Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO6489

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A student's health condition affects his or her ability to learn, It is a known fact that
children with unmet health needs have a difficult time learning in school. Unfortunately,
the number of students with special health care needs and chronic conditions has
increased over the past decade. Thus, it is of utmost importance that Filipino students have
access to basic health care services in their schools.

This bill directs the Department of Education to employ at least one registered
nurse in every public school in the country. The assigned school nurse shall help ensure the
learning success of students by providing basic health care services and relevant
knowledge on wellness, hygiene, sanitation, and other health safety measures to students.

To ensure the holistic academic development of our students, the passage of this bill
is earnestly sought.

LFREDO D. VARGAS IIL


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House pio, 6489

Introduced by Congressman Alfredo D. Vargas III

AN ACT
ASSIGNING ONE REGISTERED NURSE FOR EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE
PHILIPPINES

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

Section 1. Short Title, - This Act shall be known as the “Nurse in Every Public
School Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. In
particular, the State shall provide comprehensive health care services for the children and
the youth, in order to nurture healthy and productive citizens. Towards this end, it is
further declared to be the policy of the state to give due recognition to the important role
and contributions of registered nurses who promote the rights and welfare of and provide
vital health services to our people.

Section 3, Employment of Nurses in Public Schools. - The Department of
Education, in coordination with the Department of Health and other concerned agencies,
shall be mandated to employ at least one (1) registered nurse in every public school for the
purpose of improving the delivery of public health care services and providing relevant and
timely education on wellness, hygiene, sanitation and other health safety measures to
public school students, while providing gainful employment to registered nurses and
utilizing their professional competencies.

Section 4. Recruitment, Selection, and Training. - The Department of Education
shall secure the assistance of the Department of Health in recruiting, selecting, and training,
the registered nurses employed by public schools to ensure their capability in addressing
the public health and wellness concerns of the students.

For this purpose, the Department of Health is hereby mandated to issue guidelines
setting the qualifications of nurses to be deployed to public schools and to develop a


module for the relevant training of these nurses. The guidelines to be set shall in no case
discriminate against the hiring of fresh graduates or newly passed registered nurses.

Section 5. Minimum Qualification of Nurses, - Nurses engaged under this Act shall
have the following minimum qualifications: must have a valid RN license issued by the
Professional Regulatory Commission; must be willing to relocate to the assigned area for a
designated period; and must have passion for public health.

Section 6. Stipend. - Nurses employed under this Act shall be entitled to a monthly
stipend equal to Salary Grade 15, consistent with the mandatory minimum entry-level pay
for government nurses under Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as the Philippine
Nursing Act of 2002.

Section 7, Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the initial
implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the current budget of the Department of
Education. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of
this Act shall be included in the succeeding General Appropriations Act.

Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty days (60) from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education and the Department of Health shall
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations, as may be necessary to ensure the
effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

Section 9. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is subsequently
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive
orders, issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof which
are contrary to and inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 11. Effectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation,

Approved,