FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Ot no, _780

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On June 21, 1969, Republic Act 5680, An Act Creating the Board for Physical
Therapists and Occupational Therapists, was approved. Unlike all other regulatory acts
that enforce the laws on one profession, Republic Act 5680 was created to regulate two
different allied health professions, Physical therapy and Occupational therapy. Since
then, said act had never been amended to respond to current global trend and national
development.

Physical therapy is a separate and distinct profession from Occupational therapy
by definition, scope of- practice and educational requirements. Physical therapy has its
own professional association, the Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA) which
is duly accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and duly registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The association is well recognized
as 2 member of the World Confederation of Physical Therapists and Asian Confederation
for Physical Therapy. Likewise, Occupational therapy has a separate and distinct
professional association, the Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc.
(OTAP) which is duly accredited by the PRC and duly registered by the SEC and well
recognized and accepted as @ member of the World Federation of Occupational
Therapists (WFOT) since 1908.

In so far as the business service sector which includes professional services is
concerned, the already marketable Filipino physical therapists and occupational
therapists will be further catapulted to overseas employment. Global demand tempered
by national and regional economic constraints, new immigration laws and international
competition is fast requiring more quality in health care professionals, including physical
therapists and occupational therapists. It then becomes imperative to align regulatory
functions, such as professional standards and competencies, among physical therapists
only and separate them only from those for occupational therapists.

‘Thus, this bill seeks the amendment of R.A. 5680 for the purpose of upgrading
and updating the competence, knowledge, skills and attitudes of the Filipino
occupational therapists and physical therapists to make them globally competitive and
nationally accessible to the disabled population of the Philippines.

It is for these reasons that the approval of this'bill is earnestly sought.

AURELIO GONZALES, JR.
sentative
3° District, Pampanga


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ae
AYNO. 780

Introduced by Representative Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales, Jr.

AN ACT
REGULATING THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE AND PRACTICE OF
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be_it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress
Assembled

ARTICLE I

TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Occupational Therapy Law”

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. The State recognizes the importance of
occupational therapists in nation building. Hence, it shall develop and nurture
competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded occupational 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) | Occupational Therapy is a health discipline which is concerned with
people whose ability to function in daily life has been temporarily or
permanently disrupted by physical, psychosocial or developmental
illness, injury, or condition, social disadvantage, or the aging
process.

(b) The Scope and Nature of Practice of Occupational Therapy
shall embrace, but not limited to, the analysis and application of
activities specifically directed to occupational performance in the
areas of self-care, work, play and leisure. Reference to occupation is
in the context of individual's goal-directed use of time, energy,


interest, and attention. Through assessment, interpretation, and
intervention, occupational therapists address problems impending
functional or adaptive behavior. The purpose is to prevent
disability, and to promote, maintain, or restore occupational
performance, health, and psychosocial well-being. Occupational
therapy can be part of the health services in hospitals; community
settings such as residential, vocational and leisure centers,, schools,
day programs, private agencies, clinics, the work place, and other
organizations which provide rehabilitation or preventive services,
both within and outside the medical model.
(c) Occupational Therapists refers to a person who is a holder of a valid

certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of
Occupational Therapy and the Professional Regulation Commission
and who is legally qualified to practice occupational therapy in the
Philippines pursuant to this Act.

ARTICLE IL
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

SEC. 4. Creation and Composition of the Board. - There is herebv
created a: Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy, hereinafter
called the Board, under the administrative supervision of the Professional
Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, to be
composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members who shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines from a list of two (2) recommendees for each
position chosen and ranked by the Commission, from a list of three (3) nominees
for each position submitted the accredited professional organization of
occupational therapists. The Board shall be organized not later than six (6)
months from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. 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 provision of this Act;
(b) Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of
occupational therapy in the Philippines;
(c) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;


(d)

(e)

()

(k)

()

im)

(n)

‘Adopt an official seal of the Board;

Maintain a roster of occupational therapists indicating therein the
basic information about the registered professionals;

Issue, reinstate, suspend or revoke the certificate of
registration/professional license or cancel special permits for the
practice of occupational therapy;

Mood or the conditions affecting the practice of occupational
therapy and adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for
the enhancement of the profession and/or maintenance of high
professional and ethical standards;

Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), that all educational institutions offering occupational
therapy education comply with the policies, standards, and
requirements of the course prescribed by CHED in the areas of
curriculum, faculty, library and facilities;

Prescribed and/ or adopt a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
for Occupational Therapy;

Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules
and regulations and the Code of Ethics for occupational therapists
and for this purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum to secure 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 judgement or
decision;

Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional
Education (CPE) program for occupational therapists;

Prepare, adopt, and issue the syllabi or tables of specifications of
the subjects for examination in consultation with the academe;
determine and prepare the questions for the licensure examinations
which shall strictly be within the scope of the syllabus or the table
of specifications of the subject for examination; score and rate the
examination papers, and submit the results in all subjects within
ten (10) days from the last day of the examination unless extended
by the commission for justifiable causes;

Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure
examination;
Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the
Commission;


(0) Issue permits to persons admitted to the practice of occupational
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;

(p) Perform such other powers and functions as it may deem 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 the review and approval of the

Commission.

SEC. 6. Qualifications of the Members of the Board. - The
Chairperson mid members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment
possess the following qualifications:

) Must be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(a
(b) Must be a duly registered occupational therapist under this Act, with

a valid certificate of registration and professional license;

(c) Must be a member of good standing of the accredited organization
of occupational therapists;

(d) Must not have any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in’ any
school, academy, college, university or institution conferring an
academic degree necessary for admission to the practice of
occupational therapy or where review classes in preparation for the
licensure examination are being offered or conducted, nor shall he/
she be a member of the faculty or of the administration thereof at
the time of his/her appointment to the Board; and

e

Must not have been convicted by any competent court of an offense
involving moral terpitude.

SEC. 7. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and members of the Board
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have
been appointed and duly qualified; Provided, that members of the first appointed
Board shall hold office for the following terms: One (1) member as Chairperson
for three (3) years, one (1) member for ovo (2) years and one (1) member for
one (1) year.

The Chairperson ur member of the Board may be reappointed for
another term but in no case shall he/ she serve continuously for more than six
(6) years. Any vacancy in the Board shall he filled for the unexpired portion of
the term only. Each membe of the Board shali automatically be registered as
occupational therapist and is ed certificate of -egistration/professional license


and professional identification card and, shall take the proper oath of office prior

to assumption of di

SEC. 8. Compensation and Allowances of the Board. The
Chairperson and member 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. 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,
malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or dishonorable conduct,
final judgement of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulation 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. 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 examination papers and ‘results, minutes of deliberation,
administrative cases, and other investigation involving occupational 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. 11. 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 the conditions
affecting the practice of occupational therapy in the Philippines.

ARTICLE III
THE TECHNICAL PANEL ON OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EDUCATION
SEC. 12. Composition. - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

shall organize a Technical Panel on Occupational Therapy Education, hereinafter
referred to as the Technical Panel, charged with the responsibility of regulating,


standardizing and upgrading occupational therapy education in the Philippines.
The Technical Panel shall be composed of no more than five (5) members
including representatives from CHED and the Board, the association of deans of
ccupational therapy schools and the accredited professional organization of
occupational therapists.

SEC. 13. Functions of the Technical Panel. - The objective of the
Technical Panel is to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of
quality for educational programs in occupational therapy and to provide
recognition for educational programs that exceed the minimum standards for
occupational therapy education. The Technical Panel shall have the following
functions:

1, To promulgate rules and regulations relative to occupational therapy
education in the Philippines, which shall have a binding effect for
implementation by the pertinent educational institutions and entities;

2. To recognize and accredit occupational therapy programs in the different
schools, colleges, and universities;

To approve the accreditation of clinical fieldwork centers or facilities used

for the education and training of occupational therapy student and

interns.

SEC. 14. Compensation and Traveling Expenses. - The Technical
Panel on Occupational Therapy Education shall meet at least once per month for
regular business, and as often as the Technical Panel may decide. The chair and
members shall be entitled to traveling expenses and accommodation in
connection with their official duties herein provided in accordance with existing
rules and regulations.

ARTICLE IV

LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

SEC. 15. Examination Required. - Ail applicants for registration for the
practice of occupational therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure
examination to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the
Commission may designate subject to compliance with the requirements
prescribed by the Commission.

SEC. 16. Qualification for Examination. - An applicant for the
licensure examination for occupational therapists shall establish to the
Satisfaction of the Board that he/she has met the following quali: ations:


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

(b) Has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude;

(c) Must be a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
degree from a school, college or university in the Philippines or
abroad whose occupational therapy program is recognized by the
Commission on Higher Education.

SEC. 17. Scope of Examination. - The \icensure examination for
occupational therapists shall cover the following subject:

1, Basic Sciences
a, Anatomy
b. Kinesiology
c. Phyiology
d. Pathology
Il. Clinical Sciences
a. Medical Conditions
b. Surgical Conditions
c. Medical Psychology
d. Growth and Development
Ill. Theory and Practice
a. Physical Dysfunction
b. Psychiatric Dysfunction
©. Organization, Administration, and Ethics
d. Frames of Reference

The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude
‘any of the subjects or add new ones as the need arises and may adjust or
modify the percentage weight of the subjects.

SEC. 18. Report of Ratings. The Board shall uplift to the Commission
the ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after the
examination, unless extended for just cause.

SEC. 19. Ratings in the Examination. - To be qualified as having
Passed the licensure examination for occupational 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. However, an examinee who
obtains a rating below sixty--percent (60%) in any given subject, must take the
examination in the subject or subjects where he obtained a grade below sixty


percent (60%) within two (2) years from the date of his last examination. f lie

subject or subjects retak: ust have each a rating of no less than seventy—five
percent (75%) in order to quality as having passed the examination.

An applicant who fails the licensure examinations after the third attempt
shall he required to complete a refresher course in an approved occupational
therapy school. The applicant shall be required to provide proof of completion of

such course before admission to a fourth examination.

SEC. 20. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration/ Professional
License and Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of registration/
professional license shall be issued to examinees who pass the licensure
examination for occupational therapists subject to payment of fees prescribed by
the Commission. The certificate of registration/professional license shall bear the
signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and the members of the Board,
stamped with the official seal, indicating that the person named therein is
entitled to practice the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto.
This certificate shall remain in full force mid effect until revoked or suspended in
accordance with this Act.

A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of
issuance, expiry date, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall
likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the required registrant fees.

SEC. 21. Refusal to Register. - The Board shall not 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 Bard, or has been
declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the refusal shall be’ set forth in
writing.

SEC. 22. Registration Without Examination. - This privilege shall be
granted to qualified applicants who, on the date of the effectivity of this Act.
have been registered and licensed to practice occupational therapy under Repulic
‘Act No. 5680 and to those who have become occupational therapists by virtue of
the testimonial examination given by the Civil Service Commission on December
29, 1967 in the City of Manila.

SEC. 23. Oath of Occupational Therapists. - All successful examinees
qualified for registration and all qualified applicants for registration without
examination shall be required to lake an oath of profession before: member
of the board or any government official authorized by the ¢ sion to


administer oaths, prior to entering into. the practice of occupational therapy in

the Philippines.

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

SEC. 25. 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 concerned, revoke the practitioner's
certificate of registration/professional license or suspend him/her from the
practice of his/her profession or cancel his /her special permit for any of the
causes or grounds mentioned in Section 21 of this Act or for any unprofessional
or unethical conduct, malpractice, violation of any of the provisions of this Act,
its rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics and Standards for occupational
therapists.

SEC. 26. Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of
Certificate of Registration/Professional License. - Two years after the date
of revocation, the Board may, upon application and for reasons deemed proper
and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of registration/professional
license and reissue a professional identification card, and in so doing, may, in its
discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another examination.

A new certificate of registration/professional license or special permit,
to replace lost, destroyed or mutilated ones may be issued subject to the rules
implemented by the Board.

SEC. 27. Roster of Occupational Therapists. The Board shall prepare,
update, and maintain a roster of occupational therapists which shall contain the
name of each registered occupational therapist, his residence and office
addresses, the date of registration, and issuance of certificates and other data
which the Board in may deem pertinent. The roster shall be open to the public,
copies which shall be mailed to each person listed therein.

SEC. 28. Issuance of Special/Temporary Permit. -
Special/temporary permit may be issued by the Board subject to the approval by
the Commission and payment of the fees the latter has prescribed and charged
thereof to thy fo!lowing persons:


1) Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/state whose

services are either for a fee or free:

(a) If they are internationally weil-known specialists or outstanding
experts in any branch or speciality of occupational therapy; and

(b) If their services are urgently and importantly necessary for lack or
inadequacy of available loca! specialists/ experts or for the promotion
or advancement of the practice of occupational therapy through
transfer of technology.

2

Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/states whose
services shall be free and limited to indigent patients in a particular
hospital, center or clinic:

Licensed occupational therapists from foreign countries/states engaged as
professors, lecturers or critic in fields essential to occupational therapy

3

education in the Philippines.

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

SEC. 29. Initial. - The initials OTRP which stands for Occupational
Therapists Registered, Philippines shall be used following the name of the
registered occupational therapist, especially when signing documents pertinent
to the practice of his/her profession.

SEC. 30. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign occupational therapist
shall be admitted to the examination or 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 of which he/she is a
subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino occupational therapists to practice
within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such
foreign state or country.

ARTICLE V


PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

SEC. 31. Prohibition on the Practice of Occupational Therapy. - No
person shall practice or offer to practice occupational therapy in the Philippines
or offer himself/herself as occupational therapist, or use the title, word, letter,
figure, or any sign tending to convey the impression that he/she is an
occupational therapist, or advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever that
he/she is qualified to perform the work of an occupational therapist unless he
has satisfactorily passed the licensure examination given by the Board, except as
otherwise provided in this Act, and is a holder of a valid certificate of
registration/professional license with a valid professional identification card or a

valid temporary/special permit duly issued to him/her by the Board and the

Commission.

SEC. 32. Prohibited Acts. No person shall:

(a) engage in the practice of occupational therapy by representing by
himself/herself 2s an occupational therapist without a valid
certificate of registration/professional license and professional
identification card or a valid temporary/special permit granted by the
Board pursuant to this Act;

(b)

represent himself/herself as an occupational therapist during the
time that his/her professional license is not valid or that his
certificate of registration has been suspended or revoked, or that
his/lieu temporary/special permit is cancelled;

(c) allow anybody to use his/her certificate of registration/ptofessional
license and professional identification card or temporary/special
permit as an occupational therapist to enable such unqualified
individual to engage in the practice of occupational therapy;

use as his/her own the certificate of registration/professional license
and .professional identification card or temporary/special permit of
another.

(d

SEC. 33. Code of Ethics and Standards for Occupational
Therapists. The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and
Standards for occupationai therapists prescribed and issued by the accredited
national organization of occupational therapists.

SEC. 34. Continuing Professional Education (CPEJ Program. - All
occupational therapists shall abide by the requirements, rules, and regulations
regarding continuing professional education as promulgated by the accredited


national organization of occupational therapists in collaboration with the Board of
Occupational. Therapy.

SEC. 35. Integration of Occupational Therapists. All occupational
therapists shall be integrated into one (1) national organization, which shall he
recognized by the Board and by the Commission as the one and only integrated
and accredited association of occupationa! therapists. An occupational therapist
duly registered with the Board shall automatically become a member of the
integrated and accredited association of occupational therapists, and shall
receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto, upon payment of the
required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated and accredited association
shall not be a bar to membership in other associations of occupational therapists

ARTICLE VI
PENAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 36. Penal Provision. — 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 by a fine of not less Twenty Thousand Pesos (P
20,000.00) but not more than fifty thousand (P 50,000.00) or by imprisonment
of not less than six (6) months or both at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 37. Funding Provision. The Chairman of the Professional
Regulation Commission shall immediately include in the Commission's annual
budget, the amount necessary to implement this Act.

SEC. 38. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - To implement the
Provisions of this Act, the Board shail, subject to the approval of the Commission,
promulgate the rules and regulations and the Code of Ethics and Standards for
occupational therapists within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 39. Transitory Provision. - The existing Board of Physical
Therapy and Occupational Therapy shall continue to function in the interim until
such time that the new. and separate Professional Regulatory Board of
Occupational Therapy shall be constituted pursuant to this Act.

SEC. 40. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act
shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other
section or provision of this act.


SEC. 41. Repeating Clause. A\| laws, decrees, orders, issuances, or
parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
modified or superseded. Republic Act no. 5680 is hereby repealed.

SEC. 42. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a major newspaper of

national circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved.