1.5 JUL 2014
\ Ke ap fon

Republic of the Philippines PA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES zy ie

Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.. 4742

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA.
Representatives NERI J. COLMENARES and CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL
DECREE NO. 1286, KNOWN AS THE “NUTRITION AND DIETETICS DECREE
OF 1977,” APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHERS PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was conceived in recognition of the important role of registered nuttitionist-dietitians
(RND) in human development and seeks to improve the practice of the profession, ‘This shall
institute reforms ensuring the welfare, protection and improvement of the RND profession.
Promoting good nutrition is key to a strong and healthy citizenry which is essential for the
development of a productive population

Many factors in the environment (eg, climate changes, pollution of air and water) have adversely
affected the quality of living which threatens the health and consequently the nutrition of the
population especially the at-risk population groups (young children, pregnant women and the
elderly).

Globalization has also brought about lifestyle changes such as consumption of high fat, high
calorie foods and reduced physical activity which have resulted in an increase prevalence of non-
communicable d such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Improvement in the practice of proper nutrition and dietetics is critical to counter these

phenomena.

Good nutrition is an investment in human resource. Poor nuttition in early childhood causes
high morbidity and mortality in the young population. Malnutrition causes poor performance in
school and results in school repeaters or drop-outs. Lack of education, coupled with poor
nutrition undermines the quality of manpower resource which is critical for the achievement of
the country’s goal of economic development. Additionally, the escalating prevalence of non
communicable diseases increases the government's expenditure for education, health and other
social services, and puts a strain on the county's limited resources.


‘The guidelines and regulations provided for in this act will effectively promote the efficient and
effective practice of the profession. It hopes to put the country at par, if not with the first world
countries, at least with other Asian counterparts in terms of the practice of nutrition and
dietetigs. ‘The immediate passage of this bill is therefore earnestly prayed for.

eu / \ ( Lins

ep. NI OLMENARES Re ISAGANI T. ZARATE

Bayan M ist Bayan Muna Party-ist



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4742

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA,
Reps. NERI J. COLMENARES and CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

AN ACT
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS IN THE
PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE
NO. 1286, KNOWN AS THE “NUTRITION AND DIETETICS DECREE OF 1977,”
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHERS PURPOSES

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

ARTICLE I
TITLE

Section 1, Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “The Nutrition and Dietetics Law of
2014.”

ARTICLE IL
General Provisions

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes the important role of registered
nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs)in nation-building and human development through adequate
nutrition, Towards this end, it promotes the sustained development of RND whose competence
has been determined by hones and credible licensure examinations and whose standards of
professional service and practice are internationally recognized and considered world-clas
brought about by regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster growth and
advancement of the profession.

Section 3. Objectives. ~ This Act shall govern:
(a) ‘The examination, registration and licensure of nuttitionist-dietitians;
(b) The supervision, contol and regulation of the practice of nuttition and
dietetics;
(©) The development of the professional competence of nuttitionist-dietitians
through continuing professional development (CPD);
(@ The integration of the nutrition-dietetics profession.



Section 4. Definition of Terms.

{@) Profession is the science and art or discipline of nutrition and dietetics
combined.

(b) “Nuttitionist-dictitian” refers to a registered and licensed person who holds a
valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card
issued by the Board and the Commission pursuant to this Act.

(©) “Board” tefets to the Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and
Dietetics.

(@ “Commission” refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created
under R.A. No. 8981, known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000”,

(© APO refers to the accredited professional organization of nutritionist-
dietitians that the Board has accredited, subject to the approval by the
Commission, as the one and only accredited national organization of
nutritionist-dietitians.

() “Nutrition” refers to the science dealing with foods, nutrient composition,
cating habits, nutritional status, and health and diseases of individuals and
populations. Nutrition is also concerned with social, economic, cultural,
political, and psychological implications of food and eating.

(@) “Dietetics” refers to the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition
to the planning and preparation of foods and regulation of the diet in relation
to both health and disease, It also refers to the promotive, preventive,
therapeutic, and administrative aspects of the delivery of nutritional services
in hospitals, foodservice institutions and other health care
institutions facilities

Section 5, The Practice of Nutrition and Divtetis. - A person is deemed to be in the practice of
nutrition and dietetics within the meaning and intent of this law when he or she, for a fee, salary
ot other reward o compensation, paid to the individual or through another person ot even
without such rewards ot compensation, renders or offers to render professional services in
nutrition and dietetic

Scope of Practice, ~ The practice of nutrition and dietetics may include, but not be limited to, the
following areas:

(a) Academe = teachers/instructors of nutrition, dietetics and foodservice
courses.

(b) Business and industry — professionals working in the business and industry
doing work requiring nutrition and dietetics background; include private
practitioners and consultants in nutrition,

(© Food production and product development — professionals involved in
developing and producing new food products following the principles of
food and nutrition.

(@) Foodservice — consultants and managers in food service establishments
engaged in institutional food production, recipe development and
standardization, implementation of food safety and sanitation practices,
delivery and evaluation of services.



(©) Hospital — clinical dietitians, therapeutic dietitians, administrative dietitians,
food service managers and/or nutrition support unit heads in hospital
settings.

() Community and public health nutsition — professionals involved in food and
nutrition policy formulation, community assessment, __ planning,
implementation, monitoring, evaluation of nutrition programs and advocacy;
consultants and technical advisers on nutrition.

(@ Food and nuttition research — professionals in basic and applied food and
nutrition research.

(h) Wellness and sports nutrition — professionals and consultants involved in
nutrition aspects in wellness and sports programs.

‘The Board subject to approval by the Commission may revise the scope of practice as the need
arises.

ARTICLE IL
Nutrition And Dietetics Education Provision

Section 6. Nusrtion and Dietetics Education Program ~ The Nutrition and Dietetics education
program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nuttition.

‘The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the
prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education's policies and
standards of Nutrition and Dietetics education.

Section 7. Requirement for Inactive Nutritionist-Dietitians Returning to Practice, ~ Nutritionist-Dietitians
who have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) consecutive years are required to
attend and pass a refresher’s course and complete a related practicum both offered by an
institution accredited by the accredited professional organization (APO).

Section 8. Qualifications of the Faculty — A member of the faculty in a college offering a program
on nutrition and dietetics must:

(a) Be a registered nutritionist-dietitian in the Philippines;

(b) Have at least one (1) year of practice in a field of specialization;

(©) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of
nutritionist-dietitians; and

(@ Preferably be a holder of master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, education, or
other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or a university duly
recognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the head of the ND program must have a
master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. He/she must have at least five (5) years of experience
in nutrition and dietetics.


ARTICLE IV
Professional Regulatory Board Of Nutrition And Dietetics

Section 9. Creation and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetic, ‘There
is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, hereinafter-referred
to as the Board, a collegial body under the administrative supervision and control of the
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), hereinafter-referred to as the Commission, to be
composed of a chaitpetson and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines
from a list of three (3) recommendees for each position chosen and submitted by the
Commission thereto from a list of five (5) nominees for every position endorsed by the APO.

Section 10. Qualification of Chairperson and Members of the Board. — The chairperson or member
shall, at the time of appointment, posseses all the following requirements.

(a) A citizen and a resident of the Philippines;

(b) At least 35 years of age;

(6) Of good moral character;

(@) Not convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving moral
turpitud

(© A tegistered and licensed nutritionist-dietitian with a valid cettificate of
registration and a valid license;

() A holder of a post-graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics ot a related field as
determined by PRC from an institution recognized by the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED);

(@ Have at least five years of continuous practice of the profession prior to
appointment;

(h) A member in good standing of the APO;

(Not a member of the faculty of any school, college or university where a review
course in nutrition and dieteties is offered at the time of appointment;

@) Not an owner or member/staff of any review school or center;

() Not an officer, board member or trustee of the APO and APO foundation,

Provided that, any person who is appointed as Chairman or member of the Board shall
automatically resign from any teaching position in any school, college or university and/ or
review program for the local nutrition-dietetics board examinations or in any office or
employment in the Government ot any subdivision, agency ot instrumentality thereof, including
government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. ‘The appointee shall not have
any pecuniary interest in or administrative supervision over any institution offering nutrition and
dietetics programs, including review classes

Section 11. Term of Offic. - The Chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for a
tetm of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their successors shall have qualified
and been appointed. They may be reappointed to the same office for another term of three (3)
years immediately after the expiry of their term; provided, the holding of such position or office
shall not be more than two (2) terms or not more than six (6) years. Vacancy of the position of
the Chairperson shall be occupied in acting capacity or as officer-in-charge by the most senior
member until the chairman shall have been appointed. ‘The chairman and the members shall
duly take their oath of office

Section 12. Compensation, Allowances and otber Benefits. - The Chairperson and members of the
Boatd shall receive compensation, allowances, and other benefits comparable to those that the


chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards under the Commission enjoy
as ptovided for in the General Appropriations Act.

Section 13. Powers, Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the Baard. —Vhe Board shall exercise
executive, administrative, rule-making, and quasi-judicial powers in catrying out the provisions of
this Act. It shall be vested with the following specific powers, functions, duties, and
responsibilities:

Regulatory functions:

@) Issue and promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of
this Act;

(b) Adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance, and
the Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics;

(©) Adopt an official seal of the Board;

(@ Conduct regular consultation with members and other concerned organizations
‘on enhancing the professional development of nutritionist dieticians

(©) Enter together with the Commission into a Memorandum of Agreement with the
CHED in ensuring that all higher educational instructions and offerings of
degree, course or program comply with the policies, standards, and requirements
of the course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library,
and facilities;

Licensure Functions:

(© Prescribe and promulgate the tables of specifications syllabi for the subjects in
the licensute examinations in consultation with the academe and the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED);

(@ Prepare questions for the subjects in the licensure examinations, give and correct
the said examinations and release their results;

(h) Evaluate and approve applications for licensure examinations;

(Issue, suspend, revoke or reinstate the Certificate of Registration for the practice
of the muttition and dietetics,

@) Register qualified persons for the practice of nutrition and dietetics, issue their
respective Certificate of Registration and professional identification card

(W) Administer oaths in the performance of its functions;

@ Monitor and evaluate the conditions affecting the practice of nutrition and
dietetics as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of professional, ethical
and technical standards;

(m)Reissue or reinstate any revoked or suspended certificate of registration and
unexpired professional identification card to a valid holder thereof; Provided, the
revoked certificate of registration shall only be reissued after the lapse of the
period provided in this Act; Provided, further, the Board shall issue a resolution
thereon subject to approval by the Commission, after the holder shall have
established the fitness to practice anew the profession and, provided,
furthermore, the suspended certificate of registeation shall only be reissued upon
the decision of the Board


Administrative Functions:

(n) Prescribe and promulgate Rules of Procedure governing the performance of its
quasi judicial functions,

(0) Hear and investigate cases on violations of this Act, its implementing rules and
regulations, the Code of Ethies, the Code of Good Governance, the Code of
"echnical Standards for the practice of profession, and other policies; and for
this purpose, to issue summons, subpoena and subpoena duces tec to alleged
violators and/or witnesses to compel their attendance in such heatings or
investigations;

(p) Delegate the hearing or investigation of cases against the alleged violators;
Provided, hearing or investigation of cases wherein the issue or question involved
strictly concerns the technical practice of nutrition and dietetics shall be presided
over by at least one (1) member of the Board assisted by a Legal or Hearing
Officer of the Commission;

(@ Endorse cases involving criminal violations of this Act and other laws, its rules
and regulations, and other policies to the Department of Justice for investigation
and, at the discretion of the Board file a complaint with the same;

(® Decide administrative cases involving examinees or registered Nuttitionist-
Dietitians; Provided, that if they axe found guilty in an appropriate proceedings,
to cancel theis examination papers and/or debar them from taking another
licensure examination, or to revoke/suspend their certificate of registration;
Provided, further, the effectivity of the penalty shall only commence from the
date of surrender of the said certificates together with the professional
identification catds; Provided, furthermore, that the decision of the Board shall,
unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15)
days from receipt of notice of judgment or decision;

(8) Conduct through the Legal or Hearing Officers summary proceedings on minor
violation of this Act, its IRR, any of the Codes afore-mentioned, the General
Instructions to Examinee committed by examinees, and to render summary
judgment thereon which shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final
and executor after fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of judgment ot
decision;

() Prepare an annual report of accomplishment, programs, projects, and activities of
the Board during the year of submission to the Commission after the close of
each calendar year and to make appropriate recommendations on issues or
problems affecting the profession to the Commission; and

(u) Discharge other implied, incidental, necessary powers, duties, functions, and
responsibilities for the effective carrying out of the provisions of this Act and its
policies or measures and the achievement of its objectives.

Section 14. Grounds of Removal or Suspension of the Board Chairperson or Member. ~The President of
the Philippines, after an appropriate administrative proceedings and upon the recommendation
of the Commission, may remove or suspend the Chairperson or any member of the Board on
any of the following grounds:

(a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge of his/her duty;
(b) Violation of the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corruption
Practices, and other laws;


(© Manipulation ot rigging of the results of the licensure examination for
nuutritionist-dietitians, disclosure of secret and confidential information on the
examination questions prior to the conduct thereof, or tampering of grades.

‘The Commission, in the conduct of the investigation, shall be guided by Sec. 7 (6) of R.A. No,
8981, the rules on administrative investigation, and the applicable provisions of the New Rules
of Court.

Section 15.Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Opfice of the Secretary, Professional Regulatory
Boards (PRBs) and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of
the Commission. ‘The Commission shall keep all records of the Board including applications for
examination, examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation, and administrative cases.
‘The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board who shall be a staff member in the
Office, Secretary, Professional Regulatory Boards and shall provide the other support services to
the board in order to implement the provisions of this Act

ARTICLE V
Examination, Registration, Certification, and Licensure

Section 16. Passing of Licensure Examination Requirement. ~ Except as otherwise specifically allowed
under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of nutrition and dietetics shall be
required to pass a Board licensure examination for nutritionist-dietitians as provided for in
this Act in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in the Resolution thereof on
the Master Schedules for all licensure examinations in accordance with Sec. 7 (d) of R.A. No.
8981.

Section, 17. Qualifications of Applicants. ~ Aa applicant for the licensure examination for
nuttitionist-dietitian shall satisfactory proves that he/she possesses the following qualifications:

(a) Citizen of the Philippin

(b) OF good moral character;

(©) A holder of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics ot its equivalent duly
recognized or accredited by the CHED and conferred by an educational
institution duly authorized by the government.

(@ Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent
jurisdiction.

Section, 18, Subjects for Licensure Examination. — The licensure examination/s for nutritionist-
dictitian shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(a) Nutrition and Dietetics
(b) Foods and Foodservice Systems
(©) Community and Applied Nutrition

‘The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the
subjects and thei tables of specifications syllabi, and add new ones as the need atises to conform
to technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession.

Section 19. Rating in the Licensure Examination, — "To pass the licensure examination for
nutritionist-dietitian, an examinee must obtain a general or weighted average rating of seventy


five percent (75%), with no rating below fifty percent (50%) in any subject. Provided, however,
that an examinee who fails to obtain a passing average but who obtained at least seventy fiv
percent (75%) in each of at least one-half of the total subjects given in the examinations, may be
petmitted to take within two (2) years from the date of his/her examination, another
examination, on the subjects in which he/she obtained a grade below seventy five percent (75%)
Should the examinee fail in the set of subjects repeated in the second examinations, he shall be
required to take all the subjects in the next examinations.

Section 20. Report of Rating, ~The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings obtained by
the each examinee not later than ten (10) days after the last day of the examination, unless it is
extended for a valid cause.

Section 21. Oarh, — All successful examinees in the licensure examination shall take their oath of
profession before the chairperson ot any member of the Board; or any authorized officer of the
Commission authorized to administer oath, prior to entering the practice of nutrition and
dietetics.

Section 22. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. ~ A cestificate of
registration shall be issued to those who are registered as nutritionist-dietitian under this Act,
subject to payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. It shall bear the signature of the
chairperson of the commission and the chairperson and members of the board, indicating that
the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with all the privileges
appurtenant thereto. Until withdrawn, revoked, or suspended in accordance with this Act, the
certificate of registration shall remain in full force and effect.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its validity and expiry
duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission shall likewise be issued to every registrant
who has paid the prescribed fee. It shall be reissued after every three (3) years upon payment of
the prescribed fees therefor and compliance with the CPD requirement.

Section 23, Aulomatic Registration of Nutritionist-Dietitians. ~ All auttitionist-dietitians whose names
appear at the roster of nutritionist-dietitians shall be automatically or ipso facto registered as

nutritionist-dietitians under this Act upon its effectivity upon payment of the prescribed fees.

Section 24. Refusal to Register, ~ The Board shall not register any successful examinee who has
been:

Convieted by final judgement of an offense involving moral turpitude by a

court of competent jurisdiction;

(b) Summarily adjudged guilty for violation of the General Instructions to
Examines by the Board; and

(©) Declared of unsound mind by the court of competent jurisdiction.

In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting forth
the reasons therefore and shall file a copy thereof in its records.

Section 25. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and Cancellation of Temporary/ Special
Permit. ~The Board shall have the power, after due process, to revoke or suspend the certificate

of registration or to cancel a temporary/special permit upon any of the following grounds:

{a) Violation of any of the causes in the preceding, Section except (c)

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(b) Violation of a provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethies, Code of Good
Governance, standards for the practice of nutrition and dietetics, policy, and
measures of the Board and/or the Commission;

(© Perpetzation or use of fraud in obtaining his/her certificate of registration,
professional identification card, temporary /special permit;

@ Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting in death, injury or
damage;

(© Neglect ot failure to pay the annual registration fees for five (5) consecutive
years;

() Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and licensed person
by allowing him/her to use his certificate of registration and/or professional
identification card or his/her special/temporary permit;

(® legally practicing the profession during his/her suspension from the practice
thereof;

(h) Addicted to a drug or alcohol abuse impairing his/her ability to practice
his/her profession or declared with unsound mind by a court of a competent
jurisdiction,

‘The Board shall periodically evaluate the aforementioned grounds and revise or exclude or add
new ones as the need arises subject to approval by the Commission.

‘Any person, may file charge/s against any registrant in accordance with the provision of this
Section, Affidavit-complaint shall be filed together with the affidavits of witnesses and other
documentary evidence with the Board through the Legal and Investigation Office,

Provided that, the Board, may, on its own recommend an investigation of any RND for violation
of any of the above-mentioned causes, The sofupropio move to recommend an investigation shall
be embodied in a resolution to be signed by at least majority of the members of the Board. ‘The
rules on administrative investigation issued by the Board shall govern the hearing or investigation
subject to applicable provisions of this Act, R.A. No. 8981 and suppletorily the Rules of Court.

Section 26. Reissuance of Revoked Centficate of Reystration, Replacement of lost or Damages Certificate of
Registration, Professional Identification Card or Temporary/ Special Permit. ~ The Board may, upon
petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked certificate of registration after two (2) years from the
effectivity of the period for revocation, which is the date of surrender of the said certificate
and/or the professional identification card if still valid to the Board and/or the Commission.
The Board may not require the holder thereof to take another licensure examination. ‘The
petitioner shall prove to the Board that he/she has valid reason/s to practice his/her profession.
For the grant of his/her petition, the Board shall issue a Board Resolution subject to approval by
the Commission.

Duplicate copy of lost certificate of registration, professional identification card or
temporary/special permit may be reissued in accordance with the rules thereon and upon
payment of the prescribed fee thereof.

Scetion 27. Non-Payment of the Annual Registration Fees. —‘he Board shall suspend a RD from the
practice of his/her profession for non-payment of the annual registration fees for five (5)
consecutive years from its last or previous year of payment. ‘The resumption of his/her practice
shall take place only upon payment of the delinquent fees plus surcharges and interest and in
accordance with the rules of the Commission, ‘The running of the five-year period may be



interrupted upon written notice about the discontinuance of his practice and surrender of
his/her certificate of registration to the Board and/or the Commission.

Section 28. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration. — All nutsitionist-dietitians registered at the
effectivity of this Act shall automatically be registered hereunder, subject to the provisions herein
set forth as to future requirements.

Certificates of Registration and Professional Identification Cards or Temporary/Special Permits
held by such persons in good standing at such effectivity shall have the same force and effect as
though they were issued on or after the said effectivity.

ARTICLE VI
Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics

Section 29. Lanyiu! Practitioners of Nutrition and Dietetics. The natural persons and juridical persons
who shall be authorized to practice nutrition and dietetics:

(@) Natural persons
1) Duly registered and licensed as nutritionist-dictitian and holders of valid
certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards

issued by the Board and the Commission pursuant to this Act; and
2) Holders of valid temporary/special permits issued by the Board and the
Commission to foreign-licensed nutritionist-dietitian pursuant to this Act.

(©) Juridical persons

1) Single proprietorship refers to owner of manpower-employing staff who
are registered and licensed nutritionist-dietitians;

2) Partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) as professional parmership pursuant to the Civil Code and
composed of all partners who are all duly registered and licensed
nutritionist-dietitians;

3) Corporation duly registered with the SEC as engaged in the practice of
nutrition and dietetics and with officers, Board of Directors who are all
registered and licensed nutritionist-dietitians;

4) Association duly registered with the SEC as not-for-profit and non-stock
corporation whose officers, Board of Trustees, and members are all
registered and licensed nutritionist-dietitians.

juridical persons shall also be registered with the Board and the
mmission in accordance with the rules and regulations thereon.

Section 30. Pract of Nutrition and DieteticsPlantilla positions, whose titles bear “nutritionist
dietitian”, “nutritionist” or “dietitian” as well as positions requiring the expertise of RNDs shall
be occupied by RNDs. These include but not limited to nutrition program officers, hospital
nutritionist-dietitians, food service managers in hospitals; foodservice institutions and business

and industry; except those in practice before the enactment of the law.
(@) No person shall offer himself in the Philippines, as or use the title “Nuttitionist-

Dietitian” or any word, letter, figure, or sign whatsoever, tending to convey the
impression that he or she is a nutritionist-dietitian, or advertise or indicate in any

12


manner that he of she is qualified to perform the work of a nutritionist-dictitian
without holding a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional
identification card as issued by the Board in accordance with this law and/or
covered by reciprocity, unless exempt from registration as provided under
Section 15 thereof.

(b) Hospitals—All hospitals whether government or private with 10 to 25 bed
capacity shall employ a minimum of one full-time RND; 26 to 75 bed capacity, a
minimum of two (2) full time RND; 76-100 bed capacity, a minimum of three
Q)full-time RND; 101 to 150, four (4) full-time RND; 151-200 bed capacity, a
minimum of (6) five full-time RND; 20110 300 bed capacity, a minimum of six
(©) full-time RND; 301 to 400 bed capacity, a minimum of eight (8) full-time
RND; 401 to 500 bed capacity, a minimum of ten (10) full-time RND; 501 to 750
bed capacity, a minimum of fifteen (15) full-time RND; 751 to 1000 bed capacity,
a minimum of twenty (20) full-time RND, 1001 to 1200 bed capacity, a minimum
of twenty-four (24) full-time RND; 2001 to 1500 bed capacity, a minimum of
thirty (30) full-time RND; and above 1500 bed capacity, a minimum of forty (40)
full-time registered mutzitionist-dietitians: Prowided, that no person shall be
employed as nutritionist-dietitian in any hospital without having been registered
in accordance with the provisions of this Law; and with updated professional
identification card in the duration of employment. Hospitals with less than 10
bed capacity should hire the services of an RND consultant. Specialty Hospitals
and clinics shall employ more than the minimum required number of fulltime
RND. The provisions of this section shall be complied with within one year from
the date of effectivity of this Law.

(©) Nutrition agencies/iocal government units (LGUs). All these agencies whether
government or private shall employ RNDs. All LGUs shall be required to have
at least one (1) nutritionist-dietitian per 25,000 population for each province,
city municipality and rural health unit,

(@ Foodservice Managers/positions in hospitals and in foodservices in healthcare
institutions should be headed by RNDs

(©) Foodservices in Institutions school cafeteria in elementary, high school, colleges
and universities; industrial cafeterias should preferably be occupied by RNDs. In
the absence of a full time RND, a consultant RND shall be availed of.

(® Teaching of nutrition courses in allied fields, e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery,
Dentistry, Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Hospitality, Culinary, Hotel and
Restaurant Management—Tourism should be done only by RNDs.

@ In addition to the required faculty qualifications, all schools, colleges,
professional subjects required for licensure examinations shall be taught by
persons who are holders of valid certificates of registration and valid professional
identification card.

(h) All wellness centers, sports clinics, fitness centers must employ the services of at
least one (1) fulltime or part time RNDs.

(@ Nutrition support units in hospitals should include RNDs to provide nutrition

ment and counselling,

() Salary. - In order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to service and
professionalism of nutridonist-dietitians the minimum entry salary grade of
RNDs working in the public health institutions shall not be lower than salary
grade 16. Provided, that for RNDs working in the private sector, their
minimum salary shall be equivalent to the amount corresponding to salary grade
16 in the public sector.

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Section 31, Practice Through Temporary/ Special Permit. — Special/temporary permit may be issued by
the Board subject to approval by the Commission and payment of fees the latter has prescribed
and charged thereof to the following:

(@) Licensed nuttitionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states whose services are
either for a fee or free;

1) If they are internationally known nutritionist-dietitians or experts in any
branch or specialty of nutrition and dietetics; and

2) If their services are urgently and importantly necessary for lack of inadequacy
of available local specialists or experts for the promotion of advancement of
the practice of nutrition and dietetics through transfer of technology.

(b) Licensed nuttitionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states employed services
shall be free and limited to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or
clinic.

(© Licensed nutritionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states employed as
‘exchange professors in a branch or specialty of nutrition and dietetics in schools,
colleges ot universities offering the course of nutrition and dietetics.

‘The permit shall, among other things, contain these limitations and conditions for a period of no
mote than one (I) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty of nutrition and dietetics, and
the specific place of practice such as clinic, hospital, center, school, college or university offering
the course of nutrition and dietetics. ‘The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, shall
promulgate rules and regulations on the implementation of this particular section,

Section 32. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program. All nutritionist-dietitians shall abide
by the requirements, rules and regulation on continuing professional education to be
promulgated by the PRC Regulatory Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, in
coordination with the APO for nutrition and dietetics or any duly accredited education
institutions, For this purpose, a CPD Council is hereby created to implement the CPD program.

Section 33. Indication of Numbers. Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card,
Professional Tax Receipt (PTR), APO Membership and Official Receipt (O.R). ~ The
nutritionist-dietitian shall be requited to indicate his/her Certificate of Registration Number and
date of issuance, and the expiry of his/her current professional identification card, PTR Number,
APO Membership Number and O.R. Number on the documents he/she signs, uses, ot issues in
connection with the practice of nutrition and dietetics.

Section 34. Rosier of Nutritionist-Dietitians, A roster of nutritionist-dietitians shall be prepared by
the Commission during the month of August every year, commencing on the year following that
in which the Law shall become effective. ‘This roster shall contain the name and address of each
RND, date of registration or issuance of certificates and other dates, which in the opinion of the
Boatd may appear pertinent. ‘The roster shall be opened for public inspection, and copies
theteof shall be on file in the records of the Commission. Other bureaus or government
agencies and the public may be given a copy upon request.

Section 35. Posting of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or Temporary] Special
Permit, ~ The Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification of Nuttitionist-Dietitians

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or Temporary/Special Permit in original or authentic/authenticated copies shall be posted in a
conspicuous place or kept on file in his/her office. Those previously registered in accordance to
PD 1286 shall retain their registration certification numbers.

ARTICLE VII
Nutrition and Dietetics Human Resource Production,
Utilization and Development

Section 36. Studies for Nutrition and Dietetics Manpower Needs, Production, Utilization and Development,
~ The Board, in coordination with the accredited professional organization and appropriate
government or ptivare agencies shall initiate, undertake and conduct studies on nutrition and
dietetics human resource production, utilization and development.

Section 37. Comprehensive Nutrition and Dietetics Specialty Program. ~ Withia. ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Board, in coordination with the accredited professional
organization, recognized specialty organizations and the Department of Health is hereby
mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nutrition and dietetics specialty program
that would upgrade the level of skills and competence of nuttitionist-dietitians specialists in the
country, such as but not limited to the areas of diabetes management, cardiovascular disease
management, renal disease management, oncology, nutrition support, weight management,
obstetrics, pediatrics, dental medicine, and such other areas as may be determined by the Board.

Section 38. Penal Provision, — Any person who shall commit any of the following acts, shall, upon
conviction, be fined in accordance with existing laws the amount to be specified in the IRR, or
imprisoned for not less than six (6) months or more than two (2) yeats or be meted with both at
the discretion of the court.

(@) Practicing nutrition and dietetics without a valid certificate of registration
and/or a valid professional identification card or a valid temporary/special
permit;

(b) Attempting to use the seal, certificate of registration and/or professional
identification card of a RND or temporary/special permit issued to foreign
auttitionist-dietitian;

(©) Abetting the illegal practice of nuttition and dietetics by an unregistered or
unauthorized person;

(@ Sceuting through false information or fraudulent means certificate of
registration and/or professional identification card or, temporary special
permit;

(©) Impersonating a RND or a holder of a special/temporary permit; and

(§) Commission of any fraudulent act in violation of any provision of this Act.

ARTICLE VIIL
Final Provisions

Section 39. Enforwment. — In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Board shall be assisted
by the Commission, the APO, duly constituted government agencies and authorities, and private
organizations in the industry. A memorandum of agreement between agencies or organizations
may be executed.

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Section 40. Funds, — The funds or budget of the implementation of this Act shall be included in
the Annual Appropriations Act for the Commission, provided that the amount incurred for its
initial implementation shall be charged against the Commission’s current year’s appropriation,

Section 41. Transitory Provisions, ~The incumbent Board shall, in an interim capacity, continue to
operate or function by carrying out the provisions of the Act without new appointments of the
chairman and members thereof until the first Board created under this Act shall have been
constituted or organized pursuant thereto,

Section 42. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, subject to
approval by the Commission, shall prescribe, promulgate, and issue a Board Resolution on the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act after consultation with the APO, other agencies,
and private organizations concerned in the industry within ninety (90) days from the effectivity
of this Act.

Section 43. Sepanability Clause, ~ If any provision, section, or part of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional ot invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair any other
provisions, sections or parts hereof, but shall be merely confined to the provision, section, or
part thereof that is directly involved in the issue upon which such judgment has been rendered,

Section 44. Repealing Clause, ~ Presidential Decte No. 1286 is hereby repealed. Laws, decrees,
orders, letters of instructions, rules and regulations, or other issuances, and parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are likewise accordingly repealed or modified.

following the publication
1n in the Philippines,

This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) day:
Gazette ot any major daily newspaper or general circul

Section 45,
in the Offici

Approved,