FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.NO. 213 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
i 0 
JUL -6 1\ (J ''12 
On June 21, 1969, Republic Act 5680, An Act Creating the Board for Physical Therapists aod 
Occupational Therapists, was approved. Unlike all other regulatory Acts that enforce the laws 
on one profession, Republic Act 5680 was created to regulate two different allied health 
professions, Physical Therapy aod Occupational Therapy. Since then, said Act has never been 
amended to respond to current global trends aod national development. 
Physical Therapy is a separate aod distinct profession from Occupational Therapy by definition, 
scope of practice aod educational requirements. Physical Therapy has its own professional 
association, the Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA) which is duly accredited by the 
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) aod duly registered with the Securities aod 
Exchange Commission (SEC). The association is well recognized as a member of the World 
Confederation of Physical Therapists and Asiao Confederation for Physical Therapy. Likewise, 
Occupational Therapy has a separate aod distinct professional association, the Occupational 
Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc. (OTAP) which is duly accredited by the PRC and 
duly registered by the SEC aod is well recognized aod accepted as a member of the World 
Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) since 1908. 
In so far as the business service sector which includes professional services is concerned, the 
already marketable Filipino physical therapists and occupational therapists will be further 
catapulted to overseas employment. Global demaod tempered by national and regional economic 
constraints, new immigration laws aod international competition is fast requiring more quality in 
health care professionals, including physical therapists aod occupational therapists. It then 
becomes imperative to align regulatory functions, such as professional staodm'ds aod 
competencies, among physical therapists only aod separate them from those for occupational 
therapists. 
Thus, this bill seeks the amendment ofR.A. 5680 for the purpose of upgrading aod updating the 
competence, knowledge, skills aod attitudes of the Filipino occupational therapists aod physical 
therapists to make them globally competitive aod nationally accessible to the disabled population 
ofthe Philippines. 
It is for these reasons that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
~IO\~~JL:"SIV 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. _=2-=1....::30-
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I 
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, 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
REGULATING 
THE 
REGISTRATION, 
LICENSURE 
AND 
PRACTICE 
OF 
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
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TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Occupational 
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Therapy Law", 
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SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of occupational 
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therapists in nationbuilding, Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, 
8 
and well-rounded occupational therapists whose standards of practice and service shall be 
9 
excellent, world class and globally competitive through inviolable, honest, effective and credible 
10 
licensure examinations and through regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster their 
11 
continuing professional growth, 
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
14 
(a) 
Occupational Therapy is a health discipline which is concerned with people whose 
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ability to function in daily life has been temporarily or permanently disrupted by 


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physical, psychosocial OT developmental illness, injnry, or condition, social 
disadvantage, or the aging process. 
(b) 
The Scope and Nature of Practice of Occupational Therapy shall embrace, 
but shall not be limited to, the analysis and application of activities specifically 
directed to occupational performance in the areas of self-care, work, play and 
leisure. Reference to occupation is in the context of the individual's goal-directed 
use of time, energy, interest, and attention. Through assessment, interpretation, 
and intervention, occupational therapists address problems impeding functional or 
adaptive behavior in order to prevent disability, and to promote, maintain, or 
restore 
occupational 
performance, 
health, 
and 
psychosocial 
well-being. 
Occupational therapy can be part of the health services in hospitals; community 
settings such as residential, vocational and leisure centers, schools, day programs, 
private agencies, clinics, the work place, and other organizations which provide 
rehabilitation or preventive services, both within and outside the medical model. 
( c) Occupational Therapist refers to a person who is a holder of a valid certificate of 
registration/professionallicense and professional 
identification 
card issued by 
the Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy and the Professional 
Regulation Commission and who is legally qualified to practice occupational 
therapy in the Philippines pursuant to this Act. 
ARTICLE II 
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF 
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 
SEC. 4. 
Creation and Composition of the Board. - There is hereby created a 
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Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy, hereinafter called the Board, under the 
26 
administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as 
2 


the Commission, to be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members who shall be appointed 
2 
by the President of the Philippines from a list of two (2) recommendees for each position chosen 
3 
and ranked by the Commission and three (3) nominees for each position submitted by the 
4 
accredited professional organization of occupational therapists. The Board shall be organized not 
5 
later than six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
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SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following 
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powers and functions: 
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(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g) 
(h) 
Promulgate, administer and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying 
out the provisions of this Act; 
Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of occupational 
therapy in the Philippines; 
Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act; 
Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
Maintain a roster of occupational therapists indicating therein the basic 
information about the registered professionals; 
Issue, reinstate, suspend or revoke the certificate of registration/professional 
license or cancel special pennits for the practice of occupational therapy; 
Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of occupational therapy and adopt 
such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement of the profession 
andlor maintenance of high professional and ethical standards; 
Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that 
all educational institutions offering occupational therapy education comply with 
the policies, standards, and requirements of the course prescribed by CHED in the 
areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
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(i) 
(k) 
(I) 
(m) 
(n) 
(0) 
(P) 
Prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for 
Occupational Therapy; 
Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and 
regulations and the Code of Ethics for occupational therapists and for this 
purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of the witnesses 
and the production of documents in connection therewith: Provided, 
that the 
decision of the Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and 
executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of judgment or decision; 
Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) 
program for occupational therapists; 
Prepare, adopt, and issue the syllabi or tables of specifications of the subjects for 
examination in consultation with the academe; determine and prepare the 
questions for the licensure examinations which shall strictly be within the scope 
of the syllabus or the table of specifications of the subject for examination; score 
and rate the examination papers, and submit the results in all subjects within ten 
(10) days from the last day of the examination unless extended by the 
Commission for justifiable causes; 
Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; 
Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the Commission; 
Issue permits to persons admitted to the practice of occupational therapy for a 
specific duration of time, and certificates of recognition for advanced studies, 
researches, and accomplishments that contribute to. the enrichment of the 
profession; 
Perform such other powers and functions as it may deem necessary to carry out 
the objectives of this Act. 
4 


The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decisions issued or promulgated by the 
2 
Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the Commission. 
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SEC.6. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - The Chairperson and members 
5 
of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment possess the following qualifications: 
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(a) Must be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; 
(b) Must be a duly registered occupational therapist under this Act, with a valid 
certificate of registration and professional license; 
(c) Must be a member of good standing of the accredited organization of occupational 
therapists; 
(d) Must not have any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, 
academy, college, university or institution conferring an academic degree necessary 
for admission to the practice of occupational therapy or where review classes in 
preparation for the licensure examination are being offered or conducted, nor shall 
he/she be a member of the faculty or of the administration thereof at the time of 
his/her appointment to the Board; and 
(e) Must not have been convicted by any competent court of an offense involving 
moral turpitude. 
SEC. 7. Term ofOfJice. - The Chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office 
21 
for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed and duly 
22 
qualified; Provided, that members of the first appointed Board shall hold office as follows: One 
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(1) member as Chairperson for tlrree (3) years, one (1) member for two (2) years and one (I) 
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member for one (1) year. 
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The Chairperson or member of the Board may be reappointed for another term but in no 
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case shall he/ she serve continuously for more than six (6) years. Any vacancy in the Board shall 
5 


he filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board shall 
2 
automatically 
be 
registered 
as 
occupational 
therapist 
and 
issued 
certificate 
of 
3 
registration/professional license and professional identification card and, shall take the proper 
4 
oath of office prior to assumption of duty. 
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SEC. 8. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. - The Chairperson and members 
7 
of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the 
8 
chairpersons and members of existing regulatory boards under the Commission as provided for 
9 
in the General Appropriations Act. 
10 
II 
SEC. 9. Removal of Board Members. - Any member of the Board may, upon the 
12 
recommendation of the Commission and after due process, be suspended or removed by the 
13 
President for cause such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, unprofessionalism, 
14 
immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct, 
final judgment of crimes involving moral 
IS 
turpitude, and manipulation or rigging of the licensure examination results, disclosure of secret 
16 
and confidential information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of the said 
17 
examination or tampering of grades. 
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SEC. 10. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support 
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Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of tbe Commission. All 
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records of the Board, including applications for examination, examination papers and results, 
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minutes of deliberation, administrative cases, and other investigation involving occupational 
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therapists shall be kept by the Commission. 
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The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the 
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Secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions ofthis Act. 
6 


SEC. 11. Annual Report. - The Board shall, at the close of each calendar year, submit 
2 
an· annual report to the Commission, giving a detailed account of its proceedings and 
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accomplishments during the year and recommending measures to be adopted for upgrading and 
4 
improving the conditions affecting the practice of occupational therapy in the Philippines. 
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ARTICLE III 
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THE TECHNICAL PANEL ON OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EDUCATION 
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SEC. 12. Composition. - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall organize 
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a Technical Panel on Occupational Therapy.Education, hereinafter referred to as the Technical 
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Panel, charged with the responsibility of regulating, standardizing and upgrading occupational 
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therapy education in the Philippines. The Technical Panel shall be composed of no more than 
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five (5) members including representatives from CHED and the Board, the association of deans 
13 
of occupational therapy schools and the accredited professional organization of occupational 
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therapists. 
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SEC. 13. Functions o/the Technical Panel. - The objective of the Technical Panel is 
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to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of quality for educational programs.in 
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occupational therapy and to provide recognition for educational programs that exceed the 
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minimum standards for occupational therapy education. The Technical Panel shall have the 
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following functions: 
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1. 
To promulgate rules and regulations relative to occupational therapy education in the 
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Philippines, which shall have a binding effect for implementation by the pertinent 
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educational institutions and entities; 
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2. 
To recognize and accredit occupational therapy programs 1ll the different schools, 
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colleges, and universities; 
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3. 
To approve the accreditation of clinical fieldwork centers or facilities used for the 
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education and training of occupational therapy student and interns. 
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4. 
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SEC. 14. 
Compensation and Traveling Expenses. - The Technical Panel on 
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Occupational Therapy Education shall meet at least once a month for regular business, and as 
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often as the Technical Panel may decide. The chair and members shall be entitled to traveling 
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expenses and accommodation in connection with their official duties in accordance with existing 
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rules and regulations. 
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ARTICLE IV 
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LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION 
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SEC. 15. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice of 
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occupational therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the 
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Board in such places and dates as the Commission may designate subject to compliance with the 
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requirements prescribed by the Commission. 
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SEC. 16. Qualification/or Examination. - An applicant for the licensure examination 
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for occupational therapists shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she has met the 
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following qnalifications: 
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(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has a reciprocity 
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agreement with the Philippines; 
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(b) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude; 
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(c) Must be a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from a 
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school, college or university in the Philippines or abroad whose occupational 
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therapy program is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education. 
8 


SEC. 
17. 
Scope of Examination. - The licensure examination for occupational 
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therapists shall cover the following subjects: 
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I. Basic Sciences 
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II. 
a. Anatomy 
b. Kinesiology 
c. Physiology 
d. Pathology 
Clinical Sciences 
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a. Medical Conditions 
lob. 
Surgical Conditions 
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c. Medical Psychology 
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d. Growth and Development 
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III. Theory and Practice 
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a. Physical Dysfunction 
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b. Psychiatric Dysfunction 
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c. Organization, Administration, and Ethics 
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d. Frames of Reference 
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The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the 
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subjects or add new ones as the need arises and may adjust or modify the percentage weight of 
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the subjects. 
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SEC. 18. Report of Ratings.- The Board shall elevate to the Commission the ratings 
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obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the examination, unless extended 
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for just cause. 
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SEC. 19. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the licensure 
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examination for occupational therapists, a candidate must have obtained a general average of 
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seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any given subject. 
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However, an examinee who obtains a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any given subject, 
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must take the examination in the subject or subjects where he obtained a grade below sixty 
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percent (60%) within two (2) years from the date of his last examination. The subject or subjects 
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retaken must have each a rating of no less than seventy-five percent (75%) in order to qualify 
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as having passed the examination. 
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An applicant who fails the licensure examinations after the third attempt shall he required 
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to complete a refresher course in an approved occupational therapy school. The applicant shall 
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be required to provide proof of completion of such course before admission to a fourth 
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examination. 
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SEC. 
20. 
Issuance of the Certificate of Registration! Professional License and 
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Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of registration/professional license shall be 
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issued to examinees who pass the licensure examination for occupational therapists subject to 
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payment of fees prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration/professional 
18 
license shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and the members of the 
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Board, stamped with the official seal, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to 
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practice the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. This certificate shall remain in 
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full force and effect until revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act. 
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A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of issuance, 
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expiry date, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every 
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registrant who has paid the required registration fees. 
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SEC. 21. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall not register any successful exaroinee 
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who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense invo I ving 
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moral turpitude or has been found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after investigation 
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by the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the refusal shall be set 
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forth in writing. 
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SEC. 22. Registration Without Examination. - This privilege shall be granted to 
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qualified applicants who, on the date of the effectivity of this Act. have been registered and 
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licensed to practice occupational therapy under Republic Act No. 5680 and to those who have 
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become occupational therapists by virtue of the testimonial exaroination given by the Civil 
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Service Commission on December 29,1967 in the City of Manila. 
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SEC. 23. Oath of Occupational Therapists.- All successful exaroinees qualified for 
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registration and all qualified applicants for registration without examination shall be required to 
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lake an oath of profession before any member of the Board or any government official 
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authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of 
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occupational therapy in the Philippines. 
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SEC. 24. Indication of Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt. - The occupational 
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therapist shall be required to indicate hislher registration! professional license number and date 
21 
of issuance, the duration of validity, including the privilege tax receipt number on the document 
22 
he/she signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/ her profession. 
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SEC. 
25. 
Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and 
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Cancellation of Special Permit. - The Board may, after giving proper notice of hearing to the 
26 
party concerned, revoke the practitioner's certificate of registration/professional license or 
11 


suspend him/her from the practice of his! her profession or cancel his !her special permit for any 
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of the causes or grounds mentioned in Section 21 of trus Act or for any unprofessional or 
3 
unethical conduct, malpractice, or violation of any of the provisions of this Act its rules and 
4 
regulations, the Code of Ethics and Standards for occupational therapists. 
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SEC. 
26. 
Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of Certificate of 
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RegistrationIProfessional License.-
Two years after the date of revocation, the Board may, 
8 
upon application and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate 
9 
of registration/professionallicense and reissue a professional identification card, and in so doing, 
10 
may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another examination. 
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A new certificate of registrationiprofessionallicense or special permit, to replace lost, 
12 
destroyed or mutilated ones may be issued subject to the rules implemented by the Board. 
13 
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SEC. 27. Roster of Occupational Therapists. - The Board shall prepare, update, and 
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maintain a roster of occupational therapists which shall contain the name of each registered 
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occupational therapist, his residence and office addresses, the date of registration, and issuance 
17 
of certificates and other data which the Board may deem pertinent. The roster shall be open to 
18 
the public, copies of which shall be mailed to each person listed therein. 
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SEC. 28. Issuance of Special/Temporary Permit. - Special/temporary permit may be 
21 
issued by the Board subject to the approval by the Commission and the payment of the fees the 
22 
latter has prescribed and charged thereof to the following persons: 
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1) Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/state whose services are either 
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for a fee or free: 
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(a) If they are internationally well-known specialists or outstanding experts in any 
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branch or specialty of occupational therapy; and 
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(b) If their services are urgently needed for lack or inadequacy of available local 
2 
specialists/ experts or for the promotion or advancement of the practice of 
3 
occupational therapy through transfer of technology. 
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2) Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/states whose services shall be 
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free and limited to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or clinic: 
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3) Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/states engaged as professors, 
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lecturers or critics in fields essential to occupational therapy education in the Philippines. 
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The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and conditions: for a 
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period of not more than one (I) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty of occupational 
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therapy, 
and 
the 
specific 
place 
of practice 
such 
as 
clinic, 
hospital, 
center, 
1 I 
school/college/university offering the course of occupational therapy. The Board, subject to the 
12 
approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and regulations on the implementation of this 
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particular section. 
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SEC. 29. 
Initial. - The initials OTRP which stands for Occupational Therapists 
16 
Registered, Philippines shall be used following the name of the registered occupational therapist, 
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especially when signing documents pertinent to the practice of hislher profession. 
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19 
SEC. 30. Foreign Reciprocity.' . No foreign occupational therapist shall be admitted to 
20 
the examination or be given a certificate of registration/professional license and professional 
21 
identification card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the country of 
22 
which he/she is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino occupational therapists to 
23 
practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign 
24 
state or country. 
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ARTICLE V 
2 
PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 
3 
SEC. 31. Prohibition on the Practice of Occupational Therapy. - No person shall 
4 
practice or offer to practice occupational therapy in the Philippines or offer himselflherself as 
5 
occupational therapist, or use the title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the 
6 
impression that he/she is an occupational therapist, or advertise or indicate in any manner 
7 
whatsoever that he/she is qualified to perform the work of an occupational therapist unless he has 
8 
satisfactorily passed the licensure exarnillation given by the Board, except as otherwise provided 
9 
in this Act, and is a holder of a valid certificate of registration/professional license with a valid 
10 
professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit duly issued to himlher by the 
11 
Board and the Commission. 
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SEC. 32. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall: 
(a) engage in the practice of occupational therapy by representing himselflherself as an 
occupational therapist without a valid certificate of registration/professional license 
and professional identification card or a valid temporary/special permit granted by 
the Board pursuant to this Act; 
(b) represent himselflherself as an occupational therapist during the time that hislher 
professional license is not valid or that his certificate of registration has been 
suspended or revoked, or that hislher temporary/special permit is cancelled; 
(c) allow anybody to use hislher certificate of registration/professional license and 
professional identification card or temporary/special permit as an occupational 
therapist to enable such unqualified individual to engage in the practice of 
occupational therapy; 
(d) use as his/her own the certificate of registration/professional license and 
professional identification card or temporary/special permit of another. 
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SEC. 33. Code of Ethics and Standards for Occupational Therapists. - The Board shall 
2 
adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Standards for occupational therapists prescribed 
3 
and issued by the accredited national organization of occupational therapists. 
4 
5 
SEC. 34. 
Continuing Professional Education (CPEJ Program. - All occupational 
6 
therapists shall abide by the requirements, rules, and regulations regarding continuing 
7 
professional education as promulgated by the accredited national organization of occupational 
8 
therapists in collaboration with the Board of Occupational Therapy. 
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10 
SEC. 35. Integration of Occupational Therapists. - All occupational therapists shall be 
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integrated into one (1) national organization, which shall he recognized by the Board and by the 
12 
Commission as the one and only integrated and accredited association of occupational therapists. 
13 
An occupational therapist duly registered with the Board shall automatically become a member 
14 
of the integrated and accredited association of occupational therapists, and shall receive the 
15 
benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto, upon payment of the required fees and dues. 
16 
Membership in the integrated and accredited association shall not be a bar to membership in 
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other associations of occupational therapists. 
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ARTICLE VI 
20 
PENAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
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SEC. 36. Penal Provision. - Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this 
22 
Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board subject to the 
23 
approval of the Commission shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less Twenty 
24 
Thousand Pesos (P 20,000.00) but not more than fifty thousand (P 50,000.00) or by 
25 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or both, at the discretion ofthe court. 
15 


SEC. 37. 
Funding Provision. - The Chainnan of the Professional Regulation 
2 
Commission shall immediately include in the Commission's annual budget, the amount 
3 
necessary to implement this Act. 
4 
5 
SEC. 38. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - To implement the provisions of this 
6 
Act, the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission, promulgate the rules and 
7 
regulations and the Code of Ethics and Standards for occupational therapists within thirty (30) 
8 
days after the effectivity of this Act. 
9 
10 
SEC. 39. 
Transitory Provision. - The existing Board of Physical Therapy and 
11 
Occupational Therapy shall continue to function in the interim nntil such time that the new and 
12 
separate Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy shall have been constituted 
13 
pursuant to this Act. 
14 
15 
SEC. 40. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act shall be declared 
16 
invalid or nnconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other section or provision of this act. 
17 
18 
SEC. 41. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, or parts thereof, 
19 
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified or superseded. 
20 
Republic Act No. 5680 is hereby repealed. 
21 
22 
SEC. 42. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 
23 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a major newspaper of national circulation, whichever 
24 
comes earlier. 
Approved, 
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