
profession shall be integrated into one (1) national professional organization of speech language
pathologists, which shall be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
‘The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, shall accredit the said organization as the one
and only Accredited and Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) of registered speech language
pathologit All speech language pathologists whose names appear in the Registry Book of Speceh

frog ee juage Pathologists shall ipso facto reatimaly become members thereof and shall receive all

\efits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of AIPO membership fees and dues.

Membership in the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (APO) shall not be a bar
to membership in other organizations of speech language pathologists.

32. Foreign Reciprocity, ~ No foreign speech langunge pathologist shall be given a
coctiieat of outset oi vetisononal slemnee saat probesianal Ieee ean sind or be ential to
any of the privileges under this Act unless the country of which the foreign language
pathologist is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino speech language pathologists to
practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of said country or
‘state.

ARTICLE V
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC, 33. Funding Provision, - ‘The Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission
shall immediately include in the Commission's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding
of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Acts and thereafter.

SEC, 34. Penal Provision, - Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act or
any of its implementing rules and regulations ‘as promulgated by the Board subject to the approval of
the Commission shall upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos
(P20,000.00) nor more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less
‘than two (2) years nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.


SEC. 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -To implement the provisions of this Act, the
Hoan, shall, soldec: ta the spproral of the Commiesion, prorslgate the rules and regulations and
the Code of thes for speech language pathologists within sisty (60) day afer the constitution of

SEC. 36. Separabiity Clause. If any section or provision ofthis Act shall be declared invalid
or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other section or provision of this Act.

37. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances or parts thereof, which are
fhasionsstank Lak tee promonn ortsle Aa eos hercay repealed oe meiiod meena

SEC. 38. Effectivity Clause. - ee Sek SN Se RE aii: HN 15) Sons UH Ne
panties the Catia ratte carb fo 2) aor omer national circulation whichever

Approved,