The Philippine Board of Nursing: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Nursing TV One comment

The Philippine Board of Nursing is an administrative body under the Professional Regulation Commission that regulates the practice of nursing in the Philippines.

Vision of Philippine Board of Nursing:

The Professional Regulation Commission is the instrument of the Filipino people in securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy and progressive system of determining the competence of professionals by credible and valid licensure examinations and standards of professional practice that are globally recognized.

Mission of Philippine Board of Nursing:

To deliberately, scientifically and consistently determine the competence of professionals through the provision of professional standards and judicious issuance of professional license.

The Philippine Board of Nursing: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) President — Oath Taking of New Chairperson for the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing | Professional Regulation Commission

P – rofessionalism and Integrity
R – esponsibility, Unity and Accountability
C – ompetence and Excellence

PRC Hymn:

PRC ang lingkod ng Bayan
Patuloy na pag-unlad ang tanging hangad
Sa tao at sa lipunan
Serbisyo ang misyon habang buhay

Teknoekonomiko, pang-politikal at sosyo-kultural
Pang akademiko’t pangkalusugan
At may moralidad na hinahangaan ng mundo

Propesyonalismo at integridad
Responsibilidad sa bayang nililiyag
Kahusaya’t kaalaman
Taglay naming mga Propesyonal

Kahusaya’t kaalaman
Taglay naming Propesyonal
Ipagbunyi ang PRC!

The Philippine Board of Nursing three primary purposes are:

To provide regulatory standards in the practice of Nursing by implementing the Nurse Practice Act and by lobbying to Congress any proposed amendment to any laws with direct relationship to the practice of nursing.
To ensure public safety by administering the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) to graduates of nursing schools prior to practice of Registered Nursing in the Philippines.
To maintain high standards of nursing education by auditing the performance of Philippine Nursing Schools.

Agency Programs and Projects of the Philippine Board of Nursing

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) plays a significant role in the attainment of the core and relevant agenda/ plans of the Duterte administration, such as the Social Development Agenda under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the 8-Point Labor and Employment Agenda, and the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

In order to align the Commission’s existing programs and projects with the aforementioned plans/ agenda and in keeping with the policy direction under President Duterte’s Social Contract with the Filipino people, as well as in compliance with various policies that ensure the effective and timely delivery of key services and availability of information to clients and the general public, such as Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” and Executive Order No. 02 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information, PRC has continuously pursued the following thrusts and priority programs as its contribution to the achievement of the country’s macroeconomic goal of inclusive growth through productive, efficient, and decent work.

I. INSTITUTIONAL

PROGRAMS:

Continuing Impact Assessment of PRC/ PRBs Rules and Procedures

PRC, with the Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs), perform licensure, regulatory and disciplinary, and quasi-judicial functions per its mandate, and as such follows and implements laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Review and regulatory impact assessment (RIA) of its existing rules, policies and procedures governing/ guiding the execution of the Commission’s functions is conducted to ensure that the same remain relevant, adequate, and responsive to the needs of the time. Further, this will help assist the Commission identify lacks and develop, review, and/or improve regulation practices in accordance with relevant laws.

The process entails proper methodology, including the conduct of historical data analysis, impact assessments, and stakeholders’ consultations to determine potential effects of proposed policies, regulations, and rules, as well as to afford the agency other options or interventions in achieving institutional targets and objectives.

The program in its entirety is crucial to PRC as it issues and implements regulatory policies affecting a major sector of our society, the professionals, who provide services that affect the daily living of the public.

Implementation of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The CPD is a significant component in the maintenance and enhancement of competence of all professionals as it is primarily concerned with the inculcation of advanced knowledge, skills and ethical values.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10912, otherwise known as the “Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016,” the CPD program strives to continuously improve the quality of the country’s reservoir of registered and regulated professionals by updating them on the latest and relevant scientific, technological, ethical, and other applicable trends, knowledge, skills, and practices in the local and global practice of professions.

It also provides support to lifelong learning in the enhancement of competencies of Filipino professionals towards ethical delivery of quality services and aligns these developmental activities with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) for national relevance and global compatibility and competitiveness.

Now mandatory in the renewal of the Professional Identification Card (PIC) of the professions regulated by the PRC, various activities are being done by the Commission, including: the evaluation of qualifications and capability of applicant as accredited CPD provider and of the quality of accredited CPD provider’s programs for accreditation and provision of credit units therefor; the monitoring of CPD providers and of the CPD programs to ensure relevance and compliance; and the evaluation of and granting of credit units for self-directed and/or life-long learning.

In view of the issuance of PRC Resolution No. 2019-1146 (s. 2019) entitled “Amending Relevant Provisions of Resolution No. 1032 (s. 2017) otherwise known as the “Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 10912, known as the CPD Act of 2016”” providing for a transition period for the implementation of the CPD Act of 2016, the following activities shall also be undertaken this 2019:

Conduct of capacity building and orientation on the implementation of the aforementioned Resolution;
Issue and disseminate guidelines on the implementation of the CPD program;
Issue Operational Guidelines of the regulated professions during the transition period of the CPD implementation; and
Report on the number of accredited CPD Providers, Programs and number of professionals attended for monitoring purposes.

Strengthening the Commission’s Quasi-Judicial Function

The Commission receives legal complaints against professionals and parties claiming to be licensed professionals, and conducts investigations and hearings for the administrative cases filed, as well as on incidents and matters arising from the conduct of licensure examinations and other functions of the Commission and the PRBs.

To speedily resolve the numerous cases received and to effectively and efficiently execute the activities relative to its quasi-judicial functions, the Commission, through the Legal Service, shall embark on the following:

Case Declogging Project, through streamlining of procedures and hiring of more lawyers, to help decongest the abundant number of cases that the Commission has received and accumulated through the years;
Introduction of new Records Management System and implementation of the Legal Management Information System to enhance the monitoring and security of case folders; and
On illegal practice, the Commission is set on working on an arrangement with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the investigation and prosecution of complaints.

Supporting the PRBs in Licensure, Disciplinary, and Visitorial Functions

Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000”, and the Professional Regulatory Laws (PRLs) mandate the PRBs to execute licensure and regulatory and disciplinary functions, as well as other laws that enjoins them to promote and implement policies that would help enhance the skills, knowledge, and quality of service of licensed professionals under their respective jurisdictions.

The PRBs, as partners of the Commission in the execution of the aforementioned, are significantly involved in the processes and activities relative thereto and are therefore fully supported in the discharge of their functions, especially in the following:

Licensure – Includes crafting a Table Specification of Test Questions based on Outcome-Based Education (OBE), conduct of peer review and item analysis, etc.
Regulation/Disciplinary and Visitorial – Includes the issuance of PIC to new professionals (Initial Registration), renewal of PIC of licensed professionals, duplicate of PIC and Professional License, conduct of inspection and monitoring, issuance of Certificate of Compliance/ Accreditation, issuance if Authority to Operate, etc.

Providing Proactive Measures for Public Assistance and Information, Including Social Media

PRC, in adherence and in support to the principles on good governance and practices, as well as in compliance with Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”, and Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information, shall undertake proactive measures to ensure that the public have access to relevant information.

The Commission shall ensure the availability of various modes through which queries may be sent to and addressed, and information/ documents may be requested. The official website and official social media accounts, i.e., Facebook and Twitter, are used as platforms to deliver relevant information and announcements, and as venue where clients and the general public may be assisted online. Information and/or documents may also be requested subject to the rules of the Commission on the Freedom of Information and Republic Act No. 10173.

Further, Public Assistance/ Information and Complaints Desks (PACD) are accessible in the Offices to assist clients on-site.

Development, Implementation, and Deployment of New Systems

To further promote good governance through eGovernance mechanisms, to provide IT-enabled customer-focused services while adhering to strict standards of integrity, quality, speed, accuracy and convenience, and to make PRC services available and accessible anytime and anywhere, PRC has made one of its priorities the improvement and strengthening of its existing eService projects and the development of additional eServices/ systems that would ensure better and more efficient provision of services to its clienteles, in response to the needs of the time.

Currently, the following are the focus systems/ ICT projects of the Commission, in adherence to the PRC Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP) for 2018-2020:

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION

This project aims to provide the internet connectivity specifically in the processing of PRC online transactions, and to connect all PRC support application systems to all PRC Offices and Service Centers nationwide.

INTERACTIVE ARCHIVAL STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF RECORD SYSTEM

This project is a document automation and management system that converts PRC’s physical permanent records to digital softcopy, extracts important information from each of these documents with automatic generation of metadata that will lessen, if not eliminate, manual data entry and stores it for easy retrieval. The system also provides an easier (electronic) access to documents, files, records, thereby eliminating handling of actual paper documents.

CENTRALIZED DOCUMENT TRACKING SYSTEM

This project is a windows-based or intranet-based application system that will handle internal communication within the PRC Central Office and Regional Offices. It will provide an automated, electronic workflow system for a paperless or less-paper system, and will also track any document from its creation-transmission-approval-distribution-storage-archiving-reporting, and other related processes.

QUEUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR KEY FRONTLINE SERVICES

This project aims to enhance customer service and improve efficiency in the delivery of key PRC frontline services. Dashboards shall be made available on a computer monitor to provide a range of information, such as dynamic queue length and waiting time data.

Completing the PRC Reorganization

In its commitment to provide quality and professional service to the public through the enhancement of administrative capacity, delineation of staff from line functions, promotion of decentralization, enhancement of linkages among Professional Regulatory Boards and stakeholders, and infusion of knowledge management and client focus into frontline operations, the “PRC Reorganization” shall continue. Plantilla personnel are promoted and qualified contractual staff regularized, thereby increasing the organization’s strength and significantly augmenting and invigorating the current manpower complement.

The Commission is also aiming for Level II accreditation for the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).

PROJECTS:

Infrastructure

The renovation project of PRC is in response to the infrastructure related-issues and critical areas for improvement which were identified during the ISO 9001:2008 third party audit and ARTA Report Card Survey. This undertaking reflects the Commission’s priority thrust to provide a customer-focused service for improved service delivery, as well as safe, secure, and hazard-free working environment for optimum performance of the employees. The Commission shall continue to invest in the needed equipment, furniture and other assets in line with this thrust. The following shall be undertaken for year 2019:

Replacement of Elevator
Painting of PRC Building
Installation of Emergency Fire Exit Door.

Further, the construction of the PRC building in Pasay City is expected to be completed by January 2021.

II. INTER-AGENCY

PROGRAMS:

Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)

As one of the agencies mandated under Republic Act No. 10968 or the “Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Act”, the PRC shall be responsible for the international alignment under PQF IRR.

The PQF describes the levels of educational qualifications and sets the standards for qualification outcomes. It is a quality assured national system for the development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skills and values acquired in different ways and methods by learners and workers of the country.

The Commission, being one of the member agencies of the PQF National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC), is the lead for the Working Group on International Alignment (WG on IA). The functions of the WG on IA includes the conduct of researches/ studies for comparability/ benchmarking of the Philippine qualifications with other countries and regional/ international groupings, and the coordination with professional organizations in the pursuit of mutual recognition arrangements/ agreements.

PRC convenes with all concerned PRBs to monitor and map their progress, likewise to identify points of intervention where the Commission may have to come in.

PROJECTS:

Inter-Agency Collaboration

The Commission shall continue its collaboration with agencies of government on issues concerning the professions and professionals, particularly on initiatives to enhance the practice of Filipino professionals overseas, as well as to regulate domestic practice by foreign professionals. It shall work with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the inclusion of mutual recognition in their priority measures, and with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the welfare of professionals working here and abroad.

ISO Certification

The project is in compliance with Executive Order No. 605, series of 2007 and DOLE Memorandum Order No. 42-18, series of 2013. Its implementation is in line with the Commission’s compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 standards and its policy to continuously improve the processes of its frontline and support services.

The Commission shall endeavor to maintain its certification under the 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS), paving the way to further improving its systems for certification to the latest ISO QMS.

LAWS AGAINST QUACKERY BY THE PHILIPPINE BOARD OF NURSING

A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) nor more than Forty thousand pesos (P40,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both, in the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon:

Any person practicing nursing in the Philippines within the meaning of this Act:
1. Without a certificate of registration or without having been declared exempt from examination in accordance with the provisions of this act;
2. Who uses as his/her own the certificate of registration of another;
3. Who uses an expired, suspended or revoked certificate of registration;
4. Who gives any false evidence to the board of Nursing in order to obtain a certificate of registration;
5. Who falsely poses or advertises as a registered nurse or uses any other means that tend to convey the impression that he or she is a registered nurse; or
6. Who appends B.S.N./R.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Registered Nurse) to his/her name without having been conferred said degree or registration;
Any person who undertakes in-service educational programs or who conducts review classes for both local and foreign examinations without permit/clearance from the Philippine Nursing Association, the Board of Nursing and the appropriate office or officer of the Department of Labor and Employment; and
Any person violating any provision of this Act.

History of the Philippine Board of Nursing

The Professional Regulation Commission was first created as a national government agency by Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 223 dated June 22, 1973, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, mandated to enforce the laws regulating the various professions. It was previously called the Office of the Board of Examiners, which was created by Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the aegis of the Civil Service Commission.

The PRC became operational on January 4, 1974. The office was attached to the Office of the President for general direction and coordination. On December 9, 1974, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 223 were promulgated, paving the way for standardization of rules and procedures for the thirty-three (33) professions then under the CSC.

On December 5, 2000, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed Republic Act No. 8981 otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000. The Implementing Rules and Regulations were adopted on February 15, 2001 through PRC Resolution No. 1 series of 2001.

With the passing of RA 8981, the Commission exercises three functions: 1) executive functions; 2) quasi-legislative functions; and 3) quasi-judicial functions. It had also set its new thrusts and priorities such as customer-focused service, modernization through full computerization and re-structuring, integrity of licensure examinations, good governance, protection and promotion of Filipino professionals and support to national development priorities.

In fulfillment of its legal mandate, the PRC performs two important functions, which are: 1) to conduct and administer licensure examinations to aspiring professionals, and 2) to regulate and supervise the practice of the professions exercised in partnership with the forty-three (43) Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) in the fields of health, business, education, social sciences, engineering and technology. The PRBs govern their respective professions’ practice and ethical standards and accredit the professional organization representing the professionals.

On September 11, 2006, as supplemented by Executive Order No. 565-A, PRC was attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for administrative supervision and control. Being an attached agency of the DOLE, the PRC works closely to the mandate of its mother agency.

The PRC serves more than 4.3 million professionals from 43 various regulated professions and the hundreds of thousands of aspiring professionals who take the licensure examinations every year. Thus, PRC stakeholders include the professionals, would-be professionals, accredited professional organizations, foreign professionals seeking temporary permit to practice their professions in the country, schools and academe, and other government agencies.

To better carry out its mandate and in order to implement the PRC Modernization Act, the PRC was given approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on April 20, 2013 to implement a reorganization of its organizational structure.

On June 8, 2016, the new Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern (OSSP) pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 8981 was approved by DBM. The Notice of Organization, Staffing and Compensation Action (NOSCA) formalizing the approved OSSP of PRC Central Office, effective not earlier than June 8, 2016, has been transmitted by DBM on October 10, 2016.

Further, the Office of the President, through the Executive Secretary, issued a Memorandum on May 16, 2017 on the approval of the creation of PRC new offices/services: Regional Offices in NCR & Regions I, III, IV-B, XII and XIII, Legal Service, International Affairs Office, Information and Communications Technology Service, and Planning, Management and Financial Service. The NOSCA formalizing the approved OSSP of the approved new offices and positions and the reclassification of key positions was issued by DBM on August 2, 2017.

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION TIMELINE
June 17, 1950	Civil Service Commission (CSC).
June 22, 1973	Professional Regulation Commission was created by Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 223, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Under P.D. No. 223, PRC was created as a three-man agency attached to the Office of The President for general direction and coordination.
January 4, 1974	PRC became operational with the assumption of the first Commissioner, Architect Eric C. Nubla.
June 14, 1974	Proclamation No. 1276 was issued declaring June 22 to 29, 1974 as “Professional Consciousness Week.”
December 9, 1974	The Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 223 was promulgated.
1975	Computerization of the database of registered professionals started with the assistance of the National Computer Center.
October 11, 1975	Presidential Decree No. 839 was issued placing the PRC under the general direction and coordination of the CSC.
August 1976	PRC entered into agreement with the Civil Service Commission to register all board examination passers as civil service eligibles pursuant to R.A. 1080, as amended.
1977	PRC started issuing registration cards valid for 3 years pursuant to Letter of Instruction No. 567. Proclamation No. 1646 was issued declaring June 22-29 of every year as “Professional Consciousness Week.”
June 4, 1987	President Corazon C. Aquino issued Proclamation No. 118 declaring June 16 to 22 of every year as Professional Regulation Week.
1991	The Commission had developed its first Test Questions Databank System. Partially-computerized licensure examinations started with the physician licensure examinations in August, followed by partially-computerized licensure examinations for midwives, accountants, medical technologists, and nurses President Corazon C. Aquino signed Executive Order No. 496 instituting procedures and criteria for the selection and recommendation of nominees to vacant positions in the Professional Regulatory Boards.
1992	The Commission implemented the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all professions and resumed the conferment of “Outstanding Professional of the Year” awards, which was discontinued from 1986 to 1991, and started conferring the “Outstanding Accredited Professional of the Year Award”.
1993	PRC returned to the Office of the President as an attached agency.
September 20, 1994	President Fidel V. Ramos issued E.O. No. 200 which institutionalized the full computerization for all licensure examinations.
December 16, 1994	Republic Act No. 7836 (“Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act”) was enacted, transferring the regulation of the teaching profession from CSC to PRC.
July 25, 1995	President Fidel Ramos issued E.O. No. 266 which institutionalized CPE and made it mandatory for the renewal of professional identification cards.
1996	Decentralization of agency operations began with the full operations of regional offices in the cities of Baguio and Cebu, Legazpi, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Coordinating Council for Services approved the Mutual Recognition Agreement proposal of the PRC.
June 18, 1996	First Conference of Professionals was held in Manila Hotel.
1997	The CPE was fully implemented for all professions with the issuance of Executive Order No. 266.
1998	PRC formally adopted its Vision and Mission and its first Commission Strategic Plan. Creation of PRC regional offices in Iloilo, Zamboanga, Tacloban and Tuguegarao.
September 3, 1999	PRC was formally awarded the ISO 9002 Certification by the Anglo-Japanese-American Environmental Quality and Safety Certification for licensing of Marine Deck and Engineer Officers
December 5, 2000	Republic Act No. 8981 or the PRC Modernization Act was enacted by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
June 23, 2003	Good governance among the professions was launched with the signing of Executive Order No. 220 (“Directing the Adoption of the Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines”)
September 11, 2006	PRC was attached to the Department of Labor and Employment pursuant to Executive Order No. 565.
October 9, 2006	Executive Order No. 565-A was issued, delegating the Presidential power of control over the PRC to the DOLE Secretary.
2008	The PRC Hymn was adopted.
2009	PRC and the CHED signed a Memorandum of Agreement to monitor the performance of schools.
January 15-16, 2009	The Commission adopted its new vision, mission and core values to reflect its mandate and aspirations.
2010	The PRC and CHED issued a circular requiring State and local universities and colleges to secure an authority from CHED to operate board programs and for PRC not to admit applicants for licensure examinations effective January 2011 from educational institutions which failed to comply.
2011	The Commission introduced the remote transmission of test packages to three (3) pilot regional offices in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, and eventually adopted in all the 10 regional offices of PRC nationwide.
2012	The Commission launched the Online Application System (OAS) an Online Registration System (ORS) which computerized the ID renewal process, reducing the process cycle time from the previous two months to seven (7) days. Commission, SM Malls and Bureau of Treasury signed a Memorandum for the Professional ID Renewal Center at the Malls.
October 2, 2012	Proclamation No. 487 was issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III declaring the third week of October every year as “Philippine Professionals Competitiveness Week” in recognition of the important role that the Filipino professionals play in nation building and development.
October 18-19, 2012	The Commission in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards, Inc. (PAPRB) held the First Professional Summit at the Manila Hotel
July 25, 2013	The revised Continuing Professional Development Guidelines were issued through Resolution No. 2013-774 Resolution No. 2013-774 dated July 25, 2013.
June 17, 2014	PRC Resolution 2014-841 was issued adopting the Official Medallion, Trinket and Sash for the Eric C. Nubla Excellence Awardee of the Year. The Eric Nubla Excellence Award intends to accord distinct honor to a professional who surpassed the qualification standard based on the criteria set forth to be an outstanding professional
November 15, 2014	Republic Act No. 10635 was issued transferring the Maritime Profession to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
July 21, 2016	The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) bill lapsed into law on July 21, 2016. The CPD Law or Republic Act No. 10912 – An Act Mandating and Strengthening the Continuing Professional Development Program for all Regulated Professions, Creating the Continuing Professional Development Council, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for other Purposes shall take effect on August 16, 2016

COVERAGE, POLICY STATEMENT, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Title. – This Resolution shall be known as the “Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”, referred to in short as IRR.

SEC.2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the state to assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses.

The State hereby guarantees the delivery of quality basic health services through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country.

SEC.3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this IRR, the following terms are construed as follows:

New Nursing Act – RA No. 9173, otherwise known as the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”.
Commission – the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) created under Section 3 of RA No. 8981.
Board – the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing created under Section 3. Article III of RA No. 9173.
Nursing Practice – covers the three (3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing education., nursing services and community health nursing.
Professional Nurse – a person whose name and registration/ professional license number is entered in the Commission’s registry book and computerized database as legally authorized to practice of nursing profession.
Practicing Professional Nurse – a person who is engaged in the practice of the nursing profession or is performing acts or activities, whether regularly or occasionally, including one who is employed in a government office or in private firm, company or corporation whose duties require knowledge and application of the nursing profession.
Foreign Professional Nurse –foreign nationals who, being licensed professional nurses in their own counties, are authorized by existing laws to practice their profession either as holders of a certificate of registration and a professional identification card or a special/ temporary permit in the Philippines, subject to the provisions of subsections (j) and (I) of Section 7 of RA No. 8981 and RA No. 9173.
Nursing Specialty Program – a training and development program intended to develop/enhance the skills, to which a registered nurse devotes himself/herself whether as a vocation or profession, to enable him/her to provide nursing service in specific areas in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law.
Public health institution – any organization that pursues the aims of public health through the provision of services (e.g. local Government Units through its Rural Health Units) research (e.g. Research Institute for tropical Medicine, training (e.g. College of Public Health) management of programs/projects (e.g. Department of Health) or advocacy (e.g. Health Alliance for Democracy) to include schools.
Accredited Professional Organization (APO) – the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), Inc. or any professional organization of Nurses which now or may hereinafter, is accredited by the Commission.

RULE II
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD, APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS, TERM OF OFFICE AND COMPENSATION OF CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS, THEIR REMOVAL AND SUSPENSION, REQUIREMENTS UPON QUALIFICATION AS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF NURSING, SUBMISSION OF REPORTS, AND THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES

SEC.4. Composition of the Board – The Board created under Section 3, Article III of the said Nursing Act shall be composed of a Chairperson and six (6) members, representing the three (3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing education, nursing service, and community health nursing. The Board shall be under the administrative supervision and control of the Commission, and as such:

All records of the Board, including applications for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission; and
The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support services needed by the Board to implement the provisions of the said Nursing Act.

SEC. 5. Appointment – The Chairperson and six members shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Commission: Provided, that all those who will be recommended by the Commission to the President for appointment shall be duly licensed/registered nurses chosen only from among the Commission to fill up vacancies. For this purpose, the following shall strictly be observed/complied with:

The Commission shall, before the last year of the term of office of any members, notify and request the accredited professional organization of nurses in the Philippines to submit to the Commission at least three (3) quantified nominees per vacancy.
The accredited professional organization of nurses shall upon receipt of the Commission’s request screen and rank qualified nurses only for the purpose and submit three (3) nominees, per vacancy, to the Commission not later than three months before the vacancy occurs.
The Commission upon receipt of the list of nominees of the accredited professional organization of nurses in the Philippines shall rank said nominees and submit to the President of the Philippines two (2) nominees, per vacancy, not later than two (2) months before the vacancy occurs, with the request that the appointment be issued not later than thirty (30) days before the Scheduled licensure examinations.
Reappointment shall-be subject to the provisions of E.O. No. 496.
The necessary operating procedures to ensure strict compliance therewith shall be embodied in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the Commission and the accredited professional organization of nurses.

SEC. 6. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members. – The Chairperson and members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:

Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;
Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses;
Be a registered nurse and holder of a master’s degree in nursing, education or other allied medical profession conferred by a college of university duly recognized by the Government, provided that the Chairperson and majority of the Members must be holders of a master’s degree in nursing.
Must have least ten (10) years, of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment, the last five (5) years of which must be in the Philippines; and
Must not, have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.

SEC. 7. Term of Office – The Chairperson and Members shall hold office for a period of three (3) years and unit their successors shall have been appointed and qualified, provided that:

a. No Chairperson and Member’s shall be appointed and/or reappointed for more than two (2) terms or a period of six (6) years;
b. Appointments to a vacancy that occurs before the expiration of the term of office of the Chairperson/Members shall cover only the unexpired portion of the term of the immediate predecessor;
c. The Chairperson and Members shall take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of his/her duties.

The incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their under RA No. 7164 until their replacement shall have been appointed by the President and performance of his/her duties.

SEC. 8. Removal or Suspension of the Board Members. – The President may remove or suspend any member of the Board after having been given the opportunity to defend himself/herself in a proper administrative investigation to be conducted by the commission on the following grounds:

Continued neglect of duty or incompetence;
Commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examination; and
Unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conduct.

SEC. 9. Compensation of the board Members – The Chairperson and Members 9of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the Chairperson and Members of other professional regulatory boards from the Commission.

SEC. 10. Requirement Upon Qualifications as Chairperson and members of the Board – Any person appointed as Chairperson or Member of the Board shall:

Immediately resign from any teaching position in any school, college, university or institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or program for the local nursing board examinations;
Immediately resign from any office or employment in the private sector and/in the government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government – owned and/or-controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
Not have any pecuniary interest in, or administrative supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing including review classes.
Ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facilities of universities or colleges of nursing or department of nursing education and those seeking permission to open nursing courses to ensure that standards of nursing education are properly complied with and maintained at all times. The authority to open and close colleges of nursing and/or nursing education programs shall be vested on the Commission on Higher Education upon written recommendation of the Board.
Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for unethical and unprofessional conduct and violation of this Act. or its rules and regulations. In connection therewith, the Board, upon application with the court, is empowered to:
1. Issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of respondents and witnesses and the production of documents: and
2. Punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings.
Adopt and promulgate a Code of Ethic and a Code to technical Standard for the practice of nursing in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional organization of nurses within one (1) year from the effectively of the subject Nursing Act.
Recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the accredited professional organization: the recognition of nursing specialty organizations shall be based on the criteria jointly developed by the Board of Nursing and the Accredited Professional Organization.
Subject to the review and approval of the commission, prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures, and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of nursing practice, advancement of the profession, and for the proper and full enforcement of the provisions of the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”; and
Submit an annual report to the Commission at the close of its calendar year giving detailed account of its proceeding and the accomplishment during the year and making recommendations for the adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve the conditions affecting the practice of the nursing profession

RULE III
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATIONS

SEC. 12. Licensure Examination. – All applicants for registration as a nurse and issuance of a certificate of registration and professional identification card to practice nursing shall be required to pass a written examination which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as maybe designated by the Commission. Such examination must be in accordance with and fully compliant with RA No.

SEC. 13. Qualifications for Admission to the licensure Examination. – In order to be admitted to the examination for nurses, an applicant must, at the time of filling his/her application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board the following:

he is a citizen of the Philippine, or if a citizen or subject of a country which permits Filipino nurses to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subject or citizen of such country, that is, the requirement for the registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act;
He/ She is of good moral character; and
He /She is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from a college or university that complies with the standards of nursing education duly recognized by the proper government agency.

SEC. 14. Scope of Examination – The Board shall determine the scope of the examination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines taking into consideration the objectives of the nursing curriculum, the board areas of nursing, and other related disciplines and competencies in determining the subject of examinations.

SEC. 15. Rating. – In order to pass the examination, the following shall be fully complied with:

An examinee must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) or higher with a rating of not below sixty percent (60%) in any subject;
Any examinee who obtained an average of at least rating of 75% or higher but with a rating of below 60% in any subject shall be required to take the examination again but only on subject where he/she is rated below 60%. However, in order to pass the succeeding examination, he/she must obtain a rating of at least 75% in the subject or subjects repeated.
Removal examination shall be taken within two years after the last failed examination.

SEC. 16. Oath. – All successful candidates in the examination must fist taken an oath of profession before the Board, a Commission official duly designated by it, or any government official authorized to administer oaths before entering upon the practice of nursing.

SEC. 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration / Professional License and Professional Identification Card. – All successful candidate shall, upon payment of prescribed frees, be issued the following:

Certificate of Registration / Professional License bearing the (i) full name of the registrant, (ii) serial number, (iii) the signature of the Chairperson of the Chairperson of the Commission, (iv) signature of the Members of the Board, and (v) official seal of the Commission and of the
Professional Identification card duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, bearing the (i) date of registration, (ii) license number, and (iii) date of issuance and expiration date.

SEC. 18 Fees for Examination and registration. – Applicants for licensure and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by the Commission.

SEC. 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses. – All nurses whose names appear at the Roster or Registry Book of Nurses shall be automatically or ipso facto registered as nurses under this Act upon its effectivity.

SEC.20. Registration by Reciprocity. – A foreign nurse shall be registered without examination and issued with he/she is a nurse registered under the laws of a foreign state or country, subject to the following conditions:

That the requirement for registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act; and
That the laws of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered. Nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizen of such foreign state or country.

SEC. 21. Practice Through Special /Temporary Permit. – Subject to the prior approval of the Commission and upon payment of the prescribed fees, the Board may issue a Special /Temporary Permit which shall be effective only for the duration of the project, medical mission or employment of contract, to the following:

Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states whose service are either for a fee or free if they are internationally well-known specialists or outstanding experts in any branch of specialty of nursing;
Licensed nurses from foreign counties/states on medical mission whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and
Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states employed by schools/college as exchange professors in any branch of specialty nursing.

SEC. 22. Non-Registration and non-issuance of Certificates of Registration/Professional License or Special / Temporary Permit. – The following shall not be registered and issued Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Professional Identification Card or granted Special/Temporary Permit.

Any person convicted by final judgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
Any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct; and
Any person declared by the court to be of unsound mind.

The board shall furnish applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons for its action, which shall be incorporated in the records of the board.

SEC. 23. – Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration/ Professional License and Cancellation of Special/ Temporary Permit. – The following shall be grounds for the Board to exercise its power to revoke and suspend Certificate of Registration/ Professional License and to cancel Special/ Temporary permit of nurse.

For any of the causes mentioned in Section 22 of RA No. 9173;
For unprofessional and unethical conduct;
For gross incompetence or serious ignorance;
For malpractice of negligence in the practice of nursing;
For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a certificate of registration/ professional license or a Special/ temporary permit;
For violation of RA No. 9173 and this IRR, Code of Ethics for Nurses and Code of Technical Standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and the Commissions, or the conditions and limitations for the issuance of the special/ temporary permit; or
For practicing his/her profession during his/her suspension from such practice;

For this purpose, the suspension of the Certificate of Registration/ Professional License shall be for a period not to exceed four (4) years.

SEC. 24. – Re-issuance of Revoked Certificate and Replacement of Lost Certificates. – Upon proper application and payment of the required fees, the Board may, for reasons of equity and justice and subject to the rules of the board, issue another copy of the Certificate of Registration/ Professional License under the following instances only:

After the expiration of a maximum period of four (4) years from the date of revocation of a cerificate;
When the cause of the revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected; and
When the request is to replace lost, destroyed or mutilated certificate/license.

RULE IV
NURSING EDUCATION

SEC. 25. Nursing Education Program – The nursing education program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing taking into consideration the learning outcomes based on national and universal nursing core competencies..

The learning experience shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education’s policies and standards of nursing education.

SEC. 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice – Nurses who have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) consecutive years and are returning to the practice of the nursing profession shall undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum. For this purpose, the Board shall accredit hospitals to conduct the said training.

The accredited hospitals shall develop training programs based on guidelines formulated by the Board of nursing.

SEC. 27. Qualifications of the Faculty. A member of the faculty in a college of nursing teaching professional courses must:

Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
Have at least one (1) year of clinical practice in the field of the specialization;
Be a member of a good standing in the accredited professional organization of nurses; and
Be a holder of Master’s Degree in nursing, education, or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the government of the Republic of the Philippines.

For a dean of college of nursing, in addition to the above requirements must have a master’s degree in nursing an at least five (5) years of experience in teaching and supervising a nursing education program.

RULE V
NURSING PRACTICE

SEC. 28. Scope of Nursing – A person shall be deemed to be practicing nursing within the meaning of RA No. 9173 when he/she singly or in collaboration with another, initiates and performs nursing services to individuals, families and communities in any health care setting. It includes, but not limited to, nursing years during conception, labor, delivery, infancy, childhood, adulthood and old age. As member independent practitioners, nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and prevention of illness. As members of health team, nurses shall collaborate with other health care providers for the curative, preventive and rehabilitative aspects of cares, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and when recovery is not possible, towards a peaceful death.

Duties and Responsibilities of a nurse:

Provides nursing care through the utilization of the nursing process. Nursing care includes, but not limited to, traditional and innovative approaches, therapeutic use of self, executing health care techniques and procedures, essential primarily health care, comfort measures, health teachings, and administration of written prescription for treatment, therapies, oral, topical and parenteral medication, internal examination during labor in the absence of antenatal bleeding and delivery. In case of suturing of perineal laceration, special training shall be provided accordingly to protocol established;
Establish linkages with community resources and coordination with the health team;
Provide health education to individuals, families and community;
Teach, guide and supervise students in nursing education programs including the administration of nursing service in varied setting such as hospitals and clinic;
Undertake consultation services;
Engage in such activities that required the utilization of knowledge and decision making skills of registered nurse; and
Undertake nursing and health human resource development training and research, which shall include, but not limited to, the development of advance nursing practice.

The above-enumerated provision shall not apply to nursing students who perform nursing functions under the direct supervision of a qualified faculty. However, a nurse, while in practice pf nursing settings, is duty-bound/required to:

Observe the Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for nurses;
Uphold the standards for safe nursing practice; and
Maintain competence by continual learning through continuing professional education to be provided by accredited professionals’ organization or any recognized nursing organization. For this purpose, the program and activity for the continuing professional education shall be submitted and approved by the board.

SEC. 29. Qualifications of Nursing Service Administrators- The following are the mandatory requirements for nursing service administrators occupying position such as follow:

Supervisory or Managerial position
1. Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
2. Have at least two (2) years experience in general nursing service administration;
3. Possess a degree of bachelor of science in nursing, with at least nine (9) units in the management and administration courses at the graduate level and; and
4. Be a member a good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses.
Chief Nurse or director of Nursing
At least five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial position on nursing; and
Master’s degree in nursing.
Chief Nurse for Primary Hospitals
1. Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
2. Have at least two (2) years experience in general nursing service administration; and
3. Possess a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with at least nine (9) units in management and administration course at graduate level.

SEC. 30. Priority in Appointments- The following shall strictly be observed/compiled with:

Appointments for Chief Nurse in the public health agencies. – Priority shall be given to those who have master’s degree in public health/community health nursing.
Appointments for Chief Nurse in Military Hospitals. – Priority shall be given to those who have finished master’s degree in nursing and the completion of the General Staff Course (GSC).

Those occupying such positions before the effectively of this Act shall have a period of five (5) years within which to comply with the above requirements to qualify therefore.

RULES VI
HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE PRODUCTION
FTILIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT

SEC.31. Studies for Nursing Manpower Needs, production, Utilization and Development. – The Board, in Coordination with the accredited professional organization and appropriate government or private agencies, shall initiate, undertake, and conduct studies or health human resource production, utilization, and development.

SEC.32. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. – The Board , in coordination with the accredited professional organization, recognized specialty organizations, and the DOH, is hereby mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that would update the level of skill and competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the country, such as but not limited to the areas of critical care, oncology, renal and such other areas as may be determined by the Board. The Board resolution thereon shall be subject to approval by the Commission and shall be effective after its complete or full publication in the official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation, which ever is earlier.

The beneficiaries of the said program are issued a certification and obliged to serve in any Philippine Hospital for at least two (2) years of continuous service.

SEC. 33 Salary – The minimum base pay of nurses working in the public health institutions shall not be lower than the 1st step or hiring rate prescribed of salary Grade 15 pursuant to RA No. 6758, otherwise known as the “Compensation and Classification Act. of 1989”. However, for nurses working in local government units, adjustment to their salaries shall be in accordance with Section 10 of the same Act.

The implementation of this Section shall strictly be in accordance with the rules and regulations that will be prescribed in a Circular that will be issued by the DMB.

SEC. 34. Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program- The annual financial requirements the train the traits at least ten (10%) of the nursing staff of the participating government hospital shall be chargeable against the income of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation, which shall equally share in the cost and shall release said funds to the DOH subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures. For this purpose, the DOH shall set the criteria for the availment of this program.

SEC. 35. Incentives and Benefits. – The incentives and benefits referred to in subject Nursing Act shall be limited to non-cash benefits, such as, hospital care for nurses and their dependents, scholarship grants and other similar non-cash benefits, For this purpose, The Board, DOH, DBM, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, association of hospitals and the accredited professional organization shall formulate and establish the necessary incentives and benefits system and the corresponding rules and regulations for its implementation, and (ii) as part of the improved working condition of nurses, the government and private hospitals are mandated to maintain the standard nurse-patient set by the DOH.

RULES VII

PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 36. Prohibition in the practice in Nursing- A fine or not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) nor more than one Hundred Thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment if not less than one (1) year nor more than six(6) years, or both, upon the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon:any person practicing nursing in the Philippines within the meaning of this act:

without a certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit or without having been declared exempt from examination in accordance with the provision of RA. 9173;or
who uses as his/her own certificates of registration/professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit or another; or
Who uses invalid certificate of registration/professional license, a suspended or revoked certificates of registration/professional license, or an expired or cancelled temporary/special permit; or
Who gives any false evidence to the board in order to obtain a certificate or registration/professional license, a professional identification card or special permit; or
Who falsely posses or advertises as registered and licensed nurse or uses any other means that tend to convey the impression that he/she is a registered and licensed nurse; or
Who appends B.S.N,.R.N. ( Bachelor in Science and Nursing Registered Nurse) or any similar appendage to his/her name without having been conferred said degree or registration; or
Who, as registered and licensed nurse, abets or assist the illegal practice of a person who is lawfully qualified to practice nursing.
any person or the chief executive officer of a juridical entity who undertakes in service educational programs or who conducts review classes for both local or foreign examination without permit/clearance from the Board and the Commission; or
any person or employer of nurses who violate the minimum base pay of nurses and the incentives and benefits that should be accorded them as specified in Sections 32 and 34, Article VII of RA No. 9173, as implemented by Section 33 and 35 if this IRR; or
any person or the chief executive officer of a juridical entity violating any provision of RA No. 9173, as implemented by this IRR.

RULE VII
FINAL PROVISION

SEC. 37. Enforcement of the Provision of RA No. 9173, as Implemented by this IRR..- It shall be the primary duty of the Commission of the Board to effectively implement the provision of RA No.9173 and this IRR

SEC.38. –Assistance of Law Enforcement Agency.- any duly authorized law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal government shall upon the call or request of the Commission or the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provision of RA No. 9173 and this IRR and to prosecute any person violating the same.

For orderly implementation of this provision, the Commission and the Board may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with each law of enforcement agency and the subject government offices providing for the procedures to be follow for the call or request for assistance.

SEC 39. Appropriations, – the amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of RA No. 9173 shall be changed against the current year’s appropriation of the Commission of the purpose as provided in general appropriation act (GAA). Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of the said act shall be included in the program of the Commission in the succeeding GAA. For this purpose, the Board of the Commission shall issue the necessary rules and regulations, in coordination with the professional organization, DOH, DBM and other concerned agencies.

SEC 40. Separability Clause.- If any provision of this IRR or the application of such provision to any person or circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this IRR or application of such provision to other persons or circumstance shall not be affected by such declaration.

SEC 41. Repealing Provisions. – Any issuance of the Board or Commission or of their respective chairpersons, including resolutions, memorandum, office orders/circulars, etc. or any part thereof which is/are in conflict with the provision of the herein are deemed superseded or modified accordingly.

tagged with PRB, PRC, Professional Regulation Commission, The Philippine Board of Nursing

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