Philippine Nursing Act of 2002

Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 (RA 9173)

• Title: The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
• Policy: Improvement and protection of nursing in the Philippines
• Purpose: Protection of citizenry

Board of Nursing (BON)

• Chairperson: Elsie A. Tee
• Members:
  • Carmelita Divinagracia
  • Elizabeth Lagrito
  • Zenaida Gagno
  • Marylou Ong
  • Merle Salvani
  • Leah Primitiva Paquiz
• Qualifications:
  • Natural-born Filipino citizen
  • Member of Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (APO/PNA)
  • Registered Nurse (RN) and Master in Nursing (MAN)
  • Continuous practice of nursing (10 years; last 5 years in the Philippines)
  • No crime committed
  • Nursing education (academe), nursing service (hospital), public health (community)
• Term of Office:
  • 3 years
  • Reappointment possible for another 3 years (maximum 6 years)
  • Doctrine of Holdover: Person can stay in a position until a successor is appointed
  • Ad Interim Appointment: Filling a vacant seat temporarily

Powers and Duties of BON

• Supervision and regulation of nursing practice
• Hearing and investigation (quasi-judicial power)
  • Subpoena Duces Tecum: Documents
  • Subpoena Testificandum: Testify as a witness
• Quasi-legislative: Lawmaking
• Ensure quality nursing education
• Specialty programs or accreditation
• BON Resolution #14 Series of 1999: Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program (CNSP)
• Maintenance of efficient, ethical, moral, professional standards of nursing
• Issue and suspend, and revoke license and Certificate of Registration (COR)
• Licensure exam: Conducted by BON
• Ethics (Code of Ethics): Primary body of COE
• Revoked License: Re-issuance after 4 years

Removal or Suspension of Board Members

• Only the president has the power to remove or suspend BON members
• Grounds:
  • Commission or toleration of irregularities related to board exam
  • Continuous neglect of duty
  • Unprofessional, unethical, immoral, dishonorable conduct

Qualifications for Nursing Licensure Exam (NLE)

• Written Exams: 500 items
• Qualifications:
  • Filipino citizen or citizen of other countries (with reciprocity agreement)
  • Good moral character
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree holder

NLE Rating

• General Average: 75%
• Not below 60% in any subject or concept
• Example of Failure: Failure to reach 75% average
• Exam should be taken within 2 years after the failed exam

Oathtaking

• After passing the NLE: A form of attestation to practice the profession faithfully
• Who can administer the oath: Any public official, signing of oath form
• When: Should be done 15 days after the release of result

Certificate of Registration (COR)

• Permanent: No expiration date
• Contents:
  • Complete name of registrant
  • Serial number
  • PRC seal
  • Signature (8): 6 members of BON, 1 chairperson BON, 1 chairperson PRC
• Note: Keep it well!

License

• ID Card: Legal document given by the government to practice one's profession in a specific jurisdiction
• Nature of License:
  • Temporary: Renewed every 3 years, expires on birth month
  • Can be revoked: If the nurse violated the standards of nursing practice or ethico-legal principles