RECEIVED

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

o, 131

HOUSE

Introduced by HONORABLE MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS

AN ACT REGULATING AND MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL
LABORATORY SCIENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE,
REPUBLIC ACT NOS. 5527 AND 6138 AND PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NOS. 498 AND

1534, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 17 (b) and (c) of Republic Act 11223 otherwise known as the Universal
Health Care Law states that there shall be accurate, sensitive and timely epidemiologic
surveillance systems, and proactive and effective health promotion programs or campaigns.
Further, Section 23 of the same law requires that, in order to ensure the continuity in the
provision of health programs and services, all health professionals and health care workers be
guaranteed permanent employment and competitive salaries. The State recognizes that health
personnel are indispensable because they are the providers of these essential services that
must be basically available to promote the health and well-being of the Filipinos.

Republic Act 5527 otherwise known as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of
1969 was enacted aimed to establish the identity of the Filipino Medical Technologist
However, the modernization of the profession remains elusive 54 years later. Throughout
the years, the profession itself inevitably evolved so as to adopt to the fast-paced Science
and Technology in medicine and health. First, a massive transition of its nomenclature from
Medical Technologist (MT) to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) occurred across countries
such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan as
well as the World Health Organization (WHO). The same name was also adopted by the
Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This is an action to standardize the
name and identity of the profession

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In order to preserve the integrity and enhance the quality of the MLS” services, the CHED
and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) must implement effective strategies across all
stages of the MLS education and development. These can be met by restructuring the MLS
Professional Regulatory Board (PRB), the CPD Council for MLS and the Technical Committee
for MLS Education through adequate representation by qualified MLS from different areas and
specialization, Further, low to no-cost CPD Programs must be provided by the government and
employers of the MLS professional using various platforms to maximize learning opportunities.

The invaluable contribution of the MLS was highlighted during the onset and peak of
COVID-19 pandemic and this role remains today. Unfortunately, the neglected working conditions
of the MLS in the country is leading to demoralization and impending abandonment of this relevant
profession. Thus, this Bill aims to modernize and uplift the MLS profession not only for the benefit
of the 59,333 MLS in this country (Reference: WHO Global Health Observatory, 2023) but most
importantly for the health of 119 Million Filipinos entitled to Health as a fundamental human right.

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

‘
RACHEL J. ARENAS
Representative

3rd of the Province of Pangasinan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HoUusE BLL No. 131

Introduced by HONORABLE MARIA RACHEL J. ARENAS

AN ACT REGULATING AND MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL
LABORATORY SCIENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE,
REPUBLIC ACT NOS, 5527 AND 6138 AND PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NOS. 498 AND
1534, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Medical Laboratory Science Act of 2025”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State recognizes the importance of the
Medical Laboratory Science profession in nation building and development through the
portals of healthcare, education, and research. Hence, it shall develop and nurture
competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded Medical Laboratory Scientists whose
standard of practice and service shall be world class. Further, the State shall promote, regulate
and protect the professional practice of Medical Laboratory Science in the Philippines and shall
ensure its continued growth and development at par with international standards of practice

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. Accredited Medical Laboratory Science Training Laboratory — refers to a clinical
laboratory duly licensed by the Department of Health and accredited as a training
laboratory for Medical Laboratory Science Program by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED).

b. Accredited Professional Organization — refers to any national professional
organization, whose membership is voluntary, and recognized and accredited by the
Professional Regulation Commission.



. Board ~ refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Laboratory Science
under the administrative supervision and control of the Professional Regulation
Commission.

|. Capillary puncture — a method of collection of blood sample from tiny blood vessels
called capillaries; also called skin puncture or prick puncture.

. Career Progression and Specialization (CPS) — refers to the process of developing
or moving towards a more advances state in a person’s job, title, position, or profession;
it outlines the route one may follow in order to reach identified career development
goals.

£ Commission — refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.

. Complex specimen collection — invasive, or that which can cause greater pain or
discomfort during sampling. It requires to be collected only by certified, trained
personnel. Such will include Arterial Blood puncture, biopsies and other tissue
sampling, fluid/discharge or drainage from inner and/or deeper body cavities and
anatomical sites. Post-specimen collection complication may expectedly result and
should be handled with greater precaution and care.

|. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) — refers to the inculcation of advanced
knowledge, skills and ethical values in post-licensure specialized or in inter-or
multidisciplinary field of study for assimilation into professional practice, self-directed
research and/or lifelong learning.

Code of Ethics — refers to a set of guidelines, standards, and principles to promote
professional behavior that are value — and compliance-based and relates to integrity,
professionalism, and social responsibility, as prescribed and promulgated by the Board,
in consultation with the duly accredited professional organization, with the approval of
the Professional Regulation Commission.

Medical Laboratory Aide - and undergraduate/non-degree level of
BSMLS/BSMT/BSPH Program or a Highschool! graduate belonging to the Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program in the Philippines.
He/she is allowed only to perform limited tasks in the laboratory after appropriate
training and under strict supervision of the MLS.

. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) — formerly referred to as Medical Technology,
refers to the healthcare profession that primarily provides professional services for the
purpose of aiding in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases, for public
health surveillance, and for the promotion of health in general. The profession provides
laboratory investigations on biological and non-biological specimens which have
impact on health, the results of which provide information to physicians or other health
professionals in relation to healthcare, research, forensics and other services related to
Medical Laboratory Science using emerging, converging or disrupting technologies, as
may be applied in the field and other related fields. This profession my also provide
professional services specifically laboratory-based investigations on animals for
purposes of animal care (treatments/management) and use (e.g. research).

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) — formerly referred to as Medical Technologist,
refers to the new name of the profession based on the globally-accepted nomenclature.
Helse is a holder of degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science or
Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and is duly licensed and registered with the
Professional Regulation Commission and therefore is allowed to practice Medical


Laboratory Science. The entry-level position is MLS-1 and the highest position is
MLS-5. The MLS is the only professional with sufficient competency and capability to
perform various scientific laboratory procedures following the laboratory process
cycle, ie., Pre-Analytical, Analytical and Post-Anatytical.

m. Medical Laboratory Technician — a holder of degree of Bachelor of Science in
Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) or as transitory provision, Bachelor of Science in
Medical Technology (BSMT) or BSPH who has not taken or passed the PRC licensure
examination but has undergone training to become a Certified Phlebotomist Level I or
allowed to perform pre-analytic specimen preparation procedures.

n. Phlebotomy — a method of collection of blood sample by drawing from a vein.

. Phlebotomist — a medical laboratory technician or a medical laboratory scientist who
is trained to perform capillary and venous blood collection (Certified Phlebotomist
Level I) or capillary, venous and arterial blood collection (Certified Phlebotomist Level
1).

p. Recognized School of Medical Laboratory Science — refers to a school, college or
university which offers a Bachelor’s degree program in Medical Laboratory Science
and Public Health approved by the Commission on Higher Education.

4. Specimen collection ~ refers to the process of obtaining a biological sample in any
form (blood, tissue, fluid, etc.) primarily from human but may also be obtained from
other source (animal or other organisms) for purposes of laboratory analysis. The
specimen collection shall be categorized as either simple of complex.

r. Simple specimen collection — non-invasive to minimally-invasive obtaining of

sample. It may be done through a guided instruction (written or verbal_or from where

the anatomical site of sampling is readily accessible to the specimen collector or will
expectedly bring minimal discomfort of pain (e.g. urine, phlegm, venous blood,
capillary blood, throat, nose).

‘Technical Panel for Medical Laboratory Science Education — refers the Technical

Panel for Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health Education organized under

the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

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SECTION 4. Areas and Scope of Practice of Medical Laboratory Science. — A person
is deemed to be in the practice of Medical Laboratory Science shall include the following:

For purposes of helping in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases in public
health surveillance, and in the promotion of health in general, such person with:

a. Performs, phlebotomy, simple or complex specimen collection procedures;

b. Performs examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and other
body fluids through electronic, chemical, microscopic, hematologic, serologic,
immunologic, nuclear, molecular, cytogenetic, parasitologic, bacteriologic mycologic,
virologic and many other laboratory procedures and techniques, either manual or
automated;

¢. Performs blood banking procedures and immune-hematologic techniques for
transfusion service;

4d. Performs histopathologic and cytologic techniques;

e. Performs processing, biobanking and preservation of specimens;


f. Teaches courses, train and supervises students in educational institutions with Medical
Laboratory Science programs; provided, that teaching of courses for licensure
examinations shall follow Section 11 of Republic Act No.8981, “PRC Modernization
Act of 2000;

g. Undertakes consultancy in clinical laboratory equipment planning and evaluation,
introduction and demonstration of new clinical laboratory methods, or troubleshooting
of laboratory tests and procedures where knowledge, skills and experience as Medical
Laboratory Scientist are required;

h. Performs drug testing and toxicology testing;

i. Performs research involving human beings, animals, plants or non-biological materials
which require the utilization of the knowledge and skills of a Medical Laboratory
Scientist;

Performs clinical laboratory quality control and quality assessments;

. Performs preparation and standardization of reagents, standards, stains or others;
Provided, that such reagents, standards, stains or others are exclusively for the use of
their clinical laboratory;

‘Serves as trainer/instructor of other MLS professionals and other laboratory personnel;

m. Provides other services where knowledge, skills and experience of a Medical
Laboratory Scientist are needed such as but not limited to: research, industry, animal
and plant laboratories requiring laboratory analyses and investigations;

nL May serve as owner/co-owner and/or director of the laboratory. Provided that, as
laboratory director, the MLS must have met the criteria and requirements for this
position,

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The performance of any of the foregoing activities by a registered and licensed Medical
Laboratory Scientist shall be without prejudice to all other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

The Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Laboratory Science, hereinafter created.
subject to the “Modernization Act of 2000”, and in consultation with the accredited professional
organization (APO), may modify the above-cnumerated acts, services, or activities, as the need
arises, in order to conform to the latest trends and developments in the practice of the Medical
Laboratory Science profession: Provided, that such modifications are consistent with the
enumerations above.

SECTION 5. Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Laboratory Science. - There
is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology under the Commission.
‘The Board shall be composed of Chairperson and four (4) Members, ail of whom are registered
Medical Laboratory Scientists who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory
Science/Bachelor of Science in Public Health. The Chairperson and Members of the Boards shall
be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines (‘President’) upon
recommendation of the Commission and shall serve for a term of three (3) years. The Chairperson
and the Members of the Board shall hold such office until their successors have been 196 appointed
and duly qualified.

For its recommendation, the Commission shall submit to the President a list containing five
(5) names from among a list of seven (7) nominees for each position recommended by the duly
accredited professional organizations of Medical Laboratory Scientists for appointment of the


Chairperson or any Member of the Board prior to the expiration of the term of the Chairperson or
any Member of the Board.

In case of death, disability or removal for cause of the Chairperson or any Member of the
Board, his successor shall only serve the balance of his term.

SECTION 6. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. — No
person shall be appointed as Chairperson or as a Member of the Board unless he is a duly registered
medical technologist, a natural born Filipino citizen and a resident of the Philippines within the
last five years at the time of nomination, and of good moral character. Provided, further, that the
Chairperson and the Members of the Board must not be an officer or director of the accredited
professional organizations at the time of their nomination.

‘The Chairperson must be at least forty (40) years of age and must have at least fifteen (15)
years of professional experience as a medical technologist and must be holding a position as
‘medical technologist in a continuous period of at least 5 years at the time of appointment, He must
be a holder of at least a health-related Master's degree, preferably a Master degree in Medical
Laboratory Science/MT.

The Members of the Board must be at least forty (40) years of age, must have at least ten
(10) years of professional experience as Medical Laboratory Scientist and holding a position as
Medical Laboratory Scientist in a continuous period of at least 5 years at the time of appointment
and preferably a holder of a health-related Master's degree. The Chairperson and Members of the
Board must not have any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, college, university
or conferring an academic degree necessary for admission to the practice of Medical Laboratory
Science or in any review center ; neither shall he/she be a member of the faculty or of the
administration thereof at the time of his/her appointment to the Board; nor shall he/she be a
member of the faculty/ administration in a Medical Laboratory Science School and reviewer in a
review center at the time of nomination.

SECTION 7. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. — The Chairperson and each
Member of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances equivalent to the being received
by the chairperson and members of the other professional regulatory boards under the Commission
as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Powers and Functions of the Board. —

Administer and implement the provisions of this Act;
. Regulate the profession in accordance with the professional regulatory Law;
Determine and prepare the questions for the licensure examination for Medical
Laboratory Scientists;
‘Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
Issue, suspend, revoke or reissue, reinstate certificates of registration and Special
Temporary Permits for the practice of Medical Laboratory Science;

into conditions affecting the practice of Medical Laboratory Science in the

pines and, whenever necessary, adopt such a measure that may be deemed proper

ese

9



for the maintenance of good ethics and standards in the practice of Medical Laboratory
Science;

g. Investigate cases arising from the violations of this Act, or of the rules and regulations
issued hereunder. For this purpose, the Board may issue subpoena and subpoena duces
tecum;

h. Draft such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions under
this Act;

i. Prescribe the qualifications and training of Medical Laboratory Scientists with regard
to special fields of the profession and to supervise their special examination to be
conducted by the Commission;

J. Prescribe and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Standards for
the Practice of Medical Laboratory Science, in consultation with the APO;

k. Issue guidelines on the CPD, through the CPD Council, with the approval of the
Commission; and

1. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Commission in accordance
with existing laws.

SECTION 9. Removal of Board Members. - Any member of the Board may, upon the
recommendation of the Commission after due process of law and investigation conducted by the
Commission, be suspended or removed by the President of the Philippines from office for cause
such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, crimes involving moral turpitude, and
manipulating of the licensure examination results, or disclosure of secret and confidential
information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination.

SECTION 10. Licensure Examination. — Except as otherwise specifically allowed under
the provisions of this Act, all applicants for registration as Medical Laboratory Scientist shall be
required to undergo a written examination which shall be given by the Board semi-annually in
such places as the Board may deem proper, subject to the approval of the Commission.

SECTION 11. Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examination. — An
applicant for the licensure examination for Medical Laboratory Scientist shall establish to the
satisfaction of the Board, that;

a. He/She is a citizen of the Philippines, or if he/she is a foreigner, must prove that the
country of which he/she is a subject or citizen thereof permits Filipino medical
technologists to practice within its territorial jurisdiction on the same basis as the
‘subjects or citizens of such country;

b. He/She is a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from a

CHED recognized school, college or university. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in

Public Health may be eligible if the completed degree program is similar to the Policies,

Standards and Guidelines for Medical Laboratory Science Education as approved by

CHED;

He/She is of good moral character; and

He/She must not have been finally convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude

by a competent court.

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SECTION 12. Scope of Examination for Medical Laboratory Science. - The scope of
examination for Medical Laboratory Science shall cover the following courses with their
respective relative weights:

Clinal Chemistry 20%
Microbiology and Parasitology 20%
Hematology 20%
Immunohematology (Blood Banking and Transfusion

Services) and Immunology and Serology 20%

Clinical Microscopy (Urinalysis and Other Body Fluids) 10%
Histopathologic, cytologic and cellular immunologic

Technique Laboratory Management, Medical Technology

Law, Related Laws and Code of Ethics 10%

The general average of each examinee shall be computed according to the above-
mentioned relative weights of each course. The Board may change, add to or remove from the list
of above courses or weights as progress in the Medical Laboratory Science may require, after
consultation with the accredited professional organizations and association of schools of Medical
Laboratory Science and upon approval of the Commission.

The schedule of courses for examination shall be prepared and submitted by the Board in
a manner prescribed by the Commission.

SECTION 13, Report on Rating. ~ The Board shall, after the date of completion of the
examination, report the result thereof for the approval of the Commission within such time limit
and guidelines that the Board and the Commission may set.

SECTION 14. Ratings in the Examination. — In order to pass the examination for
Medical Laboratory Science, a candidate must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five
(75%) in the written test, with no rating below fifty percent (50%) in any of the major courses.
Provided, that the candidate has not failed in at least sixty percent (60%) of the courses computed
according to their relative weights. There shall be unlimited number of repeat examinations for
those who failed the test.

SECTION 15. Oath. — All successful examinees qualified for registration shall be required
to take an oath of profession before any member of the Board or any representative of the Board
‘as authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of Medical
Laboratory Science in the Philippines.

SECTION 16. Issuance of Certificate of Registration. — Every applicant who has
satisfactorily passed the required examination for Medical Laboratory Science shall be issued a
Certificate of Registration as such. All certificates shall be signed by the Chairman and Members
of the Board and by the Chairperson of the Commission.

A Professional Identification Card shall at least bear minimum information such as the
registration number, date of issuance and expiry date, duly signed by the Chairperson of the


Commission. Other information such as qualifications of the applicant may be included upon the
approval of the Commission. The Professional Identification Card shall be renewed subject to
requirements prescribed by the Board and the Commission.

The Board shall refuse to issue a Certificate of Registration to any person convicted by a
court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or who has
committed immoral, dishonorable, or dishonest conduct, or is of unsound mind. In the event of the
Board's refusal to issue a Certificate of Registration, it shall issue a written statement to the
applicant setting forth the reason for its action. The statement issued by the Board shall be
incorporated in its records.

SECTION 17. Fees. — The fees to be paid by each applicant for the issuance of a new
Certificate of Registration, replacement ofa lost, destroyed or mutilated Certificate of Registration,
or issuance or replacement of the Professional Identification Card shall be in accordance with the
fees established by the Commission.

SECTION 18. Revocation or Suspension of Certificate of Registration. — The
revocation or suspension of a Certificate of Registration may only be made after the completion
of an administrative proceeding conducted by the hearing committee composed of at least one (1)
Member of the Board and one (1) legal officer. Provided, that the existing rules of evidence shall
be observed during the administrative proceeding. Provided further, that the person whose
Certificate of Registration is sought to be revoked or suspended shall be entitled to be represented
by counsel, to have a speedy, impartial and public proceeding, to confront the witnesses against
him and to all other rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

‘The Board may, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concerned, reprimand
an erring Medical Laboratory Scientist, revoke or suspend his Certificate of Registration for
violating any provision of this Act, any rules or regulations issued pursuant to this Act or for
unprofessional and unethical conduct, incompetence or ignorance, malpractice or negligence in
the practice of Medical Laboratory Science.

No penalty of revocation shall be imposed unless there is a unanimous vote of all the five
members of the Board. The Board may, by majority vote, impose the penalty of reprimand or
‘suspension. Provided that the suspension of the Certificate of Registration shall not exceed two (2)

years.

When the penalty of suspension or revocation is imposed by the Board, the Medical
Laboratory Scientist shail be required to surrender his Certificate of Registration within fifteen
(15) days after the decision becomes final. Should the Medical Laboratory Scientist fail. to
surrender his certificate of registration within said period without valid reason, the Board may
disqualify him perpetually from the practice of Medical Laboratory Science. The suspension shall
run from the date of such surrender.

SECTION 19. Appeal. — The revocation or suspension of a Certificate of Registration
made by the hearing committee may be appealed primarily and exclusively to the Commission.



The decision of the Commission may be elevated to the Court of Appeals in accordance with the
Rules of Court.

SECTION 20. Reissuance or Reinstatement of a Revoked or Suspended Certificate of
Registration. - The Board may reissue a revoked Certificate of Registration upon the application
of the medical laboratory scientist whose Certificate of Registration was revoked. Provided, that
the reissuance ofa revoked Certificate of Registration may only be made for proper and sufficient
reasons, Provided, further, that no revoked Certificate of Registration may be reissued within two
(2) years from the date of its surrender.

A suspended Certificate of Registration shall be reinstated upon request of the Medical
Laboratory Scientist after the expiration of the period of suspension.

The reissuance or reinstatement of the Certificate of Registration shall be without prejudice
to further actions by the Board for a violation of any provision of this Act, its implementing rules
r regulations or any condition imposed by the Board upon the medical technologist during the
period of revocation or suspension.

SECTION 21, Roster of Medical Laboratory Scientists. - A roster of Medical
Laboratory Scientists shall be prepared annually by the Professional Registry Division. This roster
shall contain the name of each registered medical laboratory scientist; the date of registration or
issuance of the Certificate of Registration and other pertinent data, as approved by the
Commission.

SECTION 22. Technical Panel for Medical Laboratory Science Education (TPMLSE)
or its equivalent. — The Technical Panel for Medical Laboratory Science Education under the 431
Commission on Higher Education shall be composed of the following members:

a. A representative from the Board;

b. The President of a PRC-accredited professional organization of Medical Laboratory
Scientist;

c. The President of the association of schools of Medical Laboratory Science;

d. Two representatives from clinical laboratory practice who are Chief Medical
Laboratory Scientists or at least holding a supervisory Medical Laboratory Scientist
position in a tertiary clinical laboratory; and

¢. Two representatives from academe who are Medical Laboratory Scientists holding
positions with management responsibility in an institution with Medical Laboratory
Science program.

The Commission on Higher Education shall provide secretariat and other support services
to the TPMLSE or its equivalent

SECTION 23. Responsibilities of TPMLSE or its equivalent. - The TPMLSE shall
assist the Commission on Higher Education in setting Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the
formal Medical Laboratory Science Programs, both undergraduate and post-graduate studies. It
shall serve as the Resource Persons for CHED.


SECTION 24. Medical Laboratory Science Education, — The Bachelor of Science in
Medical Laboratory Science program shall be at least four (4) years, as stipulated in the
Commission on Higher Education's Policies, Standards and Guidelines for Medical Laboratory
Science Education. Said program shall be composed of general education, core and professional
courses, and a satisfactory and duly approved internship program in CHED accredited training
laboratories.

SECTION 25. Accreditation of Schools of Medical Laboratory Science Education and
of Training Laboratories. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, implementing Rules
and Regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 26. Studies for Medical Laboratory Science Human Resource
Management. — The Board, in coordination with a PRC-accredited professional organization and
appropriate government and private agencies shall initiate, undertake and conduct studies on
health, human resources production, utilization or deployment and development.

SECTION 27. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Medical Laboratory
Science. The Board shall formulate guidelines for the implementation of Continuing Professional
Development for Medical Laboratory Science as approved by the Commission to ensure
sustainability, accessibility and affordability. CPD shall provide, promote and facilitate the
enhancement of competence and competencies towards delivery of quality, safe, updated, and
ethical services, both locally and globally. It shall also support Career Progression and
Specialization Program for Medical Laboratory Science. Provision of CPD Programs shall be
initiated by the government or by the employers in the case of private institutions. Likewise, CPD
programs shall be made available through platforms that are feasible, convenient and appropriate
to maximize learning opportunities. CPD may take in the form of short- or long-term studies,
trainings, workshops, seminars, conventions among others.

SECTION 28. Salary. - In order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to service,
and professionalism of Medical Laboratory Scientists, the minimum base pay entry of a medical
laboratory scientist (MLS-1) in public and private laboratories shall not be lower than the amount
equivalent to Salary Grade 15.

SECTION 29. Hazard Pay, Health and Safety and other Entitlements. - Medical
Laboratory Scientists working in either public or private healthcare institutions shall be entitled to
25% of the minimum basic pay as hazard pay; a working environment compliant to occupational
safety and health standards, including provision of personal equipment; and other non-wage
benefits such as availment of health services, including psychological and physical health services;
and support for professional needs such as but not limited to Continuing Professional Development
and Career Progression and Specialization and legal assistance where needed.

SECTION 30. Career Progression and Specialization (CPS) - The Board shall
formulate a Carcer Progression and Specialization Program for Medical Laboratory Science as
approved by the Commission. Examples of CPS include but are not limited to: Certifications as
Phlebotomist Levels I and II. Diplomate and Fellowship Programs shall serve as options for MLS


professionals who desire to specialize in Medical Laboratory Science (e.g. Organism based:
Bacteriology, Mycology; Disease-based: Malaria, TB; Area-based: Clinical Chemistry,
Hematology, Histopathology, etc.)

SECTION 31. Foreign Reciprocity - No foreigner shall be admitted to an examination,
be given a Cettificate of Registration or be entitled to a
unless the country or state of which he is a subject, or a citi
Scientists to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of said
country or state.

SECTION 32. Inhibition Against the Practice of Medical Laboratory Science. - No
person shall practice or offer to practice Medical Laboratory Science as defined in this Act without
previously obtained a valid certificate of registration from the Board provided that registration
shall not be required of the following:

a. Medical Laboratory Scientists from other countries called for specific consultation or
as visiting or exchange professors to colleges or universities or medical missions who
may be issued Special Temporary Permits (STPs): Provided, that their practice of
Medical Laboratory Science within the country is limited to their performance of the
said function and subject to other conditions as may be prescribed by the Board and the
Commission.

SECTION 33. Penal Provisions. - The following shall be punished by a fine of not less
than fifty thousand pesos (50,000) nor more than one hundred thousand pesos (100,000) or
imprisonment for not less than six (6) months nor more than (2) years, or both, at the discretion of
the court: Any person who shall practice Medical Laboratory Science in the Philippines without
being registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act:

a. Any Medical Laboratory Scientist who shall knowingly make a fraudulent laboratory
report;

b. Any person presenting or attempting to use as his own, the Certificate of Registration
of another;

¢. Any person who shall give any false or fraudulent evidence of any kind to the Board
or any member thereof in obtaining a Certificate of Registration as a Medical
Laboratory Scientists;

d. Any person who shall impersonate any registrant;

e. Any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended of Registration;

f Any person who shall, in connection with his name or otherwise, assume, use or
advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is a medical
technologist without holding a valid Certificate of Registration;

g. Any person or corporate body who shall allow non-registered Medical Laboratory
Scientist under his employ to engage in the practice of Medical Laboratory Science or
recommend the appointment of anyone to the position of a Medical Laboratory
Scientist while knowing that he is not registered as such; or

h. Any person or corporate body who shall violate any provision of this Act or any rules
or regulations issued pursuant to this Act.


SECTION 34. Enforcement of this Act. - It shall be the primary duty of the Commission
and Board to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. Any law enforcement agency and
officers, employees and agents 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 person violating the same.

SECTION 35. Funds. - The Chairperson of the Commission shall include in the
Commission's program the funding requirements for the implementation of this Act. Thereafter,
the amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act.

SECTION 36. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the Board and the Commission, in coordination with the accredited
professional organization, the Department of Health, the Department of Budget and Management
and other concemed agencies, shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations shall be published in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

SECTION 37. Transitory Provisions. — Upon the effectivity of this Act:

a. The Board shall discontinue the registration of Medical Technicians as provided for in
Section 21 of Republic Act No. 5527 Provided, that Medical Laboratory Technicians
registered under Republic Act No. 5527 shall maintain their status as registered
Medical Laboratory Technician after this Act has taken effect. Provided, further, that
registered Medical Laboratory Scientist occupying the position of a Medical
Laboratory Technician shall be accorded an appropriate position and be reclassified as.
a Medical Laboratory Scientist;

b. The incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Board shall continue to serve until the
first Board constituted under the provisions of this Act shall have been appointed and
duly qualified.

SECTION 38. Separability Clause. — Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.

SECTION 39. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act Nos. 5527 and 6138, Presidential
Decree Nos. 498 and 1534 are hereby repealed.

SECTION 40. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation and the Official Gazette.

Approved,