.. . 
. 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
s.B. No. 3190 
Introduced by SENATOR MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The promotion of health and general physical well-being, insofar as healthy hearing 
is concerned, is greatly neglected in our country. This is evidenced by the dearth of qualified 
audiologists and their non-recognition as a profession, leading to overseas migration of the 
few locally-trained audiologists to other countries where they are properly recognized. This 
is also paralleled by the proliferation of non-qualified and untrained persons performing 
audiological services detrimental to the health and well-being of our citizenry. 
In other countries, audiology is a well-established and recognized profession, with 
numerous educational and training programs in leading institutions. Only two formal training 
programs exist in the Philippines, with relatively low enrollment figures. Moreover, many 
graduates of these programs find employment overseas, where they gain the recognition 
they deserve. Unfortunately, unlike optometry in the field of vision, audiology is not 
recognized as a profession in the Philippines. 
This bill seeks to professionalize the practice of audiology in the Philippines, and 
create for this purpose a professional regulatory board of audiology. It also seeks to 
upgrade audiologic education and integrate audiologists and audiometricians in order to 
safeguard and enhance healthy hearing as a regular component of the primary health care 
system. Such a development will translate to better hearing for all, as the promotion of 
healthy hearing and diagnosis, treatment, habilitation and prevention of hearing impairment 
are holistically and professionally addressed. 
o 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 3190 
Introduced by SENATOR MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
'12 
f1AY -9 
/,,: 1 :10 
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PROFESSIONALIZING THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGY AND CREATING FOR THIS 
PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, UPGRADING AUDIOLOGIC EDUCATION, 
INTEGRATING AUDIOLOGISTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS 
1 
Section 1. Title. -
This Act shall be known and cited as the "Audiology Act of 
2 
2012." 
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of State Policy. -
The State recognizes the essential role of 
4 
audiology as a profession in safeguarding and enhancing the health and general physical 
5 
well-being of the citizenry. Audiologic services shall therefore be promoted as a regular 
6 
component of the primary health care system. 
7 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. -
As used in this Act, the following terms shall be 
8 
defined as follows: 
9 
(a) "Audiology" -
The science and art of hearing, whether normal or disordered, as a 
10 
fundamental component of human communicatory behavior; the development and 
11 
application of effective strategies leading to optimal use of sensory and oral expressive 
12 
skills in hearing-impaired children and adults; analyzing and evaluating the auditory function 
13 
through behavioral and physiologic tests; selecting, prescribing and dispensing hearing 
14 
aids, auditory assistive devices and their accessories and solutions, and similar appliances 
15 
and devices; using educational techniques to enhance visual perception of speech (speech 
16 
reading) and to improve auditory discrimination; developing and maintaining optimal speech 
17 
and voice skills; counseling regarding educational, social or vocational concerns that may 
18 
occur as a consequence of hearing impairment; and implementation of programs for 
19 
hearing conservation, and for the prevention of reduced auditory function; and other 
20 
preventive or corrective measures or procedures for the aid, correction, habilitation, 
21 
rehabilitation or relief of human hearing, or to attain optimum audition and comfort. 
22 
23 
(b) "Audiometry" -
The measurement of hearing, including many procedures and tests 
24 
used to define the type, degree, and communicative consequences of hearing loss; utilizing 
25 
clinical hearing tests to evaluate sensitivity and discrimination (acuity) aspects of audition; 
26 
including, but not limited to tone and speech audiometry based on behavioral responses, 


1 
electrophysiologic procedures, 
acoustic-immitance measures, 
loudness recruitment, 
2 
loudness adaptation, and tests of central auditory dysfunction. 
3 
4 
(c) "Audiologist" -
A natural person who, having satisfactorily completed an academic 
5 
program leading to at least a bachelor's degree in audiology or its equivalent or higher 
6 
degree, inclusive of at least 300 hours of supervised clinical experience, followed by the 
7 
equivalent of six months full-time professional experience under the supervision of a 
8 
certified audiologist, has passed the national Board Examination in Audiology administered 
9 
by the Board of Audiology, and has been granted a Certificate of Clinical Competence 
10 
(CCC) in audiology and registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as 
11 
being qualified to practice Audiology in the Philippines. 
12 
(d) "Audiologist in good standing" -
A registered audiologist who is authorized to 
13 
practice the profession in the Philippines by virtue of a valid certificate of registration and a 
14 
valid professional license issued by the PRC for the purpose. 
15 
(e) "Audiometrician" -
A natural person who has not satisfactorily completed an 
16 
academic program leading to a bachelor's degree in audiology or its equivalent; and has not 
17 
passed the national Board Examination in Audiology administered by the Board of 
18 
Audiology, but by virtue of accredited coursework and clinical experience has been 
19 
accredited by the Board of Audiology for the limited practice of Audiometry in the Philippines 
20 
under the supervision of an Audiologist in good standing. 
21 
(f) "Audiometrician in good standing" -
A qualified audiometrician who by virtue of a 
22 
valid certificate of accreditation in audiometry issued by the Board of Audiology for the 
23 
purpose is authorized in the limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines under the 
24 
supervision of an Audiologist in good standing. 
25 
(g) "Certificate of registration" -
A document signed by the Chair of the PRC and by all 
26 
members of the Board of Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an applicant who has 
27 
satisfied the requirements for the practice of audiology. It shall serve as proof that the 
28 
registrant is qualified to practice the respective professions in the Philippines. 
29 
30 
(h) "Professional license" -
A renewable card, issued by the PRC to a registered 
31 
audiologist, indicating that sfhe is competent and authorized to practice audiology in the 
32 
Philippines. Until the loss of its validity or its expiration, such license shall serve as evidence 
33 
that its bearer is an audiologist or audiometrician in good standing. 
34 
35 
(i) "Certificate of Accreditation" -
A document signed by all members of the Board of 
36 
Audiology and bearing its seal, issued to an applicant who has satisfied the requirements 
37 
for the limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines under the supervision of an 
38 
Audiologist in good standing. It shall serve as proof that the person is accredited for the 
39 
limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines under the supervision of an Audiologist in 
40 
good standing. 
41 
U) "Code of professional ethics" -
A set of standards relating to the conduct, integrity 
42 
and moral duties of audiologists, as prescribed by the Philippine Society of Audiology as the 
43 
duly integrated and accredited national organization of audiologists, and adopted and 
44 
promulgated by the Board of Audiology upon approval by the PRC. 
45 
ARTICLE II 
46 
THE PRACTICE OF AUDIOLOGY 
47 
Sec. 4. Acts Constituting the Practice of Audiology. -
Any of the following· acts 
48 
constitute the practice of Audiology: 


1 
(a) The analysis and evaluation of human auditory function through the employment of 
2 
clinical subjective (behavioral) and objective (physiologic) procedures and tests to measure 
3 
hearing and define the type, degree, and communicative consequences of hearing loss; 
4 
including the use of specific instruments, tools, equipment, implements, aids, apparatuses, 
5 
machines, exercises and related devices, for the purpose of determining the condition, 
6 
sensitivity and discrimination (acuity) of human hearing to correct and improve the same 
7 
when not medically or surgically treatable, in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) 
8 
hereof; 
9 
10 
(b) The selection, prescription and dispensing of hearing aids, auditory assistive devices 
11 
and their accessories and solutions, and supplies for the purpose of correcting and treating 
12 
defects, deficiencies and abnormalities of audition that are not medically or surgically 
'3 
treatable; 
14 
(c) The use of educational techniques to enhance visual perception of speech (speech 
15 
reading) and to improve auditory discrimination, developing and maintaining optimal speech 
16 
and voice skills; conduct of auditory exercises and hearing habilitation and rehabilitation, the 
17 
provision of other measures, devices and procedures to aid, correct, habilitate, rehabilitate 
18 
or relieve abnormalities of human audition and attain optimum audition and comfort except 
19 
those that should be medically or surgically provided; 
20 
(d) The counseling of patients regarding educational, social or vocational concerns that may 
21 
occur as a consequence of hearing impairment; and implementation of programs for 
22 
hearing conservation, and for the prevention of reduced auditory function; 
'B 
(e) The establishment of offices, clinics, and similar places where audiologic services are 
24 
offered; and 
,'5 
(f) The collection of professional fees for the performance of any of the acts mentioned in 
26 
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section, 
27 
Sec. 5. Prohibition Against the Unauthorized Practice of Audiology, -
No 
28 
person shall practice audiology as defined in Section 3 of this Act nor perform any of the 
29 
acts constituting the practice of audiology as set forth in Section 4 hereof, without having 
30 
been first admitted to the practice of this profession under the provisions of this Act and its 
31 
implementing rules and regulations: Provided, That this prohibition shall not apply to 
32 
regularly licensed and duly registered physicians who have received post-graduate training 
33 
in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders and ear diseases; Provided, however, 
34 
That the examination of the human ear and auditory apparatus by duly registered 
35 
physicians in connection with the physical examination of patients shall not be considered 
36 
as practice of audiology; Provided, further, That the evaluation and management of speech 
37 
and voice functions and dysfunctions by speech pathologists, therapists and phoniatrists 
38 
shall not be considered as the practice of audiology; Provided, further, That public health 
39 
workers and health care providers trained and involved in the government's "universal 
40 
newborn hearing screening program for the prevention, early diagnosis and intervention of 
41 
hearing loss" or Republic Act No, 9709 and other hearing conservation programs may 
42 
conduct only specific hearing acuity tests and hearing screening; Provided, further, That 
43 
audiometricians in good standing may only perform their limited duties and services under 
44 
supervision of an audiologist in good standing, 
45 
46 
Sec. 6. Disclosure of Authority to Practice, -
An audiologist shall be required to 
47 
indicate his or her professional license number and the date of its expiration in the 
48 
documents he or she issues or signs in connection with the practice of his or her profession, 
49 
S/he shall also display his or her certificate of registration in a conspicuous area of his or 
50 
her clinic or office, 
51 
52 
53 


1 
2 
ARTICLE III 
3 
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY 
4 
Sec. 7. The Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology. -
There is hereby 
5 
created a Professional Regulatory Board of Audiology, hereinafter referred to as the Board, 
6 
composed of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, 
7 
upon the recommendation of the PRC, from a list of ten (10) nominees submitted by the 
8 
duly integrated and accredited national organization of audiologists, the Philippine Society 
9 
of Audiology. 
10 
Sec. 8. Minimum Qualifications of Board Members. -
Only persons possessed 
11 
with the following qualifications may be nominated and appointed to the Board: 
12 
(a) A natural-born citizen of the Philippines; 
13 
14 
(b) A duly registered audiologist in good standing holding a valid Certificate of Registration; 
15 
Provided, That in the case of the first members of the Board of Audiology, they shall be 
16 
issued Certificates of Registration as Audiologists without prior examination; 
17 
(c) At least thirty-five (35) years of age at the time of his or her appointment; 
18 
(d) Of good moral character; and 
19 
(e) In active practice of the profession for at least ten (10) years prior to his or her 
20 
appointment: Provided, That for purposes of creating the initial Board, active practice of the 
21 
profession for at least five (5) years prior to his or her appointment will suffice: Provided, 
22 
a/so, That a person who is a member of the faculty, whether full time, part time or lecturer of 
23 
any school, college or university where a regular course in audiology is taught, or who has 
24 
any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in such an institution must forego his or her 
25 
membership in said faculty or relinquish his or her interests in said institution before or upon 
26 
taking his or her oath as a member of the Board: Provided, further, That an incumbent 
27 
officer of the Philippine Society of Audiology or any audiologic association is disqualified 
28 
from concurrently being appointed to or serving in the Board. 
29 
Sec. 9. Term of Office. -
The members of the Board shall hold office for a non-
30 
renewable term of five (5) years, starting on the date of appointment and until their 
31 
successors shall have been appointed: Provided, however, That the first appointees to the 
32 
Board shall hold office as follows: the chairperson for five (5) years and the four (4) other 
33 
members for fixed terms of four (4), three (3), two (2), and one (1) year/s, such that the term 
34 
of one member shall be due to expire every year. Thereafter, one member shall be 
35 
appointed for the full term every year and such member, in the last year of his or her term, 
36 
shall automatically become the chairperson of the Board. Vacancies brought about by 
37 
reasons other than expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term 
38 
only. 
39 
40 
Sec. 10. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. -
Any member of the 
41 
Board, after having been given the opportunity to defend himself or herself in a proper 
42 
administrative investigation conducted by the PRe, may be removed by the President of the 
43 
Philippines for neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, or unprofessional, unethical, 
44 
immoral or dishonorable conduct. During the process of investigation, the President of the 
45 
Philippines may suspend such member under investigation for a period of not more than 
;6 
sixty (60) days and appoint a temporary member in his place .. 
47 
Sec. 11. Compensation of Board Members. -
The members of the Board shall 
48 
each receive compensation in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Professional 
49 
Regulatory Commission. 


1 
Sec. 12. Functions and Powers of the Board. -
The Board is hereby vested with 
2 
authority to: 
3 
(a) Promulgate the rules and regulations for the practice of audiology, subject to the 
4 
approval of the PRC and in accordance with the provisions of this Act; 
5 
6 
(b) Administer and enforce the rules and regulations specified in the preceding sections; 
7 
(c) Determine, prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi and contents of, and questions for 
8 
licensure examinations, adopt measures to ensure the integrity thereof, correct and rate the 
9 
examination papers and submit the results thereof to the PRC; 
10 
(d) Formulate and oversee, in consultation and coordination with the PRC, guidelines for the 
11 
proper conduct of licensure examinations and the registration of audiologists as well as the 
12 
accreditation of audiometricians; 
13 
(e) Issue, suspend, revoke and reissue certificates of registration of qualified audiologists 
14 
and renew their professional licenses and issue, suspend, revoke and reissue certificates of 
15 
accreditation of audiometricians; 
16 
(f) Impose reasonable requirements and conditions, such as attendance in continuing 
17 
education activities and programs, for the renewal of an audiologist's license to practice and 
18 
for the purpose of upgrading the professional competence of audiologists and 
19 
audiometricians; 
20 
(g) Maintain a registry of audiologists and audiometricians in good standing; 
71 
(h) Adopt, promulgate and disseminate the Code of Ethics for the practice of audiology in 
22 
the Philippines; 
23 
(i) Administer oaths in connection with the implementation of this Act; 
24 
U) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against practitioners of 
25 
audiology for malpractice, unethical and unprofessional conduct, and violations of this Act or 
26 
its implementing rules and regulations, and in connection therewith, issue subpoena ad 
27 
testificandum and subpoena duces tecum and punish with contempt persons obstructing, 
28 
impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings; 
29 
(k) Conduct ocular inspections of establishments and/or premises where audiologic services 
30 
are offered to ascertain that professional standards are complied with; 
31 
(I) Upon application, to issue an order enjoining or abating the illegal practice of audiology 
32 
by unqualified persons; 
33 
(m) Impose fines and penalties, after due process and in accordance with the provision of 
34 
this Act, for causes provided for by law or by the rules and regulations promulgated therefor; 
35 
(n) Evaluate periodically the status of audiologic education and recommend and/or adopt 
36 
measures to upgrade and maintain its high standards; and 
37 
(p) Study the conditions affecting the practice of audiology in all parts of the Philippines, 
38 
and, whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the 
39 
maintenance of good ethics and high professional standards of audiologic practice. 
40 
Sec. 13. Quorum in Board Meetings. -
The attendance of three (3) members 
41 
shall 
constitute 
a 
quorum 
for 
the 
Board 
to 
offiCially 
transact 
business. 
42 


1 
Sec. 14. Votes Required in Administrative Cases. -
To render a decision in an 
2 
administrative case for unethical practice, malpractice, immorality, dishonesty, and related 
3 
charges affecting the professional fitness and integrity of an audiologist or audiometrician, 
4 
the vote of three (3) members must be obtained: Provided, That in case members are 
5 
disqualified to vote by virtue of their relation to or interest in any of the parties or voluntarily 
6 
inhibits themselves from participating in the proceedings, the Board shall designate, with the 
7 
approval of the Commission, an audiologist in good standing who is respected in the 
8 
audiologic community for their probity and integrity to sit in the Board, participate in the 
9 
proceedings and vote on the case. 
10 
Sec. 15. Supervision of the Board and Custody of its Records. -
The members 
11 
of the Board shall be under the general supervision of the PRC. All records, including 
12 
examination papers, examination results, minutes of deliberations, records of administrative 
13 
cases and investigation of the Board shall be kept by the said Commission. 
14 
Sec. 16. Annual Report. -
The Board shall, at the end of each calendar year, 
1.5 
submit to the Commission an annual report of its activities and proceedings during the year. 
16 
Other information or data may be requested by the Commission as often as may be 
17 
necessary and practicable. 
18 
19 
SECTION IV 
20 
THE AUDIOLOGY BOARD EXAMINATIONS 
21 
Sec. 17. Licensure Examination. -
Every applicant seeking to be registered as 
22 
an audiologist shall undergo an examination as provided in this Act. Examinations for the 
23 
practice of audiology or limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines shall be given by 
24 
the Board at least once every year in such places and dates as the PRC may designate. 
25 
Sec. 18. Scope of Examination. -
The Board of Audiology shall prescribe the 
26 
scope and prepare the contents of the licensure examinations. In the discharge of this 
n 
function, the Board shall take into account recent developments in audiology and 
28 
audiometry as well as the academic standards imposed by the Commission on Higher 
29 
Education on educational institutions which offer a course in audiology. 
30 
Sec. 19. Requirements for Examination of Applicants. -
To be eligible to take 
31 
the licensure examination in audiology, the applicant must be: 
32 
(a) A Filipino citizen; 
33 
34 
(b) Of good moral character; 
35 
(c) A holder of at least the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) 
36 
in Audiology or its equivalent or higher degree (such as Master in Clinical Audiology, 
37 
M.Clin.Aud.; Master of Audiology, M.Aud.; Doctor of Audiology, Au. D.; Doctor of Philosophy 
38 
in Audiology, PhD; or Doctor of Science in Audiology, D.Sc.) obtained from a school, 
39 
college, university or institution duly accredited or recognized by the government, with 
40 
coursework inclusive of the following minimum basiC subject areas: mathematics; human 
41 
biology; chemistry; biochemistry; physics; psychology; sociology; history, English and 
42 
Filipino; and the following Audiology Major Subject areas: anatomy and physiology of 
43 
speech and hearing; basic acoustics for speech and hearing; introduction to disorders of 
44 
speech and hearing processes (pathophysiology); introduction to audiology, hearing loss 
45 
and audiometry; normal speech and language acquisition and development; introduction to 
46 
language and communication disorders; psychology of language; clinical methods in 
47 
audiology; aural habilitation, rehabilitation and amplification; Philippine sign language; 
48 
audiology ethics and jurisprudence; audiology economics and practice management; 


1 
environmental and public health audiology; pediatric audiology; audiology practicum one 
2 
and two and audiology research methods. 
3 
Sec. 
20. Minimum Passing Level. -
In order that the candidate may be 
4 
considered to have successfully passed the examination, he or she must have obtained a 
5 
general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in all subjects, with no rating below 
6 
fifty percent (50%) in any subject. 
7 
8 
Sec. 21. Report of the Result of the Examination. -
The Board shall report the 
9 
ratings obtained by each candidate to the PRC within sixty (60) days after the last 
10 
examination day, unless extended by the Commission. The PRC shall cause the publication 
11 
of the names of successful candidates in alphabetical order, without the ratings obtained by 
12 
each, within sixty (60) days of the date the Commission receives the aforementioned report 
13 
from the Board. 
14 
Sec. 22. Additional Requirement for Reexamination. -
Any applicant who, for 
15 
the third time, fails to pass the board examination shall not be allowed to take the next 
16 
succeeding examination without submitting to the Board proof that he or she has taken a 
17 
refresher course in a duly accredited institute. 
18 
SECTION V 
19 
REGISTRATION AND LICENSURE OF AUDIOLOGISTS 
20 
Sec. 23. Oath of Audiologists. -
All successful examinees shall be required to 
21 
take their oath before the Board or before any person authorized to administer oaths prior to 
22 
the issuance of the certificate of registration: Provided, however, That the applicant is not 
23 
disqualified under any of the provisions of Section 24 hereof. 
24 
Sec. 24. Disqualification. -
The following applicants shall not be allowed to take 
25 
their oath as audiologists nor issued certificates of registration: 
26 
(a) Those who do not possess the qualifications set forth in Section 19 of this Act; 
27 
28 
(b) Those who fail to pass the Audiology Board licensure examination; 
29 
(c) Those who have been convicted by final judgment of any crime involving moral turpitude 
30 
by any court; 
31 
(d) Those who have been found guilty by the Board of immoral or dishonorable conduct; 
32 
and 
33 
(e) Those who have been declared to be of unsound mind. 
34 
Such fact of disqualification shall be communicated by the Board to the applicant by written 
35 
statement, which statement shall form part of the records of the Board. 
36 
37 
Sec. 25. Registration. -
The PRC shall register successful examinees who have 
38 
taken their oath and thereafter grant them professional licenses to practice audiology. The 
39 
certificate of registration shall be considered as evidence that the registrant is qualified to 
40 
practice audiology in the Philippines. 
41 
42 
Sec. 26. Registration Without Taking Licensure Examination. A person who 
43 
possesses the pertinent qualifications listed below pursuant to the provisions of this act 
44 
may be registered without examination: 
45 
(a) 
Was a doctoral, masters or bachelors degree holder in Audiology from a recognized 
'16 
institution with at least three (3) years of teaching Audiology courses and/or audiology 
47 
practice in the Philippines for the same period; or 


1 
(b) 
Was a PRC duly-registered Doctor of Medicine in the Philippines and fully certified 
2 
Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery with at least 
3 
five (5) years clinical experience in the practice of audiology in the Philippines; or 
4 
(c) 
Had passed at least eighteen (18) units of tertiary level (doctoral, masteral or 
5 
baccalaureate) courses in Audiology and had at least seven (7) years of clinical experience 
6 
in audiology. 
7 
Provided, That the applicant files with the Board within three (3) years after its creation, an 
8 
application for registration ,issuance of a Certificate of Registration and Professional 
9 
Identification Card by submitting credentials showing that the applicant was a member of 
10 
good standing in the Philippine Society of Audiology for three years before the effectively of 
11 
this Act 
12 
13 
Sec. 27. Accreditation. -
The Board of Audiology shall grant certificates of 
14 
accreditation for the limited practice aUdiometry to successful examinees. It shall serve as 
15 
proof that the person is accredited for the limited practice of audiometry in the Philippines 
16 
under the supervision of an Audiologist in good standing. 
17 
Sec. 28. Revocation of Certificates and Suspension of Professional Licenses. 
18 
-
The Board may, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concerned, revoke an 
19 
audiologist's certificate of registration or suspend his or her license to practice for any 
20 
unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, or violation of any of the provisions of this 
21 
Act or its rUles and regulations, or upon the conviction of the audiologist of a crime involving 
22 
moral turpitude. The same applies to an audiometrician's certificate of accreditation. 
23 
Sec. 29. Appeals. -
The revocation of a certificate or suspension of a professional 
24 
license by the Board shall become final unless appealed to the PRC within fifteen (15) days 
25 
from receipt of the decision. 
26 
Sec. 30. Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of Certificates. -
The 
27 
Board may, upon application and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate any 
28 
suspended certificate of registration or accreditation, or issue another certificate in lieu of 
29 
one previously revoked, and in so doing it may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from 
30 
taking another examination. 
31 
A new certificate to replace any certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued 
32 
subject to the rules that may be implemented by the Board. 
33 
Sec. 31. Renewal of Professional Licenses. -
All licenses shall be renewable 
34 
every three (3) years and shall be considered renewed only upon satisfying the 
35 
requirements imposed by the Board, such as attendance in continuing education programs 
36 
and payment of the corresponding fees as may be fixed by the Board in accordance with 
37 
the schedule of fees fixed by the PRC. 
38 
SECTION VI 
39 
AUDIOLOGIC EDUCATION 
40 
Sec. 32. The Technical Panel on Audiologic Education. -
To attain the 
41 
objective of upgrading Audiologic education in the Philippines, the Commission on Higher 
42 
Education, pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7722 shall, within sixty (60) days 
43 
after the approval of this Act, convene and organize a technical panel on audiologic 
44 
education. For this purpose, senior practitioners, specialists, academicians in the field of 
45 
audiology and a representative from the Philippine Society of Audiology as the accredited 
46 
national organization of audiologists shall be appointed and tapped to assist in the following: 
47 
(a) Setting a minimum standard curriculum for the study of audiology to be implemented in 
48 
all schools offering audiology as an undergraduate course and degree; 


1 
2 
(b) Establishing teaching standards, including the qualifications of members of the faculty 
3 
of schools and colleges of audiology. 
4 
(c) Monitoring the progress of the program on the study of audiology and undertaking 
5 
measures or the attainment of a high quality of audiologic education in the country; and 
6 
(d) Evaluating periodically the performance of educational institutions offering audiologic 
7 
education for the purpose of granting accreditation and incentives as well as for the 
8 
imposition of sanctions when warranted .. 
9 
SECTION VII 
10 
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES 
11 
Sec. 33. Prohibited Acts. -
The following acts are prohibited: 
12 
(a) Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or to any member thereof for 
13 
the purpose of obtaining a certification of registration or a professional license. 
14 
15 
(b) Assumption, use or advertisement by a person, not holding a valid certificate of 
16 
registration and a valid professional license in accordance with this Act, of a description, in 
17 
connection with his name or title, tending to convey the impression that he or she is a duly 
18 
registered audiologist. 
19 
(c) Any form of advertisement in media outlets giving information and impression to the 
20 
public that the particular audiologist is better than the others, is collecting lower professional 
n 
fees or selling cheaper hearing aids or devices; 
22 
(d) Engaging in unauthorized practice of audiology as defined in Section 5 of this Act; and 
23 
(g) Violation by any person, whether natural or juridical, of any of the provisions of this Act 
24 
and the rules and regulations promulgated for its effective implementation. 
25 
Sec. 34. Penal Provisions. -
The commission of any of the prohibited acts listed 
26 
in the immediately preceding section shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 
27 
one (1) year but not more than eight (8) years, or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand 
28 
pesos (P50, 000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.OO), or 
29 
both, at the discretion of the court. 
30 
31 
In addition, the administrative penalties specified in Section 27 hereof shall be 
32 
imposed whenever applicable.(Check does this refer to Section 28) 
~3 
If the violation is committed by an association, partnership, corporation or any other 
34 
institution, the managing officers and other persons responsible for its commission shall be 
35 
liable for the penalties provided for in this Act. 
36 
SECTION VIII 
37 
PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS 
38 
Sec. 35. Foreign Reciprocity. -
No foreigner shall be admitted to the audiology 
39 
board examinations unless he or she proves in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Court 
40 
that by specific provision of law, the country of which s/he is a citizen, subject or national, 
41 
either admits Filipino citizens to the practice of audiology without restriction, or allows them 
42 
to practice audiology after an examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with 
43 
citizens, subjects or nationals of said country, including the unconditional recognition of 
44 
prerequisite degrees prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education: Provided, 
45 
however, That the Board, upon approval by the PRC, may grant a special permit to a 


1 
foreign audiologist to practice the profession in this country whether or not reciprocity exists 
2 
between his or her country and the Philippines and under such conditions as may be 
3 
determined by the Board, if such foreigner is internationally known to be an outstanding 
4 
expert in the profession or a well-known specialist in any of its branches, and that his or her 
5 
services will promote the advancement of the profession in the Philippines. The Board is 
6 
also hereby authorized to prescribe, upon approval by the PRC, additional requirements or 
7 
grant certain privileges to foreigners, seeking registration in the Philippines if the same 
8 
privileges are granted to or some additional requirements are required of citizens of the 
9 
Philippines in acquiring the same certificate in his country. 
10 
Sec. 36. Rules and Regulations. -
The Board shall set professional standards for 
11 
the practice of audiology in the Philippines and adopt such rules and regulations as may be 
12 
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, subject to the approval of the PRe. Such 
13 
standards, rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in the 
14 
Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation. 
15 
Sec. 37. Integration of Audiologists. -
In order for every audiologist to contribute 
16 
to his or her profession and to bear his or her share of professional responsibilities, all 
".7 
audiologists shall be encouraged to join and be integrated into one national organization, 
18 
the Philippine Society of Audiology, which shall be recognized by the Board and the PRC. 
19 
Every audiologist, upon registration with the Board, may become a member of the 
20 
integrated national organization. Those who have been registered with the Board before the 
21 
effectivity of this Act may register as members of the integrated organization within three (3) 
22 
years after said effectivity. 
23 
Sec. 
38. Purposes. -
The integrated national organization of Audiologists-
24 
Philippine Society of Audiology shall promulgate the Code of Ethics for the practice of the 
25 
profession, define the professional responsibilities of its members, ensure adherence to 
26 
said professional ethics and responsibilities, improve the standards of the profession and 
27 
enable all audiologists to discharge their public responsibility more effectively. 
;J8 
Sec. 39. Membership Fees and Dues. -
All members shall be subject to the 
29 
payment of reasonable fees and dues for the effective discharge of the purposes of the 
30 
integrated national organization, the Philippine Society of Audiology. An audiologist shall 
.'1 
receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant to his or her membership only upon 
32 
payment of the required membership fees and dues. 
33 
Sec. 40. Other Organizations. -
The integration of audiologists into one national 
34 
organization - the Philippine Society of Audiology, shall not prohibit the creation of other 
35 
associations of audiologists organized by individual audiologists themselves. 
36 
Sec. 41. Code of Professional Ethics. -
The Board shall adopt the Professional 
37 
Code of Ethics promulgated by the integrated national organization of audiologists- the 
38 
Philippine Society of Audiology: Provided, that such Code provides that it is the duty of an 
39 
audiologist to: 
40 
(a) Consider as his or her primary responsibility the auditory welfare of the public; 
41 
42 
(b) Promote the best possible standards of professional care; 
<13 
(c) Enhance continuously his or her theoretical and practical proficiency; 
44 
(d) Render his or her services with equal diligence to all, regardless of race, creed or status; 
45 
(e) Respect the confidential nature of information concerning those he or she serves; and 
46 
(f) Refer for medical or other professional attention where the need is indicated. 


1 
The Board shall also distribute the Code of Ethics of the Audiologic Profession in the 
2 
Philippines 
to 
all 
new 
audiologists 
during 
their 
oathtaking. 
3 
4 
Any act or omission which violates this Code shall be considered as unethical conduct and 
5 
shall be suspended or prohibited from the practice of audiology, in accordance with Section 
6 
27 of this Act. .(Check does this refer to Section 28) 
7 
8 
SECTION IX 
9 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
-:'0 
Sec. 42. Funding Provisions.- The Chairperson of the Commission shall include in 
11 
the Commission's Programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
12 
included in the General Appropriations Act. 
13 
Sec. 43. Assistance of Law Enforcement Agency. - Any law enforcement agency 
14 
shall, upon call or request of the Commission or the Board, render assistance in enforcing 
15 
this Act, including all the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by prosecuting the 
16 
violators thereof in accordance with law and the Rules of Court. 
17 
18 
Sec. 44. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the 
19 
effectivity of this Act, 
20 
Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Board shall promulgate the 
21 
necessary rules and regulations, in coordination with the integrated and accredited 
~2 
professional organization (the Philippine Society of Audiology), to implement the provisions 
23 
of this Act, which shall be effective after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the 
24 
Official Gazette or two Philippine newspapers of general circulation. 
25 
Sec. 45. Separability Clause. -
If any provision of this Act or the application of 
26 
such provision to any person or circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the 
27 
remainder of this Act or the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstance 
28 
shall not be affected by such declaration. 
29 
Sec. 46. Repealing Clause. -
This Act repeals and supersedes all other acts, 
30 
executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
31 
this Act, which are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
32 
Sec. 47. Effectivity Clause. -
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
33 
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
34 
.'5 
36 
37 
Approved, 
38