Republic of the Philippines / 4

f >” RECEIVED

HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES [© yxi¢9
Quezon City Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BiLL No. 5907

Introduced by Honorable Janette L.. Garin, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The promotion of health and general physical well-being, insofar as healthy hearing is
concerned, is greatly neglected in our country. This is evidenced by the dearth of qualified
audiologists and their non-recognition as @ profession, leading to overseas migration of the
few locally-trained audiologists to other countries where they are properly recognized. This is
also paralleled by the proliferation of non-qualified and untrained persons performing
audiological services detrimental to the health and well-being of our citizenry.

In other countries, audiology is a well-established and recognized profession, with numerous
educational and training programs in leading institutions. Only two formal training programs
exist in the Philippines, with relatively low enrollment figures. Moreover, many graduates of
these programs find employment overseas, where they gain the recognition they deserve.
Unfortunately, unlike optometry in the field of vision, audiology is not recognized as a
profession in the Philippines.

This bill seeks to professionalize the practice of audiology in the Philippines, and create for
this purpose a professional regulatory board of audiology. It also seeks to upgrade audiologic
education and integrate audiologists and audiometricians in order to safeguard and enhance
healthy hearing as a regular component of the primary health care system. Such a
development will translate to better hearing for all, as the promotion of healthy hearing and
diagnosis, treatment, habilitation and prevention of hearing impairment are holistically and

professionally addressed.
sara, M.D.



Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILE No. 5O07

Introduced by Honorable Janette L. Garin, M.D.

AN ACT PROFESSIONALIZING THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGY AND
CREATING FOR THIS PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF
AUDIOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDES THEREFOR, UPGRADING
AUDIOLOGIC EDUCATION, INTEGRATING AUDIOLOGISTS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.

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

ARTICLE 1
‘TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. T

le. — This Act shall be known and cited as the "Audiology Act of 2012."

Sec, 2, Declaration of State 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 citizenry. Audiologic services shall therefore be promoted as a regular component of the
primary health care system.

See. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as
follows:

(2) "Audiology" — The science and art of hearing, whether normal or disordered, as a
fundamental component of human communicatory behavior; the development and application
of effective strategies leading to optimal use of sensory and oral expressive skills in hearing
impaired children and adults: analyzing and evaluating the auditory function through
behavioral and physiologic tests: selecting, prescribing and dispensing hearing aids, auditory
assistive devices and their accessories and solutions, and similar appliances and devices;
using educational techniques to enhance visual perception of speech (speech reading) and to
improve auditory discrimination; developing and maintaining optimal speech and voice
skills; counseling regarding educational, social or vocational concems that may occur as a
consequence of hearing impairment; and implementation of programs for hearing
conservation, and for the prevention of reduced auditory function; and other preventive or
corrective measures or procedures for the aid, correction, habilitation, rehabilitation or relief


of human hearing, of to attain optimum audition and comfort

(>) "Audiometry” — The measurement of hearing, including many procedures and tests
used to define the type, degree, and communicative consequences of hearing loss: utilizing
clinical hearing tests to evaluate sensitivity and discrimination (acuity) aspects 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 tests of central auditory dysfunction.

(©) “Audiologist” — A natural person who, having satisfactorily completed an academic

program leading to at least a bachelor’s degree in andiology or its equivalent or higher
Sagem inline cg laud 300 less of ptevinnl Claica ope mice (Eee rite
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 Regulation Commission (PRC) as being
qualified to practice Audiology in the Philippines.

(d) "Audiologist in good standing" — A registered audiologist who is authorized to practice
the profession in the Philippines by virtve of a valid certificate of registration and a valid
professional license issued by the PRC for the purpose.

(©) “Audiometrician” — A natural person who has not satisfactorily completed an academic

virtue of accredited coursework 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.

()"Audiometrician in good standing” — A qualified audiometrician 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) "Certificate of registration” — A document signed by the Chair of the PRC and,by all
members of the Board of Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an applicant who has
satisfied the requirements for the practice of audiology. It shall serve as proof that the
registrant is qualified to practice the respective professions in the Philippines.

(h) "Professional license” — A renewable card, issued by the PRC to a registered
audiologist, indicating that s/he is competent and authorized 10 practice audiology in the
Philippines. Until the loss of its validity or ils expiration, such license shall serve as evidence
that its bearer is an audiologist or audiometrician in good standing.

(@ "Certificate of Accreditation” — A document signed by all members of'the Board of
Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an applicant who has satisfied the requirements for
the limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines under the supervision of an Audiologist


in good standing. 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.

(j) "Code of professional ethics” — A set of standards relating to the conduct, integrity and
moral duties of audiologists, as prescribed by the Philippine Society of Audiology as the 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

Sec. 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 (behavioral) and objective (physiologic) procedures and tests to measure
hearing and define the type, degree, and communicative consequences of bearing 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 (acuity) 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 or surgically
treatable,

(©) The use of educational techniques to enhance visual perception of speech (speech
reading) and to improve auditory discrimination, developing and maintaining optimal speech
and voice skills; conduct of 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 ond attain optimum audition and comfort except
those that should be medically or surgically provided:

(@) The counseling of patients regarding educational, social or vocational concems that may
‘occur as a consequence of hearing impairment; and implementation of programs for bearing
conservation, and for the prevention of reduced auditory function,

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

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

Sec. 5. Prohibition Against the Unauthorized Practice of Audiology. — No person shall
practice audiology as defined in Section 3 of this Act nor perform any of the 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 shall 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 not be considered as the practice of
audiology; Provided, further, That public health workers and health care providers trained
and involved in the government's “universal newbom hearing screening program for the
prevention, early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss” or Republic Act No. 9709 and
‘other hearing conservation programs may conduct only specific hearing acuity tests and
hearing screening; Provided, further, That audiometricians in good standing may only
perform their limited duties and services under supervision of an audiologist in good
standing

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

ARTICLE IT
‘THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY

Sec. 7. The Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology. — ‘here is hereby created a
Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology, hereinafter referred to 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, the Philippine Society of
Audiology.

Sec. 8. Minimum Qualifications of Board Members. — Only persons possessed with the
following qualifications may be nominated and appointed to the Board:

(a) A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;

(b) A duly registered audiologist in good standing holding a valid Certificate of Registration;
Provided, That in the case of the first members of the Board of Audiology, they shall be
issued Certificates of Registration as Audiologists without prior examination;

(©) At least thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of his or her appointment;
(@ Of good moral character, and

(©) In active practice of the profession for at least ten (10) years prior to his or her
appointment: Provided, That for purposes of creating the initial Board, active practice of the
profession for at least five (5) years prior to his or her appointment will suffice. Provided,
also, That a person who is a member of the faculty, whether full time, part time or lecturer of
any school, college or university where a regular course in audiology is taught, or who has
‘any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in such an institution must forego his or her
membership in said faculty or relinquish his or her interests in said institution before or upon
taking his or her oath as a 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 on the date of appointment and until their successors shall have
been appointed: Provided, however, That the first appointees to the Board shall hold office as
follows: the chairperson for five (5) years and the four (4) other members for fixed terms of
four (4), three (3), two (2), and one (1) year/s, such that the term of one member shall be due
to expire every year. Thereafler, one member shall be appointed for the full term every year
and such member, in the last year of his or her term, shall automatically become the
chairperson of the Board, Vacancies brought about by reasons other than expiration of term
shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only.

Sec. 10, Removal or Suspension of Board Members, — Any member of the Board, after
having been given the opportunity to defend himself or 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 compensation in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Professional
Regulatory Commission.

Sec. 12. Functions and Powers of the Board. — The Board is hereby vested with authority
to:

(a) Pronmulgato 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 sections;

(c) Determine, prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi and contents of, and questions for
licensure examinations, adopt measures to ensure 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 cettificates Sali gene of qualified audiologists and
renew their professional licenses and issue, suspend, revoke and reissue certificates of
accreditation of audiometricians,

(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


(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:

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

@ Conduct hearings and investivations 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 comnection therewith, issue subpoena ad
testificandum and subpoena duces tecum and punish with contempt persons obstructing,
impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings;

(k) Conduct ocular inspections of establishments and/or premises where audiologie services
are offered to ascertain that professional standards are complied with;

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

(mu) Impose fines and penalties, afler due process and in accordance with the provision of this
Act, for causes provided for by law or by the rules and regulations promulgated therefor,

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

(p) Study the conditions affecting the practice of audiology in all parts of the Philippines,
and, whenever 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 oftheir relation to or interest in any ofthe parties or voluntary
inhibits themselves from participating in the proceedings, the Board shall designate, with

Rime pen hate egmipeorat ogeaericyerer mre ese rat
audiologic 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 resulls, 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 procesdings during the year. Other



information or data may be requested by the Commission as often as may be necessary and
practicable.

SECTION IV
‘THE AUDIOLOGY BOARD EXAMINATIONS

Sec. 17, Licensure Examination. — Every applicant secking 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

See. 19, Requirements for Examination of Applicants. — To be eligible to take the
licensure examination in audiology, the applicant must be

(a) A Filipino citizen,
(b) OF good moral character;

(©) A holder of at least the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Se.)
in Audiology or its equivalent or higher degree (such as Master in Clinical Audiology,
MClin,Aud.; Master of Audiology, M.Aud.; Doctor of Audiology, Au.D.; Doctor of
Philosophy in Audiology, PhD; or 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; basic acoustics for speech and hearing; introduction to disorders of
speech and hearing processes (pathophysiology); introduction to audiology, hearing loss and
and

audiology; aural habilitation, rehabilitation and amplification, Philippine sign language:
audiology ethics and jurisprudence; audiology economics and practice management:
cavironmental 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
successfully passed the examination, he or she must have obtained a general average of at
east seventy-five percent (75%) in all subjects, with no rating below fifly 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 afler 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 the ratings obtained by each, within sixty
(60) days of the date the Commission receives the aferementioned report rom the Board.

Sec. 22. Additional Requirement for Reexamination. — Any applicant who, for the third
time, fails 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 refresher course
ina duly accredited institute,

SECTION 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 pricr to the
issuance of the certificate of registration; Provided, however, That the applicant is not
disqualified under any of the provisions of Section 24 hereof.

Sec. 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:

(©) 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; and
(©) 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 successful examinees who have taken their
cath 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 possesses
the pertinent qualifications listed below pursuant to the provisions of this act may be
registered without examination: :

(a) Was a doctoral, masters or bachelors degree holder 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 period: or

(b) Was a PRC 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 clinical experience in the practice of audiology in the Philippines; or


(©) Had 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 afer ils creation, an
application for tegistration issuance of a Certificate of Rewistration aud Professional
Identification Card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant was a member of
good standing in the Philippine Society of Audiology for three years before the effectively of
this Act

Sec. 27. Accreditation. — The Board of Audiology shall grant certificates of accreditation
for the limited practice 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, afler giving proper notice and hearing to the party concemed, revoke an
audiologists certificate of registration or suspend his or 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 to the PRC within fifleen (15) days from
receipt of the decision.

Sec. 30, Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of Certificates. — The Board may,
upon application and for reasons deemed 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 now 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 throe
(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 the
corresponding fees as may be fixed by the Board in accordance with the schedule of fees
fixed by the PRC

SECTION V1
AUDIOLOGIC EDUCATION

Sec. 32. The Technical Panel on Audiologic Education. — To attain the objective of
upgrading Audiologic 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 audiologic education. For this
purpose, senior practitioners, specialists, academicians in the field of audiology and a


representative from the Philippine Society of Audiology as the accredited national
organization of audiologists shall be appointed and tapped to assist in the following:

(@) 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.

(©) Monitoring the progress of the program on the study of audiology and undertaking
measures of the altainment of a high quality of audiologic education in the country; and

(@) Evaluating periodically the performance of educational institutions offering audiologic
education for the purpose of granting accreditation and incentives as well as for the
imposition of sanctions when warranted.

SECTION VIL
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 certification 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

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

(q) Engaging in unauthorized practice of audiology as defined in Section $ of this Act; and

(g) 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 Fifly thousand pesos (PSO,
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 27 hereof shall be imposed
whenever applicable. (Check does this refer to Section 28)

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.


SECTION VII
PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Sec 35. Foreign Reciprocity — No foreigner shall be admitted to the audiology board
examinations unless he or she proves in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Court that by
specific provision of law, the country of which s/he is a citizen, subject or national, either
admits Filipino citizens to the practice of audiology without restriction, or allows them to
practice audiology after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens,
subjects or nationals of said 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 an outstanding expert in the profession or a
well-known specialist in any of its branches, and that his or lier 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,

Seo. 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 carty out 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
OMficial Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.

Sec. 37. Integration of Audiologists. — In order for every audiologist to contribute to his or
her profession and to bear his or her share of professional responsibilities, all audiologists
shall be encouraged to join and be integrated into one national organization, the Philippine
Society of Audiology, which shall be recognized by the 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 members of the integrated organization within three (3) years after
said effectivity.

Sec. 38. Purposes. — The integrated national organization of Audiologists- Philippine
Society of Audiology 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 responsibilities, 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, the Philippine Society of Audiology. An audiologist shall receive the benefits
and privileges appurtenant to his or her membership only upon payment of the required
membership fees and dues.


Sec. 40, Other Organizations. — The integration of audiologists into one national
organization ~ the Philippine Society of Audiology, shall not prohibil 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- the Philippine
Society of Audiology: Provided, that such Code provides that it is the duty of an audiologist
to

(@ Consider as his or her primary responsibility the auditory welfare of the public:

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

(©) Enhance continuously his or her theoretical and practical proficiency;

(@) Render his or her services with equal diligence to all, regardless of race, creed or status;
(e) Respect the confidential nature of information conceming those he or she serves; and
(0 Refer for medical or other professional attention where the need is indicated.

‘The Board shall also distribute the Code of Ethies of the Audiologic Profession in the
Philippines 10 —all,_~Ssmew_— audiologists. during —their_~—oathtahing.

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
27 of this Act. (Check does this refer to Section 28)

SECTION IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 42. Funding Provisions. The Chairperson of the Commission shall include in the
Commission's Programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act.

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

See. 44. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days alter 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 integrated and accredited professional organization
(the Philippine Society of Audiology), to implement the provisions of this Act, which shall be
effective after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or two
Philippine newspapers of general circulation


Sec. 45. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the
remainder of this Act or the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstance
shall not be affected by such declaration.

Sec. 46. Repealing Clause, — This Act repeals and supersedes all other acts, executive
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act,
which are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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