., 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
'14 
AUG 13 P12:00 
SENATE 
____________ 
S_' B_,_N_O_, __ 
2_3 __ 5_6 _______ 
I_{_E_Cl.;I\ Ht in ._~~ 
_________ 
In""tc-ro;-.d::cu::cc:.ced.;:;..-::hCLy. Senator Antonio "Sonny" F, Trillanes IV ___ _ 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF NUTRf['lON AND DIETETICS IN THE 
PHILIPPINES, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 
1286, KNOWN AS THE "NUTRITION AND DIETETICS DECREE OF 1977", 
APPROPRlA TING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHERS PURPOSES. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill was conceived in recognition of the important role of registered trntritionist-dietitians. 
(RNO) in human development and seeks to improve the practice of the profession.The measure 
seeks toinstitutereforms ensuring the welfure, protedion and improvement of the RND 
profession' as this representati9n believes that promoting good nutrition is an ipvestrnent in 
human resource and is key to a strong and healthy citizenry which is essential fur the 
development of a productive popnlation. 
Thorough the years, many factors in the environment have adversely affected the quality of 
living which threatens the health, and consequently, the nutrition ofthe population especially the 
at-risk population groups (young children, pregnant women and the elderly). Among these are 
climate changes, and the pollution of air and water. 
Moreover, globalization has also brought about lifestyle changes such as consumpfion of high 
fat, high calorie foods and reduced physical actiVity which have resulted in an increase 
prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and 
cardiovascular diseases. Improvement in the practice .of proper nutrition and dietetics is critical 
to counter these phenomena. 
Further, poor nutrition in early childhood (.;RUses high morbidity and mortality in the young 
population. Malnutrition causes poor perfurmance in school and results in school repeaters or 
drop-outs. Lack of education, coupled with poor nutrition undermines the quality of manpower 
resource which is critical for the achievement of the country's goal of economic development. 
Additionally, the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases the 
government's expenditure for education, health and other social services, and puts a strain on the 
country's limited resources. 
It is hoped that the guidelines and regulations provided for in this measure will effectively 
promote the efficient and effective practice of the profession. It hopes to put the country at par, 
if not with the first world countries, at least with other Asian counterparts in terms of the practice 
of nutrition and dietetics. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is therefore earnestly prayed for. 
.-A-4-T ~l\ 
Arn6Nio "SONNY" F. TRILLANES IV 
Senator 
1 


SIXTEENm CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPOOMC OF THE PRU,YPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
'14 
AUG 13 Pl2:0 1 
SENATE 
S. B. No. 
2356 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "SGuny" F. TriUues IV 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF NUTRITION AND DU£TETJCS IN THE 
PRU,TPPIN£S, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSI: PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 
1286, KNOWN AS THE "NUTRITION AND DIETETICS DECREE OF 1977", 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THREFOR AND FOR OTHRS PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House oj Repre:fl/11tatives oj the Philippines in 
Congres!fl1Ssembkd: 
1 
2 
3 
ARTICLE I 
TITLE 
4 
SECTION l,shorl Titk. - This Act shall be known as the "Nutrition anti Dietetics Law 
5 
of20U'~ 
6 
1 
ARTJCLEH 
8 
General Provisions 
9 
10 
SEC. 2.Declaration oj Policy. - The State recognizes the important role of registered 
11 
nutritionist-<iietitians (RNDs)in nation-building and human development through adequate 
12 
nutrition. Towards this end, it promotes the sllstained development ofRND whose competence 
13 
has been determined by hones and credible licensure euminations and whose standards of 
14 
professional service and practice are internationally f!!COgnized and considered world-class 
15 
brought about by regulatory measurtls,programs and activities that foster growth and 
16 
advancement of the profession. 
11 
18 
SEC. 3.0~;ectilles. - This Act shall govern: 
19 
(a) The examination, registration and licensure of nutritionist-dietiliatt$; 
20 
(b) The supervision, control, and regulation of the practice of nutrition and 
21 
dietetics; 
22 
(c) The development of the professional competence of nutritionist -dietitians 
23 
through continuing professional development (CPD); 
24 
(d) The integration of the nutrition-dietetics profession. 
1 


1 
SEC. 4.Dejinition o/Terms. 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
(a) Profession is the science lind art or discipline of mrtrition and dietetics 
com\>ined. 
(b) "Nu~tionist-dietitian" reibrs to a I1lgistered and licensed person who holds a 
valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card 
issued by the Board and the Commission pursuant to this Act. 
(c) "Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and 
Dietetics. 
(d) "Commission" refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created 
under R.A No. 8981, known as the "PRC Modernization Act of2000". 
(e) APO refers to the accredited professio,nal organization of nutritionist-dietitians 
that the Board has accredited, subject to the approval by the Commission, as 
the one and only accredited national otganization of nutritionist-dietitians. 
(f) "Nutrition" refers to the science dealing with foods, nutrient oomposition, 
eating habits, nutritional status, and health alld diseases of individuals and 
popnlations. 
Nutrition is also concerned with social, econotnic, cultural, 
political, and psychological implicatiPnS of fuod and eating. 
(g) "Dietetics" refers to the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition 
to the planning and preparation of foods and regulation of the diet in relation 
to both health and disease. It also refers to the promotive, preventive, 
therapeutic, and administrative aspects of the delivery of nutritionlll services 
in 
hospitals, 
foodservice 
institutions 
and 
other 
health 
care 
institutions/facilities. 
26 
SEC. 5. '/Jw Practice of Nutrition and Dietetit...'f" - A person is deemed to be in the 
27 
practice of nutrition and dietetics within the meaning and intent of this law when he or she, fur a 
28 
fee, salary or other reward or compensation, paid to the individual or through anothllr person or 
29 
even without such rewards or compensation, renders or offers to render professionlll services in 
30 
nutrition and dietetics. 
31 
32 
Scope of Practice. - The practice of nptrition and dietetics may include, but not be 
33 
limited to, the fullowing areas: 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
(a) Academe - teachersfmstmctors of nutrition, dietetics and fuodservi!1e courses. 
(b) Business and industry - professionals working in the business and industry 
doing work requiring nutrition and dietetics background; include private 
practitioners and consultants in nutrition. 
2 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
(c) Food production and product development -
professionals involved in 
developing and producing new food products fullowing the principles offood 
and nutrition. 
(d) Foodservice - consultants and managers in food service establishments 
engaged in institutional food production, recipe development and 
standardization, implementation of fuod safety and sanitation practices, 
delivery and evaluation of services. 
(e) Hospital - clinical dietitians, therapeutic dietitians, administrative dietitians, 
food service managers and/or nutrition support unit heads in hospital settings. 
(t) Community and public health nutrition - proressionals involved in food and 
nutrition 
policy 
formulation, 
OOIIImunity 
assessment, 
planning, 
implementation, monitoring, evaluation of nutrition programs and advocacy; 
consultants and technical advisers on nutrition. 
(g) Food and nutrition research - professionals in basic and applied food and 
nutrition research, 
(h) Wellness and sports nutrition - professionals and consultants involved in 
nutrition aspects in wellness and sports programs. 
19 
The Board subject to approval by the Commission may revise the scope of practice as the need 
20 
arises. 
21 
22 
23 
ARTICLEm 
24 
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS EDUCATION PROVISION 
25 
26 
SEC. 6.NlltritiQll and Dietetics Education Progwrn - The Nutrition and Dietetics 
27 
education program shall provide sound general and profussional foundation for the practice of 
28 
nutrition. 
29 
30 
The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to. specific requirements embodied in the 
31 
prescribed cuniculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education's policies and 
32 
standards of Nutrition and Dietetics education. 
33 
34 
SEC. 7.Rcquirement for Inactive Nlitritionist-iJietitians Rctllming to Practice. -
35 
Nutritionist~Dietitians who have not actively pmcticed the profussion fur five (5) consecutive 
36 
years are required to attend and pass a refresher's course and complete a reW;ed practicum both 
37 
offered by an institution accredited by the APO. 
3 


1 
SEC. 8.Qualflications oj the Faculty - A member of the faculty in a college offering a 
2 . program on nutrition and dietetics must: 
3 
4 
(a) Be a registered nutritionist-dietitian in the Phlljppines; 
5 
(b) Have at least one (1) year of practice in a field of specialization; 
6 
(c) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of 
7 
nutritionist-dietitians; and 
8 
(d) Preferably be a holder of master's degree in nutrition and dietetics, education, or 
9 
other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or a university duty 
to 
recognized by the Commission on Higher Educ:ation. 
II 
12 
In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the bead of the NO program must have a 
13 
master's degree in nutrition and dietetics. He/she must have at least five (5) years of experience 
14 
in nutrition and dietetics. 
15 
16 
17 
ARTICLE IV 
18 
PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS 
19 
20 
SEC. 9.Creation and Composition oj the Professional R61Pflatory Board oj Nutrition and 
21 
Dietetics. There is hereby created a Professional RegUlatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, 
22 
hereinafter-referred to as the Board, a collegial body under the administrative supervision and 
23 
control of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRe), hereinafter-referred to as the 
24 
Commission, to be composed of a chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of 
25 
the Philippines from a list of three (3) recommlIDdees for each position chosen and submitted by 
26 
the Commission thereto from a list of five (5) nominees fur every position endorsed by the 
27 
accredited professional organization (APO). 
28 
29 
SEC. to.Qualification of Chairman and Members of the Board. - The chairman or 
30 
member shall, at the time ofhls/her appointment, possesses all the following requirements. 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
(a) A citizen and a resident of the Philippines; 
(b) At least 35 years of age; 
(c) Of good moral character; 
(d) Not convicted by a conrt of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving moral 
turpitude; 
(e) A registered and licensed· nutritionist-dietitian with a valid certificate of 
registration and a valid license; 
4 


I 
(f) A holder of a post-graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics or a related field as 
2 
determined by PRC from an institution recognized by the Commission Oil Higher 
3 
Education (CRED); 
4 
(g) Have at least five years of continuous practice of the profession prior to hislher 
5 
appointment; 
6 
(h) A member in good standing of the APO; 
7 
(i) Not a member of the faculty of any school, college or university where a review 
8 
course in nutrition and dietetics is offered at the time of appointment, 
9 
(j) Not an owner or member/staff of any review school or center; 
10 
(k) Not an officer, board member or trustee of the APO and APO foundation. 
11 
Provided that, any person who is appointed as Chairman or member of the Board shall 
12 
automatically resign from any teaching position in any school, college or university and! or 
13 
review program for the local nutrition-dietetics board examinations or in any office or 
14 
employment in the Govermnent or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including 
15 
government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. HelShe shall not have any 
16 
pecuniary interest in or administrative supervision over any institution offering nutrition and 
17 
dietetics programs, including review classes 
18 
19 
SEC. 1l.Tenn ojQffice. - The chairman and members of the Board shall hold office fur 
20 
a term of three (3) years from the date of appointment or until their successors shall have 
21 
qualified and been appointed. They may be reappointed to the same office for another term of 
22 
three (3) years immediately after the expiry of their term; provided, the holding of such position 
23 
or office shall not be more than two (2) terms or not more than six (6) years. VlUlancy of the 
24 
position of the chairman shall be occupied in acting capacity or as officer-in-charge by the most 
25 
senior member until the chairman shall have been appointed. The chairman and the members 
26 
shall duly take their oath of office. 
27 
28 
SEC. 12.Compensation, Allowonces and other Benefits. - The chairperson and members 
29 
of the Board shall receive compensation, allowances, and other benefits comparable to those that 
30 
the chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards under the Commission 
31 
enjoy as provided fur in the General Appropriations Act. 
32 
33 
SEC. 13.Powers, Functions. Duties and Re:rpon.fibilities oj the Board. - The Board shall 
34 
exercise executive/administrative, rule-making, and quasi";iudicial powers in carrying out the 
3 5 
provisions of this Act. It shall be vested with the following specific powers, functions, duties. 
36 
and responsibilities: 
5 


1 
Regulatory ftm«tlons; 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
I3 
14 
15 
(a) Issue and promulgate the rnles and regulations implementing the provisions of 
this Act; 
(b) Adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance, and the 
Code of Technical Standards for the Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics; 
(c) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
(d) Conduct regular consultation with members and other concerned organizations on 
enhancing the professional development of ootritionist dietitians 
(e) Enter together with the Commission into a Memorandum of Agreememt with the 
CHED in ensuring that all higher educational instructions and offerings of degree, 
course or program comply with the pelicies, standards, and requirements of the 
course prescribed by the CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library, and 
facilities; 
16 
Licensure FtmCtions 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
(1) Prescribe and promulgate the tables of specifications syllabi fur the subjects in the 
licensure examinationls in consultation with the academe and the Commission on 
Higher Education (cHED); 
(g) Prepare questions for the subjects in the licensure examinations, give and correct 
the said examinations, and release their results; 
(b) Evaluate and approve applications for Iicemure examinationls; 
(i) Issue, suspend, revoke or reinstate the Certificate of Registration for the practice 
of the ootrition and dietetics; 
0) Register qualified persons for the practice of nutrition and dietetiqs and issue 
thereto Certificates of Registration and professional identification cards 
(rephrase); 
(k) Administer oaths in the performance of its functions; 
(I) Monitor the conditions of affecting the ~ce of ootrition and dietetics as may 
be deemed proper for the maintenance of professional, ethical and technical 
standards; 
(m)Reissue or reinstate revoked/suspended catiticate of registration and unexpired 
professional identification card to respondent's holder thereof; Provided, the 
revoked catificate of registration shall ooly be reissued after the l;Ipse of the 
period provided in this Act; Provided, further, the Board shall issue a resolution 
thereon subject to approval by the Commissi()fl, after helshe shall have established 
his/her fitness to practice anew hislher ootrition and dietetics and, provided, 
6 


1 
furthennore, the suspended certificate of registration shall only be reissued upon 
2 
the decision of the Board; 
3 
4 
Administrative Functions 
5 
6 
(n) Hear and investigate cases on violations of this Act, its implementing rules and 
7 
regulations, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Good Governance, the Code of 
8 
Technical Standards for the practice of protessian, and other policies; and fur this 
9 
purpose, to issue summons, subpoena and subpoena ducestecum to alleged 
10 
violators andlor witnesses to compel their attendance in such hearings or 
II 
investigations; 
12 
(0) Delegate the hearing or investigation of cases against the alleged violators; 
13 
Provided, hearing or investigation of cases wherein the issue or question involved 
14 
strictly concerns the technical practice of nutrition and dietetics shall be presided 
15 
over by at least one (1) member of the Board assisted by a Legal or Hearing 
16 
Officer of the Commission; 
17 
(P) Endorse cases involving criminal violations of this Act and other laWs, its rules 
18 
and regulations, and other policies to the Prosecution Office fur investigation and; 
19 
at the discretion of the Board file a complaint with the same; 
20 
(q) Decide administrative cases against examinees or registered Nptritionist-
21 
Dietitians; Provided, if they are guilty, to cancel their examination papers andlor 
22 
debar them from taking another licensure examination, or to revoke/suspend their 
23 
certificate of registration; Provided, further, the effectivity of the Pf3l1alty shall 
24 
only commence from the date of surrender of the said certificates together with 
25 
the profussional identification cards; Provided, furthermore, the decision of the 
26 
Board shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final and executor after 
27 
fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice ofjndgment or decision; 
28 
(r) Conduct through the Legal or Hearing Officer'll summary proceedillgs on minor 
29 
violation of this Act, its IRR, any of the Codes afure..mentioned, the General 
30 
Instructions to Examinee committed by examinees, and to render summary 
31 
judgment thereon which shall, unless appealed to the Commission, become final 
32 
and e){ecutor after fifteen (IS) days from receipt of notice of judgment or 
33 
decision; 
34 
(s) Prepare an annual report of.accomplishment, programs, projects, and activities of 
3S 
the Board during the year of submission to the Commission after the close of each 
36 
calendar year and to make appropriate recummendations on issues Qr problems 
37 
affecting the profession to the Commission; and 
7 


I 
2 
3 
4 
(t) Discharge other implied, incidental, necessary powers, duties, functions, and 
responsibilities for the effective carrying out of the provisions of this Act and its 
policies or measures and the achievement of its objectives. 
5 
SEC. 14.Grounds of R~moval or Suspension of Board ChairmanlMember. -
The 
6 
President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Commission, after giving the 
7 
chairman or the member of the Board an opportunity to defend bimselflherself in an 
8 
administrative investigation conducted by the Commission, may remove or suspend himlher on 
9 
any of the following grounds: 
10 
11 
(a) Gross neglect, incompetence or dishonesty in the discharge ofhislber duty; 
12 
(b) Violation oftbe Revised Penal Code, the Anti..Qraft and Corruption Practices, 
13 
and other laws; 
14 
(c) Manipulation or rigging of the results of the licensure examination for 
15 
nutri/:ionist-dietitians, disclosure of secret and confidential information on the 
16 
examination questions prior to the conduct thereot; or tampering of grades. 
17 
18 
The Commission, in the conduct of the investigation, shall be guided by Sec. 7 (8) of 
19 
R.A No. 8981, the rules on administrative investigation, and the applicable provisions of the 
20 
New Rules of Court. 
21 
22 
SEC. IS.Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records. Office of the Secretary. 
23 
Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) and Support Services. - The Board sha11 be under the 
24 
administrative supervision of the Commission. The Commission shall keep all records of the 
25 
Board including applications for examination, examination papers and results, minutes of 
26 
deliberation, and administrative cases. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the 
27 
Board who shall be a staff member in the Office, Secretary, Professional Regulatory Boards and 
28 
shall provide the other support services to the board in order to implement the provillionll of this 
29 
Act. 
30 
31 
32 
ARTICLE V 
33 
EXAMINATION, REGISTRA1'10N, CERTIFICATION, AND LIDlNSlJRE 
34 
35 
SEC. 16.Passing of Licensllre Examination Reqtdremtmt. -
Except as otherwise 
36 
specifically allowed under this Act, applicants for registration for the practice of nutrition and 
37 
dietetics shall be required to pass a Board licensure examination for notritioQist-diditians as 
38 
provided for in this Act in such places and dates as the Commission may designate in the 
8 


1 
Resolution thereof on the Master Schedul~)s tOi' 1111 HC&l~lIill tll!Jm.inlUtiom 1.; ",,'cord;mce with 
2 
Sec. 7 (d) ofR.A No. 8981. 
3 
4 
SEC. 17.Qualifications of Applicants. - An applicant for the licensure examination for 
5 
nutritionist-dietitian shall satisfactory proves that he/she possesses the following qualifications: 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
(a) Citizen of the Philippines; 
(h) Of good moral character; 
(0) A holder of a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics or its equivalent duly 
recognized 
or 
aceredited 
by 
the 
CHED 
and 
conferred 
by 
a 
schooJ/coUegeluniversity duly authorized by the government. 
(d) Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent 
jurisdiction. 
15 
SEC. 18.Subjects for Licensure Eramination. -
The licensure examinationls fur 
16 
nutritionist- dietitian shall include, but not be limited to the tbUowing: 
17 
18 
(a) Nutrition and Dietetics 
19 
(h) Foods and Foodservice Systems 
20 
(c) Community and Applied Nutrition 
21 
22 
The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the 
23 
subjects and their tables of specifications syllabi, and add new ones as the need arises to conform 
24 
to technological changes brought about by continuing trends in the profession. 
25 
26 
SEC. 19.Rating in the Licensure ExOl1lillCltion. - To pass the licensure examination fur 
27 
nutritionist-dietitian, a candidate nmst obtain a general or weighted average rating of -seventy five 
28 
percent (75%), with no rating below fifty percent (50""') in any subject, Provided, that an 
29 
applicant whQ tails to obtain a passing average but who obtained at least seventy five percent 
30 
(75%) in each of at least one-half of the total subjects given in the examination$, may be 
31 
permitted to take within two (2) years from the date of hislher examination, another examination, 
32 
on the subjects in which he/she obtained a grade below seventy five percent (75%). Should the 
33 
examinee tail in the set of subjects repeated in the second examinations, he shall be required to 
34 
take all the subjects in the next examinations. 
35 
. 36 
SEC. 20.RJport of Rating. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings 
37 
obtained by the candid~e not later than ten (10) days after the last day of the examill8fion, unless 
38 
it is extended fur a valid cause. 
9 


1 
SEC. 21.0ath. - All successful candidates ill the licetlSllre examination shall take their 
2 
oath of profession before the chairman or any member of the Board; or any authorized officer of 
3 
the Commission, prior to entering the practice of nutrition and dietetics. 
4 
5 
SEC. 22Jssuance of Certificate of Regislration and Professional Identification Card. - A 
6 
certificate of registration shall he issued to those who are registered subject to payment of tees 
7 
prescribed by the Commission. It shall bear the signature of the chairperson of the ()onmlission 
8 
and the chairperson and members of the board, indicating that the persoll Ilamed therein is 
9 
entitled to the practice of the profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. Until 
10 
withdrawn, revoked, or suspended in accordance with this Act. the certificate of registration shall 
11 
remain in full force and effect. 
12 
13 
A professional identification card bearing the registration number and date, its validity 
14 
and expiry duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission shall likewise be issued to every 
15 
registrant who has paid the prescribed tee. It shall be reissued after every three (3) years upon 
16 
payment ofthe prescribed fees therefor and compliance with the CPD requirement. 
17 
18 
SEC. 23.Automatic Registration of Nutrltioni$l...lJietitions. - All nntritionist-dietitians 
19 
whose names appear at the roster of nutritionist-dietitians shall he automatically or ipso facto 
20 
registered as nutritionist-dietitians under this Act upon its effectivity upon payment of the 
21 
prescribed fees. 
22 
23 
SEC. 24.Rejusa/ to Register. - The Board shall not: register any successful examinee who 
24 
has been: 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
(a) Convicted by final judgment of an offense involving moral turpifUde by a 
court of competent jurisdiction; 
(b) Summarily adjudged guilty for viollltion of the General Instnlctions to 
Examinees by the Board; and 
(c) Declared of unsound mind by the lX'urt of competent jurisdiction. 
32 
In refusing such registration, the Board shall give the applicant a written statement setting forth 
33 
the reasons therefore and shall file a copy thereof in its records. 
34 
35 
SEC. 2S.RevocatiOl1 or S1l.'pension of the CertifiCUle qf Regislrt;rtion and Cam;eilation qf 
36 
TempormylSpecial Penrtit. - The Board shall have the power, after due process, to revoke or 
37 
suspend the certificate of registration or to cancel a tempOrary/special permit upon any of the 
38 
following grounds: 
10 


I 
(a) Violation of any of the causes in the preceding, Section except ( c ) 
2 
(b) Violation of a provision of this Act, its IRR, Code of Ethics. Code of Good 
3 
Governance, standards for the practice of nutrition and dietetics, policy, and 
4 
measures of the Board and/or the Commission; 
5 
(c) Perpetration or use of fraud in obtaining hislher certificate of registration, 
6 
professional Identification card, temporary/special permit; 
7 
(d) Gross incompetence, negligence or ignorance resulting in death, injury or 
8 
damage; 
9 
(e) Neglect or failure to pay the annual registration fees fur five (5) consecutive 
10 
years; 
I 
11 
(t) Aiding or abetting the illegal practice of a non-registered and licensed person 
12 
by allowing himlher to use his certificate of registration and/or professional 
13 
identificatioJ) card or hislher special/temporary permit; 
14 
(g) I1Jeg;dly practicing the profession during hislher suspension from the practice 
15 
th~ 
. 16 
(h) Addicted to a drug or alcohol abuse impairing hislher ability to practice 
17 
hislher profession or declared with unsound mind by a court of a competent 
18 
jurisdiction. 
19 
20 
The Board shall periodically evaluate the aforementioned grounds and revise or exclude 
21 
or add new ones as the need arises subject to approval ~y the Commission. 
22 
23 
Any person, may file charge/s against any registrant in accordance with the provision of 
24 
this Section. Affidavit-eomplaint shall be filed together with the affidavits of witnesses and other 
25 
documentary evidence with the Board through the Legal and Investigation Office. 
26 
27 
Provided that, the Board, may, on its own recommend an investigation of any RND for 
28 
violation of any of the above-mentioned causes. The IOOluprop;o move to recommend an 
29 
investigation shall be embodied in a resolution to be signed by at least majority of the members 
30 
of the Board. The rules on administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern 
31 
the hearing or investigation subject to applicable provisions of this Act, RA. No. 8981 and 
32 
suppletorily the Rules of Court. 
33 
34 
SEC. 26.Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of RegiWrafion, Replacement of lost or 
35 
Damages Certificate of Registration, Prqfessionallderl1ification Card or TemporarylSpeciaJ 
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Permit. - The Board may. upon petition, reinstate or reissue a revoked certificate of registration 
37 
after two (2) years from the effectivity of the period fur revocation, which is the date ofsum.mder 
38 
of the said certificate and/or the professional identificatioo card jf still valid to the Board and/or 
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the Commission. 
The Board may not require the holder thereof to take another licensure 
2 
examination. The petitioner shall prove to the Board that helshe has valid reasonls to practice 
3 . hislher profession. For the grant of hislher petition, the Board shall issue a Board Resolution 
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subject to approval by the Commission. 
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Duplicate copy of lost certificate of registration, professional identification card or 
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temporary/special permit may be reissued in accordance with the rules thereon and upon 
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payment of the prescribed fee thereof. 
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SEC. 27.Non-Payment oj the Annual Registration Fees. - The Board shall suspend a RD 
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from the practice of hislher profession for non-paymem of the annual registration fees for five 
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(5) consecutive years from its last or previous year of payment. The resumption of hislher 
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practice shall take place only upon payment of the delinquent fees plus surcharges and interest 
14 
and in accordance with the rules of the Commission. Therunnina of the five-year period may be 
15 
interrupted upon written notice about the discontinuance of his practice and surrender of hislher 
16 
certificate of registration to the Board andlor the Commission. 
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SEC. 28. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration. - All nutritionist-dietitians nlgistered at 
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the effectivity of this Act shall automatically be registered hereunder, subject to the provisions 
20 
herein set forth as to future requirements. 
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Certificates of Registration and Professional Identi~cation Cards or Temporary/Special 
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Pennits held by such persons in good standing at such effectivity shall have the same force and 
24 
effect as though they were issued on or after the said effectivity. 
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AATICLE VI 
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PRACTICE OF NUTRITION AND DIETETIC~ 
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SEC. 29.La.wju1 Practitioners oj Nutrition and Dietetics. 
The natural persons and 
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juridical persons who shall be authorized to practice nutrition and dietetics: 
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(a) Natural persons 
1) Duly regilltered and licensed as nutritionist-dietitian and holders of valid 
certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards 
issued by the Board and the Conunission pursuant to this Act; and 
2) Holders of valid temporary/special permits issued by the Board and the 
Commission to foreign-licensed nutritionist-dietitian pursuant to this Act. 
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(b) Juridical persons 
1) Single proprietorship refers to owner of manpower-employing staff who 
are registered and licensed IUltritionist-diethians; 
2) Partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(SEC) as professional partnership pursuant to the Civil Code and 
composed of all partners who are all duly registered and licensed 
nutritionist-dietitians; . 
3) Corporation duly registered with the SEC as engaged in the practice of 
IUltrition and dietetics and with officers, Board of Directors who are all 
registered and licensed IUltritionist-dietitians; 
4) Association duly registered with the SEC as not.for-profit and non-stock 
corporation whose officers, Board of Trustees, and members are all 
registered and licensed nutritionist-dietitians. 
These juridical persons shall also be registered with the Board and the 
Commission in accordance with the rules and regulations thereon. 
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SEC. 30.Practice qf Nutrition and Dietetics.-Plantilla poshions, whose titles bear 
19 
"nutritionist-dietitian","nutritionist" or "dietitian"as well as positions requiring the expertise of 
20 
RNDs shall be occupied by RNDs. These include but not limited to nutrition program officers, 
21 
hospital nutritionist-dietitians, food service managers in hospitals; foodservice institutions and 
22 
business and industry; except those in practice before the enactment of the law. 
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(a) No person shall offer himself in the Philippines, as or use the title "Nutritionist-
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Diethian" or any word, letter, figure, or sign whatsoever, tending to convey the 
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impression that he or she is a nutritionist-dietitilln, or advertise or indicate in any 
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manner that he or she is qualified to perform the work of a IUltritionist-dietitian 
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without holding a valid certificate of registration and a valid profussional 
29 
identification card as issued by the Board in accordance with this law and/or 
30 
covered by reciprocity, unless exempt from registration as provided under Section 
31 
15 thereof. 
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(b) Hospitals--A11 hospitals whether govermnent or private with 10 to 25 bed 
33 
capacity shall employ a miniinum of one full-time RND; 26 to 7Sbed capacity, a' 
34 
minimum of two (2) full time RND; 76-tOObed capacity, a minimum of three 
35 
(3)fuU-time RND; lOt to 150, four (4) full-time RND; 151-200 bed capacity, a 
36 
minimum of (5) five full-time RND; 201to 300 bed capacity, a minimum of six 
37 
(6) full-time RND; 301 to 400 bed capacity, a minimum of eight (8) full-time 
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RND; 401 to 500 bed capacity, a minimum often (10) full-time RND; 501 to 750 
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bed capacity, a minimum of fifteen (15) full-timtl RND; "lSI to 1000 bed capacity, 
a minimum of twenty (20) full-time RNO, 1001 to 1200 bed capacity. It minimum 
of twenty-fuur (24) full-time RND; 200t to 1500 bed capacity, It minimum of 
thirty (30) full-time RND; and above 1500 bed capacity, a minimum offurty (40) 
full-time registered nutritionist-dietitians:Provided, that no person shall be 
employed as nutritionist-dietitian in any hospital without having been registered 
in accordance with the provisions of this Law; and with updated professional 
identification card in the duration of employment. Hospitals with less than lObed 
capacity should hire the services of an RND consultant. Specialty f[ospitaIs and 
clinics shall employ more than the minimum required uumber of fulltime 
RND.The provisions of this section shall be complied with within one year from 
the date of effectivity of this Law. 
(c) Nutrition agencies/local goveroment units (LGUs). All these agencies whether 
government or private shall employ RNDs. All LOUs shall be required to have at 
least one (I) nutritionist-dietitian per 25,OOOpopulation fur each province, 
city/municipality and rnral health unit. 
(d) Foodservice Managers/positions in hospitals and in fuodservices in heaIthcare 
institutions should be headed by RNDs. 
. (e) Foodservices in Institutions school cafeteria in elementary, high school. colleges 
and universities; industrial cafeterias should preferably be occupied by RNDs. In 
the absence of a full time RND, a consultant RND shall be availed of. 
(f) Teaching of nutrition courses in allied fielcls, e.g., Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, 
Dentistry, Human Kinetics, Physical Education,Hospitality, Culinary, Hotel and 
Restanrant Management-Tourism should be done only by RNDs. 
(g) In addiJion to the required fuculty qualifications, all schools,' colleges, 
professional subjects required fur licensure examinations shall be taught by 
persons who are holders of valid certificates of registration and valid professional 
identificlltion card. 
(h) All wellness centers, sports clinics, fitness centers must employ the services of at 
least one (I) fulltlme or part time RNDs. 
(i) Nutrition support units in hospitals should include RNDs to provide nutrition 
assessment and counselling. 
0) Salary. - In order to enhance the general welfilre, commitment to service and 
professionalism ofuutritionist-dietitians the minimum entry salary grade ofRNDs 
working, in the public health institutions shall not be lower than sall1t}' grade 16. 
Provided, that for RNDs working in the private sector, their minimum salary shall 
beequivalent to the amount corresponding to salary grade 16 in the public sector. 
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SEC. 31.Practice Through Temporary/Special Permit. - Specialltemporary permit may 
2 
be issued by the Board subject to approval by the Commission and payment offees the latter has 
3 
prescribed and charged thereof to the following: 
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(a) Licensed nutritionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states whose services are 
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either for a fee or free; 
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1) If they are internationally known nutritionist-dietitians or experts in any 
branch or specialty of nutrition and dietetics; and 
2) If their services are urgently and importantly necessary fur lack ofinadequacy 
of available local specialists or experts for the promotion of advancement of 
the practice of nutrition and dietetics through transfer oftechno)ogy. 
(b) Licensed nutritionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states employed services 
shall be free and limited to indigent patients in a particular hospital, center or 
clinic. 
(c) Licensed nutritionist-dietitians from foreign countries/states employed as 
exchang/.l professors in a branch or speciahy of nutrition and dietetics in schools, 
colleges or universities offering the course of nutrition and dietetics. 
22 
The permit shall, among other things, contain these limitations and conditions for a period of no 
23 
more than one (]) year subject to renewal, the branch or specialty of nutrition and dietetics, and 
24 
the specific place of practice such as clinic, hospital, center, school, college or university offering 
25 
the course of nutrition aod dietetics. The Board, subject to approval by the Commi$sion, shall 
26 
promnlgate rules and regulations on the implementation of this particular sectiotl 
27 
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SEC.32.Continulng ProfeSsional Development (CPJ)) Program. 
All nutritionist-
29 
dietitians shal) abide by the requirements; rules and regulation on continuing professional 
30 
education to be promulgated by the PRC Regulatory Board, subject to the approval of the 
31 
Commission, in coordination with the APO for nutrition and dietetics or any duly accredited 
32 
education institntions. For this purpose. a CPD Council is hereby created. to implement the CPD 
33 
program. 
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35 
SEC. 33.lndication of Numbers: 
Certificate of Registration and Professional 
36 
. Identification Card, Professional Tax: Receipt (PTR), APO Membership and Official Receipt 
37 
(OR). - The nutritionist-dietitian shall be required to indicate bis/her Certificate of Registration 
38 
Numher and date of issuance, and the expiry of his/her current profussional identification card, 
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PTR Number, APO Membership Number and O.R. Number on the documents he/she signs, uses, 
2 
or issues in connection with the practice of nutrition and dietetics. 
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4 
SEC. 34.Roster if Nlltritionist-Dietitians. 
A roster of nutritionist-dietitians shall be 
5 
prepared by the Commission during the month of August every year, commencing on the year 
6 
following that in which the Law shall become effective. This roster shall contain the name and 
7 
address of each RND, date of registration or issuance of certificates and other dates, which in the 
8 
opinion of the Board may appear pertinent. The roster shall be opened for public inspection, and 
9 
copies thereof shall be on file in the records of the Commission. Other bureaus or government 
10 
agencies and the public may be given a copy upon request 
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SEC. 35.Posting oj Certificate if Registration and Projessional Identification Cord or 
13 
TemporarylSpecial Permit. - The ~ficate of Registration and Professional Identification of 
14 
Nutritionist-Dietitians or Temporary/SpecialPermit in original or authentic/authenticated copies 
15 
shall be posted in a conspicuous place or kept on file in his/her office. Those previously 
16 
registered in accordance to PD 1286 shall retain their registration certification numbers. 
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ARTICLEVD 
NUTRITION AND DIETETICS HUMAN RESOURCE PRODUCTION, 
mH..IZATION AND DEVELOPMENT 
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SJ!;C. 36.Shldies jor Nlltrition and Dietetics Manpower Needs, P1'Of.blction, Utilimtion 
24 
and Development. - The Board, in coordination with the accredited professional organization 
25 
and appIopdate government or private agencies shall initiate, nndertake IItld conduct studies on 
26 
nutrition and dietetics human resource production, utilization IItld development. 
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SEC. 37.Comprehensive Nlltrition and Dietetics Specialty Program. - Within ninety (90) 
29 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Board, in coordination with the aecredited professional 
30 
organization, recognized specialty organizations and the Department of Health is hereby 
31 
mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nutrition and dietetics specialty program 
32 
that would upgrade the level of skills and competence of nutritionist-dietitilUlll specialists in the 
33 
country, such as but not limited to the areas of diabetes management, cardiovascular disease 
34 
management, renal disease management, oncology, nutrition support, weight management, 
35 
obstetrics, paediatrics, dental medicine, and such other areas as may be determined by the Board. 
36 
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SEC. 38.Penal Provision. - Any person who shall commit any of the following acts, 
38 
shall, upon conviction, be fined in accordancewith existing laws the amount to be specified in the 
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IRR, Of imprisoned for no less than six (6) months or more than two (2) years or be meted with 
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both at the discretion of the court. 
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(a) Practicing nutrition and dietetics without a valid certificate of registration 
andlQf a valid professional identification card or a valid temporary/special 
permit; 
(b) Attempting to use the seal, certificate of registration andlor professional 
identification card of a RND or temporary/special permit issued to foreign 
nutritionist-dietitian; 
(c) Abetting the illegal practice of nutrition and dietetics by an umegistered or 
unauthorized person; 
(d) Securing through false information or fraudulent means certificate of 
registration andlor professional identification card or, temporary special 
permit; 
(e) ImMfSODating a RND or a holder of a specialltemporary permit; and 
18ARTICLE 
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FINAL PROVISIONS 
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SEC. 39.Etrforcement. - In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Board shall be 
22 
assisted by the Commission, the APO, duly constituted government agencies and authorities, and 
23 
private organizations in the industry. 
A memorandum of agreement between agencies or 
24 
organizations may be executed. 
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SEC 40.Fundv. - The funds or budget of the implementation of this Act shall be 
27 
included in the Annual Appropriations Act for the Commission, provided that the amount 
28 
incurred for its initial implementation shall be charged against the Commission's ClUTent year's 
29 
appropriation. 
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SEC. 41.Tram'ilory Provisions. - The incumbent Board shall, in an interim capacity, 
32 
continue to operate or function by carrying out the provisions of the Act without new 
33 
appointments of the chairman and members thereof until the first Board created under this Act 
34' shall have been constituted or organized pursuant thereto. 
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SEC. 42.I111plementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board of Nutrition 8tl.d Dietetics, 
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subject to approval by the Commission, shall prescribe, promulgate, and issue a Board 
38 
Resolution on the implementing rules and regulationll of this Act after consultation with the 
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APO, other agencies, and private organizations concerned in the industry within ninety (90) days 
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from the effectivity of this Act. 
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SEC. 43.Seporabilily Clavse. - If any provision, section, or part of this Act shall be 
5 
. declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate or impair any 
6 
other provisions, sections or parts hereof, but shall be merely confined to the provision, section, 
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or part thereof that is directly involved in the issue upon which such judgment has been rendered. 
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SEC. 44.Repealing Clause. - Presidential Decree No. 1286 is hereby repealed. Laws, 
decrees, orders, letters of instructions. rules and regulations. or other issuances, and parts thereof 
. 
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inconsistent with the provisions oftrus Act are likewise IICOOrdingly repealed or modified. 
SEC. 45.F;!fectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days fullowing the 
publication in the Official Gazette or any major daily newspaper or general circulation in the 
Philippines. 
Approved, 
18