If ot Illf ;tr-’£i rtai'i>
*22 NOV 23 PI 51
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SEN
S.B. No 1^34
Rl-CEIVED BV,
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PATIENTS, 
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
"Implicit bias in healthcare," a phrase first used by the U.S. Institute of Medicine 
in its 2003 Report titled "Unequal Treatment", signifies the attitudes or stereotypes that 
affect healthcare providers' understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious 
manner.1 It causes suffering and death for many, especially those suffering from 
chronic pain.2
In a September 20, 2022 Ted Talk titled "The Bias Behind Your Undiagnosed 
Chronic Pain," Michigan physician Sheetal DeCaria stated that those of lower insurance 
and income status, and racial and ethnic minorities receive worse care in clinics and 
hospitals. Moreover, when it comes to pain diagnosis, the bias extends beyond poverty 
and minority and is worse toward women. Although females have more nerve fibers 
than men and experience more hormonal fluctuations (which influence the majority of 
chronic pain conditions), they are more likely than men to be given anti-anxiety 
medication instead of painkillers when they present to the emergency department 
complaining of severe pain. In an online survey of 2,400 American women with a variety 
of chronic pain conditions, 91% felt that the healthcare system discriminated against 
them and nearly half were told that the pain was all in their heads.
In the Philippines, we've heard of healthcare personnel discriminating against 
and displaying rude behavior toward poor or indigent patients, or showing judgment
Smedley, Stith, and Nelson (2003) "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic 
Disparities in Healthcare", Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and 
Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare. National Academies Press 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25032386/
DeCaria, Sheetal (2022) "The Bias Behind Your Undiagnosed Chronic Pain", Ted Talks Daily


toward pregnant teenage patients. In a Philippine Daily Inquirer essay from August 27, 
2018, columnist and St. Lukes Medical Center resident Dr. Kay Rivera acknowledged 
that doctors, given the "inhumane hours and frustrations of the healthcare system", 
are guilty of "jadedness, irritability, and clerical errors." However, she recognized that 
"(a doctor's) 36-hour shift does not justify rudeness to patients; and the number of 
teenage pregnancies does not excuse judgmental and petty behavior toward pregnant 
teenagers who come to the emergency room."
Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that "the State 
shall adopt a comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to 
make essential health and other social services available to a//the people...and there 
shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, 
and children."
Healthcare providers and leaders working toward health equity will need to 
recognize and address pervasive implicit biases to truly enhance patient health care.
This bill seeks to (i) mandate healthcare providers to be conscious of and address 
implicit biases that affect patient-provider communication, relationship and outcomes; 
and (ii) empower patients who have suffered or may suffer from the consequences of 
these biases by making them aware of their rights and the remedies available to enforce 
these rights.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
,'B’Cun-e
o( til?
*22 NOV 23 PI 51
RECEIVED BY;
SENATE
s.B. No. 1534
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PATIENTS, 
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the " Patients'Bill of Rights 
and Responsibilities Act'.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity, thereby establishing the 
Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in order to ensure a decent, humane, and 
quality health care for all patients and health care providers.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be 
defined as follows:
(a) Emergency Patient shaW refer to one who is in immediate threat of losing life 
or limb, or of suffering permanent disability;
(b) Emergency treatment and support shall refer to any medical or surgical 
measure within the capability of the hospital or medical clinic that is 
administered by qualified health care professionals to prevent the death or 
permanent disability of a patient;
(c) Medical clinic shall refer to an establishment in which patients can avail of 
medical consultation or treatment on an outpatient basis;
(d) Permanent disability shaW refer to a condition of physical disability, as defined 
under Article 192-C and Article 193-B and C of Presidential Decree No 442, 
as amended, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines;
(e) Hospital s\\aW refer to a facility devoted primarily to the diagnosis, treatment 
and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury or deformity, or 
in need of obstetrical or other medical and nursing care. It shall also be


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construed as any institution, building or place where there are facilities and 
personnel for the continued and prolonged care of patients;
(f) Health Care shall refer to measures taken by a Health Care Provider or in a 
Health Care Institution in order to determine a patient's state of health or to 
restore or maintain it;
(g) Health Care Institution shall refer to a site devoted primarily to the 
maintenance and operation of facilities for the prevention, diagnosis, 
treatment and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury or 
deformity if in need of medical and nursing care;
(h) Heaith Care Provider shaW refer to any physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist 
or paramedic and other supporting health personnel, including, but not 
limited to, dental and medical technicians and technologists, nursing aides, 
therapists, nutritionists trained in Health Care and/or duly registered and 
licensed to practice in the Philippines as well as traditional and alternative 
Health Care practitioner; and
(i) Patient who shall refer to a person who avails of health and medical care 
services.
SEC. 4. Individuai Rights of Patients. -The following individual rights of patients 
shall be respected by all those involved in the delivery of Health Care services:
(a) Right to Appropriate and Quality Health Care and Humane Treatment - Every 
person has a right to a continuity of appropriate and good quality Health Care 
without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender and economic status. In 
the course of such care, his or her dignity, integrity, convictions, individual needs 
and culture shall be respected.
In case a Patient cannot immediately be given necessary treatment for any 
justifiable reason, he/she shall be informed of said reason for delay and be 
treated in accordance with his or her best interests: Provided, that the treatment 
applied shall be in accordance with generally accepted medical principles.
Emergency Patients shall be extended immediate medical care and treatment 
without requiring, as a prerequisite thereof, any pecuniary consideration, 
consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8344 otherwise known as "An 
Act Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the 
Confinement of Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain 
Cases" and any amendments thereof.
(b) Right to Dignity - The Patient's dignity, culture and values shall be respected at 
all times in medical care and teaching. Likewise, terminally-ill patients shall be


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entitled to humane terminal care to make dying as dignified and painless as 
possible.
(c) Right to be Informed of His Rights and Obligations as a Patient - Every person 
has the right to be informed of his or her rights and obligations as a Patient.
In line with this, the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with Health 
Care Providers, professional and civic groups, the media, health insurance 
corporations, people's organizations and local government organizations, shall 
launch and sustain a nationwide information and education campaign to make 
known to the people their rights as Patients, as provided in this Act.
It shall also be the duty of Health Care Institutions to inform Patients of their 
rights as well as of the institution's rules and regulations that apply to the 
conduct of the Patient while in the care of such institution.
(d) Right to Choose His Physician / Health Institution - The Patient is free to choose 
the services of a physician or health institution of his choice, except when he or 
she chooses to be confined in a charity ward. In the latter case, the attending 
physician under whose service the patient was admitted as appearing in the 
Doctor's Order Sheet of the Medical Record shall be the consultant.
The Patient shall have the right to seek a second opinion and subsequent 
opinions, if necessary, from another physician or health institution, and to 
change his physician or Health Care Institution.
(e) Right to Informed Consent - The Patient has a right to self-determination and to 
make free decisions regarding himself/herself. However, the attending physician 
shall inform the Patient of the consequences of his/her decisions.
A Patient who is mentally-competent and is of legal age, or in his incapacity or 
age of minority, his/her legal representative, has a right to a clear explanation, 
in layman's terms, of all proposed or contemplated procedures, whether 
diagnostic or therapeutic, including the identity and professional circumstances 
of the person or persons who will perform the said procedure(s). The 
explanation shall include the amount of information necessary and indispensable 
for him to intelligently give his/her consent, including, but not limited to, the 
benefits, risk, side effects and the probability of success or failure, as a possible 
consequence of said proposed procedure(s), including the implications of 
withholding consent. In the explanation, the comprehension ability of the patient 
shall also be considered, taking into account his/her level of education, the


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dialect or language that he/she speaks and understands, and, if possible, with 
the use of anatomic sketch or any materials or visual aids that may aid the 
Patient, or his/her legal representative, in fully understanding the proposed 
procedure(s).
The right to informed consent shall likewise consider the voluntariness in which 
the Patient or his/her legal representative has given his/her consent, seeing to 
it that the Patient or his/her legal representative was allowed to ask questions, 
or that he/she is given the chance to consult his/her kin, or to seek another 
expert opinion. If the Patient is unconscious or is unable to express his/her will, 
informed consent must be obtained whenever possible from a legal 
representative; Provided, however, that when medical intervention is urgently 
needed, the consent of the patient may be presumed; Provided further, that a 
physician should always try to save the life of a Patient who is unconscious due 
to a suicide attempt.
In the case of a Patient who is legally incompetent or is a minor, the consent of 
a legal representative is required; Provided, however, that the Patient must be 
involved in the decision-making process to the fullest extent allowed by his/her 
mental capacity. If the legally incompetent Patient can make rational decisions, 
his/her decisions must be respected, and he/she has the right to forbid 
disclosure of such information to his/her legal representative.
If the patient's legal representative forbids treatment, but, in the opinion of the 
physician, it is contrary to the patient's best interest, the physician may challenge 
this decision in court; Provided, however, that in emergency cases, the physician 
shall act in the patient's best interest; Provided further, that in emergency cases 
where there is no one who can give consent on the patient's behalf, the physician 
can perform any emergency diagnostic or treatment procedure in the best 
interest of the patient.
(f) Right to Refuse Diagnostic and Medical Treatment-The Patient has the right to 
refuse diagnostic and medical treatment procedures, provided that the following 
conditions are satisfied:
1. The Patient is of legal age and is mentally competent;
2. The Patient is informed of the medical consequences of his/her refusal;
3. The Patient releases those involved in his care from any obligation relative 
to the consequences of his/her decision; and
4. The Patient's' refusal will not jeopardize public health and safety.


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(g) Right to Refuse Participation in Medical Research - The Patient has the right to 
be advised of plans to involve him/her in medical research that may affect the 
care or treatment of his/her condition. Any proposed research shall be 
performed only upon the written informed consent of the Patient.
(h) Right to Religious Belief and Assistance - The Patient has the right to receive 
spiritual and moral comfort, including the help of a priest or minister of his/her 
chosen religion. He/she also has the right to refuse medical treatment or 
procedures which may be contrary to his religious beliefs.
(i) Right to Privacy and Confidentiality - The patient has the right to privacy and 
protection from unwarranted publicity. The right to privacy shall include the 
patient's right not to be subjected to exposure, private or public, either by 
photography, publications, video-taping, discussion, or by any other means that 
would otherwise tend to reveal his person and identity and the circumstances 
under which he/she was, is, or will be, under medical or surgical care or 
treatment.
The Patient and his/her legal representative have the right to be informed by 
the physician or his/her legal representative of the patient's continuing Health 
Care requirements following discharge, including instructions about home 
medications, diet, physical activity and other pertinent information.
All identifiable information about a patient's health status, medical condition, 
diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, and all other information of personal kind, 
must be kept confidential even after death; Provided, that descendants may 
have a right of access to information that will inform them of their health risks.
All identifiable Patient data must also be protected. The protection of the data 
must be appropriate as to the manner of its storage. Human substance from 
which identifiable data can be derived must be likewise protected.
Confidential information may be disclosed in the following cases:
i. When the patient's medical or physical condition is in controversy in a court 
litigation and the court, in its discretion, orders the patient to submit to physical 
or mental examination of a physician;
ii. When public health or safety so demands;
iii. When the Patient, or in his incapacity, his/her legal representative, expressly 
gives the consent;


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iv. When the patient's medical or surgical condition is discussed in a medical or 
scientific forum for expert discussion for his/her benefit or for the advancement 
of science and medicine; Provided, however, that the identity of the Patient 
should not be revealed; and
V. When it is otherwise required by law.
(j) Right to Disclosure of, and Access to Information - In the course of the Patient's 
treatment and hospital care, the Patient or his/her legal guardian has the right 
to be informed of the result of the evaluation and of the nature and extent of 
his/her disease. Any other additional or further contemplated medical treatment 
on surgical procedure(s) shall be disclosed and may only be performed with the 
written consent of the patient.
The disclosure of information may be withheld if giving the information to the 
Patient will cause mental suffering or further impair his/her health. Provided, 
That such disclosure may be withheld or deferred to some future opportune time 
upon due consultation with the patient's immediate family. Provided further, 
That such information must be given in a way that is appropriate to the local 
culture and in a manner the Patient can understand.
The Patient has the right to choose who he/she desires should be informed on 
his behalf. Provided, however. That the Patient also has the right not to be 
informed on his/her explicit request, unless it is required for the protection of 
another person's life.
The Patient has the right to be given, and examine, an itemized bill for hospital 
and medical services rendered. He/she is entitled to a thorough explanation of 
such bill as well as of the financial assistance schemes available to him/her 
before receiving treatment.
Finally, the Patient has the right to be issued an Official Receipt for any payment 
he/she has made, showing the date of transaction, quantity, unit cost and 
description of drugs, medicine, or other items purchased, or nature of service 
rendered.
(k) Right to Correspondence and to Receive Visitors - The Patient has the right to 
communicate with his/her relatives and other persons and to receive visitors 
subject to reasonable limits prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Health 
Care Institution.


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(l) Right to Medical Records - The Healthcare Institution and the physician shall 
ensure and safeguard the integrity and authenticity of medical records.
The Patient, upon his/her request, is entitled to a medical certificate and clinical 
abstract. He/she has the right to view, and obtain an explanation of, the contents 
of his/her medical records from the attending physician, except for psychiatric 
notes and other incriminating information obtained about a third party.
The Patient may also obtain from the Health Care Institution a reproduction, at 
his/her expense, of his/her medical records, except for the psychiatric notes and 
incriminating evidence referred to above; Provided, That any relevant document 
that the Patient may require for insurance claims shall be made available to him 
within a reasonable period of time.
(m) Right to Health Education - Every person has the right to health education that 
will assist him in making informed choices about personal health and about 
available health services. This education shall include information about healthy 
lifestyles and about methods of prevention and early detection of illnesses. The 
personal responsibility of everybody for his/her own health should be stressed.
(n) Right to Leave Against Medical Advice - The Patient has the right to leave a 
hospital or any other Health Care Institution regardless of his/her physical 
condition; Provided, that:
1. He/she is informed of the medical consequences of his/her decision;
2. He/she releases those involved in his/her care from any obligation relative 
to the consequences of his/her decision; and
3. His/her decision will not prejudice public health and safety.
(o) Right to Express Grievances - Every Patient has the right to express valid 
complaints and grievances about the care and services received and to know 
the disposition of such complaints, in accordance with Sections 7-8 of this Act.
SEC. 5. Societal Rights of Patients. - In addition to patients' individual rights, 
the Patient likewise has the following societal rights:
(a) Right to Health - The Patient has the right to access quality Health Care and 
physicians who are free to render clinical and ethical judgment without 
interference or external pressure. He/she has likewise the right to regain/and 
or acquire the highest attainable standard of health in a non-discriminatory.


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gender sensitive and equal manner which health authorities and Health Care 
Providers must progressively contribute to realize.
(b) Right to Access to Quality Public Healthcare - The Patient has the right to a 
comprehensive and integrated Health Care delivery system with the 
necessary manpower and facility resources. He/she shall also have the right 
to a functioning public health and Health Care facilities, needed programs, 
such as public health insurance, goods and services in sufficient quantity. 
He/she shall likewise be provided with health facilities and services with 
adequate provision for essential drugs, regular screening programs, 
appropriate treatment of prevalent diseases, illnesses, injuries and 
disabilities. Towards this end, the government shall approximate the 
international standard allocation for the health sector as set by the World 
Health Organization.
(c) Right to a Healthy and Safe Workplace - The Patient has the right to a 
healthy natural workplace environment with adequate supply of safe and 
potable water and basic sanitation, industrial hygiene, prevention and 
reduction of exposure to harmful substances, preventive measures for 
occupational accidents and diseases, and an environment that discourages 
abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and the use of other harmful 
substances.
(d) Right to Medical Information and Education Programs - The Patient has the 
right to medical information and education programs on immunization; 
prevention, treatment and control of diseases; behavior related concerns; 
and disaster relief and emergency situations during epidemics and similar 
health hazards. The State shall endeavor to provide this information through 
lectures, symposia, tri-media, posters and the like.
(e) Right to Participate in Policy Decisions - The Patient has the right to 
participate in policy decisions relating to patient's right to health at the 
community and national levels.
(f) Right to Access to Health Facilities - The Patient has the right to be admitted 
to primary, secondary, tertiary and other specialty hospitals when 
appropriate and necessary.
(g) Right to an Equitable and Economical Use of Resources - The Patient has 
the right to an equitable and economical use of resources such that health 
institutions, projects and programs of the State are equitably established and 
implemented in various regions of the country.


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(h) Right to Continuing Health Care - The Patient has the right to avail of or 
secure access to programs that will ensure continuity of care in the form of 
hospice care, rehabilitation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other similar 
modalities.
(i) Right to Be Provided Quality Health Care in Times of Insolvency - The Patient 
has the right, at all times, to access quality medical care in spite of 
insolvency. The State must provide for a system of payment to Health Care 
Institutions and Providers for all the valid and necessary medical expenses 
of the poor and marginalized citizens.
SEC. 6. Obligations of Patients. - The Patient shall fulfill the following obligations 
and responsibilities regarding his/her medical care and/or personal behavior:
(a) Know His/Her Rights - The Patient shall ensure that he/she knows and 
understands what his/her rights as a Patient are and shall exercise those 
rights responsibly and reasonably.
(b) Provide Adequate, Accurate and Complete Information - The Patient shall 
provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, adequate, accurate and complete 
information about all matters pertaining to his/her health, including 
medications and past or present medical problems, ailments, medical history, 
consultation with other physicians, results of diagnostic work-up and 
treatment, to his/her Health Care Provider.
(c) Report Unexpected Health Changes - The Patient shall report unexpected 
changes to his/her condition or symptoms, including pain, to his/her Health 
Care Provider.
(d) Understand the Purpose and Cost of Treatment - The Patient shall ensure 
that he/she understands the purpose and cost of any proposed treatment or 
procedure before deciding to accept it. He/she shall notify his/her Healthcare 
Provider if he/she does not understand any information about the proposed 
care or treatment. The Patient shall insist upon explanations until adequately 
informed and shall endeavor to make all the necessary consultations before 
reaching a decision.
(e) Accept the Consequences of His/Her Own Informed Consent - The Patient 
shall accept all the consequences of his/her own informed consent. If he/she 
refuses treatment or does not follow the instructions or advice of the 
Healthcare Provider, he/she must accept the consequences of such decision 
and relieve the Health Care Provider of any liability as a result of the exercise 
of his/her right to self-determination.


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(f) Settle Financial Obligations - The Patient shall ensure that the financial 
obligations as a result of his/her Health Care are fulfilled as promptly as 
possible. Otherwise, he/she shall make the appropriate arrangements to 
settle unpaid hospital bills and/or professional fees in accordance with 
Republic Act No. 9439. The patient must seek support from the State in order 
to establish a system of payment to Healthcare Institutions and Providers.
(g) Respect the Rights of Health Care Providers, Health Care Institutions and 
Other Patients - The Patient is obligated to give due respect to the rights 
and well-being of Health Care Providers, Health Care Institutions and other 
Patients. He shall act in a considerate and/or cooperative manner and shall 
give respect to the rights and properties of others. He shall follow the 
policies, rules and regulations, and procedures of Healthcare Institutions.
(h) Obligation to Self-The Patient shall refrain from indulging in unhealthy food 
consumption; addiction-forming substance foods such as tobacco, alcohol 
and drugs; lifestyles that have an adverse impact on health, such as sexual 
promiscuity and reckless activities; and contamination of the environment. 
The Patient is obligated to maintain a state of wellness.
(i) Provide Adequate Health Information and Actively Participate in his/her 
Treatment - The Patient shall ensure that he/she has adequate health 
information that will allow him/her to actively participate in the formulation 
of his/her diagnostic and treatment plans. When he/she signs an informed 
consent, it is assumed that he has the necessary information.
(j) Respect the Right to Privacy of Health Care Providers and Institutions - The 
Patient has the obligation to submit grievances to the proper authorities or 
venue and not resort to unwarranted publicity in the media. He/she shall not 
disclose to the public any alleged complaint against Health Care Providers 
and/or Institutions if it has not been fully decided by a court or administrative 
tribunal of prosper jurisdiction.
(k) Exercise Fidelity on Privileged Communication - A patient-physician 
relationship is a fiduciary one where mutual trust, respect and confidence are 
expected. All communications are privileged and the patient is obliged not to 
breach this privileged communication especially if it involves a third party.
(l) Respect a Physician's Refusal to Treat Him - While the Patient has the right 
to choose his/her physician, he/she is also obligated to respect the 
physician's decision to choose whom he/she will treat.
10


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{m) Respect the Physician's Decision on Medicai Reasons based on his/her 
Religious Beliefs-Ihe Patient is obliged to respect the physician's religious 
beliefs. If the Patient is a minor or is legally incapacitated, his/her parents 
or legal representatives are obliged to likewise respect the physician's 
decision on mailers relating to medical reasons despite their religious beliefs.
(n) Ensure Integrity and Authenticity of Medical Records - The Patient is obliged 
to ensure the integrity and authenticity of his/her medical records. Any 
manner of alteration of his/her records is a criminal offense subject to the 
provisions of the Revised Penal Code.
(o) Participate in the Training of Competent Future Physicians - The Patient is 
obligated to participate in the training of future physicians provided that 
necessary information is provided to him/her and the appropriate ethical 
considerations are observed.
(p) Report Infractions and Exhaust Grievance Mechanism - The Patient shall 
immediately inform his/her Health care Provider of any perceived or alleged 
infraction of his/her rights, as set forth in this Act through proper channels 
in order to promote mutual trust, respect and confidence, between the 
Provider and the and Patient.
SEC. 7. Penal Provisions. - Any official of a Health Care Institution, Health Care 
Provider, or employee of a Hospital or Medical Clinic who violates any Individual or 
Societal Right of a Patient, as provided in this Act, shall upon conviction by final 
judgment, be punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and one (1) 
day but not more than two (2) years and four (4) months, or a fine of not less than 
Twenty thousand pesos (Php 20,000.00), but not more than One hundred thousand 
pesos (Php 100,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, however. That 
if such violation was committed pursuant to an established policy of the hospital or 
clinic or upon instruction of its management, the director or officer of such hospital or 
clinic responsible for the formulation and implementation of such policy shall, upon 
conviction by final judgment, suffer imprisonment of four (4) to six (6) years, or a fine 
of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00), but not more than 
Five hundred thousand pesos (Php 500,000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court.
SEC. 8. Inclusion in School Curriculum, Licensure Examinations, and Training. 
- The provisions of this Act shall be considered in the medical and medical-related 
school curriculum and licensure examinations, including trainings and seminars of 
traditional and alternative Healthcare Providers or practitioners.
SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Health, in 
consultation with the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Hospital Association,
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the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care and other concerned 
private agencies, non-governmental organization and people's organizations shall 
promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for its implementation 
within One Hundred Eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All Acts, Executive Orders, Rules and Regulations, 
or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly.
SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect.
SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the date 
of its publication in at least two (2) major newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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