SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PIllLIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.NO. 2924 
.sl.'n~.tr 
(~lfl;' of (1).;iorrul3rg 
'15 
SEP -1 P553 
RECEIVEI) BY:-i-' 
Prepared by the Committees on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and 
Professional Regulation; and Finance with Senators Trillanes IV, Villar and Legarda as 
authors 
AN ACT 
REGULATING 
THE 
REGISTRATION, 
LICENSURE, 
AND 
PRACTICE 
OF 
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
RELATED PURPOSES 
1 
SEC. 1. Short Title of Act. - This Act shall be known as "The Philippine Occupational Therapy Law 
2 
of2015". 
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SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the importance of occupational therapists in 
5 
nation building. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded 
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occupational therapists whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, world class and 
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globally competitive through inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and 
8 
through regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster their continuing professional growth. 
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10 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
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a.) Occupational therapy - is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting 
health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to 
enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists 
achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to 
engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modif'ying 
the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement. 
b.) The Scope and Nature of the Practice of Occupational Therapy- shall embrace, but is not 
limited to, the analysis and application of pUlJloseful and meaningful activities 
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need to, or are expected to do, or by modifYing the occupation or the environment 
2 
to better support their occupational engagement. 
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b.) The Scope and Nature of the Practice of Occupational Therapy - shall embrace, 
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but is not limited to, the analysis and application of purposeful and meaningful 
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activities specifically directed to occupational performance in the areas of self-
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care, wolk, play, and leisure. Reference to occupation is in the context of the 
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individual's goal-directed use of time, energy, interest, and attention. Upon 
9 
referral, occupational therapists interpret and intervene or address problems 
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impeding functional or adaptive perfo.llllance. The purpose is to prevent 
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limitations in participation, and to promote, maintain, or restore occupational 
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perfo.llllance, health, and psychosocial wellbeing. Occupational therapy may be 
13 
part of the health and/or social services in hospitals, community settings such as 
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residential, vocational, and leisure centers, schools, day programs, private 
15 
agencies, the academe, clinics, the work place and other organizations which 
16 
provide preventive or health promotive services. 
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c.) Occupational Therapist - refers to a person who is a holder of a valid registration 
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and profussional license issued by the Board of Occupational Therapy and the 
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Professional RegUlation Commission, and who is legally qualified to practice 
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occupational therapy in the Philippines PUlllUlll1t to this Act. 
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ARTICLE II 
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY 
BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 
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SEC. 4. Creation and CompmJititm of the Board. - There is hereby created a Board of 
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Occupational Therapy, hereafter referred to as the Board, under the administrative 
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supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the 
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Commission, composed of a chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President of 
32 
the Philippines within six (6) months from the enactment of this Act upon the 
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recommendation of the Commission from among occupational therapists of recognized 
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standing nominated by the accredited and integrated professional organization of 
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occupational therapists. 
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SEC. 5. Powers and FUilctitmS of the BtHmL - The Board shall have the following powers 
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and functions: 
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a) Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for carrying 
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out the provisions of this Act; 
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b.) Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of occupational 
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therapy in the Philippines; 
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c.) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act; 
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d.) Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
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e.) Maintain a roster of occupational therapists indicating therein the basic 
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infonnation about the registered professionals; 
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f) Issue, reinstate, suspend" cancel or revoke the registration and license, or special 
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permits for the practice of occupational therapy; 
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g.) Study and monitor conditions affecting the practice of occupational therapy and 
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adopt such measures as may be deemed necessary for the enhancement of the 
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profession and maintenance of high professional and ethical standards; 
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h.) Ensure, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or its 
20 
equivalent, that all educational institutions offering occupational therapy 
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education comply with the prescribed policies, standards, and guidelines; 
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i.) Prescribe the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for occupational therapists 
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endorsed by the accredited and integmted professional organization of 
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occupational therapists; 
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j.) Hear or investigate any violations of this Act, its implementing rules and 
26 
regulations and the Code of Ethics, and for this purpose, issue Subpoena duces 
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tecum and/or ad testificandum to secure tile appearance of the witnesses and the 
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production of documents in connection therewith; Provided that the decision of 
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the Board shall, uuless appealed to the Connnission, become final and executory 
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after fifteen (\5) days from receipt of judgment or decision; 
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k.) Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Development 
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(CPD) program for occupational therapists; 
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l) Prescribe the subjects in the licensure examination and table of specifications, 
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determine the syllabi of the subjects and their relative weights, score and the rate 
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examination papers, and submit the results to the Commission within the period 
2 
provided for in the rules of the Commission; 
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m.)Administer the examinations to applicants for the practice of occupational therapy 
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in accordance with the provisions of this Act; 
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n) Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; 
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0.) Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the Commission; 
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p.) Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of occupational therapy 
8 
for a specific duration of time, and certificales of recognition for advanced studies, 
9 
researches and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of the 
10 
Profession; 
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q.) Perform such other powers and functions as deemed necessary to carry out the 
12 
objectives of this Act. 
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The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decisions issued or 
15 
promUlgated by the Board shall be subject to review and approval of the Commission. 
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SEC. 6. QpolifiC8lions of lliNlrd Members. - The members of the Board shall, at the time of 
18 
their appointment, possess the following qualifications: 
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a.) A resident of the Philippines for at least (5) years; 
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b.) A duly registered occupational therapists under this Act, with a valid certificate of 
21 
registration and professional license; 
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c.) Has engaged in rendering occupational therapy services for at least five (5) 
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continuous years immediately preceding appointment; 
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d.) A member of good standing of the accredited and integrated professional 
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organization of occupational therapists, and not an officer thereof; 
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e.) Has no prior conviction by any competent court, of an offense involving moral 
27 
turpitude; and 
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f) Has no pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, college or 
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university or institution conferring an academic degree necessary for admission to 
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the practice of occupational therapy; or where review classes in preparation for 
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licensure examination are offered or conducted; nor be a member of faculty or 
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administration thereof 
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SEC. 7. Term tifOffice. - The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) 
2 
years or until their successors have been appointed and duly qualified; Provided that, 
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members of the first Board to be appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for 
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the following terms: the chairperson for three years, one member for two years, and the other 
5 
member for one year; Provided forther that, a chairperson or member may be fe-appointed 
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for a second term, but may not serve more than two consecutive three-year terms or six 
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consecutive years. Interim vacancies shall be filled for1he unexpired term only. 
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SEC. 8. RenwlYzi of Board Members. -
Any member of the Board, may, upon the 
10 
recommendation of tile Commission after due process ofJaw and investigation conducted by 
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the Commission, be suspended or removed by the President from office for cause such as 
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gross neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, unprofessionalism, immorality, unethical or 
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dishonorable conduct, final judgment of crimes involving moral turpitude, and manipulating 
14 
or rigging of the licensure examination resnlts, disclosure of secret and confidential 
15 
infunnation in the exmnination questions prior to the conduct of the said examination, or 
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tampering of grades. 
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SEC. 9. Ctmrpf!llsaJitln and Alfmmnces tif the Btmrd. - The Chairperson and members of 
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the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by 
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the chairpersons and members of existing regulatolY boards under the Commission as 
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provided for in the General Appropriations Act. 
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SEC. 10. Supervision tif the BtNml, CusIodJim of Reeords, Seuetariat, ami Sttpport 
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Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. All 
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records of the Board, including applications for examination, examination papers and results, 
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minutes of deliberation, administrative cases, and other investigations involving occupational 
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therapists, shall be kept by the Commission. 
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The Commission shall designate the SecIetaa:y of the Board and shall provide the 
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secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 11. Anmtof Report. - The Board shall, at the close of each calendar year, submit an 
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armnal report to the Commission, giving a detailed account of its proceedings and 
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accomplishments during the year and reconunending measures to be adopted, with the end in 
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view of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting the practice of occupational 
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therapy in the Philippines. 
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ARTICLE III 
UCENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION 
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SEC. 12. EKlllllinatitlB Required. - All applicants for registration for the practice of 
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occupational therapy shall be required to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the 
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Board in such places and dates as the Courmission may designate subject to compliance with 
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the requirements prescribed by the Commission. 
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SEC. 13. Qilfll!(icotitlUS for EKnulhlfltitlll. - An applicant for the licensure exanlination for 
13 
the licensure examination for occupational therapists shall establish to the satisfaction of the 
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Board that the following qnalifications are met: 
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a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has reciprocity 
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agreement with the Philippines; 
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b.) Has not been convicted ofan offense involving moral turpitude; 
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c.) A graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree or its 
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equivalent degree as determined by the board from a school college or uuiversity 
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in the Philippines or abroad whose occupational therapy program is recoguized by 
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the Commission on Higher Education 
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SEC. 14. Sa1pe of EKfIlIIiuotitm. - The licensure examination for occupational therapists 
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shall cover the basic sciences and health science foundations integrated into the following 
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domains: 
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a) Occupational Therapy Application 1 
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I. Occupational Therapy Theories and Frames of Reference 
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2. Growth and Human Development 
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3. Occupational Performance and Behavior Across the Lifespan 
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4. Occupational-based practice 
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b.) Occupational Therapy Application 2 
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1. Adult Physical Dysfunction 
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2. Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics 
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3. Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics 
4. Psychosocial Dysfunction 
5. Community-based Practice 
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C.) Occupational Therapy Application 3 
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I. Professional Reasoning and Behavior 
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2. Professional Competence and Ethics 
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3. Organization, Administration and Management 
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4. Research Process 
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The Board, subject to approval by the Commission, may revise or exclude any of the subjects 
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or add new ones as the need arises, and may adjust or modifY the percentage weight of the 
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subjects in order to keep the examination abreast and in conformity with the latest 
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developments in the profession here and abroad. 
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SEC. 15. Ratings in the EXfllllination. - To be qualified as having passed the licensure 
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examination for occupational therapists, a candidate must have obtained a general average of 
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seventy-five percent {75%}, with no grade lower than sixty percent (60%) in any given 
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subject. 
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SEC. 16. BqJtlr/ (if Billings. - The Board shall submit to the Commission the ratings 
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obtained by each candidate within ten (l0) calendar days after the examination, unless 
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extended for just cause. 
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SEC. 17. lssnance td the Cert!fictlte of Registratiol', ProfessiolWl License, mId 
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ProfessiolWlldelllijiCfllion CnnL - Registration and a professional license shall be issued to 
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examinees who pass the licensure examination for occupational therapists subject to payment 
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of fees prescribed by the Commission. The registration and professional license shall bear the 
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signature of the chairperson of the Commission and the members of the Board, stamped with 
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the official seal, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession 
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with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The registration and license shall remain in full 
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force and effect until revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act. 
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SEC. 18. Inilial.- The initials OTRP, which stands for Occupational Therapists Registered 
2 
Philippines, shall be used following the name of the registered occupational therapist, 
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especially when signing documents pertinent to the practice of the profession. 
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SEC. 19. RJifuSilI to Register. - The Board shall refuse to register any successful examinee 
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who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offence 
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involving moral turpitude, or has been found gnilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after 
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investigation by the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the 
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refusal shall be set forth in writing. 
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SEC. 20. Reinstatement, R~issuance or Replacement of Certificate of Registration and 
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PrtifessitlUal License. - Two years after the date of revocation, the Board may, upon 
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application and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, reinstate any revoked certificate of 
14 
registration or professional license, and in so doing, may, in its discretion, exempt the 
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applicant from taking another examination 
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A new certificate of registration, professional license, or special permit, to replace lost, 
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destroyed, or mutilated ones, may be issued subject to the rules as implemented by the Board. 
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SEC. 21. Oati, of Occupational Therapb'ts. -
Successful exanunees qualified for 
21 
registration, and qualified applicants for registration without examination, shall be required to 
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take an oath of profession before any member of the Board or any government official 
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authorized by the Commission to administer oaths, prior to entering into the practice of 
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occupational therapy in the Philippines. 
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SEC. 22. Indication tif Licensure and Privilege Tax Receipt - The occupational therapist 
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shall be required to indicate hislher registration/professional license number and date of 
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issuance thereof, the duration of validity of said license, including his or her privilege tax 
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receipt number, on the documents he/she signs, nses or issues in connection with the practice 
30 
ofhislher profession 
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SEC. 23. RevoCatiol1 or Suspension oftlte CertifICate of Registratioll and Cancel/atioll of 
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Special Permit - The Board may, after giving proper notice of hearing to the party 
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concerned, revoke the practitioner's certificate of registration and professional license, or be 
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suspended from the practice of the profession; or cancel the special permit for any of the 
2 
causes or grounds mentioned in Section 25 of this Act or for any unprofessional or unethical 
3 
conduct, malpractice, violation of any of the prm'isions of this Act, its rules and regulations, 
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the Code of Ethics, and Standkrds of Practice for occupational therapists. 
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SEC. 24. Roster ofOCCUpalionaJ TlJerapists. - The Board shall prepare, update and maintain 
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a roster of occupational therapists which shall contain the name of each registered 
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occupational therapist, his residence and office addresses, the date of registration and 
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issuance of certificates, and other data which the Board may deem pertinent. The roster shall 
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be open to the public, copies of which shall be mailed to each person listed therein 
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SEC. 25. Issuance Of Special and Temporary PermiL - Special or temporary permits upon 
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recommendation of the accredited integrated professional organization of occupational 
13 
therapists may be issued by the Board, subject to the approval by the Commission and 
14 
payment of the fees the latter has prescribed and charges, to the following persons; 
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1) Foreign-licensed occupational therapists called for consultation or a specified purpose 
16 
that is deemed essential to national development; provided that, the practice shall be 
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limited only for the particular work being engaged; Provided forther, that there is no 
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Filipino therapists qualified for such consultation or purpose. 
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2) Foreign-licensed occupational therapists whose service shall be free and who are 
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highly needed under particular settiogs; 
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3) Foreign-licensed occupational therapists engaged as professors, lecturers, or critics in 
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fields essential to occupational therapy education in the Philippines, whose 
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engagement is limited to teaching only; and 
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4) Foreign-licensed occupational therapist recognized as an e:o.:pert or specialist whose 
25 
service is deemed essential to the advancement of the profession in the Philippines. 
26 
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111e permit shall among other things, include these limitations and conditions: valid only for a 
28 
period of not more than one year subject to renewal; the branch or specialty of occupational 
29 
therapy which the permit holder can practice, and; the specific place or places of practice 
30 
such as clinic, hospital, center, school/college/university offering the course of occupational 
31 
therapy. The Board, subject to the approval by the Commission, shall prescribe rnIes and 
32 
regniations for the implementation of this particnlar section. 
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ARTICLE IV 
PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 
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SEC. 26. PnlhwitulII on the Practice of Occupational Therapy. - No person shall practice 
5 
or offer to practice occupational therapy, nor olIer to be 1m occupational therapists, or use the 
6 
title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the impression of being an 
7 
occupational therapists, nor advertise or indicate in any manner whatsoever to be qnalified to 
8 
perform the work of an occupational therapists without passing the licensure examination 
9 
given by the Board, except as otherwise provided in this Act. 
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SEC. 27. Prohibited Acts. - No person shall: 
12 
a) Engage in the practice of occupational therapy by representing himselfiherself as 
13 
1m occupational therapists without a valid registration, professional license, or a 
14 
valid temporary! special permit granted by the Board pursuant to this Act. 
15 
b.) Represent to be 1m occupational therapists during the time that his or her 
16 
professional license is not valid or that hisIher certificate of registration has been 
17 
suspended or revoked, or that his/her temporruy or special permit has been 
18 
cancelled; 
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c.) Allow anybody to use hisIher certificate of registration and/or professional license 
20 
Imdlor temporary/special permit as an occupational therapist to enable such 
21 
unqualified individnal to engage in the practice of occupational therapy; 
22 
d.) Use as hislher own the certificate of registration, professional license, or 
23 
temporruy! special permit of another person. 
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e.) Violate any provision of the Code of Ethics as reconnnended by the accredited 
25 
integrated professional organization of occupational therapists. 
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SEC. 28. Ctlde of Ethics and StmuIards (if Practice for Occupational Therapists. - The 
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Board shall adopt Imd promulgate the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for 
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occupational therapists prescribed and issned by the accredited and integrated professional 
30 
organization (AIPO) of occupational therapists. 
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SEC. 29. Continuing Professional Develapment (CPD) PnlgraRL -
AIl occupational 
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therapists shaIl abide with the requirements, rules and regulation on continuing professional 
34 
development to be promulgated by the Professional Regulatory Board on Occupational 
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Therapy, subject to the approval of the Commission, in coordination with the AIPO of 
2 
occupational therapists andlor the recognized representative of duly accredited education 
3 
institutions. For this purpose, the Board may create a CPD council to implement the CPD 
4 
program, subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by the Commission. 
5 
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SEC. 30. 1I11eg1'lltiOll tif Occu]1lllUmal Therapists.. - The occupational therapy profession 
7 
shall be integrated into one (I) national professional organization of occupational therapists, 
8 
which shall be duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). TIle 
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Boaed, subject to appro\llll by the Conunission, shall acccedit the said organization as the one 
10 
and only Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) of registered occupational 
11 
therapists. All occupational therapists whose names appear in the current Registry Book of 
12 
Occupational Therapists shall ipso jiJcto or antomatically become members thereof and shall 
13 
receive all the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required AIPO 
14 
membership fees and dues. 
15 
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Membership in the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) shall not be a bar 
17 
to membership in other organizations of occupational therapists. 
18 
19 
SEC. 31. Foreign Ihciprocily -
No foreign occupational therapists shall be given a 
20 
certificate of registratiOn/professional license and professional identification card or be 
21 
entitled to any of the privileges under this act unless 
the cOlmtry or state of which the 
22 
foreign occupational therapists is a subject or citizen permits Filipino occupational therapists 
23 
to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the s~iects or citizens of said 
24 
country or slate. 
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26 
27 
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ARTICLE V 
PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
29 
SEC. 32. Penal Pmvisions.. - Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act 
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or any of its implenlenting rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board, subject to the 
31 
approval of the Commission, shall upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than 
32 
Twenty Thousand Pesos (F20, 000.00) nor more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO), or 
33 
by imprisonment of not less than two (2) years nor more than five (5) years, or both, at the 
34 
discretion of the court. 
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SEC. 33. Fu1Uling Prm'isit111. - The Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission 
2 
shall immediately include in the Commission's budget program, the implementation of this 
3 
Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act 
4 
5 
SEC. 34. IlIIplelllenting Rltles and Regulations. - To implement the provisions of this Act, 
6 
the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission, promulgate the rules and 
7 
regulations, as well as the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for occupational 
8 
therapists, ,vithin sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act 
9 
10 
SEC. 35. Transitt,,,. Prt,visions. - The existing Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational 
11 
Therapy shall continue to function in the interim until such time that the new and separate 
12 
Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy shall be constituted pursuant to this 
13 
Act. 
14 
15 
SEC. 36. SeparabU/Iy Clause. - If any part, portion, section or provision of this Act shall be 
16 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other part, portion, section 
17 
or provision of this Act and the same shall continue to be in force and effect. 
18 
19 
SEC. 37. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, ordelS, issuances or parts thereof which are 
20 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby modified, revised, superseded or 
21 
repealed. Republic Act No. 5680 is hereby modified accordingly. 
22 
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SEC. 38. lijfedivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 
24 
publication in the Official Gazette, or in two (2) lIIllior newspaper of national circulation, 
25 
whichever comes earlier. 
Approved, 
12