LAWS GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF NURSING LAW  It is defined as the sum total of rules and regulations by which society

is governed.  It is man-made and regulates social conduct on a formal and binding way.  It reflects societys needs, attitudes and mores.  May also be defined as a rule or conduct pronounced by controlling authority and which may be enforced. 3 Essential Characteristics of every law 1. Authority or the right to declare that the rule exists- to be able to enforce control 2. Such rule is pronounced or expressed and that is the source can be identified 3. A right to enforce the same must be provided Government the controlling authority in our system Constitution the fundamental law of the government It contains the principles on which the government is founded, regulates the division of sovereign powers, directs to what persons each of these powers is to entrusted

and specifies the manner by which these powers shall be exercised Principal sources of pronouncements 1. the Constitution 2. the statutes or legislations 3. the regulations issued by the Executive Branch of the government 4. case decisions or judicial opinions 5. Presidential Decrees 6. Letters of Instruction *When a rule of conduct is pronounced by a law-making body, it must be issued in writing and in such manner that its meaning is clear and concise. * When a law-making body enacts rules of conduct, there are always provisions setting forth the consequences for violations. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE NURSING LAW Act No. 2493 of 1915  first law that had to do with the practice of nursing, which was regulated the practice of medicine  this act provided for the examination and registration of nurses in the Philippines *During that time, the applicants needed to be only twenty years old, in good physical health, and of good moral character.

*Graduates of intermediate courses of a public schools could enter the school of nursing which was then giving only twenty years-and-a-half of instruction, these graduates were called first-class nurses. *Those who desired to be secondclass nurses filed an application with the district health officer in the district where they resided. 1919  Act 2808 was passed First True Nursing Law  It created, among others, a board of examiners for nurses 1920  First board examination in the Philippines was given June 19, 1953  Congress enacted the Philippine Nursing Law (Republic Act 877) 2 IMPORTANT SECTIONS OF R.A. 877 a. SEC. 16, ART IV Inhibition against practice of nursing b. SEC 30 ART V Prohibition in the practice of nursing. Penal Provision

June 18, 1966  Republic Act 4704 amended certain portions of RA 877 MOST SALIENT CHANGES 1. The membership of the Board of Examiners for Nurses was increased from 3-5 members 2. Members of the Board were to be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and no longer upon recommendation of the Commission of Civil Service 3. The requisite academic degree for members of the Board was a Masters Degree, instead of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing 4. A disqualifying age limit for a Board member was fixed. No person was eligible for membership in the board if she/he was over 60 years of age 5. The maximum total compensation which a member of the Board of Examiners for Nurses could receive was raised P12000 per annum to P18000 yearly 6. The academic qualification for Deans, Directors, and principlas of Colleges and Schools of Nursing was raised from the level of Baccalaureate Degree to that of Masters Degree in Nursing 7. The areas of study required for entrance to colleges and schools of nursing were generalized to include courses in physical,

biological, social and behavioral sciences, as well as humanities, chemistry, psychology and zoology 8. The scope of nursing practice was broadened to circumscribe the whole management of the care of patients and the acts constituting professional practice of nursing were spelled out. 9. The date of holding of nurses examination was no longer fixed but adjusted to the official closing of the semestral term of classes in colleges and schools of nursing. 10. The minimum age required of applicants for admission to the nurses examination was lowered from 21 to 18 years of age. RA 7164 introduced by Senator Heherson Alvarez codified and revised all the laws regulating the practice of nursing in the Philippines. It was also known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 1991. 1. Redefinition of the scope of nursing practice to emphasize a. The use of the nursing process as a scientific discipline in arriving at an appropriate nursing action and care b. The teaching, management, leadership and decision making roles of the nurse

2.

3.

4. 5.

c. The undertaking of and participation in studies and research by nurses Requiring a faculty member who was appointed to the Board of Nursing to resign from his/ her teaching position at the time of appointment and not one year preceding his/her appointment Updating a facultys educational qualifications by requiring Masters Degree in n Nursing or related fields or its equivalent in terms of experience and specifications as prerequisite to teaching Specification of qualifications of administrators of nursing services Inclusion of the phrase Unethical conduct as one of the reasons for revocation and suspension of certificate of registration

October 17, 1958 Presidential proclamation of a Nurses Week Presidential Decree No. 223 issued on June 23, 1973 created the PRC and prescribed its powers and functions. 1. The fee of the nurses examination was increased from P50 to P75 and the fee for registration after passing the examination was increased from P20 to P40 2. An applicant for registration as nurse without examination had to pay a statutory fee equal to the sum of examination fee and

a registration fee, or a total amount of P115. 3. The annual registration fee should be paid on or before the 20th of January of the year. 4. Nurses in inactive status were exempted from paying the annual registration fee, provided they informed the Nursing Board that they had stopped practicing their profession. PRC Memorandum No. 2005-02 dated March 3, 2005, implementing the revised rates of fees charged and collected by the Commission on Appointment Letter of Instruction No. 1000 dated March 20,1980, required that members of accredited professional organizations shall be given priority in the hiring of employees in the government service and in the engagement of professional services Republic Act 1612 stated that a privilege tax shall be paid before any business or occupation can be lawfully begun or pursued RA 7392 amended RA 2644 known as Midwifery Law on June 18, 1960 SEVERAL ARGUMENTS AROSE AMONG NURSES AS A RESULT OF THE PASSAGE OF THE MIDWIFERY LAW 1. Do nurses really have to register as midwives before they can attend to deliveries?

Since the law specifies that nurses perform nursing care during delivery, then nurses have the legal rights to do so.(Rule V Section 28 Scope of Nursing) 2. Should hilots or the licensed midwives from the barrios be allowed to continue to practice their trade? To ensure safety of both mothers and newborns, many health centers offer training programs for hilots as part of their service to their communities. 3. Are the midwives properly trained in their school to assume the roles provided in R.A. 7392? Does this law not infringe on the Philippine Medical Act or the Philippine Nursing Act?

Republic Act 2382, known as the Philippine Medical Act, defines the practice of medicine in the Philippines. SEC 10. Act constituting the practice of medicine. A person shall be considered as engaged medicine in the who fee, practice shall of for

This Law states that all medical doctors must examine, diagnose, treat, operate or prescribe any

remedy for any human disease, ailment or deformity regardless of its nature.

compensation,

salary, or

reward in any for paid to him directly or through another or even without the same may

physically examine any person, and diagnose, treat, operate or prescribe any remedy for any human disease, injury, deformity, physical, condition imaginary, or mental, ailment, physical real of or the

regardless

nature of the remedy or treatment administered, recommended. Republic Act 5181. This act This Law states that all prescribed or

prescribes permanent residence and reciprocity as qualifications for any examination practice of or any registration profession for in the the

Filipino citizen of any profession must practice his/her profession in the Philippines. In case he/she is an a Filipino citizen, he/she must be a permanent resident for at least 3 years

Philippines. SEC 1. No person shall be allowed to practice any profession in the

Philippines unless he has complied

with

the

existing

law

and

regulations, a permanent resident therein for at least three years, and, if he is an alien, the country of which he is a subject or citizen permits Filipinos to practice their perspective professions within its territories. Provided, that the

practice of said profession is not limited by law to citizens of the Philippines: Provided, further,

That Filipinos become American national by reasons of service in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Second World War and aliens who were

admitted to the practice of their profession before July 4, 1946, shall be exempted from the

restriction provided herein Presidential Decree 541 allows This Law states that Balikbayan, are allowed to to practice their profession dursing the period of their stay and must register to PRC and pay their income tax while in the country.

former Filipino professional to practice their respective professions in the

Philippines.

Balikbayans,

therefore,

although not residents of the Philippines anymore, may practice their profession during the period of their stay in the country provided they register with the Professional Regulation Commission

and pay their income tax on all earnings while in the country.

In 1972, Republic Act 6425 known as the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed. Article II, Section 4 states that sale, administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of prohibited drugs are punishable by law. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1) day to twenty years and a fine ranging from twelve thousand to twenty thousand pesos shall be imposed upon any person who, unless authorized by law, shall sell, administer, deliver, give way to another, distribute, dispatch in transit, or transport any prohibited drug, or shall act as broker in any of source transactions. In case of a practitioner, the maximum penalty herein prescribed and the additional penalty of revocation of his/her license to practice his/her profession shall be imposed. Of the victim of the offense is a minor, the maximum penalty shall be imposed. Should a prohibited drug involved in any offense under this section be the proximate cause of death of the victim thereof, the penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from twenty thousand to thirty thousand pesos

This

Law

states

that

sale,

administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of prohibited

drugs are punishable by law.

(P20,000.00 P 30, 000.00) shall be imposed upon the pusher.

SEC 8. Possession or Use of Prohibited Drugs. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years and a fine ranging from six thousand to twelve

This states that possession or use of prohibited drugs has also different punishment that selling or transporting prohibited drugs.

thousand pesos (P6, 000.00 P 12, 000.00) shall be imposed upon any person, who unless authorized by law, hall possess any prohibited drug, except

Indian hemp as to which the next following paragraph shall apply. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years and a fine ranging from six hundred to six thousand pesos (P600.00 P6, 000.00) shall be imposed upon any person who, unless

authorized by law, shall possess or use Indian hemp. SEC 15. Sale administration, dispensation, delivery, also This states that there are law about Sale

transportation, and distribution of regulated drugs. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and (1) day to twelve (12) years and a fine ranging from six thousand to twelve (12) thousand pesos

administration, delivery,

dispensation, and

transportation,

distribution of regulated drugs, it must be authorized by law and must be limited and prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.

(P6,000.00 P12,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall sell, dispense, or deliver, any a

transport, regulated practitioner,

distribute In case

drugs. the

maximum

penalty herein prescribed and the additional penalty of revocation of his license to practice his

profession shall be imposed. SEC 16. Profession or Use of Regulated Drugs. The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day to four (4) years and a fine ranging from six hundred to four thousand (P600.00 P4,000.00) pesos shall be imposed upon any This states that any regulated drugs must be prescribed by a licensed practioner or else

imprisonment and fine will be imposed to the offense.

person without the corresponding license or prescription. Act No. 3573 in 1929 declared that all communicable diseases shall be This Law states that all communicable disease must be treated immediately and not person is allowed to refuse the protective measures to that disease

reported to the nearest health station, and that any person may be inoculated. Administered or injected with

prophylactic preparations. No persons shall refuse as to hinder or obstruct these protective measures deemed

advisable by the Secretary of Health or the authorized representative.

Republic Act 1082 which was approved on June 1954 and amended by R.A. 1891 on June 22, 1957 for the creation of rural health units. Public health nursing in the Philippines was in great demand particularly in the rural areas. For this reason and to provide these areas with competent public health nursing service the government

This Law states that all rural areas must establish rural health untis staffed with technical

personnel including PHNs.

established rural health units staffed with technical personnel, including

public health nurses. The creation of rural health units all over the Philippines was authorized by R.A. 1082, which was approved on June 15, 1954. As amended by R.A. 1891 in June 22, 1957 the law provided for the creation of rural health units of eight different categories corresponding to eight population groups of municipalities to be served. R.A. 4405, approved on June 16, 1965 enlarged the staff by integrating into these units the

provincial, city, and municipal sanitary inspectors nurses and midwives

covered by the act. Republic Act 4073 liberalizes the treatment o leprosy. Except when the disease requires institutional treatment, no person afflicted with leprosy shall be confined in a leprosarium. Patients shall This Law states that all people with leprosy must be treated in a government skin clinic, rural health or by a

licensed physician.

be treated in a government skin clinic, rural health unit or by a duly licensed physician. Presidential Decree 996 requires compulsory immunization for all children below eight years of age against This Law states that there is a compulsory immunization for all children below 8 years of age against communicable disease (smallpox, diphtheria and

communicable disease. Circular No. 14 of 1965 requires health examination and immunization of all prospective Grade I pupils against smallpox, diphtheria and tuberculosis as pre-requisite for enrollment. Presidential provides penalty Decree for 825

tuberculosis) as a pre-requisite for enrollment.

This Law states that improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness is

improper

disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness. Presidential Decree 856, the Code of Sanitation, provides for control of all factors in mans environment that affect health including the quality of water, food, milk, control of insects, animal carriers, transmitters of disease,

punishable by the law. This Law states that all factors in mans environment that affect health must be controlled.

sanitary and recreation facilities, noise unpleasant nuisance. Presidential Decree No. 148 This Law states that 16 years of age is employable and must give women privilege for working. odors and control of

amending R.A. 679 (Woman and Child Labor Law), states that the employable age shall be 16 years. This decree provides for the minimum employable

age

and

for

privileges

of

working

women. Republic Act 6365 established a National Policy on Population and

created the Commission on Population (POPCOM). Presidential Decree No 791 is the revised Population Act. It defines the objectives, duties and functions of the POPCOM. Among other, it empowers nurses and midwives to provide, This Law states that when RNs and RMs are empowered to provide, dispense or administer acceptable methods of

contraception after undergoing a training and granted authorization by POPCOM.

dispense and administer acceptable methods of contraception after having undergoing training and having been granted authorization by the POPCOM in the consultation with the appropriate licensing bodies. Presidential Decree No. 166

This Law states that private organization and individuals must participate in strengthening the family planning programs.

amending Presidential Decree No. 791. This decree strengthens family planning programs through participation of private organizations and individuals in the formulation and implementation of the program planning policies. General Order No. 18 enjoins all citizens of the Philippines, universities, colleges, schools, government offices, mass media, voluntary and religious organizations of all creed, business and industrial enterprises to promote the concept of family planning welfare,

responsible planning.

parenthood,

and

family

Letter of Instruction No. 47 directs all schools of medicine, nursing, midwifery and allied medical professions and social work to prepare, plan and

implement the integration of family planning in their curricula and to require from their graduates sufficient

appropriate licensing examination.

Department of Labor Order No. 7 requires all industrial establishments to provide family planning services. Presidential Decree No. 48 limits paid maternity children. Presidential Decree. 69 limits the leave privileges to four

This Law states that every engaged couples must undergo family planning and responsible parenthood seminars before the issuance of their marriage license.

number of children to four (4) for tax exemption purposes. Presidential Decree No. 965 requires that couples intending to get married must first undergo a family planning and responsible parenthood instruction prior to the issuance of a marriage license. Republic Act No. 1054 requires the owner, lessee or operator of any This Law states that all free

employers,

must

provide

commercial, industrial or agricultural establishment to furnish free

emergency, medical and dental attendance to all his employees and laborers

emergency, medical and dental

attendance laborers.

to

his

employees

and

Republic Act 226, known as the Hospital Licensure Act, requires all hospitals in the Philippines to be

This Law states that only licensed or authorized hospitals are allow serving the community by the licensing agencies.

licensed before they can offer to serve the community. The licensing agency is the Office for Hospital and Medical Services, Department of Health. Nurses working in agencies with 100bed capacity and/or above and are working in an area of one million population are supposed to work only forty (40) hours a week per R.A. 5901. Presidential Decree 442 known as the Labor Code of the Philippines provided workers the right to self-organizations and collective bargaining. It promotes the rights and welfare of workers. Presidential Decree 603, Child and Youth Welfare Code, protects and promotes the rights and welfare of children and youth. Employment of children below 16 years of age is limited to perfuming light work not harmful to their safety, health or normal

This Law states that all worker have the right to choose their job, promotes their right are welfare.

This Law states that protection and promotion to the right and welfare of the children and youth. Employment of children below 16 years old is limited.

development and which it not prejudicial to their studies.

Presidential Decree 651 decrees the registration of birth of a child within 30 days with the Civil Registrar. ILO Convention No. 149 provides for the improvement of life and work conditions of nursing personnel. Employees insured with the GSIS and SSS are entitled to hospitalization privileges under Program I f the This Law states that all

employees must be a member of GSIS or SSS which is entitle to hospitalization privileges.

Philippine Medical Care (MEDICARE) Act (R.A. 6111 of 1969). Medicare benefits of GSIS members or their legal dependents must be filed with the GSIS Medicare Claims Department. Following are the feature of

Medicare under Program I: 1. Benefits are extended only in cases of actual confinement in hospital due to illness or bodily injury. 2. There is freedom of choice of hospital or physician and

drugstore concerned. 3. Benefits are paid directly to the hospital or physician and

drugstore concerned. 4. The member is entitled to 45 days hospitalization per year

while their legal dependents are

5. entitled to a total of 45 days among them. 6. Hospitalization privileges include medical and surgical services. Vasectomy section cosmetic services, are and caesarean while

included

surgery,

optometric normal

psychiatry,

delivery and diagnostic services on an out-patient basis are not included. Dependent parents single members are given Medicare benefits if they are 60 years old and above. Presidential Decree 1519 gives Medicare benefits to all government employees regardless of status of

appointment. Retirees, regardless of age, are also entitled to Medicare privileges by virtue of their membership in the GSIS or SSS. Effective January 1980, Presidential Decree No. 1636 requires compulsory membership in the GSIS or SSS This Law states that all

employees is required compulsory membership in the GSIS or SSS Retirement Fund This Law states that all

Retirement Fund. Presidential Decree No. 626 or the Employee Compensation and State Insurance Fund provided benefits to workers covered by SS or GSIS for immediate injury illness or disabilities

employees has a benefit to be covered immediate disabilities. with injury insurance illness in or

Salient aspects in the Constitution of the Philippines affecting the practice of nursing include full respect for human rights; recognition of the sanctity of family life; protection and promotion of the rights to form unions, associations or societies; making health services

available to the people at affordable cost; protection of working women; right of peoples of organizations; the family as and the

recognition

foundation of the nation. Republic Act 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988 is an act to promote, require and ensure the production of an This Law states that all

medicines must be prescribed by their generic names.

adequate supply, distribution, use and acceptance and drugs and medicines identified by their generic names,

Medicines are prescribed in generics. Nurses are the patients advocated. Their role is not only as drug

administrators but also as educators by giving although reporting information monitoring, of usage as evaluators and

verifying and

problems

encountered, and as coordinators with physician, pharmacists, dentists and concerned groups. Republic Act 6758 standardizes the salaries of government employees This Law states that salaries of government employees including nursing personnel must be compensated to position titles, salary grades and schedules

which includes the nursing personnel.

Their new position title, salary grades and schedules. However, these are still under negotiation so that positions of equal importance will have the same salary grade levels and schedules. Republic Act No. 6713, known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical This officials Law and states that Public shall

employees

Standards for Public Official and Employees, upholds a time-honored principles that public office is a public trust. It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in a public service. Public officials and employees shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence and loyalty, and shall act with patriotism and justice. They must least modest lives and uphold public interest over personal interest. Republic Act 7160 or the Local

discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence and loyalty, and shall act with patriotism and justice.

This Law states that transfers responsibilities for delivery of

Government

Code

transfers

responsibilities for delivery of basic services and facilities of the national government to local government units. This involves devolution of powers, functions and responsibilities to the local government municipal. Another law approved by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino on March 26, 1992, both provincial and

basic services and facilities of the national government to local

government units.

and

authored

by

Senator

Edgardo

Angara is R.A. 7305 entitled Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. Its significant objectives are: a. To promote and improve the social and economic wellbeing of health workers; b. To develop their skills and capabilities; and c. To encourage those qualified and with abilities to remain government service Republic Act 7600 or the Rooming- in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 provides that babies is born in private and government hospitals should be roomed-in with their mothers to promote breastfeeding and ensure and safe and adequate nutrition to children. This is enforced by the Milk Code (Executive Order No. 51) Republic Act 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act gives honor and justice to our peoples long tradition of giving high regard to our elderly. It entitles to our elderly to a twenty percent (20%) discount in all public establishments such as restaurants, pharmacies, public utility vehicles and hospitals. It also entitles the elderly to free medical and dental check-up and hospitalization in all government hospitals. Republic Act 9173 Change in the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 from R.A 7164, The Philippine Nursing Act of This Law states that every hospitals private ot government must have a policy that babies shold be roomed-in with mother to promote breastfeeding

This Law states that all Senior citizens of the Republic of the Philippines should have 20% discounts in all public establishments

1998, taken from the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9173. 1. Composition of the Board of Nursing The board is now composed of a Chairman and six (6) members instead of a Chairman and four (4) members. 2. Submission of names of qualified nominees by the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to the Commission, three (3) nominees per vacancy, not later than three months before the vacancy. 3. The commission submits to the office of the President two (2) nominees per vacancy not later than two months before the vacancy occurs. The appointment must be issued not later than thirty (30) days before the scheduled licensure examination. 4. Qualification of Board Members 4.1 Educational Requirement for members of the Board is not limited to registered nurses with Masters degree in nursing but also to registered nurses with masters degree in education, or other allied medical profession provided that the Chairperson and majority of the members are holders of a Masters degree in nursing. 4.2 Of the ten years of continuous practice of the profession prior to the appointment, the last five (5) years must be in the

Philippines. This was not specified in RA 7164. 4.3 The section that states that the Board members must not be a green card holder (Art III Sec. 5e R.A. 7164) does not appear in the law. 5. Powers and Duties of the Board, Art. II Sec. II added: 5.1 Adopt and regulate a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for the practice of nursing within one year from the affectivity of this act. 5.2 Recognize specialty organizations in coordination with accredited professional organization. 6. Licensure Examination and Registration 6.1 Specific dates of examination have been deleted (RA 7164 Sec. 14.) Specific dates of examination not earlier than one (1) month and not later than two months after the closing of each semestral term. 6.2 Specific age of applicants to take the examination to be at least eighteen (18) years of age has been deleted (RA 7164 Sec. 13b) 7. Ratings, Sec. 15 RA 9173 7.1 Specific number of times an examinee may take the licensure examination has been deleted (RA 7164 Sec. 16 3rd paragraph).

7.2 Added: Removal examination shall be taken within two (2) years after the last failed examination. 8. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration 8.1 Added: Sec. 23 for violation of RA 9173, the Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Code of Ethics, the Code of Technical Standards for Nursing Practice, and policies of the Board and the Commission. 8.2 Sec. 23g. Added: For practicing the profession during the period of suspension. 8.3 Period of suspension of the certificate of registration/ professional license not to exceed four (4) year. 9. Rule VI, Nursing Education 9.1 Sec. 26, Rule 1 Added: requirement for the inactive nurses returning to practice Nurses who have not actively practiced the profession shall undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum. 9.2 Sec. 27, Qualifications of Faculty Requirement of clinical experience in a field of specialization has been reduced from three (3) years to one (1) year in a field of specialization. 9.3 The Dean of the Colleges of Nursing must have at least five (5) years of experience in teaching and supervising a nursing education program. Note: An increase from three (3) years as specified in RA 7164

10. Rule V, Nursing Practice 10.1 Scope of Nursing Duties and Responsibilities of the Nurse: a. Deleted: Special training in intravenous injection Note: Nursing Service Administrators still require formal training in this aspect for the safety of the patient, the protection of the nurse and of the agency/ institution where the patient is being treated or confined. b. Added: Special training for suturing the Lacerated Perineum Sec 25a Note: This is undertaken by the Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines (ANSAP) with the maternal and Child Associations of the Philippines (MCNAP). c. Added: Observe the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards for Nursing Practice. Maintain competence through continual professional education. 10.2. Qualification of Nursing Service Administrators a. Sec. 30. Priority in Ap a.1 For appointment as a Chief Nurse in Public Health Agency, priority shall be given to those who have

Master s degree in Public Health/ Community Nursing. a.2 For appointment as a Chief Nurse in Military Hospitals, priority shall be given to those who have a Master s Degree in Nursing and completion of General Staff Course (GSC) 11. Rule VI, Health human Resource Production and Utilization Additions: 11.1 Sec. 23. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. The Board is mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that would upgrade the level of skills and competency of specialty nurse clinicians in the country. 11.2 Sec. 33. Salary. Minimum base pays of nurses in public health institutions shall not be lower than the first steps or hiring rate prescribed for salary grade 15 pursuant to RA 6758, otherwise known as the Compensation and Classification Act of 1989 . For nurses working in Local Government units, adjustments in salaries shall be in accordance with Sec. 10 of the same Act. 11.3 Sec. 34 Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. The annual financial requirement to train at least (10) percent of the nursing staff of the participating hospital shall be chargeable against the incomes of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes. 11.4 Sec. 35. Incentives and Benefits. Incentives and Benefits shall be limited to non- cash benefits such as free hospital

care for nurses and their dependents, and scholarship grants. As part of the improved working condition of nurses, the government and private hospitals are mandated to maintain the standard nurse patient ratio set by the Department of Health 12. Rule VII. Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions 12.1 Penalty for violation of this Act in fines has been increased (from not less than ten (10) thousand pesos (P10,000) nor more than forty thousand pesos (P40,000) as specified in RA 7164 ) to not less than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) nor more than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) Imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years from RA 7164 increased from not less than one (1) year or more than six 6 years, or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the Board. Penalty and Fine are not only for those who practice nursing under the circumstances prohibited by the Act but also for persons or employers of nurses of judicial entitles who undertake review classes for foreign or local examination without permit from the Board; or appointment violate the minimum base pay of nurses, incentives and benefits; or any provision of this Act as implemented by its IRR. PRC Resolution No. 2004-17 Series of 2004 reimplemented continuing Professional Education requiring sixty (60) credit units for three (3) years for professionals with bachelor s degree. Any excess unit earned cannot be carried on to the next three-year period except for units earned for doctoral and master s degrees. The

total CPE units for registered professionals without baccalaureate degrees shall be thirty (30) units for three (3) years. Any excess shall not be carried on to the next three-year period. PRC Board of Nursing Resolution No. 14 Feb. 8, 1999 promulgated the guidelines for the implementation of a Specialty Certification. PRC Board Resolution No. 2003-166 amended the filling of application of various licensure examinations in the regional offices from twenty (20) days to thirty (30) days before the first day of examination to give sufficient time for the Boards in charge in the Central Office to tally the report, review the qualifications, check the completeness and accuracy of the documents thereby ensuring strict compliance with the no deferent policy. PRC Board of Nursing Resolution No. 2004-200 series of 2004 Requires applicants in the licensure examination to submit transcript of records with scanned pictures and with the remarks For Board Examination Purposes only . PRC Resolution No. 2004-189 series of 2004 forfeits the examination fees paid by the examinee that failed to report and take the scheduled examination. Executive Order No. 566 Sept. 8, 2006 directs the Commission on Higher Education to regulate the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities. CHED Memorandum Order No. 49 series of 2006 implements the rules and regulations in governing the operation review centers pursuant to Executive Order 266.

CHED Memorandum Order No. 13. series prohibits higher education institutions from forcing their students and graduating students to enroll in their own review centers and/or review centers of their own preferences.