Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
INTRODUCED BY REP. MAXIMO, JR. Y. DALOG
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to amend Republic Act 5680, entitled, "An Act Creating the Board
for Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists."
For almost fifty years,  Physical  therapists  and  Occupational  therapists  have
been regulated and monitored  under a common board, the Boards of Examiners for
Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists created through Republic Act 5680.
On  March   11,  2019,   Republic  Act  11241   also  known  as  "The  Philippines
Occupational Therapy Law of 2018" was signed into law. This law recognized the fact
that Occupational Therapy and  Physical Therapy are two different professions with
their own professional associations namely,  Philippine Physical Therapy Association
(PPTA) and  Occupational Therapy Association  of the  Philippines,  lnc.  (OTAP),  duly
accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission and duly registered with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.1  This  resulted  to  the  passage  of said  law
regulating   the   registration,   licensure   and   practice   occupational   therapists   only.
However,  there  was  no  separate  bill  filed  to  update  and  regulate  the  registration,
licensure and practice of physical therapy, thus the need for the passage of this bill.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly urged.
1 An Act Regulating the Registration, Licensure, and Practice of Occupational Therapy, Providing Funds Therefor
and for other Related Purposes, Senate Bill 454 (SB 454) Note, 17th Congress, Congressional Records (2016).


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSEBiLLNo.597§
INTRODUCED BY REP. WIAXIMO, JR. Y. DALOG
AN     ACT     REGULATING     THE     REGISTRATION,     LICENSURE,     AND
PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:
ARTICLE I
TITLE AND DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section  1.  Short  I/1/e.  -This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  ``7lhe
Philippine Physical Therapy ACT .
Section   2.   Sfafemenf  of  Po//.cy.  -  The  State   recognizes  the
importance  of physical  therapy  and  physical  therapists  in  nation  building.
Hence, (1 ) it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and
well-rounded  physical therapists whose standards or 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; and (2) its hall establish quality standards for physical
therapists in linking Primary Health care to community-based rehabilitation.
Section 3. Ob/`ecfi-yes. -The Act provides for and shall govern:
a.  The   administration    and    conduct   of   licensure   examinations,
registration and licensing of physical therapists;
b.  The supervision and regulation of the practice of physical therapy
in the Philippines; and
c.  The updating of the definition of the roles of physical therapists.


Section 4. Deri-ni-fi.on of rerms. -As used in this Act:
a) Accredi.fat/.on is a type  of quality  assurance  process that  utilizes all
aspects   of   review   and   assessment   according   to   pre-defined
standards. Accreditation may be applied to physical therapy service
today.
b) Advanced  scope  of pracf/.ce  -  physical  therapists  may  develop  a
scope of practice beyond the usual and customary physical therapist's
practice   as   a   result   of  attaining   significant  additional   education,
professional      experience,       and/or      enhanced      competencies.
Specialization is an exam advanced scope of practice.
c)  Accredited and Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) rofers to
an  integrated  national  organization,  association,  or  society  that  is
granted  accreditation   by  the   Board  and  the  Commission  as  the
Accredited     Integrated     Professional     Organization     of     physical
therapists.
d)  Ptrys/.ca/  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   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   involves   the   interaction   between   the   physical
therapist,  patients/clients,  other  heath  professionals,  families,  care
givers  and  communities  in  a  process where  movement  potential  is
examined/assed  and  goals are agreed  upon,  using  knowledge and
skills unique to physical therapists.
e)  Ptrys/.ca/  Therap/.sf  refers  to  a  person  who  is  a  holder  of  a  valid
registration   and   professional   license   issued   by  the   Professional
Regulation   Commission,   and  who   is   legally   qualified   to   practice
physical therapy in the Philippines pursuant to this Act.
f)   Hea/th     Promofi.on     is     the     combination     of    educational     and
environmental support for actions and conditions of living, conducive
to  health  in  order to enable  people to gain  greater control  over the
determinants  of  their  own  health.   It  represents  a  comprehensive
social and political process and not only embraces actions directed at
strengthening the skills and capabilities of individuals but also action
directed   towards   changing   social,   environmental   and   economic


conditions  so  as  to  alleviate  their  impact  on  public  and  individual
health.
g)  Spect.a/t.zaf7.on   is   the   result   of   advanced   knowledge,   skills   and
competence  attained  by  a  physical  therapist  qualified  in  a  specific
area, within the scope of practice recognized as physical therapy. This
usually   results   from   defined   training   and   educational   pathways,
associated  with  a  formal  process  for  testing  and  recognizing  the
advanced level acquired.
h)  Spec/.a//-sf phys/-ca/ therap/.sf js a physical therapist who has formally
demonstrated  advanced  clinical  competence  in  a  defined  specialty
area within the scope of practice recognized  as physical therapy.  A
specialist  physical  therapist  would  be  expected  to  practice  and/or
teach in the specialty area of clinical practice and also to be involved
in evaluation  and  practice/service development and to contribute to
the body of knowledge relevant to their practice setting.
i)   Pr/'mary bea/fh  care  is  the  first  level  of  conduct  of  individuals,  the
family and  community with  a  nation's  health  system  bringing  health
services  as  close  as  possible  to  where  people  live  and  work,  and
constitutes the first element of a continuing health service process.  It
is an essential health service based on  practical,  scientifically sound
and  socially  acceptable  methods  and  technology  made  universally
accessible to individuals and families in the community.
Section 5. Scope and Nature of the Practice of Physical Therapy.
- shall embrace,  but is not limited with identifying and maximizing quality if
life  and  movement  potential  within  the  spheres  of promotion,  prevention,
treatment/intervention,   habilitation,   and   rehabilitation  which   encompass
physical,  psychological,  emotional  and  social  well-being.  It embraces  the
application of the physical therapist's extensive knowledge of the body and
its  movement  needs  and  potential,  central  to  determining  strategies  for
diagnosis   and    intervention.    In    addition,    it    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, research, developing and implementing health
policy at the local,  national and international levels.
Physical therapists are qualified and professionally required to:
a.  Undertake   a   comprehensive   examination/   assessment   of   a
patient/client or needs of a client group;
b.  Evaluate the finding form the examination or assessment to make
clinical judgements regarding patients or 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;
e.  Implement a physical therapy intervention/treatment program;
f.   Determine the outcomes of any interventions/treatments; and
9.  Make recommendation for self-management.
ARTICLE  11
THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD 0F PHYSICAL
THERAPY
Section   6.   Creation   and   Composition   of  the   Professional
Regulatory  Board  of Physical  Therapy. - There .is heresy  oreated  a
Professional Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy, hereafter referred to as
the   Board,   under   the   administrative   supervision   of   the   Professional
Regulation Commission  (PRC),  composed of a Chairperson and three (3)
Members appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of six (6)
recommendees   of  the   Professional   Regulation   Commission   for   each
position chosen from a list of four nominees for each position submitted by
the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of physical therapists.
Section 7. Powers and Funcf/.ons of the Board. -The Board shall
have the following powers and functions:
a.  Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations to carry
out the provisions of this Act;
b.  Supervise and  regulate the licensure,  registration and  practice of
the physical therapy profession;
c.  Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
d.  Adopt an official seal of the Board;
e.  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;


9.  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.  Work  in  partnership  with  the  Commission  on  Higher  Education
(CHED) or its equivalent,  to ensure that all  education  institutions
offering education comply with the prescribed policies, standards,
and guidelines;
i.    Prescribe the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards of Practice for
physical  therapists  as  endorsed   by  the  AIPO  organization   of
physical therapists;
j.    Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its jmplementing rules
and regulations, code of ethics, and ethical standards of practice,
and for this purpose.
k.       Issue subpoena duces tecum or subpoena ad testificandum, or
both,   to   ensure   the   appearance   of   witnesses,   and   the
in.
production  of  documents  in  connection  therewith:   Provi.dec/,
7haf the decision of the Board shall become final and executory
after fifteen  (15)  days  from  receipt  of judgement  or  decision
unless appealed to the PRC;
Prescribe guidelines and criteria for the Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) program for physical therapists;
Prescribe the  subjects  in the  licensure examination  and  table
specifications,  determine  the  syllabi  of the  subjects  and  their
relative weights, score, and rate the examinations papers, and
submit the results to the PRC within the period  provided for in
the rules of the PRC;
n.        Administer the  examinations  to  applicants  for  the  practice  of
physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
o.        Adopt  a  program  for the  full  computerization  of the  licensure
examination;
p.        Grant an application for registration without examination subject
to the approval of the PRC;
q.        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 promulgates by the Board shall be subject to review and approval
of the PRC.


See;tiron I.  Qualifications  of the  Members  of the  Board. -The
members of the Board shall,  at the time of their appointment,  possess the
following qualifications:
a.  Has resided in the Philippines at least (5) years;
b.   Is a duly registered  physical therapist under this Act, with  a valid
certificate pf registration and professional license;
c.   Has engaged  in the  practice of physical therapy for at least (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;
e.  Is a member of good standing of the AIPO of physical therapists,
and not an officer thereof;
f.    Has   no   prior  conviction   by  a   competent  court  of  an   offense
involving moral turpitude; and
9.  Has no direct or indirect pecuniary interest 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.
Section 8.  Term of Office. - The Chairperson and Members of the
Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years: Prov/.ded, 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;
Prow/-ded,  Further,  that a Chairperson or Member may be appointed for a
second  term,  but  may  not  serve  more  than  two  consecutive  three  year
terms,  or  six  (6)  consecutive  years.  Interim  vacancies  be  filled  for  the
unexpired term only, or until their successors have been appointed and duly
qualified.
Sechion 9. Removal of the Members of the Board. -Any member
of the Board may upon the recommendation of the PRC after due process
of law and  investigation  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, manipulation 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.
Sechron 10. Compensation and AIIowances of the Members 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  under  the  PRC,   as
provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Section  11.  Supervision  of the  Board,  Custodian  of Records,
Secrefari-af,  and  Sapporf  Serv/.ces.  -  The  Board  shall  be  under  the
administrative supervision  of the  PRC.  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 PTRC.  The  PRC shall designate
the  Secretary  of  the  Board  and  shall  provide  the  secretariat  and  other
support services to implement the provisions of this Act.
Section 12. Amua/ Report. -The Board shall, at the close of each
other calendar year, submit an annual report to the PRC, 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  111
LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
Section 13. Exam/-naffon Requ/-rea/. -All applicants for registration
for the practice of physical therapy shall be undergo a license examination
to  be  given  by  the  Board  in  such  places  and  dates  as  the  PRC  may
designate,  subject to compliance with the requirements prescribed  by the
PRC.
Section 14. Qua//.ri.cafi.ons for Exam/.nafl-on. -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  a
formal reciprocity agreement with the Philippines;
b.  Is of good  moral  character has  not  been  convicted  of any  crime
involving moral turpitude; and
c.  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 the CHED.
Section  15.  Scope of Exami.nafi-on. -The scope of examinations
shall,  after the  necessary stakeholder consultation,  be determined  by the
Board,  subject  to  the  approval  of the  PRCS.  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 ad globally, that affect the practice and delivery of physical therapy
services jn the country.
Section 16. Rafi.ngs /.n the Exami.nafJ.on. -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 that sixty percent (60%) in any of the examination subjects.
Section 17. Report of Rati-ngs. -The Board shall submit to the PRC
the ratings obtained by each candidate within ten (10) calendar days after
the examination, unless extended for just cause.
Sechon   18.   Issuance   of   the   Certificate   of   Registration,
Professional  License,  and  Professional  Identification  Card.  - The
certificate of registration and professional identification card shall be issued
to examinees who passed the licensure examinations for physical therapist
subject  to  payment  of  fees  prescribed  by  the  PRC.  The  certificate  of
registration shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the PRC and the
Chairperson and Members of the Board, stamped wit the official seals of the
PRC  and  Board  respectively,  indicating  that the  person  named therein  is
entitled to practice the physical therapy profession, with all the benefits and
privileges appurtenant thereto. The certificate of registration shall remain in
full force and effort until revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act.
The  professional  identification  card  bearing the registration  number,
and dates of issuance and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the PRC
shall  likewise  be  issued to every registrant upon  payment of the required
fees. The professional identification card shall be renewed every three (3)
years,   upon  compliance  with  the  Continuing  Professional  development
(CPD), and submission of a certificate of good standing from the AIPO, and
other requirements of the board and the PRC.
Section  19.  /ni.fi-a/s  PTRP.  -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 to the practice of the profession.
Section 20. Refusa/ fo Regi.sfer. -The Board shall refuse to register
any successful examined 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.
Sectiion  21.  Cancellation  or  Suspension  of  the  Certificate  of
Registration and Special Permit. -The Board may, after g.iv.ing proper


notice of hearing to the party concerned, cancel the practitioner's certificate
of registration  and  professional  identification  card,  or be suspended form
the  practice of the  profession;  or cancel the special  permit for any of the
causes   or  grounds   mentioned   in   Section   29   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
ethical Standards of Practice for physical therapists.
Sechi\on  Z2.   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  certificate  of registration  or
professional identification card, or special temporary permit may be used to
replace   lost,   destroyed,   or   mutilated   ones,   subject   to   the   rules   as
implemented by the Board.
Section 23. Oath of Phys/.ca/ 7Therapi.sis. -Successful examinees
qualified  for  registration,  and  qualified  applicants  for  registration  without
examination,  shall  be  required  to  take  an  oath  or  profession  before  any
member of the Board or any government official authorized by the PRC to
administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of physical therapy in the
Philippines.
Section Z4. Indication of Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt. -
All  physical therapists shall  be required to indicate on the documents they
sign,  use or issue in connection with the  practice of their profession,  their
registration,  or professional  license number and  date of issuance thereof,
the duration of validity of said license, and the privilege tac receipt number
issued to them.
Section  25.  Roster of Phys/.ca/  7lherap/-sis.  -  The  Board  shall
prepare,  update,  and  maintain  a  roster of physical  therapists which  shall
contain the name of each registered physical therapist, tehri residence and
office addresses, the date of registration and issuance of certificates,  and
other data which the board may deem pertinent.
Section  Z6.  Issuance  of  Special  and  Temporary  Permit.  -  A
special   temporary   permit   may   be   issued   by   the   Board    upon   the
recommendation of the AIPO of physical therapists, subject to the approval
by the PRC and payment of the prescribed fee to the following persons:
a.  Foreign-licensed  physical  therapists  called  for  consultation  or  a
specified     purpose    that    is    deemed    essential    to    national
development,  the  practice  shall  be  limited  only for the  particular


work being:  Provt.dec/,  That there  is  no  Filipino  physical therapist
qualified for such consultation or purpose;
b.  Foreign-licensed physical therapists whose service shall be free of
charge and who are highly need ender particular settings;
c.   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
d.  Foreign-licensed   physical  therapists   recognized   as  experts  or
specialists whose service is deemed essential to the advancement
of the profession in the Philippines.
The  special  temporary  permit  shall   include  these  limitations  and
conditions: validity for a period of not more than one (1 ) years, 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,  or university
offering  the  course  of  physical  therapy.  The  Board  subject  to  the
approval  by  the  PRC,  shall  prescribe  rules  and  regulations for the
implementation of this particular section.
ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE 0F PHYSICAL THERAPY
Sectiion  Z].  Delivery  of  Physical  Therapy  Service.  -  Prtystical
therapists  shall work  in  partnership with  other health  service  providers  or
health  professionals,  patients  or clients,  families,  and  communities  in  the
delivery of services in the most effective, cost efficient, and client-centered
service.
Section Z8. Prohibition on the Practice of Physical Therapy. -No
person shall practice or offer to practice physical therapy,  nor offer to be a
physical 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.
Section 29. ProhJ.b/.fed Acts. -No person shall:
a.  Engage I the practice of physical therapy by representing oneself
as  a  physical  therapist without  a  valid  certificate  of registration,
professional  identification  card,  or  a  valid  temporary  or  special
permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act;
b.  Represent oneself as a physical therapist during the time that the
professional license is not valid or that the certificate or registration


has  been  suspended  or  revoked,  or that the  special  temporary
permit has been cancelled;
c.  Allow anybody to use the certificate of registration or professional
license,   or  both   and   special   temporary   permit  as   a   physical
therapist  to  enable  such  unqualified  individual  to  engage  in  the
practice of physical therapy;
d.  Use the certificate of registration,  professional  identification  card,
or special temporary permit of another person; and
e.  Violate the provision of the Code of Ethics Standards of Practice
as recommended by the AIPO of physical therapists.
Sectiion 30. Code of Ethics and Standards Of Practice for Physical
7Therap/-sis. -The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of
Section 31. Effecfi'v/-fy. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after  its  publication  in  the  Offr.ci.a/  Gazeffe  or  in  a  newspaper  of general
circulation.
Approved,