FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

eon
House Bit, 911

Introduced by Representative Susan A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to set up a climate conducive to the practice of the pre-hospital
emergency care and maximize the capability and potential of emergency medical technicians
and other pre-hospital care professionals and institute a standard system of pre-hospital
emergency medical services in the country.

Emergency medical service is crucial in a sense that it helps avert possible
complications when hospital service is not readily available. In recognition of its significance,
this bill proposes the creation of the National Pre-Hospital Care Council (NPHCC), which
shall ensure the development of pre-hospital emergency service system at the national and
local level. It shall be tasked to formulate and implement policies, develop national standards
and protocols, engage in research, including emerging technology, emergency education and
training, formulation of curricula, and the evaluation of existing courses and assessment and
examination procedures. It shall likewise develop the scope of work of Emergency Medical
Technicians based on internationally-accepted standards, subjecting them to a nationally-based
licensure examination. The bill also ensures that emergency medical vehicles will abide by
minimum requirements set by the NPHCC, which if not followed, will serve as a ground for
removal of its certification. Furthermore, the proposed measure seeks the adoption of a
national emergency number to enable the public to access emergency medical services, which
shall be under the purview of the National Telecommunications Council

Because the country is prone to risks and emergency cases brought by natural and man-
made calamities, we need a more responsive and organized pre-hospital and emergency care
system to help us a coping mechanism and reduce casualties arising from such instances.

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



FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

stl

House Bill No.___

Introduced by Representative Susan A. Yap

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE SYSTEM,
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, SUPERVISION ANDREGULATION
OF THE PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE PROFESSION, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

CHAPTER |

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1, Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Act
of 2010."

3 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them
Pursuant to this national policy, the government shall set up a climate conducive to the
practice of pre-hospital emergency care and maximize the capability and potential of
Emergency Medical Technicians ("EMTs") and other pre-hospital care professionals and
institute a standard system of pre-hospital emergency medical services in the country

SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act provides for and shall govern:
i, The creation of the National Pre-Hospital Care Council (the Couacil or "NPHCC");
ii, ‘The development and institutionalization of pre-hospital emergency service system at
the national and local level;
iii, ‘The establishment of national standards for the provision of pre-hospital emergency
medical services by duly certified /registered pre-hospital care professionals;
iv. The supervision, control and regulation of the practice of pre-hospital care
professionals;
v. ‘The program standardization for the training of pre-hospital care professionals;
vi. The certification/registration and re-certification/ re-registration requirements of pre-
hospital care professionals;
vii, The standards for design, manufacture, accreditation and regulation of Emergency

Medical Vehicles;

vii ‘The adoption and implementation of a National Universal Emergency Telephone
Number; and

ix, The establishment and proviSlon of support services to pre-hospital emergency
medical services.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:


iS

defined:

. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hercby

(a) Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services -

ih

ii,

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care - Independent delivery of pre-hospital
emergency medical services by ately trained and certified
Emergency Medical Technicians usually in a mobile or
community setting, in full accordance with National Pre-Hospital
Emergency Medical Treatment Protocols established by the Council.

Pre-Hospital Advance Life Support - Advanced pre-hospital standards for
the care of serious illness or injury by appropriately trained and certified
EMTs, as established by the Council. These pre-hospital standards may
include advanced pre-hospital trauma care, advanced pre-hospital cardiac
life support and the care of high dependency patients for inter-hospital
transfer, among others.

(b) National Pre-Hospital Medical Treatment Protocols - Emergency medical procedures

(¢) Pre-hospital Care Profe

outlining approved clinical practices

and therapies to be observed by pre-hospital care

professionals, as established by the Council

1)

3)

y

sionals

Emergency Medical Technician ("EMT") - A. pre-hospital emergency care
provider who has fulfilled the requirements and continues to hold the
qualifications established by the Council in coordination with the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority ("TESDA"), the Commission
on Higher Education ("CHED") and the Professional Regulation
Commission ("PRC"), among others.

Ambulance Dispatch Officer (ADO) - A person duly trained and certified in
the administration, management and operation of the ambulance dispatch
and communication system, who has fulfilled the requirements and
continues to hold the qualifications established by the Council in
coordination with ‘Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
("TESDA"), the Commission on Higher Education ("CHED") and the
Professional Regulation Commission ("PRC"), among others.

Ambulance Assistants - Personnel who, having gained the "minimum"
certification as a Medical First Responder (Advanced First Aider), charged
with the operation and general care of emergency medical vehicles
(ambulance driver), in addition to providing basic medical care for patients
under the direct supervision of an Emergency Medical Technician /
Paramedic.

Other pre-hospital care professionals providing other support services for
the provision of pre-hospital emergency care.

(d) Competency-based assessment - Evidence gathering and judgment by an authorized
assessor who evaluates the technical and practical skills, abilities and knowledge of a

©

pre-hospital care professior

in accordance with standards and guidelines established

by the Council in coordination with TESDA in the case of technical non-degree
Certified Emergency Medical Technician courses falling under TESDA jurisdiction; or
in coordination with CHED and PRC in the case of Registered Emergency Medical
Technician - Paramedic (REMT-P) degree courses requiring the issuance of a
professional license.

Acctedited Training Institutions - ‘Training institutions offering training programs,
courses and continuing education in emergency medical services for pre-hospital care
professionals that meet the standards established by the Council, in coordination with


TESDA, CHED and DOH among others, and are duly recognized by TESDA or
CHED, as applicable, and duly registered in good standing with the Council.

( Ambulance / Emergency Medical Vehicle - An ambulance or other vehicle for
emergency medical care and transportation which provides, at minimum, (a) a driver's
compartment; (b) a patient compartment to accommodate an emergency medical
technician (EM1) and a patient so positioned that said patient can be given intensive
life-support during transit; (c) equipment and supplies for emergency care at the scene
as well as during transport; (d) two-way radio, telephone or electronic communication
with the Ambulance Dispatch Officer; and (e) when necessary, equipment for light
rescue/extrication procedures. The emergency medical vehicle shall be so designed and
constructed to provide the patient with safety and comfort, and avoid aggravation of
the patient's injury or illness. The designated vehicle marking of "Ambulance" is hereby
restricted for use by Emergency Medical Vehicles only

(g) Emergency Medical Services Medical Director - A licensed physician with training in
Emergency Medicine who has at least five (5) years of experience in emergency medical
care and approved by the Council or local medical authority charged with the
supervision of emergency medical services and the implementation of approved
emergency medical treatment protocols set by the Council to govern the practice of
EMTs.

CHAPTER II
:-HOSPITAL CARE COUNCIL,

NATIONAL PR

SEC. 5. Creation of the National Pre-Hospital Care Council - A body to be known as the
National Pre-Hospital Care Council (NPHCC), hereinafter referred to as the Council, is
hereby created to;

(a) Formulate policies governing the field of pre-hospital emergency medical services and
related institutions;

(b) Implement these policies in coordination with affiliated medical and educational
institutions;

(©) Develop national standards for the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical
services to include, among others, the skills, abilities and knowledge required of a pre-
hospital care professional, and the development of mandatory national medical
treatment protocols to be observed by pre-hospital care professionals and such other
entities as it may consider appropriate;

(d) Promulgate a Code of Ethics for Emergency Medical Technicians;

(c) Develop standards of operation for pre-hospital emergency care support service
providers to support best practices by pre-hospital care practitioners;

() Establish and maintain a roster of certified emergency medical technicians;

(@) Develop standards and protocols for the design, construction, outfitting and
operations of emergency medical vehicles;

(h) Engage in research into pre-hospital care, including emerging technology, education
and taining, the formulation of curricula, and the evaluation of existing courses and
assessment and examination procedures.

SEC. 6. Membership of the Council -- The members of the Council shall initially be composed
of the following:

Ex-Officio Members:
(a) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) as chair of the Council;
(b) The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);

(©) The Chair of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
and

(d) The Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).


Members to be appointed by the Secretary if the Department of Health upon nomination by
their respective associations:

(a) One (1) nominee of a national organization duly registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and recognized by the Secretary of the Department of Health
as being representative of the profession of Emergency Medical Technician within the
Republic of the Philippines;

(b) Four (4) nominees of local health boards, one each from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao;

wo (2) registered emergency medical practitioners, representing recognized

professional-based organizations with interest on emergency medicine;

(d) One (1) registered medical practitioner representing a recognized professional-based
organization on cardiology;

(©) One (1) registered nurse holding 2 qualification in cmergency room nursing
representing a recognized professional-based organization of emergency care nurses;

() One (1) representative from an educational or taining institution providing EMT
programs, which have been duly approved by TESDA I CHED as applicable.

(g) One (1) representative from a recognized national professional association of medical
practitioners;

(h) One (1) representative from a recognized national organization of private hospitals;
and

(i) One (1) representative from a DOH hospital.

)

©. 7. Term of Office. No' member of the Council shall serve for more than three (3)
secutive terms of two (2) years each.

SEC, 8. Powers and Functions. - To carry out its mandate, the Council shall exercise the
following powers and functions:

(a) Encourage and facilitate the orga
professionals, to ensure the prov
public on a national basis;

(b) Maintain a roster of qualified pre-hospital care professionals and providers, and
training institutions, and oversee their licensing and accreditation;

(©) Establish a secretariat under an Executive Director for the administrative and day-to
day operations of the Council;

(a) Create committees and other mechanisms to help expedite the implementation of plans
and strategies;

(©) Set_up a system of networking and coordination with and among all existing
government health agencies and local government units for the effective
implementation of programs and activities;

() Call upon and coordinate with other government and non-government medical and
other institutions and agencies for assistance in any form;

(g) Generate resources, both from the Government and private sectors, local, national and
international, for its operation;

(h) Receive and accept donations and other conveyances including funds, materials, and
services, by gratuitous tide, Provided, that not more than thirty percent (30%) shall be
used for administrative expenses;

(i) Prepare an annual budget of the Council and submit the same to the President for
inclusion in the annual General Appropriations Act;

() Advise the President on matters pertaining to pre-hospital emergency medical services;

(k) Regulate activities inimical to the delivery of emergency medical services;

() Review membership of the Council in line with status changes of concerned national
organizations duly recognized as involved in Emergency Medical Care Pre-Hospital
Emergency Medical Care as required by this Act; and

(m)Promulgate rules, regulations and undertake any and all measures as may be necessary
to implement this Act.

ation of a network of pre-hospital care
ion of emergency medical services to the general

SEC. 9. The Secretariat. - The Council shall organize a Secretariat headed by an Executive
Director, who shall be a person of probity and shall have at least five (5) years experience in

4


emergency medical services or a related field. The Council shall fix its staffing pattern,
determine the duties, qualifications, responsibilities and functions as well as the compensation
scheme for the positions to be created upon the recommendation of the Executive Director.
‘The staffing pattern shall be approved and prescribed by the Council within one hundred
twenty (120) days from the approval of this Act.

In establishing the Secretariat, the Council shall consider the need to address, among others,
the following areas: (a) Education and Standards Development; (b) National Examination I
sessment System for Pre-hospital Care Professionals; (c) Research; (d) Supervision and
Regulation; (€) Policy, Planning and Research; (f) Administration; (g) Finance; and. (h)
Programs, including (i) Human Resource Development; (ii) Emergency Medical Vehicles and
(ii) Emergency Communications.

SEC. 10. Accreditation. The Council shall issue certifications and licenses for the:
(a) Accreditation of training institutions for emergency medical technicians and related
personnel; and
(b) Accreditation of emergency medical vehicle providers.

SEC. 11, Meetings. The Council shall meet at least once every quarter.

C, 12, Program Plans, - The Council shall, within six (6) months after having been officially
constituted and finally staffed, adopt and immediately cause to be implemented in
coordination with medical and related agencies, a short-tange program in support of relevant
existing projects mid activities; and within one (1) year, a long-range five (8) year development
program. This development program shall be developed and subjected to annual review and
revision by the Council in coordination with relevant public and private medical agencies and
organizations

CHAPTER III
TECHNICIANS,

EMERGENC

13, Creation of Plantilla Positions for Emergency Medical Technicians- There shall be
‘ed a minimum number of plantilla positions for Emergency Medical Technicians in the
following government agencies within the next five s upon approval of this Act:

a) Specialized Hospitals - Five (5) Emergency Medical Technicians

b) Regional Hospitals - Five (5) Emergency Medical Technicians

©) Provincial Hospitals - ‘Three (3) Emergency Medical Technicians

d) Local Government Units - Three (3) Emergency Medical Technicians
©) Other agencies - as may be deemed necessary by the Council

The annual financial requirements needed to pay for the salaries of Emergency Medical
Technicians shall be included in the annual general appropriations of the respective hospitals,
agencies and local government units.

SEC. 14. Scope of the Practice of the Emergency Medical Technician. - The practice of
Emergency Medical Technician involves services performed in responding to the perceived
needs of an individual for immediate medical care in order to prevent loss of life or
aggravation of physiological ot psychological illness or injury delivered in a pre-hospital, inter-
hospital and hospital emergency cate setting. For this purpose, the Council shall develop the
scope of work of Emergency Medical Technicians based on internationally-accepted standards,
as adapted to the Philippine setting.

SEC. 15. Authorized Training Institution. - Training programs, courses, and continuing
education for an Emergency Medical Technician shall be conducted by an institution that has
been granted a Certificate of Program Registration (COPR) by TESDA, in the case of
technical non-degree courses falling under TESDA jurisdiction, or a Certificate of
Accreditation as a Higher Education Institution (HEI) as well as Program Accreditation by
CHED, in the case of degree programs falling under CHED jurisdiction. The requirements


presctibed by the Council shall serve as the minimum requirement for program registration.
‘The DOH can provide training programs for EMTs; Provided, that these shall be accordance
with the standards set by the Council.

SEC. 16. Certification, Registration and Re certification. Registration and re-certification of
MTs in the Philippines shall be governed by che Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (LESDA) for non-degree courses, and by the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) for degree courses, in accordance with PRC rules and regulations and
without prejudice to the enactment of a licensure law for LMTs. A certification ts valid for a
period of three (3) years. TESDA and PRC shall re-certify Emergency Medical Technicians
upon submission of a competency-based assessment statement from a recognized Emergency
Medical Services Medical Director.

Sec. 17. Qualifications. - All applicants for registration as an Emergency Medical ‘Technician
(EMT) must be a citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-one (21) years of age, of good
moral character, and must produce before the NPHCC satisfactory evidence of good moral
character, and that no charges against him involving moral ruspitude have been filed or are
pending in any court in the Philippines.

He or she must have successfully completed a non-degree course leading to an EMT
basic certification, EMT intermediate cettification, or EM't-advanced certification, or a degree
course leading to an EMT-paramedic certification, conferred by an authorized uaining
instituuon as defined in Sec. 15 of this et. .

School
shall be giv

cl institutions accredited co offer education and taining programs for EM
n the responsibility to certify their graduates as mandated by the Council.

See. 18. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration as an Emergency Medical
Technician shall be required to undergo a nationally based assessment test or licensure

nination, respectively, to be given in such places and dates as may be designated, by the
Lechnical Education and Skills Development Authority (1ESDA)} for non-degree courses, and
by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for degree courses.

SEC. 19, Schedule of Examination. - National written examinations for Emergency Medical
Technicians in the Philippines shall be given by TESDA and /or PRC at least pwice every yeat

SEC. 20. Release of the Results of Examit
released by TESDA within twenty (
from the date of the examination.

ion. - The results of the Examination shall be
)) working days or by the PRC within two 2) months

SEC, 21. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration and EMY Identification Card. «A
Cernfication of Registration shall be issued to examinees who pass the National EMT
examinations given by TESDA or the PRC. The Certificate of Registration shall remain in full
force and effect until revoked oF suspended in accordance with cus Act. An EMI
identification Card, bearing the registration number, date of issuance, expiry date, duly signed
by TESDA Director-General or PRC Chatman, shall likewise be issucd to every registrant
upon payment of the required fees. The EMT Iden hall be renewed every three
(3) years upon satisfactory compliance with the requirements of TESDA or PRC as prescribed
by the Council.

SEC. 22, Disqualification. -TESDA, PRC and the Council shall not accept an applicant for
competency requirement nor issue a national certificate to any person who has been convicted
by final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral
turpitude, or has been found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after investigation and
due process, or has been declared to he of unsound mind by competent authority, or for other
grounds as may be determined by the Council in the implementing rules and regulations. The
reason for the refusal shall be set forth in writing.



SEC. 23. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration, EMT Identification
Card or Cancellation of Temporary /Special Permit. - The Council, upon recommendation of
‘TESDA or PRC in accordance with the prescribed procedures and due process, may revoke or

suspend the national certificate or EMT Identification Card.

SEC. 24. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of Certificate of Registration and EMT
Identification Card - The TESDA or PRC, upon the recommendation of Council, in
accordance with the rules and regulations may, after two (2) years from the date of revocation
of Certificate of Registration reinstate any revoked Certificate of Registration and re-issue a
suspended EMT Identification Card after compliance by the applicant with the requirements
for reinstatement

s 5. Continuing Education, - The Council shall develop a program for continuing
education of emergency medical technicians as a condition for EMTs to maintain theie license
and accreditation.

SEC. 26, Roster of Certified Emergency Medical Technician. - The Council, in coordination
with TESDA, CHED, PRC, and the accredited professional organization representing the
profession of Emergency Medical Technician within the Republic of the Philippines, shall
prepare, update and maintain a roster of certified Emergency Medical Technicians /
Paramedics

SEC, 27. Issuance of Special or Temporary Permit. - Upon application and payment of the
necessary fees, and subject to the requirements specified by the Council, TESDA or PRC may
issue special or temporary permits to Emergency Medical Services personnel from foreign
countries whose services are urgently needed in the absence or inadequacy of local Emergency
Medical Technicians that can provide pre-hospital in the Philippines.

SEC. 28, Prohibition Against the Unauthorized Practice of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care. -
No person shall practice or offer to practice pre-hospital emergency care services in the
Philippines ot offer himself/herself as Emergency Medical Technician as defined in this Act,
the tide, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the impression that one is an
Emergency Medical Technician, or advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever that one is
qualified to practice pre-hospital emergency unless he/she has satisfactorily
demonstrated the prescribed competency standards, in full accordance with the requirements
of the Council, and is a holder of a National Certificate in Emergency Medical Services ot a
special/temporary permit duly valid issued to him/her by Council.

or us

SEC, 29. Registration Without Examination for Emergency Medical Technicians. All
practicing Emergency Medical Technicians at the time this Act is passed shall be deemed
qualified for registration as an EMT if, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Council, they have performed work within the scope of the practices of an EMT as defined in
this Act, for such period of time as may be required by the Council and have been certified by
an EMS medical director to have performed full EMT functions in a pre-hospital and intet-
hospital care setting.

SEC. 30. Registration With Examination for Emergency Medical Technicians. All practicing
Emergency Medical Technicians who are not graduates of an EMT program from a TESDA-
or CHED-accredited public or private educational/training institution at the time this Act is
passed shall be deemed qualified for registration through examination using the following
procedure:

a) All applicants must provide a full record of initial training completed as an
EMT. This record must include details of the training establishment, a full
syllabus of training completed, a record of on-going training and proof of
having worked as an EMT in any local or international organization for at least
one (1) year and has been certified by a EMS medical director to have
performed full EMT functions in a pre-hospital and inter-hospital care setting.

7


b)

Once approved by the Council as qualified for examination, the candidate will
be referred to an approved TTSDA or PRC EMU assessment center for
qualifving examinations for EMT registration,

SEC. M1. Accredited Professional Organization, - All certified Emergency Medical Technicians
shall have one (1) national organization, which shall be recognized by the Council as the one
and only accredited EMT organization in the country. A certified EMT duly registered with
{ESDA ot PRC shall auromatically become a member of the accredited professional
organization of Emergency Medical Technician and shall receive the benefits and privileges
appurtenant thereto.

SEC. 32. Code of Ethics of Emergency Medical Technicians. - The Council, in coordination
with the accredited professional organi all adopt and peomulgate the Code of Lthies
and Code of Technical Sundards for Emergency Medical Technicians to include among

f Emergency Medical Technicians to Pre-Hospital Emergency Care patients, to
the community, to their colleagues and co the profession, and to allied professionals.

ions,

others, duties o1

CHAPTER IV,
EMERGENCY MEDICAL VEHICLES

SEC. 33. Emergency Medi

1 Vehicles. The Council shall develop minimum requirements for
the design, construction, performance, equipment, testing and appearance of emergency
medical vehicles. As such, only Emergency Medical Vehicles shall be allowed to display the
word “Ambulance” and the umversally-accepred “Star of Life” symbol. Lt shall also provide
fur the operauon protocols of said vehicles. 11 shall also design an accreditation system to
provide the public with ambulances and other emergency medical vehicles that are easily
identifiable, nationally recognizable, properly constructed, easily maintained, and, when
appropriately equipped, will enable Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to safely and
reliably perform their functions as basic and advanced pre-hospital life support providers

While failure of an emergency medical vehicle to conform to the Council standards may be a
ground for the removal of its certification, such failure shall not bar EMTs from:

2) Responding and providing appropriate basic or advanced life support on-site to

persons reported experiencing acute injury or illaess in a pre-hospital setting,

and transporting them, while continuing such life support care, to an
appropriate medical facility for definitive cares

b) Providing inter hospital critica

Transporting es personnel ipment to and from the site of a

multiple medical emergency or a triage site and transporting appropriately
triaged patients to designared medical facilities

transport care; oF

CHAPYER V
EMERGENCY COMMUNICA FLONS,

sh Adoption of a National Unive:
he one national emerg
Tow

al imergeacy Telephone Number. There shall only
number to enable che public to access emergency medical services.
rds this end, the National Telecommunications Council (NTC) shall develop a program
for the adoption of a national emergency number. It shall consult and cooperate with national
and local institutions and officials responsible for emergency services and public safety, the
telecommunications industry (specifically including the cellular and other wireless
ielecommunications service providers), the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, emergency
medical service providers and emergency dispatch providers, transportation officials, public
safety, fire service and law enforcement officials, consumer groups, and hospital emergency
and trauma care personnel (including emergency phi ns, trauma surgeons, and nurses).



SEC. 35. Compliance. It shall be the duty of every voice service provider to provide its
subscribers with access to the national universal emergency number in accordance with the
implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 36. Prohibited Acts -
1) Any person who makes a telephone call to an emergency telephone number
with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person who answers the
telephone call shall be guilty of an offense and, subject to subsection (3) of
this Section, shall be given a warning for the fltst offense, and shall be
compelled to attend a seminar on the proper use of the national emergency
telephone number on the second offense. Upon commission of the offense
for the third time, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
execeding P1,000. Upon commission of the offense for the fourth and
succeeding times, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding P5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or

to both.

2) Any person who makes a telephone call to an emergency telephone number
and, upon the call being answered, makes or solicits any comment, request,
suggestion, proposal or other comment, request, suggestion, proposal or
other communication or sound which is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy or
indecent, shall be guilty of an offense and, subject to subsection (3) of this
Section, shall be given a warning for the first offense, and shall be
compelled to attend a seminar on the proper use of the national emergency
telephone number on the second offense. Upon commission of the offense
for the third time, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding P1000. Upon commission of the offense for the fourth and
succeeding times, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding P5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or
to both.

3) A person who gives a false report of a medical emergency or gives false
information in connection with a medical emergency, or makes a false alarm
of a medical emergency, knowing the report of information or alarm to be
false or makes a false request for ambulance service to an ambulance service
provider, knowing the request to be false, shall be liable shall be given a
warning for the first offense, and shall be compelled to attend a seminar on
the proper use of the national emergency telephone number on the second
offense. Upon commission of the offense for the third time, the offender
shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding P5,000 and payment of
damages. Upon commission of the offense for the fourth and succeeding
times, the offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding
P10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both, and
payment of damages.

SEC, 37. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NTC, in coordination with the Council
and other concerned agencies, shall issue and promulgate the rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Chapter within one hundred twenty (120) days upon
constitution of the Council.

CHAPTER VI
OTHER PROVISIONS

SEC. 38. Service Requirement. - The Council shall develop policies regarding mandatory
service requirement for all pre-hospital emergency care providers as a condition fot
maintaining their license and accreditation,


SEC. 39. Role of the LGUS. - Local government units are hereby mandated to develop and
institutionalize a pre-hospital emergency care system within their area of jurisdiction. The
Council shall include in its programs, activities that will support and enable the LG
accomplish such task.

SEC. 40. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts shall constitute an offense punishable under

this Act:

(a) Practicing or offering to practice pre-hospital emergency care services in the

Philippines or offering himself/herself as aa EMT, or using the title, word,

letter, figure or any sign tending co convey the impression that one is a

registered and licensed EMT, or advertising or indicating in any manner

whatsoever that one is qualified to practice pre-hospital emergency care

unless he/she has satisfactorily demonstrated the prescribed competency

standards, in full accordance with the, requirements of the Council and is a

holder of a National Certificate in Emergency Medical Services or a
temporary/special permit duly issued to him/her by the Council;

(b) Providing pre-emergency hospital care within the meaning of this Act
without a valid Certificate of Registration and a Professional Identification
Card or a valid special permit issued in accordance herewith;

(©) Presenting or using
Professional Ident

his or her own a Certificate of Registration or
ation Card belonging ro another;

(d) Giving any
or CH

alse or forged evidence of any kind to the Council or TESDA
2D or PRC in obtaining any of the foregoing documents;

(©) Falsely impersonating any registrant with like or different names

(0 Abetting or assisting by any registered and licensed emergency hospital
technician of the illegal practice of a person who is not lawfully qualified 10
provide pre-emergency hospital care within the meaning of this Act;

(g) Attempting to use a revoked or suspended Certificate of Registration or any
invalid or expired EMT Identification Card or a cancelled special permit;

(h) Operating an Emergence} Services training institution without
proper accreditation; and

Medical

(i) Unauthorized use of ambulance/emergency medical vehicle, such as but not
limited to transporting illegal drugs and transporting passengers and
personnel which are not valid emergency cases.

SEC. 41. Penalties. - The commission of any of the prohibited acts stated under Section 40
sball be penalized with a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (50,000.00) nor more than
One Hundred Thousand Pesos (100,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year
nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

SEC, 42. Enforcement. - The Council shall implement the provisions of this Act, enforce its
implementing rules and regulations, and investigate complaints against violators of this Act, its
rules and regulations and other policies of the Council.

‘The Council shall call upon or request any department, instrumentality, office, bureau,
or agency of the government including local government units to render such assistance as it
may require in order co carry out, enforce or implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 43. Appropriations. - The amount of Thisty Million Pesos (Php 30,000,000.00) is hereby
appropriated for the creation of the Council to enable its initial operations and to implement
the provisions of this Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

10


SEC. 44. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Except as otherwise provided, the Council
shall issue and promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
within one hundred twenty (120) days upon constitution of the Council

SEC. 45. Separability Clause. - If any clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impact any
other part of this Act.

SEC. 46. Repealing Clause. - Any pro
contrary to and inconsistent with this
accordingly

sion of laws, orders, agreements, rules or regulations
t are hereby repealed or amended ot modified

SEC. 47. Bffectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a major newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,