SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. NO.i2 3 '7 
>13 
~UG -1 !\1G:09 
IU;C l; . 
. 
, 
:.D IW:f-' J 
---------------------------------------------------
Introduced by SENATOR FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. 
------------------------------------------.,--------- ., ..... 
Explanatory Note 
This piece of legislation proposes some areas of reform to the nursing 
profession. 
To enhance the important contribution of nurses in our country, it is 
proposed that the role of the nurses go beyond the general practice, and 
instead include specialized, expanded, and advanced nursing care services. 
Screening through an entrance exam will restrict enrolment into nursing 
courses. 
Aside from the required general average of 75% for the Nursing 
Licensure Examination, a nursing graduate is allowed to take the said board 
examinations for a maximum of 3 chances. Anybody who failed the exam twice 
would be required to take a refresher course before being allowed to take the 
board for the third and final time. 
Higher educational requirements are likewise required for deans and 
faculty members of nursing schools in order to complete the desired reform in the 
profession. 
This proposed law furthermore prohibits volunteer service of nurses in any 
health institutions in order to address the numerous complaints that some health 
institutions require new nurses to pay fees, under the guise of training, when they 
work there to gain experience. 
The 
National Nursing Career Progression Program 
is 
also hereby 
institutionalized in order to obtain the highest level of standards for the Philippine 
Nursing workforce for in-country and global responsiveness and relevance. 
Nursing is one of the most sought after professions, not only in the country, 
but elsewhere in the world. 
The Philippines takes pride in producing quality 
nurses who selflessly offer their indefatigable services not only to their 
countrymen, but also to citizens of other countries worldwide. It is therefore, 
imperative that we continue to open the windows of improvement into this 
noble profession, and be instrument of a healthy and wholesome society. 
Early approval of this bill is hereby earnestly requested. 
FERDINA 
R. M~RCOS, JR 


..ienatt 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
lI)fll;, "f til' >m.Io'1 
"13 
AUG -7 A10:09 
SENATE 
• 
SENATE BILL NO. 1237 
, 
RECti:: '; Ff) In:-
.Iv-
1 
Introduced by Senator FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. 
U 
AN ACT INSTITUTING REFORMS TO FURTHER PROTECT AND DEVELOP THE NURSING 
PROFESSION, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED NINETY-ONE 
HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PHILIPINE NURSING ACT OF 2002." 
ARTICLE I 
TITLE 
Section 1.Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Nursing 
Practice Reform Act of 20 13. " 
ARTICLE II 
DECLARATION OF POLICY 
Section 2. Dec/oration of Policy. Public health safety demands a high level 
of competency among Filipino nurses. It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to guarantee universal access to the delivery of basic quality health 
services through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country. 
The State recognizes nurses as prime movers of national development and 
contributors to intemational cooperation and understanding. As such, the State 
assumes responsibility for the protection, improvement and development of the 
nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant and quality 
nursing practice, humane working conditions, better 'career prospects, and a 
dignified existence for nurses to ensure high level of well ness and well-being. 
ARTICLE III 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
Section 3. For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby defined: 
(a) Nurse - As provided for in this law, a nurse shall refer to a Bachelor of 
Science in Nursing graduate, licensed/registered in the roster of 
profeSSionals of the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), to practice 
the profeSSion of Nursing. The nurse may also be referred to as Professional 
Nurse, Registered Nurse, Professional Registered Nurse, or R.N.; 
(b) Professional Regulation CommissIon (PRC) -
is the govemment agency 
described under Republic No. 8981 or as may hereafter be amended or 
repealed and shall effectively be referred to in this law as "the 
Commission"; 
(c) Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing (PRBON) - is the administrative 
body created by law to supervise and regulate the practice of the nursing 
profeSSion in the Philippines. As such, the PRBON shall be the ultimate 
authority in the practice of the profession in the Philippines and shall 
hereinafter be referred to as the Board; 
(d) Accredited Professional Organization (APO) - a professional organization 
of nurses duly accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission as 
per R.A. No. 8981, hereinafter referred to as APO; 


(e) Public Health Institution -
any government-led, owned or controlled 
institutions which pursues and realizes the lofty goals and objectives of 
providing/managing safe, efficient. effective and quality public health 
programs and services and advocacies for health, in all levels of the 
Health Care Delivery System (HCDS - national to local) which include 
among others: Rural Health Units (RHUs/Barangay Health Centers); 
Research Facilities e.g. Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, etc.; 
Training Resource Facilities e.g. the U.P. College of Public Health and state 
or Local Colleges and/or Universities offering Health-Related Programs; the 
Department of Health and all retained Health Facilities, and the like; 
(f) Ceriificaiion/Credentlaling - a process undertaken by an individual nurse 
to be recognized to practice in a specifically defined professional tract 
i.e. General Nursing, Nursing Specialty/Advanced Practice, Nursing 
Education, and Leadership and Governance. The board confers the 
certification 
or credential 
after a 
validation 
process 
based on 
promulgated guidelines and mechanisms. 
(g) Commission on Higher Education (CHEO) -
the government agency 
created to lead, promote, and regulate "Higher/Tertiary Education" in the 
Philippines created under Republic Act No. 7722, hereinafter referred to as 
CHED. 
(h) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) -
refers to the tertiary/higher 
education program which provides graduates with a Baccalaureate 
Nursing Degree and shall hereinafter be referred to as BSN. This program is 
effectively promulgated under enabling Policies, 
Standards, 
and 
Guidelines (PSG) issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
ARTICLE IV - Scope of Nursing 
Section 4. Scope of Nursing Practice. A person shall be deemed to be 
practicing nursing within the meaning of this Act. when singly or in collaboration 
with another, with compensation or a fee, the person assumes any or all of the 
three ROLES: (1) provider of direct client care, (2) manager and leader, and (3) 
researcher. Clients inciude individuals with varying age groups, gender and with 
varied health-illness status, families, population groups, and communities in any 
health care setting. Nursing encompasses care of ciients in the various stages of 
human growth and development which covers conception, labor, delivery, 
infancy, childhood, toddler, preschool. school age, adolescence, adulthood, 
and old age. 
Nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and 
prevention of illness. As members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate 
with other health care providers for the promotive, preventive, curative and 
rehabilitative aspects of care, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and 
when recovery is not possible, provide end-of-life care. 
In performing independent and collaborative functions, it shall be the duty of 
the nurse to: 
(a) provide nursing care through the utilization of the nursing process. Basic 
nursing care is holistic care which includes but not limited to the provision 
of physiologic, psycho-social. emotional. and· spiritual care. This shall 
comprise any or combination of essential primary health care, the 
application of traditional and innovative approaches, therapeutic use of 
self, rendering health care techniques and procedures, safety and comfort 
measures, health education, health counseling, and administration of 
written prescription for treatment, therapies, oral. topical and parenteral 
medications, perform peripartal care covering pre-intra-postpartum care 
including the performance of internal examination during labor in the 


absence of antenatal bleeding, attend to normal delivery and suturing of 
perineal laceration and immediate care of the newborn; perform 
perioperative care covering pre-intra-post surgical care interventions; care 
during emergency and disasters; and end-of-life care; 
(b) provide specialized, expanded, and advanced nursing care based on 
standards promulgated by the Board; 
(c) establish linkages, collaborate with community resources and coordinate 
with the health team in any health care setting; 
(d) provide health education and health counseling to empower individuals, 
families, population groups and communities to maintain, attain, restore 
and sustain optimal health and quality of life; 
(e) teach, guide and supervise stUdents in nursing education programs 
including the administration of nursing services in varied settings such as 
hospitals, clinics, and other health industry settings where the practice of 
the nursing profession exists; 
(f) undertake consultation services and engage in such services that require 
the utilization of knowledge and decision-making skills of a Nurse; 
(g) supervise nursing and ancillary nursing personnel in the delivery of safe 
and quality health care services in varied settings; 
(h) maintain competence by adhering to the national nursing core 
competency standards (NNCCS) and engaging in Continuing Professional 
Development (CPD) and lifelong learning within the context of the national 
nursing career progression program (NNCPP); 
(i) observe at all times, the Code of Ethics for Nurses promulgated by the 
Board, uphold the standards of safe and quality nursing practice, and 
demonstrate responsible citizenship; 
OJ Undertake nursing and health human resource development, training, and 
research 
for continuous quality improvement and evidence-based 
practice. 
Section 4-A, Nursing Service - refers to the healthcare services provided by 
nurses in accordance with Article IV, Section 4 hereof and adheres to the core 
competency standards prescribed by the Board. Nursing Services include 
provision of beginning, specialized, expanded, and/or advanced practice of 
nursing including nursing management in various health care industry settings 
such as institutions (hospitals, clinics, schools, or companies, public health 
institutions, etc.) or communities where the competencies of a nurse are 
required. 
(A) General Nursing Practice - is the provision, by nurses, of safe, holistic, 
and quality care to individuals, families, population groups, or 
communities, independently, or collaboratively or as part of the 
healthcare team, who will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate 
evidence-based care provided to clients; 
The nurse shall possess the following minimum qualifications: 
(1) Graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a 
college or university duly recognized by the CHED; 
(2) Possess a certificate of registration and current professional 
identification card issued by the Commission; 
(3) Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit to practice nursing; 
(4) Not convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude; and 
(5) A member of the APO for nurses. 
(8) Advanced Nursing Practice - is the provision, by nurses, of safe, holistic, 
and quality care to individuals, families, population groups, or 
communities requiring advanced or higher level competencies in the 


delivery of health care services independently or collaboratively or as 
part of the healthcare team. 
Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) are nurses with the following 
qualifications 
over and 
above 
the 
General 
Practice 
Nurse 
requirements: 
(1) A graduate with relevant master's degree from a university duly 
recognized by the CHED; 
(2) Certified/credentialed based on standards promulgated by the 
Board; 
(3) Demonstrate the requisite experience in the field of 
specialization/advance practice. 
(4) Member of the APO and the appropriate PRBON-Recognized 
Specialty 
Nursing 
Organization 
relevant 
to 
one's 
specialty/advance practice; 
(C) Nursing Service Management -
refers to the Management and 
Administration of Nursing Services by Nurses equipped with the 
necessary 
competencies 
on 
governance 
and 
leadership 
characterized to wit: 
(1) First Level Manager, who takes responsibility directly for the 
physical setup of the unit. structure, and other human resources for 
healthcare provision; 
(2) Middle Level Manager, is responsible for the department or section 
handling more than one or two units, takes care of the financial. 
logistics, operational functions and others; 
(3) Top Level Manager, oversees all nursing units in terms of financial 
and human resource-requirements for health such as nurses and 
nursing assistances/adjuncts. 
Nursing Service Managers are nurses with the following qualifications 
over and above the General Practice Nurse requirements: 
(1) For first level managerial position in nursing - 18 units of nursing 
management and clinical subjects in the Master of Arts/Master of 
Science in Nursing, at least three (3) years of clinical/work 
experience, and participated in at least one (1) research project to 
improve quality of care.; 
(2) For middle level managerial position in nursing -
Masters 
Degree in Nursing and at least three (3) years of clinical/work 
experience, two (2) years of management experience, and 
initiated at least one (1) research project to improve quality of 
care; 
(3) For top level managerial position in nursing - Masters Degree in 
Nursing and at least three (3) years of clinical/work experience 
and five (5) years of management experience; and initiated at 
least two (2) research projects to improve quality of care; 
(4) In all managerial positions - present the necessary Certificate of 
Proficiency (COP) from the Board in observance of the Nursing 
Leadership 
and 
Governance 
Certification 
Program 
(Nurse 
Administrator I, 
Nurse Administrator II, Nursing Administration 
Specialist); 
(5) Must be a member of good 
standing of the Accredited 
Professional Organization (APO) and the appropriate PRBON-
Recognized 
Nursing 
organization relevant to one's Nursing 
Management and Leadership Practice. 


The 
above qualifications shall apply to all nurses 
occupying 
managerial positions across all health facilities. 
Section 4- B. Nursing Education - refers to the formal leaming and training 
in the science and art of nursing provided by higher education institutions (HEls) 
duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
(A) 
Baccalaureate Nursing Program-refers to the nursing education 
program which envisions providing sound liberal and professional 
education and equips basic nursing students with the necessary 
competencies for entry-level safe and quality nursing practice. 
Admission to the baccalaureate nursing program shall require passing 
a National Nursing Admission Test (NNAT). 
The Curriculum and the Related Leaming Experiences (RLE) shall be in 
accordance with the National Nursing Core Competency Standards 
promulgated by the Board and implemented through the Policies, 
Standards and Guidelines (PSG) of the Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED), 
(8) 
Graduate 
Nursing 
Education 
Program-refers 
to 
the 
post 
baccalaureate nursing program which builds on the experiences and 
skills of a nurse towards mastery, expertise, and leadership in practice, 
research, and education. 
It includes a master's degree and 
doctorate degree in nursing founded on the philosophies, scientific 
body of knowledge and practice. 
Graduate Nursing Education Programs and post-graduate courses 
shall 
be offered only in 
colleges with 
Level 
III 
Accredited 
Baccalaureate Nursing Programs in accordance with Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED) Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSG) on 
Graduate Education. 
(C) Qualification of Faculty Members. 
(1) For Baccalaureate Nursing Education - A faculty member in a 
college of nursing, teaching professional courses must: 
(a) 
be a holder of a certificate of registration and a current 
identification card issued by the Commission; 
(b) have at least three (3) years of clinical practice in a field of 
specialization; 
(c) a member of good standing in the APO of nurses; 
(d) a holder of a master's degree in nursing education or other allied 
health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized 
by the Commission on Higher Education; 
(e) present the necessary Certificate of Proficiency (COP) from the 
Board in observance of the Nursing Education Certification Program. 
(2) For Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Education 
(a) a faculty member teaching Post-Baccalaureate courses must 
follow prescriptions (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) above; and 
(b) a nurse teaching "professional courses" should preferably 
be one (1 ) academic degree higher conferred by a 
college or university duly recognized by the Commission 
on Higher Education. 


(D) Qualification of the Dean- the Dean of the Baccalaureate Nursing 
Program must: 
(1) a holder of a master's degree in nursing. 
(2) a nurse in the Philippines and a holder of a certificate of 
registration and a current professional identification card issued by 
the Commission. 
(3) 
have at least three (3) years of clinical practice in a field of 
specialization. 
(4) have at least three (3) years of nursing education program 
management experience or three (3) years of management in any 
health-related institution. 
(5) undergo progressive training for deans according to set standards 
and 
possess the necessary COP by the Board in keeping with a 
Nursing Education Certification Program. 
In addition to the requirements for the dean of the Baccalaureate 
Nursing Program, the dean of a Graduate Nursing Program must be a 
holder of a doctorate degree in nursing conferred by a College of 
University duly recognized by the CHED. 
ARTICLE V 
Organization of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing 
Section 5. Creation and Composition of the Board. There shall be created 
a Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing (PRBON), referred to as the Board, to 
be composed of a Chairperson and six (6) members. They shall be appointed by 
the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among three (3) 
recommendees per vacancy by the Commission, chosen and ranked from a list 
of five (5) nominees per vacancy by the APO of nurses in the Philippines and who 
possess the qualifications prescribed in Section 6 of this Act. 
Section 6. 
Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. 
The Chairperson and members of the Board shall, at the time of their 
appointment possess the following qualifications: 
(1) Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines for the last five (5) 
years; 
(2) Be a member of good standing of the APO of nurses; 
(3) Be a nurse in the Philippines and a holder of a. certificate of registration 
and a current professional identification card issued by the Commission; 
(4) Be a holder of a master's degree in nursing and preferably with a 
doctorate degree conferred by a college or university duly recognized by 
the CHED; 
(5) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the nursing 
profession prior to appointment, Provided, however, that the last five (5) 
years shall be in the Philippines; and 
(6) Not convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude; 
The membership to the Board shall represent the three (3) major areas of 
nursing. namely: Nursing Education, Nursing Service, and Community Health 
Nursing. 
Section 7. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of 
Nursing. 
Any person appointed as Chairperson or member of the Board shall 
immediately resign from any position in any school, college, university or 
institutions offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or review program for the 
Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination or training hospitals or health facilities with 
nursing affiliates. 
An appointee shall not have any pecuniary interest in or 


administrative supervision over any institutions offering Bachelor of Science in 
Nursing including review classes. 
Section 8. Term of Office. The Chairperson and members of the board 
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successors shall have 
been appointed and qualified: Provided, That the Chairperson and members of 
the board may be reappointed for another term or a maximum of six [6) years. 
Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a member shall be 
filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board shall 
take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of duties. 
The incumbent chairperson and members of the Board shall continue to 
serve for the remainder of their term under Republic Act No. 9173 or the 
"Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" until their replacements have been appointed 
by the President and shall have been duly qualified. 
. 
. 
Section 9. 
Compensation. The chairperson and members of the Board 
shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to the compensation 
and allowances received by the chairperson and members of other professional 
regulatory boards. 
Section 10. 
Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its 
Records, Secretariat and Support Services. The Board shall be under the 
administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including 
applications for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases 
conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission. The 
Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the 
secretariat and other support services to implement the prOVisions of this Act. 
Section 11. Powers and Duties ofthe Board. The Board shall supervise and 
regulate the practice of the nursing profession and shall have the following 
powers, duties and functions: 
[a) Ensure the proper conduct of the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination 
(PNLE) considering the processes and systems of the PRe, which include, 
but not limited to application, test development, examination, correction 
and release of results. 
The use of appropriate technology/modalities 
during the conduct of the PNLE is encouraged to enhance efficiency 
while upholding integrity; 
[b) Issue, suspend, revoke or reissue certificates of registration for the practice 
of nursing and ensure the widest publication through electronic and 
written media; 
[c) Enforce and monitor safe and quality standards of nursing practice in the 
Philippines and exercise the powers necessary to ensure the maintenance 
of efficient, ethico-moral, technical and professional standards in the 
practice of nursing towards optimal health and the common good of the 
nation; 
(d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining and monitoring higher 
education institutions [HEls) offering nUrsing programs and those seeking 
permission to open nursing courses to ensure that the NNCCS are properly 
complied with and maintained at all times. The authority to open and 
close nursing education programs offered by HEI, shall be vested on the 
CHED, subject to nursing practice standards set by the Board; 
[e) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against 
actively practicing nurses for unethical and. unprofessional conduct and 
violations of this Act, or its rules and regulations and in connection 
therewith, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum 


to require the appearance of respondents and witnesses and the 
production 
of documents and 
penalize with contempt persons 
obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of 
such proceedings, upon application with the Board or the Commission; 
(f) Promulgate a Code of Ethics that is responsive to the needs of the nursing 
profession in coordination with the APO of nurses within one (1) year from 
the effectivity of this Act 
(g) Institute and regulate the National Nursing Career Progression Program 
(NNCCP) 
in 
nursing 
to 
ensure 
quality 
continuing 
professional 
development of Filipino nurses, recognize specialty nursing organizations, 
create the Council for Nursing 
Advancement, Recognition, and 
Specialization as well as the various Nursing Specialty Boards to assist the 
Board for this purpose; 
(h) Make decisions to influence authorities/agencies on matters that directly 
affect nurses' welfare; 
(i) Ensure performance of mandated duties and functions with the provision 
of operational resources including human resource, physical space and 
budget to ensure the confidentiality and sanctity of their functions as 
provided through the annual budget of the Commission as promulgated 
in the General Appropriations Act; 
(j) Source and utilize funds earmarked for national nursing development; and 
(k) Prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures 
and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of nursing 
practice, advancement of the profession, and for the proper and full 
enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval by 
Commission. 
Section 12. Annual Report. The Board shall, at the close of its calendar 
year, submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines through the 
Commission 
giving 
a 
detailed account of its 
proceedings 
and 
the 
accomplishments during the year and making recommendations for the 
adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve the conditions affecting 
the practice of the nursing profession. 
Section 13. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. The President may 
remove or suspend any member of the Board, after due process, on the 
following grounds: 
(a) continued neglect of duty or incompetence; 
(b) commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examination; 
and 
(c) unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conduct. 
Article VI 
Examination and Registration 
Section 14. Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE). All applicants 
for certification of registration to practice nursing shall be required to pass a 
written examination, which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates 
as may be designated by the Commission: Provided, That it shall be in 
accordance with existing PRC law. 
Section 15. Qualifications for Admission fo the PNLE. In order to be 
admitted to the examination for nurses, an applicant, from the time of 
graduation, must file immediately an application and establish to the satisfaction 
of the Board that the applicant is: 


(a) 
a citizen of the Philippines, or a citizen or subject of a 
country which permits Filipino nurses to practice within its territorial 
limits on the same basis as the subject or citizen of such country; 
Provided, That the requirements for the registration or licensing of 
nurses in said countries are substantially the same as those 
prescribed in this Act; 
(b) 
of good moral character; and 
(c) 
a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a 
college or university that complies with the standards of 
nursing education duly recognized by the CHED. 
Section 16, Scope of Examination. The scope of examination for the 
practice of nursing shall be determined by the Board taking into consideration 
the core competencies required of nurses considering the objectives of the 
nursing curriculum in response to the needs of society and health industry 
demands. The PNLE shall be based on a competency-based test framework. 
Section 17. Ratings. In order to pass the examination, an examinee must 
obtain at least seventy-five (75%) of tested areas of competencies. 
An 
unsuccessful examinee shall be given a chance to take the PNLE only for a 
maximum of three (3) times. 
Section 18, Oath of Profession. All successful examinees shall be required 
to take an oath of profession before the Board or any govemment official 
authorized to administer oaths prior to registration and actual practice of the 
profession. 
Section 19. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and 
Professional Identification Card. A certificate of registration/professional license 
as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant who passes the examination and upon 
payment of the prescribed fees. 
Every certificate of registration/professional 
license shall show the full name of the registrant, the serial number, the signature 
of the Chairperson of the Commission and the members of the Board. The 
certificate shall bear the logo of the Board and the official seal of the 
Commission. 
A professional identification card is proof that the holder possesses a valid 
professional license. It is duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, 
bearing the date of registration, number and the date of issuance and 
expiration thereof shall likewise be issued to every registrant upon payment of 
the required fees. 
Only upon satisfaction of all registration requirements shall a registrant be 
allowed to affix the initials R.N. after one's name whenever and wherever the 
signature as nurse is required indicating official performance of duties and 
functions as a nurse. 
Section 20. Fees for Examination and Registration. Applicants for licensure 
and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by the Commission. 
Section 21. Automatic Registration of Nurses. All those whose names 
appear in the roster of "passed examinees" under the PRC Computer 
Automated System (CAS) and procedures shall ipso facto be registered as 
professional nurses. Same roster of nurses may automatically be used by the 
APO as basis for enlistment of members following APO-specific membership 
procedures. 


Section 
22. 
Registration 
by 
Reciprocity. 
A 
certificate 
of 
registration/professional license may be issued without examination to nurses 
registered under the laws of a foreign state or country: Provided, That the 
requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country/ies are 
substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided, further, That 
the laws of such country lies grant the same privileges to nurses of the Philippines 
on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country. 
Section 
23. 
Practice 
Through 
Special/Temporary 
Permit. 
A 
special/temporary permit may be issued to the following persons based on 
qualification standards as determined by the Board and approved by the 
Commission. 
The special/temporary permit shall be effective only for the 
duration of the project, medical mission or engagement contract. To wit: 
(a) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states whose services are either 
for a fee or free if they are intemationally well-known specialists or 
outstanding experts in any branch or specialty of nursing; 
(b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission 
whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic 
(c) Licensed 
nurses 
from 
foreign 
countries/states 
engaged 
by 
colleges/universities offering nursing as exchange professors in a 
branch or specialty of nursing; and 
(d) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/state who come to aid during 
declared disaster and calamities. 
Section 
24. 
Non-registration 
and Non-Issuance 
of Certificates 
of 
Registration/Professional License 
or Special/Temporary Permit. 
No person 
convicted by final judgment· of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or 
any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person declared by 
the court to be of unsound mind shall be registered and be issued a certificate 
of registration/professional license or a special/temporary permit. 
The Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth the 
reasons for its actions, which shall be incorporated in the records of the Board. 
Section 
25. 
Revocation 
and 
Suspension 
of 
Certificate 
of 
Registration/Professional License and Cancel/ation of Special/Temporary Permit. 
The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the certificate of 
registration/professional license or cancel the special/temporary permit of a 
nurse upon any of the following grounds: 
(a) For any of the applicable causes mentioned in the preceding section, 
(b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct, 
(c) For gross incompetence or serious ignorance, 
(d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing, 
(e) For the use of fraud, deceit or false statements in obtaining a 
certificate of registration/professional license or a temporary/special 
permit, 
(f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics for 
nurses and technical standards for nursing practice, the Policies of the 
Board and the Commission, or the conditions and limitations for the 
issuance of the temporary/special permit, or 
(g) For practicing the profession during one's suspension from such 
practice. 
Review of cases involving penalties of revocation of certificates of 
registration/professional license may be undertaken after four (4) years of 


effectivity upon favorable action by the Board on appeal for such review 
following prevailing Administrative Rules of the PRC. 
Section 26. Re-Issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost 
Certificates. The Board may, after the expiration of a maximum of four (4) years 
from the date of revocation of a certificate of registration, for reasons of equity 
and justice, and when the cause for revocation has disappeared or has been 
cured and corrected, upon proper application thereof and the payment of the 
required fees, issue another copy of the certificate of registration/professional 
license. 
A new certificate of registration/professional license to replace the 
certificate that has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued, subject to 
the rules of the Board. 
Article VII 
HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH (HRH) PRODUCTION, UTILIZATION AND 
DEVELOPMENT 
Section 27. Studies and Interventions for Nursing Human Resource Needs, 
Production, Utilization, and Development. The Board shall, in coordination with 
relevant nursing and other governrnent and non-governrnent agencies: 
(a) conduct studies on health human resource production, utilization and 
development; and 
(b) cause the implementation of HRH development strategies for nurses to 
achieve highly motivated and productive nursing workforce for the 
Philippines. 
Section 28. Nurse-Patient Ratio - both governrnent and private healthcare 
institutions are hereby mandated to maintain the nurse-patient ratio standard set 
by the Department of Health (DOH) in close collaboration with the Board: 
(1) In hospitals 
- based on the acuity and authorized bed capacity 
(2) In community health - based on need, popUlation, and geography 
(3) In Occupational Setting - based on relevant legal instruments 
(4) In School Health Settings - based on relevant legal instruments 
The basis for the ratio of nurse-to-patient shall be regularly reviewed and 
updated based on current and rational health human resource needs with the 
end of providing safe and quality care to reCipients of healthcare. 
Section 29. Institutionalization of a National Nursing Career Progression 
Program (NNCPP). 
There shall be an institutionalized National Nursing Career 
Progression Program as prescribed in Article V, Section 11 (g) of this Act. In the 
implementation of the NNCPP , the Board shall coordinate with the Civil Service 
Commission (CSC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department 
of Health (DOH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and any or all 
government and non-government agencies for the effective and efficient 
implementation of this program allowing Filipino nurses to move up to varying 
levels of professional nursing practice according to the following progression-
tracks as: General Nursing Practice Track, Nursing Specialty/Advanced Practice 
Track, Nursing Education Track, and Leadership and Govemance Track, all 
geared towards obtaining the highest level of standards for the Philippine 
Nursing workforce for in-country and global responsiveness and relevance. 
Towards this end, Nursing Specialty Organizations and organized Advanced 
Practice Nursing groups shall be recognized and professional practitioners 
certified/credentialed by the Board considering national and internationally 
benchmarked standards of education and practice. 


For purposes of certification/credentialing specialized and advanced 
practice nurses, assessment mechanisms including administration of specialty 
and advance Board Examinations may be required. The Council referred to in 
Article V, Section 11 (g) and the various Nursing Specialty Boards (NSB) shall be 
an integral arm of the Board in our country's effort to upgrade and continuously 
upscale the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes and values of our Nurses 
for domestic and global comparability and competitiveness. 
Section 30. Compensation. In order to enhance the general welfare, 
commitment and highest form of professional service to country and people, the 
minimum base pay of nurses working in both public and private health and 
health-related institutions shall be in accordance with prevailing salary standards 
set by law and shall regularly be appraised by Congress of the Republic of the 
Philippines cognizant of the professional nature and significant national health 
services contribution rendered by Filipino Nurses. 
Section 31. Incentives and Benefits. To the extent possible and as may be 
provided by law, mechanisms shall continuously be explored and systems 
developed by the proper government and non-government agencies and 
instrumentalities, to provide incentives and benefits to Filipino Nurses serving in 
both govemment and private sector. The Magna Carta. for Public Health Workers 
and the Philippine Labor Code shall also be regularly appraised by Congress of 
the Republic of the Philippines to respond to work and life conditions of nurses in 
the country. 
Section 32. Requirements for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice. Nurses 
are deemed to be inactive when they are not utilizing nursing competencies as 
defined in the scope of practice hereof for five (5) consecutive years; 
Inactive nurses shall be required to undertake appropriate "assessment 
mechanisms" to determine level of competencies and undergo, as necessary, a 
refresher course following the established mechanisms by the Board for 
accreditation of the provider and the refresher course. 
ARTICLE VIII 
PENAL AND MISCElLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
Section 33. Prohibition in the Practice of Nursing. A fine of not less than One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 1 00,00.00) nor more than Three Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (Php300,OOOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more 
than six (6) years, or both, upon the discretion of the court. shall be imposed 
upon the following classification of offenses: 
(a) Acts prejudicial to the Practice of Professional Nursing 
1, violations against the Code of Ethics; 
2. Violations against Professional Standards; 
3. Violations against human/patient's rights; and 
(b) Acts by any person practicing nursing in the Philippines within the 
meaning of this Act: 
1. 
without 
a 
certificate 
of registration/professional 
license and 
professional identification card or special/temporary permit or without 
having been declared exempt from examination in accordance with 
the provision of this Act; or 


2. who uses as his/her own certificates of registration/professional license 
and professional Identification Card or special/temporary permit of 
another; or 
3. who uses an invalid certificate of registration/professional license, a 
suspended or revoked certificate of registration/professional license, or 
an expired or cancelled special/temporary permit; or 
4. who gives any false evidence to the Board in order to obtain a 
certificate 
of 
registration/professional 
license, 
a 
profeSSional 
Identification Card or special/temporary permit; or 
5. who falsely poses or advertises as a registered/licensed nurse or uses 
any other means that tend to convey the impression that he/she is a 
registered/licensed nurse; or 
6. who appends B.S.N., R.N., or any similar appendage to his/her name 
without having been conferred said degree or registration; or 
7. who as a registered/licensed nurse, abets or assists the illegal practice 
of a person who is not lawfully qualified to practice nursing; 
(c) Any person or chief executive officer of a juridical entity who undertakes 
in-service educational program or who conducts review classes for both 
local and foreign examination without permit/clearance from the Board 
and the Commission; or 
(d) Any person or employer of nurses who violate the minimum base pay of 
nurses and the incentives and benefits that should be accorded them as 
specified in Sections 31 and 31 , Article VI of this Act; 
(e) Any person or the Chief Executive Officer of a juridical entity violating any 
provisions of this Act. 
ARTICLE IX 
Final Provisions 
Section 34. Enforcement of this Act. It shall be the primary duty of the 
Commission and the Board to effectively implement this Act. Law enforcement 
agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal govemments shall, 
upon the call or request of the Commission or the Board, shall render assistance 
in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any persons violating the 
same. 
Section 35. Appropriations. 
The chairman of the Commission shall 
immediately include in its program and issue such .rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the 
annual 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 (APO) and other Professional 
Nursing Organizations, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other 
concemed government agencies, shall formulate the implementing 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 a newspaper 
of general circulation. 
Section 37. Separability Clause. If any part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue to be 
valid and operational. 


Section 38. Repealing Clause. Republic Act no. 91 73, otherwise known as 
the "Philippine Nursing Act of 202" is hereby repealed. All other laws, decrees, 
orders, circulars, issuances, rules and regulations and parts thereof which are 
inconsistent with the amendatory or repealing provisions of this Act are hereby 
amended. repealed, or modified accordingly. 
Section 39. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall rake effective fifteen [15) days 
after its pUblication in the Official Gazette or in two [2) national newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,