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Mi ippwe

Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
Queson City, Metro filanila

Twentieth Congress

First Regular Session
House Bill No. 4 106

Introduced by

HON. REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
4™ DISTRICT, BUKIDNON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution provides ‘that the
State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and
other social services available to all the people at an affordable cost’.

This bill seeks to strengthen the practice of midwifery in the country
which will result to health services that are more accessible, affordable and
appropriate to the needs of the people, particularly of women and mothers
who are at risk during pregnancy or in the delivery of their newborn babies.
Midwives are in the frontline in the delivery of healthcare services especially
in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Specifically, the propose measure aims to modify the midwifery
curriculum from a two-year to a four-year bachelor of science degree to cope
with the theoretical foundation and clinical experience at par with
international standards in the practice of midwifery, to make Filipino
midwives better equipped and highly skilled in the delivery of healthcare
services. Moreover, the bill seeks to expand the functions of midwives in the
community healthcare services, provides for the inclusion of a midwife
plantilla position in all government and public hospitals and health facilities,
and mandates the integration of the profession nationwide.


Republic Act No. 7392, or the ‘Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992’ is the
current law governing the profession which the proposed measure seeks to
repeal.

This bill has been approved on Third Reading by the House of
Representatives in the 19 Congress and transmitted to the Senate for its
concurrence. However, it was not enacted into law due to lack of material
time.

For the foregoing reasons, the immediate approval of the bill is
earnestly urged.

HON. LAARI TIN ROQUE
4™ DISTRICT, |BUKIDNON


"animes

Republic of the Philippines:
Bouse of Representatives
Quejon City, Metro Manila
Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session
House Bill No. 4106

Introduced by

HON. REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
4" DISTRICT, BUKIDNON

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY AS A PROFESSION
IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, REPEALING
FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 2644, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY LAW” AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7392,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE MIDWIFERY ACT OF 1992

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

ARTICLE 1
TITLE

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Midwifery Act”.

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to assume responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the
midwifery profession. The State shall adopt measures that will continuously


improve the knowledge, skills and competence, and ethical standards of
midwives to prevent the increase in maternal and infant mortality rates. It is
further declared a policy of the State to strengthen the practice of midwifery
as an allied medical profession so that no mother will die or be injured in the
process of giving life to a healthy newborn.

The State also recognizes the critical role of midwives in the provision of
preventive and promotive health care services for women, children and other
members of the community.

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

(a) Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) refers to the
concerned Board and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Accredited
Integrated Professional Organization for a given profession which is
specifically mandated by the provision of Professional Regulatory Law (PRL)
to integrate the professionals into one national organization and where the
membership therein by the professional is automatic and mandatory.

(b) Bachelor of Science in Midwifery refers to a four (4) year degree program
consisting of general education and professional courses leading to a
Bachelor's degree in Midwifery.

(c) Code of Ethics refers to the set of principles of practices and standards of

behavior that shall govern the ethical conduct, moral obligations, and
professional duties to be observed by all registered and licensed midwives.

(d) DOH Clinical Practice Guidelines refers to the evidence-based document
developed by the Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with relevant
public and private stakeholders, that presents the appropriate health care for
specific clinical circumstances, with the goal of delivering the optimal care to
clients.

(e) Life Saving Drugs refers to the drugs such as oxytocin, magnesium
sulfate, antenatal steroids and antibiotics among other medicines used to
prevent and manage pregnancy related complication.

(f) Medicine Delivery Network refers to the network of organizations that
provides or makes arrangements to provide equitable, comprehensive,
integrated, and continuous good quality health services to a defined
population, with minimum duplications and inefficiencies.


(g) Midwife refers to a person who has successfully completed midwifery
education and program and who is registered and licensed to practice by the
Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery and the PRC as defined under
Republic Act (RA) No. 7392 or the “Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992.”

(h) Skilled Health Professionals refer to providers such as midwives,
doctors, or nurses who were educated, licensed, and trained to proficiency in
the skill needed to manage pregnancies, childbirth, and the immediate
newborn period and in the identification, management and referral of
complications in mothers and newborns.

ARTICLE III
THE BOARD OF MIDWIFERY

SEC. 4. Composition of the Board. - There shail be a Board of Midwifery,
hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be under the direct
supervision of the PRC. It shall be a collegial body composed of a
chairperson and four (4) members to be appointed by the President of the
Republic of the Philippines.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board.
(a) The Chairperson of the Board shall, at the time of appointment, must
have the following qualifications:

(1) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(2) Of good moral character;

(3) A graduate registered midwife;

(4) Have at least 10 years in practice as a midwife; and

(5) A holder of master’s degree or doctorate degree in any of the
following fields: public health, maternal and child health, community
health, primary health care, health services administration, health
systems or health care management;

(b) The three (3) members of the Board shall, at the time of the
appointment, must have the following qualifications:

(1) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(2) Of good moral character;

(3) A graduate registered midwife;

(4) Have at least ten (10) years in practice as a midwife; and


(5) A holder of master’s degree or doctorate degree in any of the
following fields: public health, maternal and child health,
community health, primary health care, health services
administration, health systems or health care management;

(6) Have at least ten (10) years in practice as a midwife prior to their
appointment;

(c) One (1) member of the Board shall, at the time of the appointment, must
have the following qualifications:

(1) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(2) Of good moral character; and

(3)Have at least five (5) years in practice as an obstetrician-gynecologist
preferably diplomate prior to the appointment.

SEC. 6. Disqualifications of the Board Members. - The following are
disqualified to become members of the Board:

(a) Member of the faculty, whether full time or part time or lecturer of any
school, college or university where a regular course is midwifery;

(b) Those who have pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly in any school,
college or university during their term of office as member of the Board;

(c) Officer or member of the Board of Trustees of a midwifery organization;
and

(d) Those who hold positions which violate the provisions of RA No. 6713,
otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public
Officials and Employees” or which violates incompatibility of office under
items a to c of this 22 Section.

SEC. 7. Terms of Office. - The Chairperson shall hold office for six (6)
years without reappointment.

Two (2) members shall hold office for four (4) years without reappointment.
Two (2) members shall hold office for three (3) years subject to
reappointment for only one term.

Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a member shall be
filled for the unexpired portion of the term only.

SEC. 8. Compensation of Board Members. - The Chairperson, and
members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances or other
benefits pursuant to the provisions of RA No. 8981 and other pertinent laws


comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the chairperson
and members of existing professional regulatory boards.

SEC. 9. Removal of Board Members. - Any members of the Board may be
removed by the President of the Republic of Philippines, upon the
recommendation of the PRC, for neglect of duty, incompetence, or unethical,
immoral, and dishonorable conduct after having been given the opportunity
to defend oneself in a proper administrative investigation conducted by the
PRC.

SEC. 10. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The Board shall supervise
and regulate the practice of midwifery profession and shall have the
following powers, duties and functions:

(a) Enforce the provisions of this Act;

(b) Conduct Professional Licensure Examination for midwifery;

(c) Administer oaths in accordance with the provision of this Act;

(d) Issue, suspend, or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of
midwifery;

(e) Maintain a registry of midwives in good standing in cooperation with
AIPO;

(f) Maintain and collect data of midwives in the country in coordination with
PRC Information and Communications Technology Service and the DOH by
requiring the registration of all midwives in the National Health Workforce
Registry or other human resource for health data collection system of the
government and during thei ial registration and renewal of licenses;

(g) Provide inputs on national and global midwifery practice to the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to be considered in the
development and periodic updating of the midwifery curriculum;

(h) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against
midwives for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional conduct, and
violation of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, and in
connection therewith;

(i) Issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum and to
punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding, or otherwise
interfering with the conduct of such proceedings upon application with the
court, or both;

(j) Promulgate a Code of Ethics, in coordination and consultation with AIPO
and professional organizations representing registered and practicing



midwives in the Philippines, within one (1) year from the effectivity of this
Act;

(k) Conduct inspection and monitoring of educational institutions and
facilities where midwifery services are offered or midwifery programs are
taught to ascertain that the standards of midwifery education are properly
complied with and maintained at all times;

(!) Submit an annual report to the PRC at the end of each calendar year,
giving a detailed account of its proceedings and the accomplishments and
recommending measures to upgrade and improve the conditions affecting
the midwifery practice and education;

(m) Adopt an official seal to authenticate its official documents;

(n) Attend meetings regularly;

(0) Study the conditions affecting midwifery education and the practice of
the midwifery profession in the Philippines;

(p) Assess the standards pertaining to the retraining and skills enhancement
programs designed for midwives seeking advanced training or those in need
of bridging education;

(q) Undertake initiatives and establish support mechanisms aimed at
enhancing the retirement preparedness of midwives, with the objective of
ensuring their post-retirement years are marked by financial security,
personal fulfillment, and strong support;

(r) Adopt a proactive approach in actively engaging a diverse range of
stakeholders within the sector to foster the advancement and development
of midwifery practice in the Philippines;

(s) Subject to the approval of the PRC, set ethical and professional standards
for the practice of midwifery and adopt such rules and regulations as may be
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act; and

(t) Represent the Board in sectoral management.

SEC. 11. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall hold a regular meeting
at least once a month within the PRC premises or in such other places as
may be agreed upon on such date and time fixed by the Board. A special
meeting may be called by the chairperson or any of its two (2) members to
consider, deliberate or act upon urgent and important matters.

The Board Secretary shall keep the minutes of the regular and special
meetings of the board. The minutes shall be signed and certified as correct
by the members of the board present.


SEC. 12. Administrative Supervision of the Board and Custodian of its
Records. - The members of the Board shall be under the general
supervision of the PRC. All records, including examination paper, applications
for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases conducted by
the Board shall be under the custody of the PRC.

ARTICLE Iv
MIDWIFERY EDUCATION

SEC. 13. Standards for Midwifery Education. - To ensure quality
midwifery education in the Philippines, the CHED has the following duties
and responsibilities in coordination with the Professional Regulatory Board of
Midwifery:

(a) Establish standards for midwifery education, including the setting of
minimum qualifications of faculty, and the facility requirements for training,
and among others;

(b) Develop and periodically review the basic curriculum in consultation with
the DOH, the Board, AIPO, Association of Philippine Schools of Midwifery,
and other midwifery organization;

(c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of midwifery programs of schools,
colleges, and institutions;

(d) Examine the facilities of universities and colleges of midwifery, and those
seeking permission to open the midwifery courses prescribed; and

(e) Impose appropriate sanctions on institutions that do not fulfill the
aforementioned standards, such as downgrading or withdrawal of
accreditation, and termination of the program or school course, among
others, in coordination with the Board.

SEC. 14. Schools of Midwifery. - To become a duly accredited and legally
constituted higher education institution for midwifery education and training
as provided for in RA No. 7392, a school of midwifery shall have applied and
secured a permit from the CHED. The school shall operate a midwifery
Program in accordance with the existing policies, standards and guidelines
for midwifery education.


SEC. 15. Qualifications of Faculty. - The faculty shall have academic
Preparation appropriate to teaching assignment, as follows:

(a) A holder of a master’s degree in health and social sciences or a degree of
Doctor of Medicine;

(b) Has a proof of competence in the chosen field of specialization;

(c) A registered nurse or registered midwife in the Philippines with at least
one (1) year of satisfactory teaching experience or one (1) year of efficient
performance in maternity ward: Provided, That a registered midwife may be
allowed to follow up student midwives in the community ward provided that
said midwife has at least two (2) years of experience in the area of
assignment and has undergone training in the supervision of students; and
(d) A member of good standing of AIPO or other national association of
midwives.

SEC. 16. Mandatory Continuing Professional Development. - A
registered midwife is required to maintain competence by continual learning
through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Implementation of
the CPD programs and activities for the midwifery profession shall be
governed by RA No. 10912, otherwise known as the “Continuing
Development Act of 2016” and its Implementing Rules and Regulation.

ARTICLE V
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION OF
MIDWIVES

SEC. 17. Professional Licensure Examination Required. - All applicants for
registration to the practice of midwifery in the Philippines shall be required
to pass the Professional Licensure Examination which shall be given by the
Board in such places and dates as may be designated by the PRC: Provided,
That it shall be in accordance with RA No. 8981: Provided, further, That for
those who are graduates of a two (2) year diploma courses and are already
registered midwives prior to the passage of this Act shall be given an
equivalency to a four (4) year degree program. The parameters to such
equivalency shall be based on the following:

(a) Years of experience;
(b) Ladderized education or training already taken; and


(c) Continuing professional development requirements.

Upon compliance with the established parameters, the PRC shall issue the
appropriate registration to the midwives. Those who fail to comply with the
established parameters shall be allowed to take the Professional Licensure
Examination for a four-year degree course.

SEC. 18. Scope of Professional Licensure Examination. - The scope of
examination for the practice of midwifery shall consist of the following:

(a) Newborn, infant and child health related procedures to midwifery;

(b) Obstetrical anatomy and physiology;

(c) Obstetrics including essential intrapartum and basic emergency obstetric
care;

(d) Principles of microbiology and parasitology as applied to midwifery
practice;

(e) Pharmacology as applied to midwifery practice;

(f) Midwifery procedures;

(g) Primary Health Care which covers community care, public health, and
preventive care;

(h) Maternal nutrition, newborn, infant and young child feeding including
breastfeeding and complementary feeding;

(i) Responsible parenthood, family planning, adolescent health and
reproductive health;

(j) Ethics and legal jurisprudence of midwifery practice;

(k) Professional growth and development, and entrepreneurship; and

(Il) Other subjects that the Board may deem necessary for inclusion from
time to time.

SEC. 19. Prerequisite and Qualifications of Applicants for
Professional Licensure Examination. — In order to be admitted to the
Professional Licensure Examination for midwifery, an applicant must be:

(a) Mentally, emotionally and physically sound with a certificate of good
moral character signed by the Head of a recognized and duly government
midwifery institution or midwifery school from where the applicant
graduated;


(b) A graduate of midwifery in a government recognized and duly accredited
institution; and

(c) At the time of the issuance of a certificate of registration, a citizen of the
Philippines and at least eighteen (18) years of age.

For purposes of admission to the midwives’ professional licensure
examination, the applicant must submit the following documentary
requirements:

(a) Philippine Statistics Authority authenticated copy of the certificate of live
births;
(b) Certified true copy of the official transcript of records;
(c) Duly accomplished form, certified as true and correct by the clinical
instructor and dean or principal of the school of midwifery attesting to the
applicant’s:

(1) Handling of at least twenty (20) actual deliveries

(2) Suturing of at least five (5) perineal lacerations

(3) Insertion of at least five (5) intravenous fluids

(4) Conduct of at least ten (10) internal examinations

(d) Other documents that the Board may require provided any additional
requirement has been subject of prior consultation and is duly announced in
a public document.

SEC. 20. Fees for Professional Licensure Examination. - The applicants
for examination for the practice of midwifery shall pay an examination fee as
prescribed by the PRC.

SEC. 21. Ratings in the Professional Licensure Examination. - To be
qualified as having passed the professional licensure examination for
midwives, the examinee must obtain a general rating of seventy-five percent
(75%) in the written test with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in
any of the examination subjects.

SEC. 22. Report on the Results of the Board Examinations. - As a
result of fully computerized examination, the Board shall, within thirty (30)
days after the examination, report the ratings obtained by each examinee to
the PRC. The PRC shall, after sixty (60) days from receipt, release to the
public the results of the Board examinations.


SEC. 23. Oath of Profession. - All successful examinees shall be required
to take an oath of profession before the Board or any government official
authorized to administer oaths prior to entering the midwifery practice.

SEC. 24. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License
and Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of Registration and
Professional License as a midwife shall be issued to an applicant who passed
the application upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of
registration and professional license shall show the full name of the
Chairperson of the PRC and of the members of the Board, and the official
seal of the PRC.

SEC. 25. Registration of Nurse Midwife. - A Certification of Registration
may be issued to registered nurses who passed the examination for
midwives: Provided, That the nurse, before being allowed to take the
examination shall submit written evidence to the Board that one has handled
at least twenty (20) delivery cases as certified by the municipal, city or
Provincial Health Officer or chief of a duly registered or recognized hospital,
DOH and PhilHealth-accredited birthing centers.

SEC. 26. Inhibition Against the Practice of Midwifery. - No person shall
practice or offer to practice midwifery in the Philippines, as defined in this
Act without holding a valid Certificate of Registration and Professional
License as midwife.

SEC. 27. Foreign Reciprocity. - A certificate of registration and
professional license maybe issued to midwives registered under the laws of a
foreign country or state. Provided, That the requirements for registration or
licensing of midwives in said country are substantially the same as those
prescribed under this Act: Provided, further, That the laws of such state or
country grant the same privileges to registered midwives of the Philippines.

SEC. 28. Exemption in Taking a Bridging Course. - Midwives who
possess a diploma degree and obtained a PRC license prior to the
implementation of this Act shall no longer be required to undertake bridging
courses for the eventual attainment of a Bachelor’s degree. Their status as
midwives with valid licenses shall be maintained.


Conversely, midwives with a diploma degree who acquired their PRC license
after the implementation of this Act are obligated to successfully complete
bridging courses leading to the conferment of a Bachelor’s degree while
retaining their license to practice.

ARTICLE VI
PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY

SEC. 29. Practice of Midwifery Defined. - The practice of midwifery
consists of performing, rendering or offering for a fee, salary or other reward
or compensation services requiring an understanding of the principles and
application of procedures and techniques in:

(a) Managing normal and uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries;

(b) Identifying pregnancy complications and danger signs, and immediate
referral of high-risk pregnancy woman to the appropriate facility in the
service delivery network;

(c) Caring for the newborn, and proper assessment initial management, and
immediate referral of newborn complications;

(d) Carrying out the written order of physicians on natal, ante-natal, intra-
natal and post-natal care of the normal pregnant mother which includes the
following:

(1) Oral and parenteral dispensing of oxytocic drug before or after
delivery of placenta as a measure to prevent postpartum
hemorrhage, provided the delivery is normal, spontaneous and
single birth; and

(2) Suturing of 1st degree (small, skin deep tears which usually heal
naturally) and 2nd degree (deeper tear affecting the muscle of the
perinium as well as the skin this require stitches) of perineal
lacerations to control bleeding and giving of intravenous fluid
insertion during obstetrical emergencies provided they have been
trained for that purpose.

(e) Providing family planning services which include modern and natural
family planning method including counseling on informed choices to women
of reproductive age;


(f) Administering recommended vaccines related to Maternal and child health
care and as vaccinator as stated in Section 9 of RA No. 11525, otherwise
known as the “COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021”;

(g) Providing primary care in the community, with emphasis on preventive
and promotive health care services;

(h) Performing the following procedures to a newborn, infant or young child:

(1) Four core-time bound interventions during the first 60-90 minutes
of life of the newborn in accordance to the Essential Newborn
Care
(a) Immediate and thorough drying;

(b) Early skin to skin contact;

(c) Properly-timed clamping and cutting of the cord after 1 to 3
minutes; and

(d) Non-separation of the newborn from the mother for early
breastfeeding initiation and rooming in.

(2) Administration of the following after the first full breastfeeding of
the newborn:
(a) Recommended dose of Intramuscular Vitamin K to prevent
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn;
(b) Ophthalmic prophylaxis ointment to prevent neonatal
conjunctivitis;
(c) Intramuscular administration of Hepatitis B vaccine;
(d) Intraderma! administration of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)
vaccine;
(e) Newborn Screening; and
(f) Performing other tasks or procedures to be determined by the
DOH: Provided, That the scope, requirements and interpretation
of said functions shall be specified in the Clinical Practice
Guidelines to be jointly promulgated by the DOH and the
Professional Board of Midwifery in consultation with AIPO and
other midwifery organizations.

SEC. 30. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration
and Cancellation. - The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend
the validity of a certificate of registration of a midwife for any of the causes
mentioned in the preceding section, or in cases of:


(a) unprofessional conduct;

(b) professional malpractice;

(c) clear professional incompetence;

(d) serious ignorance or negligence;

(e) assisting or performing 30 abortion in the practice of midwifery; or

(f) using fraud, deceit or false statements to obtain a certificate of
registration.

From the final decision of the Board, appeal maybe taken to the PRC whose
decision shall be final and executory.

SEC. 31. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration. —- The Board shall
refuse to issue a certificate of registration to any person convicted by the
court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral
turpitude, and to any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct. The
Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting forth the reason or
reasons for its action, which statement shall be incorporated in the records
of the Board.

SEC. 32. Reissuance and Replacement of Revoked Certificates. - The
Board may, for reasons of equity and justice and upon proper application
therefor issue another copy of the certificate upon payment of dues, and in
so doing, it may exempt the applicant for the requisite examination.

SEC. 33. Midwives Positions in Public Health Facilities. - All public
health facilities such as government owned and controlled corporation with
original charter, DOH-retained hospitals, local government unit-managed
hospitals at the district level, shall have plantilla positions for midwives:
Provided, That the compensation of midwives working in public health
service shall not be lower than Salary Grade 13 as entry salary for midwives,
pursuant to RA No. 6758, otherwise known as the “Compensation and
Position Classification Act of 1989.

Also, as provided for under the Civil Service Law, a government employee
has to work eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week: Provided,
further, That for midwives working in health facilities under local government
units, adjustment to their compensation shall be in accordance with Section


10 of the same Act: Provided, furthermore, That other benefits and
entitlements shall also be provided to midwives by their public health
employers in accordance with existing laws.

SEC. 34. Midwives in Private Health Facilities. - Midwives employed or
contracted by private health facilities shall have salaries and benefits not
lower than the minimum wage set by the Department of Labor and
Employment. Government midwives who practice in private facilities after
their regular office hours shall comply with the existing guidelines set by the
Civil Service Commission and DOH.

SEC. 35. Midwives with Birthing Centers. - Midwives who shall establish
and manage their own birthing centers shall comply and be properly guided
with the regulatory standards and operating procedures as defined by the
Department of Health. This shall take into consideration certain
requirements such as to number of facilities providing maternal care services
in a particular geographic or territorial jurisdiction and based on an
assessment of actual maternal care service requirement in a particular
community. Midwives offering services in these facilities should likewise
comply with PhilHealth Certification and Accreditation standards. Midwives
with birthing facilities and offering pregnancy and other reproductive health
related services shall both be accredited as service provider and a Modern
Family Planning accredited facility to comply with quality standards. Claims
on maternal and newborn care package and family planning service must be
paid on time.

ARTICLE VII
INTERGRATION OF EXISTING NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF
MIDWIVES

SEC. 36. Creation of Accredited Integrated Professional Organization
of Midwives. - For purposes of this Act, the existing national organizations
of midwives shall be integrated into the Accredited Integrated Professional
Organization of (AIPO) of Midwives. All midwives duly registered and
licensed with the Board and PRC, shall automatically become members of
the AIPO, maintain such memberships therein as a requisite to practice the
profession, and receive benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon


payment of the required reasonable fees and dues. Membership in the AIPO
shall not be a bar to membership in other associations of physicians.

ARTICLE VIII
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

SEC. 37. Prohibited Acts. — No person shall:

(a) Practice midwifery in the Philippines within the meaning of this Act
without a certificate of registration issued in accordance herewith;

(b) Present or use the certificate of registration of another;

(c) Give any false or forged evidence to the PRC in order to secure a
certificate of registration;

(d) Use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration;

(e) Assume, use or advertise, as a registered midwife or a registered nurse
midwife or appending to one’s name the letters R.M. without having been
conferred such title by the PRC; and

(f) Advertise any title description tending to convey the impression that one
is a registered midwife.

SEC. 38. Penal Provisions. - Any person who shall violate any of the
provisions stated in Section 36 of this Act or any of its implementing rules
and regulations as promulgated by the Board, subject to the approval of the
PRC, shall upon conviction, be punished to a fine of not less than Fifty
thousand pesos (Php 50,000) nor more than One hundred thousand pesos
(Php 100,000), or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than to two
(2) years nor more than seven (7) years, or both such fine and
imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

ARTICLE IX
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 39. Enforcement of this Act. - It shall be the primary duty of the
PRC and the Board to effectively implement this Act. Any of the duly
authorized law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial,
city, or municipal governments shall, upon written or request of the PRC or


the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to
Prosecute any person violating the same.

SEC. 40. Appropriations. —- The amount necessary for the implementation
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 41. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within 90 (days) after
the effectivity of this Act, the Board and the PRC, in coordination with the
AIPO and national organization of midwives, the DOH, the Department of
Budget and Management and other concerned government agencies, shall in
consultation with relevant stakeholders in the private sector, formulate such
rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. The
implementing rules and regulations shall be published in the Official Gazette
or in any newspaper of general circulation.

SEC. 42. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or section of
this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SEC. 43. Repealing Clause. - RA No. 2644, otherwise known as the
“Philippine 25 Midwifery Law” and RA No. 7392, otherwise known as the
“Philippine Midwifery Act of 26 1992” are hereby repealed and all laws,
decrees, orders, instructions, rules and regulations, and other issuances or
parts therefor inconsistent with this Act are likewise repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 44. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of
general circulation.

Approved,