REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5865

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. KRISTINE ALEXIE B. TUTOR
Third District, Bohol

Explanatory Note

The State recognizes the vital role of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists in
nation-building hence Republic Act No. 5680 was enacted to supervise and regulate the
said professions. For almost 50 years, RA 5680 has been the governing law with regard
the two professions.

During the 17% Congress, Republic Act No. 11241 otherwise known as “The Philippine
Occupational Therapy Law of 2018” formally recognized Occupational Therapy as an
independent medical profession from Physical Therapy. With the enactment of RA
11241 and the developments, both locally and internationally, in the standards of
practice of Physical Therapy and in the field of healthcare in general, there is a need to
update and upgrade the regulatory framework of the Physical Therapy profession.

This proposed measure seeks to upgrade and update the Physical Therapy profession
and align the professions regulatory framework with both the local and international
standards of practice. By upgrading the regulatory framework for the practice of the
Physical Therapy profession, we would be able to maintain high technical and ethical
standards of our PT professionals and ensure that Filipino PT professionals are globally
competitive and are able to provide quality rehabilitation service to more Filipinos.

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

HON. cone B. TUTOR


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5865

Introduced by HON. KRISTINE ALEXIE B. TUTOR
Third District, Bohol

AN ACT

REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE, AND PRACTICE OF
PHYSICAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
RELATED PURPOSES

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

Congress assembled:

wearvrnueune

10
n
12
123
14
15
16
7
18
19
20

ARTICLE I
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Short Title of Act. - This Act shall be known as “The
Philippine Physical Therapy Law of 2020.”

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of
physical therapy and physical therapists in nation building. Hence, it shall develop
and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded physical therapists
whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, world-class, and
globally competitive through inviolable, honest, effective, and credible licensure
examinations and through regulatory measures, programs, and activities that foster
their continuing professional growth.

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

a) Physical Therapy ~ is a health profession concerned with providing
relevant services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain,
and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the
lifespan. Such services are provided in circumstances where movement


woovaunrewne

32
33

and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders,
conditions, or environmental factors, and with the understanding that
functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. Physical
therapy is also known as physiotherapy in other parts of the world.

b) Physical Therapist — refers to a person who is a holder of a valid
registration and professional license issued by the Professional
Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy and the Professional Regulation
Commission, and who is legally qualified to practice physical therapy
in the Philippines pursuant to this Act.

SEC. 4. Scope and Nature of the Practice of Physical Therapy. - The
practice of physical therapy shall include identifying and maximizing quality of
life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention,
treatment/intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation. These spheres encompass
physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Physical therapists are qualified and professionally required to:

a) Undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the
patient/client or needs of a client group;
Evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make
clinical judgments regarding patients/clients;
c) Formulate a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis, and plan;
d) Provide consultation within their expertise and determine when
patients/clients need to be referred to another professional;
Implement a physical therapy intervention / treatment program;
f) Determine the outcomes of any interventions / treatments; and
2) Make recommendations for self-management.

b)

©)

Physical therapists are guided by the universal principles of ethics and
professional practice as expressed in their own code of ethics.

‘The scope of physical therapy practice is not limited to direct patient/client
care, but also includes: public health strategies; advocating for patients/clients and
for health; supervising and delegating to others; leading; managing; teaching;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
1
12
23
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
eo)
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34

research; and developing and implementing health policy at the local, national,
and international levels.

ARTICLE II
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PHYSICAL
THERAPY

SEC. 5. Creation and Composition of the Board. - There is hereby
created a Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy, hereafter referred to
as the Board, under the administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation
Commission, composed of a Chairperson and four (4) members appointed by the
President of the Philippines within six (6) months from the enactment of this Act
upon the recommendation of the Commission from among physical therapists of
recognized standing as nominated by the accredited integrated professional
organization of physical therapists.

SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board, - The Board shall have the
following powers and functions:

(a) Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for
carrying out the provisions of this Act;

(b) Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure, and practice of
physical therapy in the Philippines;

(c) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

(@ Adopt an official seal of the Board;

(©) Maintain a roster of physical therapists indicating therein the basic
information about the registered professionals;

(f) Issue, reinstate, suspend, cancel, or revoke the registration and license,
or special permits for the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines;

(g) Study and monitor conditions affecting the practice of physical therapy
and adopt such measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the
profession and maintenance of high professional and ethical standards;

(h) Ensure collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) or its equivalent, that all educational institutions offering physical
therapy education comply with the prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines;


eo eV nune wn

n
12
23
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
2
22
23

25
26
27

29
30
31

(i) Prescribe the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for physical
therapists as endorsed by the accredited integrated professional organization of
physical therapists;

) Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules
and regulations, code of ethics, and standards of practice, and for this purpose,
issue subpoena duces tecum and/or ad testificandum to ensure the appearance of
the witnesses, and the production of documents in connection therewith; provided,
that the decision of the Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become
final and executory after fifteen (15) days from receipt of judgment or decision;

(k) Prescribe guidelines and criteria for the Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) program for physical therapists;

() Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and table of
specifications, determine the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights,
score, and rate the examination papers, and submit the results to the Commission
within the period provided for in the rules of the Commission;

(m) Administer the examinations to applicants for the practice of physical
therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(n) Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure
examination;

(0) Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the
Commission;

(p) Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of physical
therapy for a specific duration of time, and certificates of recognition for advanced
studies, researches, and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the
profession; and

@ Perform such other powers and functions as deemed necessary to carry
out the objectives of this Act.

The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decisions issued
or promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the
Commission.


oor Ha we wn

nu
12
13
14
15
16
7

19
20
2a
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

SEC. 7. Qualifications of Board Members. - The members of the Board
shall, at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:

(a) A resident of the Philippines for at least (5) years;

(b) A duly registered physical therapist under this Act, with a valid
certificate of registration and professional license;

(c) Has engaged in practicing physical therapy for at least ten (10) years,
with the last five (5) years as a continuous period immediately preceding the
appointment;

(d) Has demonstrated an exemplary degree of competence and ethics in
‘one professional practice as a physical therapist;

(©) A member of good standing of the accredited integrated professional
organization of physical therapists, and not an officer thereof;

(®) Has no prior conviction by a competent court of an offense involving
moral turpitude; and

(g) Has no pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, college,
or university or institution conferring an academic degree for admission to the
practice of physical therapy; or where review classes in preparation for licensure
examination are offered or conducted; nor be a member of faculty or
administration thereof.

SEC. 8 Term of Office. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors have been
appointed and duly qualified; provided, that members of the first Board to be
appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for the following terms:
the Chairperson for three (3) years, two (2) members for two (2) years, and the
other two (2) members for one (1) year; provided, further, that a chairperson or
member may be appointed for a second term, but may not serve more than two (2)
consecutive three (3)-year terms, or six (6) consecutive years. Interim vacancies
shall be filled for the unexpired term only.

SEC. 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 from office for cause such as gross neglect of duty, incompetence,


weavanneune

1
2
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct,
final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulating or rigging
of the licensure examination results, disclosure of secret and confidential
information in the examination questions prior to the conduct of the said
examination, or tampering of grades.

SEC. 10. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. - The Chairperson
and Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable
to that being received by the chairpersons and members of existing regulatory
boards under the Commission, as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 11. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of Records, Secretariat,
and Support Services. The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of
the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for examination,
examination papers and results, minutes of deliberation, administrative cases, and
other investigations involving physical therapists, shall be kept by 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.

‘SEC. 12. Annual Report. - The Board shall, at the close of each calendar
year, submit an annual report to the Commission, giving a detailed account of its
proceedings and accomplishments during the year and recommending measures to
be adopted, with the end in view of upgrading and improving conditions affecting
the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.

ARTICLE I
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SEC. 13. Examination Required. - All applicants for registration for the
practice of physical therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure examination
to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the Commission my


woawvaurewvne

10
aa
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
2.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32
33

designate, subject to compliance with the requirements prescribed by the
Commission.

SEC. 14. Qualifications for Examination. - An applicant for the licensure
examination for physical therapists shall establish, to the satisfaction of the Board,
that the following qualifications are met:

(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has formal
reciprocity agreement with the Philippines;

(b) Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime
involving moral turpitude; and

(©) A graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree or its
equivalent degree as determined by the Board from a school, college, or university
in the Philippines or abroad whose physical therapy program is recognized by
CHED.

SEC. 15. Scope of Examination. - The scope of examinations shall, after
the necessary stakeholder consultation, be determined by the Board, subject to the
approval of the Commission. The Board shall take into consideration the
minimum curriculum standards for physical therapy, the current scope of practice,
and the latest developments in the profession, locally and globally, that affect the
practice and delivery of physical therapy services in the country.

‘SEC. 16, Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having passed
the licensure examination for physical therapists, a candidate must have obtained a
general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than sixty
percent (60%) in any given subject.

SEC. 17. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission
the ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the
examination, unless extended for just cause.

SEC. 18. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration, Professional
License, and Professional Identification Card. - Certificate of Registration
(COR) and a Professional Identification Card (PIC) shall be issued to examinees


© eVvauewne

10
soe
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2s
26
27

29

31

32
33

who pass the licensure examination for physical therapist subject to payment of
fees prescribed by the Commission.

The COR shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the Commission
and the chairperson and members of the Board, stamped with the official seals of
the Commission and the Board, indicating that the person named therein is
entitled to practice the physical therapy profession, with all the benefits and
privileges appurtenant thereto. The COR shall remain in full force and effect until
revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act.

A PIC bearing the registration number, and dates of issuance and expiry,
duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission shall likewise be issued to
every registrant upon payment of the required fees. The PIC shall be renewed
every three (3) years, upon compliance with the Continuing Professional
Development (CPD), Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from the AIPO, and
other requirements of the Board and the Commission.

SEC. 19, Initial. - The initials PTRP, which stands for Physical Therapist
Registered Philippines, shall be used following the name of the registered physical
therapist, especially when signing documents pertinent to the practice of the
profession.

SEC. 20. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall refuse to register any
successful examinee who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction
of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or has been found guilty of
immoral or dishonorable conduct after investigation by the Board, or has been
declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the refusal shall be set forth in
writing.

SEC. 21. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration
and Cancellation of Special Permit. - The Board may, after giving proper notice
of hearing to the party concemed, revoke the practitioner's certificate of
registration and PIC, or be suspended from the practice of the profession; or
cancel the special permit for any of the causes or grounds mentioned in Section 26
of this Act or for any unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, violation


wCmranerwne

1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32
33

of any of the provisions of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics,
and Standards of Practice for physical therapists.

SEC. 22. Reinstatement, Re-issuance or Replacement of Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card. - Two (2) years after the
date of revocation, the Board may, upon application and for reasons deemed
proper and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of registration or
professional license.

A new COR or PIC, or special permit may be issued to replace lost,
destroyed, or mutilated ones, subject to the rules as implemented by the Board.

SEC. 23. Oath of Physical Therapists, - Successful examinees qualified
for registration, and qualified applicants for registration without examination,
shall be required to take an oath of profession before any member of the Board or
any government official authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior
to entering into the practice of physical therapy in the Philippines.

SEC. 24. Indication of Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt. - The
physical therapist shall be required to indicate his/her registration / professional
license number and date of issuance thereof, the duration of validity of said
license, including his/her privilege tax receipt number, on the documents he/she
signs, uses or issues in connection with the practice of his/her profession.

SEC. 25. Roster of Physical Therapists. - The Board shall prepare,
update, and maintain a roster of physical therapists which shall contain the name
of each registered physical therapist, his/her residence and office addresses, the
date of registration and issuance of certificates, and other data which the board
may deem pertinent.

SEC. 26. Issuance of Special and Temporary Permit. - Special or
temporary permits, upon recommendation of the accredited integrated
professional organization of physical therapists, may be issued by the Board,
subject to the approval by the Commission, and payment of fees the latter has
prescribed and charges, to the following persons:


CoVvnure wn

1
12
13
14

16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32
33

(@) Foreign-licensed physical therapists called for consultation or a
specified purpose that is deemed essential to national development; provided, that
the practice shall be limited only for the particular work being; provided, further,
that there is no Filipino physical therapist qualified for such consultation or
Purpose;

(b) Foreign-licensed physical therapists whose service shall be free and
who are highly needed under particular settings;

(©) Foreign-licensed physical therapists engaged as professors, lecturers, or
critics in fields essential to physical therapy education in the Philippines, whose
engagement is limited to teaching only; and

(@ Foreign-licensed physical therapists recognized as experts or
specialists whose service is deemed essential to the advancement of the profession
in the Philippines.

The permit shall, among other things, include these limitations and
conditions: valid only for a period of not more than one (1) year subject to
renewal; the branch or specialty of physical therapy which the permit holder can
practice; and the specific place or places of practice such as clinic, hospital,
therapy center, school/college/university offering the course of physical therapy.
The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rules and
regulations for the implementation of this particular section.

ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

SEC. 27. Delivery of Physical Therapy Service. - Physical therapists shall
collaborate with stakeholders in order to provide the most effective, cost-efficient,
and client-centered service. Physical therapy involves the interaction between the
physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, caregivers,
communities, and other stakeholders in the delivery of services using knowledge
and skills unique to physical therapists.

‘SEC. 28. Prohibition on the Practice of Physical Therapy. - No person
shall practice or offer to practice physical therapy, nor offer to be a physical


oor anne wne

uv
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

therapist, or use the title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the
impression of being a physical therapist, nor advertise or indicate in any manner
whatsoever to be qualified to perform the work of a physical therapist without
passing the licensure examination given by the Board, except as otherwise
provided in this Act.

‘SEC. 29. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall:

(a) Engage in the practice of physical therapy by representing
himselffherself as a physical therapist without a valid registration, professional
license, or a valid temporary/special permit granted by the Board pursuant to this
Act;

(b) Represent to be a physical therapist during the time that his/her
professional license is not valid or that his/her certificate of registration has been
suspended or revoked, or that his/her temporary/special permit has been cancelled;

(©) Allow anybody to use his/her certificate of registration and/or
professional license and/or temporary/special permit as a physical therapist to
enable such unqualified individual to engage in the practice of physical therapy;

(@) Use as his/her own the certificate of registration, professional license,
or temporary/special permit of another person; and

(©) Violate the provision of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as
recommended by the accredited integrated professional organization of physical
therapists.

SEC. 30. Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Physical
Therapists. - The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and
Standards of Practice for physical therapists as prescribed and issued by the
accredited integrated professional organization of physical therapists.

SEC. 31. Continuing Professional Development Program. - All physical
therapists shall abide with the requirements, rules and regulations on continuing
professional development to be promulgated by the Professional Regulatory
Board of Physical Therapy, subject to the approval of the Commission, in
coordination with the accredited integrated professional organization of physical
therapists and/or the recognized representative of duly accredited education


worwvannuve wenn

coe
12
23
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

29
30
31
32
33

institutions. For this purpose, the Board shall create a CPD Council to implement
a CPD program guided by qualifications framework and career progression
principles, subject to the guidelines as may be prescribed by the Commission.

SEC. 32. Integration of the Professional Organization. - The physical
therapy profession shall be integrated into one (1) national professional
organization of physical therapists, which shall be duly registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board, subject to the approval by the
Commission, shall accredit the said organization as the one and only accredited
integrated professional organization of registered physical therapists. All physical
therapists whose names appear in the current Roster of Physical Therapists shall
ipso facto or automatically become members thereof and shall receive all the
benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required
membership fees and dues.

Membership in the accredited integrated professional organization shall
not be a bar to membership in other organizations of physical therapists.

SEC. 33. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign physical therapist shall be
given a certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the
country or state of which the foreign physical therapist is a subject or citizen,
permits Filipino physical therapists to practice within its territorial limits on the
same basis as the subjects or citizens of said country or state.

ARTICLE V
PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 34. Penal Provisions. - Any person who shall violate any of the
provisions of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as
promulgated by the Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, shall upon
conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than twenty thousand (Php 20, 000)
pesos nor more than fifty thousand (Php 50, 000) pesos, or by imprisonment of
not less than two year nor more than five year, or both, at the discretion of the
court.


woorvanunrewne

coy
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

SEC. 35. Funding Provision. - The Chairman of the Commission shall
immediately include in the Commission’s budget program, the implementation of
this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 36. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - To implement the
provisions of this Act, the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission,
promulgate the rules and regulations, as well as the Code of Ethics and Standards
of Practice for physical therapists, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of
this Act.

SEC. 37. Transitory Provisions. - The existing Board of Physical and
Occupational Therapy shall continue to function in the interim until such time that
the new and separate Board for Physical Therapy shall be constituted pursuant to
this Act.

SEC. 38. Separability Clause. - If any part, portion, section, or provision
of this Act shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate
any other part, portion, section, or provision of this Act and the same shall
continue to be in force and effect.

SEC. 39, Repealing Clause. - RA 5680 is hereby repealed by this Act. All
other laws, decrees, orders, issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, revised, superseded, or repealed.

SEC. 40. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) major newspapers of

national circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,