Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO.

Submitted by the Gopyaiersgign Civil Service and Professional Regulation and

‘Appropriations on

Re: House Bill No. 6878

Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill Nos. 4567, $592 and $780

Sponsors: Representatives Andres D. Salvacion, Jr., Jocelyn S. Limkaichong, Rufus B.
Rodriguez, Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Juan Edgardo M. Angara and Carlos M.
Padilla

Mr. Speaker:

‘The Committees on Civil Service and Professional Regulation and Appropriations to which
‘were referred House Bill No. 4567 introduced by Rep. Carlos M. Padilla, entitled:

AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP
THE NURSING PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-ONE HUNDRED AND
SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PHILIPPINE
NURSING ACT OF 2002”

House Bill No. 5592 introduced by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B.
Rodriguez, Jr, entitled:

AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP
THE NURSING PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-ONE HUNDRED AND
SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PHILIPPINE
NURSING ACT OF 2002"

and House Bill No. 5780 introduced by Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara, entitled:

ACT

INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP
THE NURSING PROFESSION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-ONE HUNDRED AND


SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PHILIPPINE
NURSING ACT OF 2002"

fe eon eel etemmnet and rene vendetta the stactiedl Howser liom 0) Ce
entitled:

AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP
THE NURSING PROFESSION, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-ONE HUNDRED AND
SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE
NURSING ACT OF 2002"

be approved in substitution of House Bill Nos. 4567, 5592 and 5780 with Reps., Rufus B.
Rodriguez, Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr., Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Carlos M. Padilla, Andres T.
Salvacion,Jr. and Jocelyn S. Limkaichong as authors thereof.

Respectfully submitted,

ont ___ A

HONeSOCELYN'S. LIMKAICHONG HON. ANDRES D. SALYACIONJR.

Chairperson Chairman

‘Committee on Appropriations Commitiee on Civil Seri
Professional Regulation

THE HONORABLE SPEAKER
HOUSE OF REPRE: TATIVES
QUEZON CITY



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

a QR

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 6878

introduced by Representatives, Rufus 8 Rodriguez, Maximo 8. Roariguez, Jr.
Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Carlos M. Padilla, Andres D. Salvacion. Jr.and Jocelyn
S. Limkaichong

AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP THE
NURSING PROFESSION. REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED NINETY-ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 2002”

ARTICLE |
Titie
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Nursing Practice Reform Act of 2013”.
ARTICLE I
Declaration of Policy
Sec, 2. Declaration of Policy. — Public health safety demands a high
level of competency among Filipino nurses. It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to guarantee universal access to the delivery of basic quality health
services through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country.
The State recognizes nurses as prime movers of national development and
contributors to international cooperation and understanding. As such, the State
assumes responsibility for the protection. improvement and development of the
nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant and quality
nursing practice. humane working conditions. better career prospects, and a

dignified existence for nurses to ensure high level of wellness and well-being


ARTICLE Il
Scope of Nursing Practice

The practice of the profession of nursing includes the performance of
functions in nursing service, education, research, leadership and governance.

Sec. 3. Scope of Nursing Service ~ A person shall ne deemed to be
practicing nursing within the meaning of this Act when singly or in collaboration
with another, the person initiates and performs nursing care to individuals
families, population groups and communities in any health care setting, It
includes, but not limited to, nursing care during conception, labor, delivery,
infancy, childhood, toddier, preschool, school age, adolescence. adulthood and
old age. Nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and
prevention of illness, As members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate
with other health care providers for the promotive, preventive. curative, and
rehabilitative aspects of care, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and
when recovery is not possible. towards a peaceful death. In performing
independent and collaborative functions singly or jointly, it shall be the duty of the
nurse to

a. Provide nursing care through the utilization of the nursing process.
Basic nursing cate includes, but not limited to, traditional and innovative
approaches, therapeutic use of self. executing health care techniques and
procedures, essential primary health care, comfort measures, health teachings.
and administration of written prescription for treatment, therapies, oral, topical
and parenteral medications, internal examination during labor in the absence of
antenatal bleeding, attending to normal delivery, and suturing of perineal
laceration;

b. Provide advanced nursing care through specialized and expanded roles
within the protocol of advanced nursing practice. Certification by an accredited
certification body is required.

¢ Collaborate with community resources end coordinate with the

members of the heaith team in any health care setting.
s, families, population

d. Provide health education to empower individu:


18

groups and communities to maintain. attain. restore and sustain optimal health
and quality of life:

©. Teach. guide and supervise students in nursing education programs
including the administration of nursing services in varied settings such as
hospitals and clinics: undertake consultation services; engage in such activities
that require the utilization of knowledge and decision-making skills of a registered
nurse; and

f, Undertaké nursing and health human resource development training and
Tesearch, which shall include, but not limited to, the development of advanced
practice nursing

This section shall not apply to nursing students who perform nursing
functions under the direct supervision of a qualified faculty;

In the practice of nursing in all settings, the nurse is mandated to observe
the Code of Ethics for Nurses and uphold the standards of safe and quality
nursing practice. The nurse is required to maintain competence by continual
professional development as prescribed by the Board of Nursing: Provided, That
the program and activity for the continual professional development shall be
submitted to and approved by the Board

Nursing services include, but are not limited to, nursing care provided to
individual, family or group in any health care setting such as hospitals, public
health institutions or communities. clinics and others by a registered nurse. The
nurse shall possess the core competencies prescribed by the Board of Nursing
the provision of specialized, expanded and advanced

Nursing service include:
practice services as well as nursing management.

(A) Beginning Registered Nurse. ~ Beginning registered nurse provides for safe
and quality care to an individual, family or group that is independent or provided
as part of a team by a nurse or a group of nurses who will be able to assess,
plan, implement and evaluate care provided to clients based on evidence derived
from research.

A beginning registered nurse must have the following minimum

qualifications



1) Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate
2) Registered nurse with current certificate of registration:
3) Must be physically, mentally and psychologically fit to practice nursing;
4) Must not be convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; and
5) Must be a member of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO)
(B) Advanced Practice Nurse. ~ Advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse
who has acquired expert knowledge base. complex decision-making skills and
clinical competencies for expanded practice based on evidence derived from
research. Advanced practice of nursing requires substantial theoretical
knowledge in the specialty area of nursing practice and proficient clinical
utilization of this knowledge in implementing independent and interdependent
nursing interventions. Specialties can be differentiated in different categories.
according to functions. disease/pathology, systems. age, sex, acuity, settings
technology/therapies. This practice includes the acquisition of new knowledge
and skills that legitimize role autonomy within specific areas of practice. A
master’s degree is required for entry level. This includes but is not limited to
those who are in education, management and clinical practice.

‘An advanced practice nurse must have the following minimum
qualifications in addition to the requirements of a beginning registered nurse:
1) Relevant master's degree graduate from a recognized university-based
program:
2) Must be certified based on protocol as approved by the Board of Nursing and
recommended by the specialty certification council
3) Must be a member of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) and the
corresponding specialty organization: and
4) Must have at least three (3) years of experience and demonstrate requisite
competencies.
(C) Nursing Service: Manager. — Nursing service manager is a practitioner
positions requiring leadership and

‘occupying supervisory or manag!
knowledge of nursing management
4) The first level manager is responsible directly for the physical set-up of the


i

unit, structure and other human resources for health

2) The middie ievel manager is responsible for the department or section
handling more than one (1) or two (2) units, takes care of the financial, logistic
operational functions and others

3) The top level manager oversees all nursing units in terms of the financial and
human resources for health such as the nurses and nursing assistants/adjuncts.

A nursing service manager must have the following minimum
qualifications in addition to the requirements of a beginning registered nurse:

a) For first level managerial position in nursing, eighteen (18) units of
nursing management and clinical subjects in master of arts in nursing/master of
science in nursing and at least three (3) years of clinical work experience.

b) For middle level managerial position in nursing, completed all academic
requirements in Master of Arts in nursing/master of science in nursing and at
least three (3) years of clinical work and two (2) years of management
experience.

) For top level managerial position in nursing, a post-graduate degree in
nursing or health management-related sciences and at least three (3) years of
clinical work and three (3) years of management experience.

d) Must be a member of good standing of the accredited professional
organization and relevant nursing organizations.

The above qualifications shall apply to all nurses occupying supervisory or
managerial positions across all heaith facilities such as, but not limited to primary
or military health facilities, for top level managerial position of first and second
levels, as well as medica! centers nationwide.

(D) Nurse-patient Ratio. - The government and private hospitals are hereby

mandated to maintain the standard nurse-patient ratio set by the Department of

Health (DOH).

© In hospitals based on acuity and authorized bed capacity (ABC)

* In the community based on need. population and geography

In occupational oF schoo! settings based on relevant legal instruments (AO.
EO, RA)



5

5
6
7
8

(e) Prohibition on thé acceptance of volunteer nurses. ~ all medical institutions
both government and private are hereby prohibited from accepting volunteer
nurses.

Sec. 4. Scope of Nursing Education. — Nursing education is the formal
learning and training in the science and art of nursing provided by Higher
Education Institutions duly accredited by the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED)

A. Basic Nursing Education Program. - The basic nursing education program
is a competency-based curriculum which will provide sound liberal and
professional education to implement the necessary safe quality nursing practice

‘Admission to the baccalaureate nursing program shall require passing a
National Nursing Admission Test (NNAT)

A registered nurse may move up to the next levels of career progression
and tracks according demonstrated competencies, education and clinical
experience.

The curriculum and the related learning experiences shall adhere strictly
to specific requirements according to the policies, standards and guidelines of
the CHED in consultation with the Board of Nursing and the Association of Deans
of Philippine Colleges of Nursing
B. Graduate Nursing Education Program. - The graduate nursing education
program builds on the experiences and skills of a registered nurse towards
mastery, expertise and leadership in practice, research and education. It includes
a master’s degree and doctorate degree in nursing founded on the philosophical,
scientific body of knowledge and practice.

Graduate and post-graduate nursing programs shall be offered only in
schools with leve! three (3) accredited basic nursing programs as promulgated by
the CHED policies and standards on graduate education.

C. Qualifications of Faculty Members.
4. Basic Nursing Education. A member of the faculty in a College of Nursing
teaching professional courses must:

a. _Be a registered nurse in the Philippines and a holder of a valid



| certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card:

. b. Have at least three years of clinical practice in a field of

3 specialization;
4 ¢. Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional

5 organization of nurses
6 d. Be a holder of a master's degree in nursing, education, or other
7 allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college of university duly
8 recognized by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines

9 e, Present a certificate of teacher training program for nursing education

10 prior to employment
WI f. Present a certificate of clinical skills competency enhancement from an

12 accredited nursing organization

13 2 Graduate Nursing Education A member of the faculty teaching graduate
14 professional courses must

13 a, Follow prescriptions 1 and 2 of basic nursing education; and

16 b. Be a holder of a doctoral degree in nursing, education, or other

17 allied health sciences conferred by a college of university duly recognized by the
18 Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

19D. Qualifications of the Dean. — The dean of a college of nursing must:

20 1) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines and a holder of a valid
21 certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card

BE 2) Have at least three (3) years of clinical practice in @ field of

specialization:
24 3) Have at jeast three (3) years of nursing education program
25 management experience or three (3) years of management in any health-related

26 institution:
4) Be a holder of a master's degree in nursing for baccalaureate program

28 and preferably a doctoral degree in nursing for masters and doctoral program
7 education institution by CHED.

29 conferred by a duly recognized hig!

5) Undergo progressive training for deans according to the protocol approved
by the Board of Nursing in consultation with the Association of Deans of


Philippine Colleges of Nursing
E. Faculty-student ratio. - the ratio of faculty to student is based on the CHED.
Memorandum Order (CMO). policies and standards for Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN) program
ARTICLE IV
Organization of the Board of Nursing

Sec. 5. Creation and Composition of the Board. - There shall be
created a Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, hereinafter referred to as
the Board, to be composed of a chairperson and six (6) members. They shall be
appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among three
(3) recommendees, per vacancy, of the Professional Regulation Commission,
hereinafter referred to as the Commission. chosen and ranked from a list of five
(5) nominees, per vacancy, of the accredited professional organization of nurses
in the Philippines who possess the qualifications prescribed in Sec. 5 of this Act.

Sec. 6. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board.
= The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time of their
appointment, possess the following qualifications:

(a) Be natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines for the last five (5)

years;

(b) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional
organization of nurses

(c) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines. and a holder of a current valid
certificate of registration:

(d) Be a holder of a post-graduate degree in nursing and preferably with a
doctorate degree conferred by an accredited university

(e) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the nursing
profession prior to appointment: Provided. however. That the last five (5) years of
which shall be in the Philippines; and

(f) Must be of proven honesty and integrity.

The membership to the 8card shali represent the three (3) areas of

nursing, namely: nursing education, nursing service and community health


AG}
7
28
20

30)

nursing
Sec. 7. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of
Chairperson or Member of the Board shall

Nursing. ~ Any person appointed
immediately resign from any position in any school, college, university or
institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or review program for the
local nursing board examinations or training hospitals or health facilities with
nursing affiliates and shall not have any pecuniary interest in or administrative
supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in. Nursing including
review classes.

Sec. 8. Term of Office. -The Chairperson and Members of the Board
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successors shall have
been appointed and qualified: Provided, That the Chairperson and members of
the Board may be re-appointed for another term.

Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a Member shalll be
filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each Member of the Board shall
take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of duties.

The incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Board shall continue to serve
for the remainder of their term under Republic Act No. 9173 or the Philippine
Nursing Act of 2002 until their replacements have been appointed by the
President and shail have been duly qualified.

Sec. 9. Compensation of the Board Members.- The — Chairperson
and Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances
comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the Chairperson
and members of other professional regulatory boards

Sec. 10. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its
Records, Secretariat and Support Services. -The Board shall be under the
administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including
applications for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases
conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission. The
Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the
secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act.

)


20

a9

30

Sec. 11. Powers and Duties of the Board. — The Board shall supervise
and regulate the practice of the nursing profession and shall have the following
powers, duties and functions:

a) Ensure the proper conduct of the Philippine Nurse Licensure
Examination (PNLE) considering the process and systems of the Commission,
which include, but not limited to, application, test development, examination,
correction and release of results. The use of appropriate technology/modalities
during the conduct of the PNLE is encouraged to enhance efficiency while
upholding integrity

b) Issue, suspend, revoke or reissue certificates of registration for the
practice of nursing and ensure widest publication through electronic and written
media;

¢) Enforce and monitor safe and quality standards of nursing practice in
the Philippines and exercise the powers necessary to ensure the maintenance of
efficient, ethico-mora!, technical and professional standards in the practice of
nursing towards optimal health and the common good of the nation;

d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining and monitoring Higher
Education Institutions (HE!) offering nursing programs and those seeking
permission to open nursing courses to ensure that standards of nursing
education are properly complied with and maintained at all times. The authority
to open and close nursing education programs offered by HEI. shall be vested on
the Commission on Higher Education, only upon the written recommendation of
the Board:

e) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against
active practicing nurses for unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations
of this Act, or its rules and regulations and in connection therewith, issue
subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the
appearance of respondents and witnesses and the production of documents and
punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering
with the conduct of such proceedings. upon application with the court;

f) Promuigate a Code of Ethics that is responsive to the needs of the

10


nursing profession. in coordination and consultation with the accredited
professional organizafion of nurses within one (1) year from the effectivity of this
Act

g) institute a mechanism for career progression in nursing for the
continuing professional development of Filipino nurses

h) Create a council for nursing recognition, accreditation and certification

that will assist the Board
1) Recognizing organized nursing groups:

lursing in:

education. research

2} Setting standards for advanced nursing prac
and management;

3) Accrediting specialty and advanced nursing programs based on
established mechanisms

4) Credentialing individual registered nurses based on accepted criteria
and

5) Monitoring and evaluating specialty and advanced nursing practice
education, research and management

i) Make decisions to influence authorities/agencies on matters that directly
affect nurses’ welfare

j) Ensure performance of mandated duties and functions with the provision
of operational resources including human resource, ohysica’ space and budget to.
ensure the confidentiality and sanctity of their functions as provided through the
annual budget of the Professional Regulation Commission as promulgated in the
General Appropriations Act:

k) Utilize funds designated for nursing development: and

\) Prescribe, adopt. issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations,
measures and decisions as may be necessary for tne improvement of the

nursing practice, advancement of the orofession and for the proper and full

enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval by the Commission.

Sec. 12. Annual Report. -The Board shail at the close of its calendar year
submit an annual report to the President of the Phiippines through the
edings and the

Commission giving a detailed account of its pr


accomplishments during the year and making recommencations for the adoption
‘ecting the practice of

of measures that will upgrade and improve the condition
the nursing profession

Sec. 13. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. -The President
due process, on the

may remove or suspend any member of the Board aft
following grounds

(a) Continued neglect of duty or incompetence

(b) Commission or toleration of irregularities in tne licensure examination:
and

{c) Unprofessional immoral or dishonorable conduct

ARTICLE V
Examination and Registration

Sec. 14. Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination. -All applicants for
certificate of registration to practice nursing shall be required to pass a written
examination, which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may
be designated by the Commission: Provided, That it shall be in accordance with
existing PRC Law

Sec. 15. Qualifications for Admission to the Philippine Nurse
Licensure Examination. ~ in order to be admitted to the =xamination for nurses
an applicant, from the time of graduation must file immediately an application and

establish to the satisfaction of the Board that the applicant is:
st of @ country which

a) acitizen of the Philippines. or a citizen or subj

permits Filipino nurses to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as

the subject or citizen of such country; Provided. That the requirements for the

tegistration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as

those prescribed in this Act;

b) of good moral character: and

¢) a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a college or
university that complies with the standards of nursing education duly recegnized
by the proper government agency.

Sec. 16, Scope of Examination. - The scope of the examination for the


practice of nursing shall be determined by the Board of Nursing taking into
consideration the core competencies required of beginning registered nurses
considering the objectives of the nursing curriculum in response to the needs of
the society and the demands of industry

The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination shal! be on a competency-based
test framework

Sec. 17. Ratings. - 'n order to pass the examination, an examinee must
obtain at least seventy-five percent (75%) of tested areas of competencies. An
examinee shall be given a chance to repeat the PNLE with a maximum of three
(3) examinations.

Sec, 18. Oath. -All successful candidates in the examination shall be
required to take an oath of profession before the Board or any government
official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the nursing practice.

Sec. 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License
and Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of registration/professional
license as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant who passes the examination
and upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of
registration/professional license shall show the full name of the registrant, the
serial number, the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and of the
Members of the Board, The certificate shall bear the logo of the Board of Nursing
and the official seal of the Commission

A professionai identification card. duly signed by the Chairperson of the
Commission, bearing the date of registration, number, and the date of issuance
and expiration thereof shall likewise be issued to every registrant upon payment
of the required fees

Sec. 20. Fees for Examination and Registration. -Applicants for licensure
and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by Commission.

Sec. 21. Automatic Registration of Nurses. -All nurses whose names
appear at the roster of nurses shali ipso facto be registered as nurses and as
members of the PRC Accredited Professional Organization (APO) upon the
effectivity of this Act


}

Sec, 22. Registration by Reciprocity. -A certificate of
registration/professional license may be issued without examination to nurses
registered under the laws of a foreign state or country: Provided, That the
requirements for registration or licensing of nurses 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 nurses
of the Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign
state or country

Sec. 23. Practice Through Special/Temporary Permit. A
specialitemporary permit may be issued to the following persons based on
qualification standards as determined by the Board of Nursing and approved by
the Commission. The specialitemporary permit shall be effective only for the
duration of the project, medical mission or engagement contract:

(a) Licensed nurses from foreign countriesistates whose service are either
for a fee or free if they are internationally well-known specialists or outstanding
experts in any branch or specialty of nursing

(b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission
whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic:

(c) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states engaged by
collegesiuniversities offering nursing as exchange professors in a branch or
specialty of nursing; and

(d) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states who come to aid during
declared disasters-and calamities.

Sec. 24. Non-registration and Non-issuance of Certificates of
Registration/Professional License or Special/Temporary Permit. -No person
convicted by final judgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or
any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person declared by
the court to be of unsound mind shall be registered and be issued a certificate of
registration/professional license or a special/temporary permit.

The Board shail furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth the
reasons for its actions, which shall be incorporated in the records of the Board


Sec. 25. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of
Registration/Professional License and Cancellation of Special/Temporary
Permit. -The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the certificate of
registration/professional license or cancel the special/temporary permit of a nurse
upon any of the foliowing grounds.

(a) For any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section;

(b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct:

(c) For gross incompetence or serious ignorance;

(d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing

(e) For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a

certificate of registration/professional license or a temporary/special permit

(f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations. Code of Ethics for
nurses and technical standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and the
Commission, or the conditions and fimitations for the issuance of the
temporarily/special permit: or

(g) For practicing the profession during one’s suspension from such
practice.

The suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license shall
be for a period not to exceed four (4) years

Sec. 26. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of
Lost Certificates. -The Board may after the expiration of a maximum of four (4)
years from the date of revocation of a certificate, for reasons of equity and justice
and when the cause for revocation has disappeared or has been cured and
corrected, upon proper application therefor and the payment of the required fees,
issue another copy of the certificate of registration/professional license.

A new certificate of registration/professional license to replace the
certificate that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued, subject to
the rules of the Board

ARTICLE VI
Human Resources for Health (HRH)
Production, Utilization and Development


Sec. 27. Studies and Interventions for Nursing Human Resource
Needs, Production. Utilization and Development. - The Board shall in
coordination with relevant nursing anc other government and non-government
agencies:

a) conduct studies on health human resource production, utilization and

development; and _

b) implement HRH development strategies for nurses to attain a highly
motivated and productive nursing workforce

Sec. 28. National Nursing Career Progression Program. ~ There shall
be an institutionalized national nursing career progression program as prescribed
in Article IV, Sec. 11, (g) and (h). In the implementation of the nationa! nursing
career progression program, the Board shall coordinate with the Department of
Health and other relevant government and private agencies: Provided, That any
registered nurse, before being allowed to work in specialty areas to perform
beyond generalist function or have specific specialties, must finish the formal
education and training towards specialization. possess recognized advanced
practice competencies and must be certified by the Board to be an advanced
practice nurse and must be a member of a relevant and accredited nursing
specialty organization: Provided. further, That nursing specialty organizations
with advanced practice shall be recognized and cerfied by the Board

Sec. 29. Compensation. — in order to enhance the general welfare
commitment to service and professionalism of nurses, the minimum base pay of
nurses working in the public and private health and health-related institutions
shall be in accordance with prevailing salary standards set by law for
professionals

Sec. 30. Incentives and Benefits. ~ To the extent possible as provided

by law, mechanism shall be established by the Board of Nursing to provide
ent and private sectors

incentives and benefits for nurses in both gover
Sec. 31. Requirement for inactive nurses returning to practice. —

Nurses are deemed to be inactive when:
1) They are not utilizing nursing competencies as defined in the scope of

16


nursing practice for five (5) consecutive years
2) There is nen-renewal of certificate of registration tor five (5) years.
3) They do not have proof of five (5) years of continuous nursing practice.

Inactive nurses are required to undergo one (1) menth of didactic training

and three (3) months of practicum. Only the Board shall aceredit hospitals and
health care agencies to conduct the said training program
ARTICLE VII
Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 32. Prohibited Acts in the Practice of Nursing. ~ A fine of not less
than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100.000.00) nor more than Three
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P300.000.00) or imprisonment of not less than one
(1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both, upon the discretion of the court,

shail be imposed upon the following classification of offen

41) Violations against code of ethics and public mora’s

2) Violations against professional standards:

3) Violations against human/patient's rights; and

4) Other offenses.

ARTICLE Vill
Final Provisions

Sec. 33. Enforcement of this Act. -It shall be the primary duty of the
Commission and the Board to effectively implement this 4ct. Law enforcement
agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal governments shall
upon the call or request of the Commission or the Board. render assistance in
enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any persons violating the
same

Sec. 34. Appropriations. The Chairperson of the Professional
Regulation Commission shall immediately include in its pogram and issue such
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act, the funding of which
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Aci

Sec. 35. implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety days

effectivity of this Act the Board and the Commission. in

(20) after



coordination with the accredited professional organization and other nursing

professional organizations, the Department of Health. the Department of Budget

shal formulate the

red government ager

and Management and other co!
implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out ihe provisions of this
Act. The impiementing rules and regulations shali be published in the Official
Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.

Sec. 36. Separability Clause. 4f any pam of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue to be
valid and operationa

Sec. 37. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as
the “Philippine Nufsing Act of 2002” is hereby repealed. li other iaws, decrees.
‘orders circulars, issuances, rules and regulations and parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the amendatory provisions of this Ac: are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly

Sec. 38. Effectivity Ciause. - This Act shall take

after its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) national newspapers of

fect fifteen (15) days

general circulation.
Approved


6878
FACT SHEET

H. B. No. 4567 by Rep. Carlos M. Padilla
H.B. No. 5592 by Reps. Rufus B. Rodriguez and Maximo B.
Rodriguez
H.B. No. 5780 by Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara

AN ACT
INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND
DEVELOP THE NURSING PROFESSION, REPEALING FOR
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-
ONEHUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE “PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 2002”

Committee Referral: COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE AND
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION (Primary)
Committee Chairperson: REP. ANDRES D. SALVACION, JR.
Committee Referral: COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS (Secondary)
Committee Chairperson: REP. JOSEPH EMILIO A. ABAYA

OBJECTIVES:

To institute reforms to further protect and develop the nursing profession,
repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as the

“Philippine Nursing Act of 2002

« To restructure the scope and practice of Nursing, ensure competitiveness,
provide a better practice environment and strengthen the Nursing

profession

KEY PROVISIONS:

 Restructures the scope and practice of nursing by including certification,

specialization and educational requirements

Expands the powers of the 8:
decision-making processes cor

rning the nursing practice

rd of Nursing to strengthen its role in

e Provides additional educational requirements for different levels of the

nursing practice.

Creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing to oversee, regulate

and develop the nursing profession
RELATED LAW:

* RA.No. 9173, The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002