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INFIRMIERE | A GUIDEBOOK TO NURSING BASICS
infirmier
a guidebook to the nursing basics
Julian Grayfrex A. Alcomendas

1
NursingNursing, as an integral part of the

health care system, encompasses the pro-
motion of health, prevention of illness, and
care of physically ill, mentally ill, and disa-
bled people of all ages, in all health care and other
community settings. Within this broad spectrum of
health care, the phenomena of particular concern to
nurses are individual, family, and group "responses to
actual or potential health problems" (ANA, 1980, P.9).
These human responses range broadly from health
restoring reactions to an individual episode of illness to
the development of policy in promoting the long-term
health of a population.
The unique function of nurses in caring for indi-

viduals, sick or well, is to assess their responses to
their health status and to assist them in the perfor-
mance of those activities contributing to health or re-
covery or to dignified death that they would perform
unaided if they had the necessary strength, will, or
knowledge and to do this in such a way as to help them
gain full of partial independence as rapidly as possible
(Henderson, 1977, p.4). Within the total health care
environment, nurses share with other health profes-
sionals and those in other sectors of public service the
functions of planning, implementation, and evaluation
to ensure the adequacy of the health system for pro-
moting health, preventing illness, and caring for ill and
disabled people. (ICN, 1987)
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Table of Contents
Nightingale Pledge
~4~
CHED Memorandum Order No. 15 Series of 2017
~6~
Republic Act 9173
~33~
Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
~50~
International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics
~59~
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
~70~
Patient’s Bill of Rights
~78~
References
~87~
3
~I~
Nightingale
Pledge
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Nightingale Pledge (1893)

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the
presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity
and to practise my profession faithfully. I will abstain
from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and
will not take or knowingly administer any harmful
drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and ele-
vate the standard of my profession, and will hold in
confidence all personal matters committed to my
keeping, and all family affairs coming to my
knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty
will I endeavour to aid the physician in his work, and
as a 'missioner of health' I will dedicate myself to
devoted service to human welfare.
Nightingale Pledge (1935)

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the
presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity
and to practise my profession faithfully. I will abstain
from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and
will not take or knowingly administer any harmful
drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and ele-
vate the standard of my profession, and will hold in
confidence all personal matters committed to my
keeping, and all family affairs coming to my
knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty
will I endeavour to aid the physician in his work, and
as a 'missioner of health' I will dedicate myself to
devoted service to human welfare.
5
~II~
CMO 15 Series
of 2017
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~III~
Republic Act
9173
33
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Twelfth Congress
Second Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-second day of
July, two thousand two.
[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9173]
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE NURSING PROFES-
SION, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7164, OTH-
ERWISE KNOWN AS “THE PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 1991” AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled.
ARTICLE I
TITLE
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Nursing
Act of 2002.”
ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF POLICY
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 rele-
vant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career pro-
spects and a dignified existence for our nurses.
The State hereby guarantees the delivery of quality basic health ser-
vices through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the
country.
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF NURSING
34
SEC. 3. Creation and Composition of the Board. — There shall be cre-
ated a Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, hereinafter referred
to as the Board, to be composed of a Chairperson and six (6) mem-
bers. They shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the
Philippines from among two (2) recommendees, per vacancy, of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the
Commission, chosen and ranked from a list of three (3) nominees, per
vacancy, of the accredited professional organization of nurses in the
Philippines who possess the qualifications prescribed in Section 4 of
this Act.
SEC. 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the
Board. — The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time
of their appointment, possess the following qualifications:
(a) Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;
(b) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional or-
ganization of nurses;
(c) Be a registered nurse and holder of a master’s degree in nursing,
education or other allied medical profession conferred by a college or
university duly recognized by the Government: Provided, That the ma-
jority of the Members of the Board shall be holders of a master’s de-
gree in nursing: Provided, further, That the Chairperson shall be a hold-
er of a master’s degree in nursing;
(d) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the profes-
sion prior to appointment: Provided, however, That the last five (5)
years of which shall be in the Philippines; and
(e) Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude;
Provided, That the membership to the Board shall represent the three
(3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing education, nursing service and
community health nursing.
SEC. 5. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of
Nursing. — 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
35
Nursing and/or review program for the local nursing board examina-
tions or in any office or employment in the government or any subdivi-
sion, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned
or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries as well as those em-
ployed in the private sector. He/she shall not have any pecuniary inter-
est in or administrative supervision over any institution offering Bach-
elor of Science in Nursing including review classes.
SEC. 6. Term of Office. — The Chairperson and Members of the Board
shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successors
shall have been appointed and qualified: Provided, That the Chairper-
son and Members of the Board may be reappointed for another term.
Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a Member shall
be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each Member of
the Board 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 term under Republic Act No. 7164
until their replacements have been appointed by the President and
shall have been duly qualified.
SEC. 7. Compensation of Board Members. — The Chairperson and
Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances
comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the
Chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards.
SEC. 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Rec-
ords, Secretariat and Support Services. — The Board shall be under the
administrative supervision of the Commission. 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. The Commission shall designate the Sec-
retary of the Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support
services to implement the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 9. Powers and Duties of the Board. — The Board shall supervise
and regulate the practice of the nursing profession and shall have the
following powers, duties and functions:
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(a) Conduct the licensure examination for nurses;
(b) Issue, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the prac-
tice of nursing;
(c) Monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing practice in the
Philippines and exercise the powers necessary to ensure the mainte-
nance of efficient, ethical and technical, moral and professional stand-
ards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of
the nation;
(d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facil-
ities of universities or colleges of nursing or departments 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 the written recommendation of
the Board;
(e) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against
nurse practitioners for unethical and unprofessional conduct and vio-
lations of this Act, or its rules and regulations and in connection there-
with, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to
secure the appearance of respondents, and witnesses and the produc-
tion of documents and punish with contempt persons obstructing,
impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such pro-
ceedings, upon application with the court;
(f) Promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination and consultation with
the accredited professional organization of nurses within one (1) year
from the effectivity of this Act;
(g) Recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the
accredited professional organization; and
(h) Prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations,
measures and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of
the nursing practice, advancement of the profession and for the prop-
er and full enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval
37
by the Commission.
SEC. 10. Annual Report. — The Board shall at the close of its calendar
year submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines
through the Commission giving a detailed account of its proceedings
and the accomplishments during the year and making recommenda-
tions for the adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve the
conditions affecting the practice of the nursing profession.
SEC. 11. Removal or Suspension of 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 administra-
tive investigation, on the following grounds:
(a) Continued neglect of duty or incompetence;
(b) Commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examina-
tion; and
(c) Unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conduct.
ARTICLE IV
EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
SEC. 12. Licensure Examination. — All applicants for license to prac-
tice nursing shall be required to pass a written examination, which
shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may be desig-
nated by the Commission: Provided, That it shall be in accordance
with Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Moderniza-
tion Act of 2000.”
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 filing his/her application, establish to the satisfac-
tion of the Board that:
(a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines, or 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 coun-
try: Provided, That the requirements for the registration or licensing of
nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed
38
in this Act;
(b) He/she is of good moral character; and
(c) He/she is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from a col-
lege or university that complies with the standards of nursing educa-
tion duly recognized by the proper government agency.
SEC. 14. Scope of Examination. — The scope of the examination for
the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall be determined by the
Board. The Board shall take into consideration the objectives of the
nursing curriculum, the broad areas of nursing, and other related disci-
plines and competencies in determining the subjects of examinations.
SEC. 15. Ratings. — In order to pass the examination, an examinee
must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%)
with a rating of not below sixty percent (60%) in any subject. An exam-
inee who obtains an average rating of seventy-five percent (75%) or
higher but gets a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any subject must
take the examination again but only in the subject or subjects where
he/she is rated below sixty percent (60%). In order to pass the suc-
ceeding examination, an examinee must obtain a rating of at least
seventy-five percent (75%) in the subject or subjects repeated.
SEC. 16. Oath. — All successful candidates in the examination shall be
required to take an oath of profession before the Board or any govern-
ment official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the
nursing practice.
SEC. 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License
and Professional Identification Card. — A certificate of registration/
professional license as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant who
passes the examination upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every
certificate of registration/professional license shall show the full
name of the registrant, the serial number, the signature of the Chair-
person of the Commission and of the Members of the Board, and the
official seal of the Commission.
A professional identification card, duly signed by the Chairperson of
the Commission, bearing the date of registration, license number, and
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the date of issuance and expiration thereof shall likewise be issued to
every registrant upon payment of the required fees.
SEC. 18. Fees for Examination and Registration. — Applicants for li-
censure and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by Com-
mission.
SEC. 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses. — All nurses whose names
appear at the roster of nurses shall be automatically or ipso fac-
to registered as nurses under this Act upon its effectivity.
SEC. 20. Registration by Reciprocity. — A certificate of registration/
professional license may be issued without examination to nurses
registered under the laws of a foreign state or country: Provided, That
the requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country
are substantially the same as those prescribed under this
Act: Provided, further, 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 citizens of such foreign state or country.
SEC. 21. Practice Through Special/Temporary Permit . — A special/
temporary permit may be issued by the Board to the following persons
subject to the approval of the Commission and upon payment of the
prescribed fees:
(a) 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 or specialty of nursing;
(b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission
whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic;
and
(c) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states employed by
schools/colleges of nursing as exchange professors in a branch or
specialty of nursing;
Provided, however, That the special/temporary permit shall be effec-
tive only for the duration of the project, medical mission or employ-
ment contract.
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SEC. 22. Non-registration and Non-issuance of Certificates of Regis-
tration/Professional License or Special/Temporary Permit . — No per-
son convicted by final judgment of any criminal offense involving mor-
al turpitude or any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct
or any person declared by the court to be of unsound mind shall be
registered and be issued a certificate of registration/professional li-
cense or a special/temporary permit.
The Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth
the reasons for its actions, 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 Per-
mit. — The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the certifi-
cate of registration/professional license or cancel the special/
temporary permit of a nurse upon any of the following grounds:
(a) For any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section;
(b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct;
(c) For gross incompetence or serious ignorance;
(d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing;
(e) For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a cer-
tificate of registration/professional license or a temporary/special
permit;
(f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, Code of Ethics
for nurses and technical standards for nursing practice, policies of the
Board and the Commission, or the conditions and limitations for the
issuance of the temporary/special permit; or
(g) For practicing his/her profession during his/her suspension from
such practice;
Provided, however, That the suspension of the certificate of registra-
tion/professional license shall be for a period not to exceed four (4)
years.
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SEC. 24. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost
Certificates. — The Board may, after the expiration of a maximum of
four (4) years from the date of revocation of a certificate, for reasons
of equity and justice and when the cause for revocation has disap-
peared or has been cured and corrected, upon proper application
therefor and the payment of the required fees, issue another copy of
the certificate of registration/professional license.
A new certificate of registration/professional license to replace the
certificate that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued,
subject to the rules of the Board.
ARTICLE V
NURSING EDUCATION
SEC. 25. Nursing Education Program. — The nursing education pro-
gram shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the
practice of nursing.
The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements
embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Com-
mission on Higher Education’s policies and standards of nursing edu-
cation.
SEC. 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice . —
Nurses who have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) con-
secutive years are required to undergo one (1) month of didactic train-
ing and three (3) months of practicum. The Board shall accredit hospi-
tals to conduct the said training program.
SEC. 27. Qualifications of the Faculty. — A member of the faculty in a
college of nursing teaching professional courses must:
(a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
(b) Have at least one (1) year of clinical practice in a field of speciali-
zation;
(c) Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional or-
ganization of nurses; and
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(d) Be a holder of a 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.
In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the dean of a college
must have a master’s degree in nursing. He/she must have at least
five (5) years of experience in nursing.
ARTICLE VI
NURSING PRACTICE
SEC. 28. Scope of Nursing. — A person shall be deemed to be practic-
ing nursing within the meaning of this Act 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 care during conception, labor, de-
livery, infancy, childhood, toddler, pre-school, school age, adoles-
cence, adulthood and old age. As independent practitioners, nurses
are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and prevention of
illness. As members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate with
other health care providers for the curative, preventive, and rehabilita-
tive aspects of care, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and
when recovery is not possible, towards a peaceful death. It shall be
the duty of the nurse to:
(a) Provide 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 primary health care, comfort measures,
health teachings, and administration of written prescription for treat-
ment, therapies, oral, topical and parenteral medications, internal ex-
amination during labor in the absence of antenatal bleeding and deliv-
ery. In case of suturing of perineal laceration, special training shall be
provided according to protocol established;
(b) Establish linkages with community resources and coordination
with the health team;
(c) Provide health education to individuals, families and communities;
43
(d) Teach, guide and supervise students in nursing education pro-
grams including the administration of nursing services in varied set-
tings such as hospitals and clinics; undertake consultation services;
engage in such activities that require the utilization of knowledge and
decision-making skills of a registered nurse; and
(e) Undertake nursing and health human resource development train-
ing and research, which shall include, but not limited to, the develop-
ment of advance nursing practice;
Provided, That this section shall not apply to nursing students who
perform nursing functions under the direct supervision of a qualified
faculty: Provided, further, That in the practice of nursing in all settings,
the nurse is duty-bound to observe the Code of Ethics for nurses and
uphold the standards of safe nursing practice. The nurse is required to
maintain competence by continual learning through continuing profes-
sional education to be provided by the accredited professional organi-
zation or any recognized professional nursing organization: Provided,
finally, That the program and activity for the continuing professional
education shall be submitted to and approved by the Board.
SEC. 29. Qualifications of Nursing Service Administrators. — A person
occupying supervisory or managerial positions requiring knowledge of
nursing must:
(a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
(b) Have at least two (2) years experience in general nursing service
administration;
(c) Possess a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with at least
nine (9) units in management and administration courses at the gradu-
ate level; and
(d) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional or-
ganization of nurses;
Provided, That a person occupying the position of chief nurse or direc-
tor of nursing service shall, in addition to the foregoing qualifications,
possess:
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(1) At least five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial
position in nursing; and
(2) A master’s degree major in nursing;
Provided, further, That for primary hospitals, the maximum academic
qualifications and experiences for a chief nurse shall be as specified
in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section: Provided, further-
more, That for chief nurses in the public health agencies, those who
have a master’s degree in public health/community health nursing
shall be given priority. Provided, even further, That for chief nurses in
military hospitals, priority shall be given to those who have finished a
master’s degree in nursing and the completion of the General Staff
Course (GSC): Provided, finally, That those occupying such positions
before the effectivity of this Act shall be given a period of five (5)
years within which to qualify.
ARTICLE VII
HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE
PRODUCTION, UTILIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 30. 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 on health hu-
man resource production, utilization and development.
SEC. 31. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program . — Within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Board in coordination
with the accredited professional organization, recognized specialty
organizations and the Department of Health is hereby mandated to
formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program
that would upgrade 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 deter-
mined by the Board.
The beneficiaries of this program are obliged to serve in any Philippine
hospital for a period of at least two (2) years of continuous service.
45
SEC. 32. Salary. — In order to enhance the general welfare, commit-
ment to service and professionalism of nurses, the minimum base pay
of nurses working in the public health institutions shall not be lower
than salary grade 15 prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758, other-
wise known as the “Compensation and Classification Act of
1989”: Provided, That for nurses working in local government units,
adjustments to their salaries shall be in accordance with Section 10 of
the said law.
SEC. 33. Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Pro-
gram. — The annual financial requirement needed to train at least ten
percent (10%) of the nursing staff of the participating government
hospital shall be chargeable against the income of the Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gam-
ing Corporation, which shall equally share in the costs and shall be
released to the Department of Health subject to accounting and audit-
ing procedures: Provided, That the Department of Health shall set the
criteria for the availment of this program.
SEC. 34. Incentives and Benefits. — The Board of Nursing, in coordina-
tion with the Department of Health and other concerned government
agencies, association of hospitals and the accredited professional
organization shall establish an incentive and benefit system in the
form of free hospital care for nurses and their dependents, scholar-
ship grants and other non-cash benefits. The government and private
hospitals are hereby mandated to maintain the standard nurse-patient
ratio set by the Department of Health.
ARTICLE VIII
PENAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 35. Prohibitions in the Practice of Nursing . — A fine of not less
than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000,00) nor more than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than one
(1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both, upon the discretion of the
court, shall be imposed upon:
(a) any person practicing nursing in the Philippines within the meaning
of this Act:
46
(1) without a certificate of registration/professional license and pro-
fessional identification card or special temporary permit or without
having been declared exempt from examination in accordance with
the provision of this Act; or
(2) who uses as his/her own certificates of registration/professional
license and professional identification card or special temporary per-
mit of another; or
(3) who uses an invalid certificate of registration/professional license,
a suspended or revoked certificate of registration/professional li-
cense, or an expired or cancelled special/temporary permit; or
(4) who gives any false evidence to the Board in order to obtain a cer-
tificate of registration/professional license, a professional identifica-
tion card or special permit; or
(5) who falsely poses or advertises as a 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
(6) who appends B.S.N./R.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing/
Registered Nurse) or any similar appendage to his/her name without
having been conferred said degree or registration; or
(7) who, as a registered and licensed nurse, abets or assists the illegal
practice of a person who is not lawfully qualified to practice nursing.
(b) 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 and foreign examination without permit/
clearance from the Board and the Commission; or
(c) 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; or
(d) any person or the chief executive officer of a juridical entity violat-
ing any provision of this Act and its rules and regulations.
47
ARTICLE IX
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 36. Enforcement of this Act. — It shall be the primary duty of the
Commission and the Board to effectively implement this Act. Any duly
law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or
municipal governments shall, upon the call or request of the Commis-
sion or the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this
Act and to prosecute any persons violating the same.
SEC. 37. Appropriations. — The Chairperson of the Professional Regu-
lation Commission shall immediately include in its program and issue
such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act, the
funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropria-
tions Act.
SEC. 38. Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the Board and the Commission, in coordination
with the accredited professional organization, the Department of
Health, the Department of Budget and Management and other con-
cerned government agencies, shall formulate such rules and regula-
tions necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. The implement-
ing rules and regulations shall be published in the Official Gazette or in
any newspaper of general circulation.
SEC. 39. Separability Clause. — If any part of this Act is declared un-
constitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue
to be valid and operational.
SEC. 40. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act No. 7164, otherwise known
as the “Philippine Nursing Act of 1991” is hereby repealed. All other
laws, decrees, orders, circulars, issuances, rules and regulations and
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed;
amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 41. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon
its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of
general circulation in the Philippines.
48
49
~IV~
Code of Ethics for
Filipino Nurses
50
BOARD OF NURSING
Board Resolution No. 220
Series of 2004
PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES
WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code
of Ethics for Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with
the accredited professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art. III of R.A.
No. 9173, known as the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002);
WHEREAS, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered
Nurses, the Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Phil-
ippines was utilized as the prinicipal basis therefor: All the principles
under the said Code were adopted and integrated into the Code of
Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession;
WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines,
regulations or measures shall be subject to approval by the Commis-
sion (Sec. 9, Art. II of R.A. No. 9173); and
WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo
City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurs-
es, the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc (PNA), and other affiliate
organizations of Registered Nurses, decided to adopt a new Code of
Ethics under the afore-mentioned new Law;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to
promulgate the hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses:
ARTICLE I
PREAMBLE
SECTION 1. Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Fili-
pino registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each hu-
man being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at
all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, preven-
tion of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. How-
ever, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a
peaceful death shall be his/her obligation.
51
SECTION 2. To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to
gain knowledge and understanding of man’s cultural, social, spiritual,
physiological, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, utiliz-
ing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and political and socio-
economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care.
SECTION 3. The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele,
colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the community provides
the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of
ethical conduct. PRC-BN
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE
SECTION 4.
Ethical Principles
1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals
shall be respected.
2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained
decisions shall be respected.
3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving
nursing care shall be held in strict confidence.
SECTION 5.
Guidelines to be observed:
REGISTERED Nurses must
a. consider the individuality and totality of patients when
they administer care.
b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients
regarding diet and treatment.
c. uphold the rights of individuals.
d. take into consideration the culture and values of patients
in providing nursing care. However, in the event of con-
flicts, their welfare and safety must take precedence.
ARTICLE III
REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE
52
SECTION 6.
Ethical Principles
1. Human life is inviolable.
2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals
of nursing practice.
3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered
care is the hallmark of nursing accountability.
SECTION 7.
a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in
the provisions of R. A. No. 9173, known as the “Philippine Nurs-
ing Act of 2002” and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the
“Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing
Act. of 2002”, (the IRR).
b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of
their profession as defined in the “Philippine Nursing Act of
2002” and the IRR.
c. acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge,
skills, and attitudes to effectively render appropriate nursing
services through varied learning situations. PRC-BN
d. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable
environment for the growth and developments of Registered
Nurses in their charge.
e. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certifica-
tion by the BON are accredited through the Nursing Specialty
Certification Council (NSCC).
f. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the opti-
mum standard of safe nursing practice. h. insure that modifica-
tion of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing
practice.
g. if in position of authority in a work environment, be normally
and legally responsible for devising a system of minimizing oc-
currences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice.
h. ensure that patients’ records shall be available only if they are
53
to be issued to those who are professionally and directly in-
volved in their care and when they are required by law.
SECTION 8.
Ethical Principle
4. Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take
appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges.
SECTION9
a. respect the “Patients’ Bill of Rights” in the delivery of nursing
care.
b. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent infor-
mation except those which may be deemed harmful to their well
-being.
c. uphold the patients’ rights when conflict arises regarding man-
agement of their care.
SECTION 10.
Ethical Principle
5. Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have professional,
ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. They strive to perform their work
in the best interest of all concerned.
SECTION 11.
REGISTERED Nurses must:
a. perform their professional duties in conformity with existing
laws, rules regulations. measures, and generally accepted prin-
ciples of moral conduct and proper decorum.
b. not allow themselves to be used in advertisement that should
demean the image of the profession (i.e. indecent exposure,
violation of dress code, seductive behavior, etc.).
c. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted
as capitalizing on patients.
d. not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for
recommending or referring a patient to a physician, a co-nurse
54
or another PRC-BN health care worker; not to pay any commis-
sion, fee or other compensations to the one referring or recom-
mending a patient to them for nursing care.
e. avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with
patients and of the privilege access allowed to their property,
residence or workplace.
ARTICLE IV
REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS
SECTION 12.
Ethical Principles
1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the
healthcare team in working for the patient’s best interest.
2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative
working relationship with colleagues and other health care pro-
viders.
SECTION 13.
a. maintain their professional role/identity while working with oth-
er members of the health team.
b. conform with group activities as those of a health team should
be based on acceptable, ethico-legal statndards.
c. contribute to the professional growth and development of other
members of the health team.
d. actively participate in professional organizations.
e. not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions.
f. honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members
of nursing and other professions; refrain from making unfair
and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence,
conduct, and procedures; or not do anything that will bring dis-
credit to a colleague and to any member of other professions.
g. respect the rights of their co-workers.
ARTICLE V
REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY, AND ENVIRONMENT
55
SECTION 14.
Ethical Principles
1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promo-
tion of healthy environment shall be a commitment of a Regis-
tered Nurse.
2. The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting lo-
cal, national, and international efforts to meet health and social
needs of the people as a contributing member of society is a
noble concern of a Registered Nurse.
SECTION 15.
a. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be
involved in community concerns. PRC-BN
b. be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the
community, and take active roles in primary health care.
c. actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that
respond to the problems of society.
d. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct
and proper decorum.
e. project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all
times.
ARTICLE VI
REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION
SECTION 16.
Ethical Principles:
1. Maintainance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preserva-
tion of its integrity are ideal.
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional or-
ganization (PNA), and other professional organizations of
which the Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty.
3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in
the development and growth of the profession are commenda-
ble obligations.
56
4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic condi-
tions and general welfare of nurses through appropriate legisla-
tion is a practice and a visionary mission.
SECTION 17.
Registered Nurses must
a. be members of the Accredited Professional Organization
(PNA).
b. strictly adhere to the nursing standards.
c. participate actively in the growth and development of the nurs-
ing profession.
d. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions
in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means. e.
assert for the implementation of labor and work standards.
ARTICLE VII
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALITIES, REPEALING CLAUSE, AND
EFFECTIVITY
SECTION 18.
The Certificate of Registration of Registered Nurse shall either
be revoked or suspended for violation of any provisions of this Code
pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art. IV of R. A. No. 9173 and Sec. 23 (f), Rule
III of Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR.
SECTION 19.
The Amended Code of Ethics promulgated pursuant to R. A. No.
877 and P.D. No. 223 is accordingly repealed or superseded by the
herein Code.
SECTION 20.
PRC-BN This Code of Ethics for Nurses shall take effect after
fifteen (15) days from its full and complete publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspapers of general circulation.
Done in the City of Manila, this 14th day of July, 2004
57
58
~VI~
International Council
of Nursing Code of
Ethics
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
~VII~
Universal Declaration
of Human Rights
70
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal
and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foun-
dation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have result-
ed in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind,
and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom
of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been pro-
claimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have
recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression,
that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly
relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter
reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and
worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women
and have determined to promote social progress and better standards
of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve,
in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal
respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental free-
doms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and free-
doms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this
pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNI-
VERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of
achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every indi-
vidual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly
in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for
these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and
international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and
71
observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves
and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They
are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one
another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Dec-
laration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, lan-
guage, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be
made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status
of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of
sovereignty.
Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave
trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.
Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before
the law.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination
to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection
against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against
any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent na-
72
tional tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him
by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an
independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights
and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be pre-
sumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public
trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his
defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of
any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence,
under national or international law, at the time when it was
committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one
that was applicable at the time the penal offence was commit-
ted.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy,
family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and
reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against
such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence
within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own,
and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries
asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genu-
73
inely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to
the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied
the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a
family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during
marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full con-
sent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society
and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in asso-
ciation with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;
this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and free-
dom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private,
to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and
observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek,
receive and impart information and ideas through any media and re-
gardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and
association.
74
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his
country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his
country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of gov-
ernment; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine
elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and
shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting proce-
dures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and
is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-
operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of
each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable
for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to
just and favourable conditions of work and to protection
against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay
for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remu-
neration ensuring for himself and his family an existence wor-
thy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other
means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the
protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limita-
tion of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the
75
health and well-being of himself and of his family, including
food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social
services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment,
sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of liveli-
hood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and as-
sistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall
enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at
least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary
education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional edu-
cation shall be made generally available and higher education
shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the hu-
man personality and to the strengthening of respect for human
rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understand-
ing, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or reli-
gious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Na-
tions for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that
shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of
the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific ad-
vancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and mate-
rial interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic pro-
duction of which he is the author.
Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the
rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free
76
and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be
subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely
for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the
rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just require-
ments of morality, public order and the general welfare in a
democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contra-
ry to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any
State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform
any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set
forth herein.
77
~VII~
Patient’s Bill of
Rights
78
TITLE 111: DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
SEC. 4. THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS. - The following rights of the patient
shall be respected by all those involved in his care:
1. Right to Appropriate Medical Care and Humane Treatment.
Every person has a right to health and medical care correspond-
ing to his state of health, without 4 any discrimination and within the
limits of the resources, manpower and competence available for
health and medical care at the relevant time.
The patient has the right to appropriate health and medical care
of good quality. In the course of such care, his human dignity, convic-
tions, integrity, individual needs and culture shall be respected.
If any person cannot immediately be given treatment that is
medicaIly necessary he shall, depending on his state of health, either
be directed to wait for care, or be referred or sent for treatment else-
where, where the appropriate care can be provided. If the patient has
to wait for care, he shall be informed of the reason for the delay.
Patients in emergency shall be extended immediate medical
care and treatment without any deposit, pledge, mortgage or any form
of advance payment for treatment.
2. Right to Informed Consent.
The patient has a right to a clear, truthful and substantial expla-
nation, in a manner and language understandable to the patient, of all
proposed procedures, whether diagnostic, preventive, curative, rehabil-
itative or therapeutic, wherein the person who will perform the said
procedure shall provide his name and credentials to the patient, possi-
bilities of any risk qf mortality or serious side effects, problems relat-
ed to recuperation, and probability of success and reasonable risks
involved: Provided, That, the patient will not be subjected to any proce-
dure without his written informed consent, except in the following cas-
es:
a. in emergency cases, when the patient is at imminent risk
of physical injury, decline or death if treatment is with-
held or postponed. In such cases, the physician can per-
form any diagnostic or treatment procedure as good
79
practice of medicine dictates without such consent;
b. when the health of the population is dependent on the
adoption of a mass health program to control epidemic;
c. when the law makes it compulsory for everyone to sub-
mit to a procedure;
d. when the patient is either a minor, or legally incompetent,
in which case, a third party consent is required; 5
e. when disclosure of material information to patient will
jeopardize the success of' treatment, in which case, third
party disclosure and consent shall be in order;
f. when the patient waives his right in writing. Informed
consent shall be obtained from a patient concerned if he
is of legal age and of sound mind. In case the patient is
incapable of giving consent and a third party consent is
required, the following persons, in the order of priority
stated hereunder, may give consent:
i. spouse;
ii. son or daughter of legal age;
iii. either parent;
iv. brother or sister of legal age, or
v. guardian
If a patient is a minor, consent shall be obtained from his par-
ents or Iegal son or daughter of legal age; brother or sister of legal
age, or guardian.
If next of kin, parents or legal guardians refuse to give consent
to a medical or surgical procedure necessary to save the life or limb of
a minor or a patient incapable of giving consent, courts, upon the peti-
tion of the physician or any person interested in the welfare of the pa-
tient, in a summary proceeding, may issue an order giving consent.
3. Right To Privacy and Confidentiality.
The privacy of the patients must be assured at all stages of his
treatment. The patient has the right to be fi-ee from unwarranted pub-
lic exposure, except in the following cases: a) when his mental or
physical condition is in controversy and the appropriate court, in its
80
discretion, orders him to submit to a physical or mental examination
by a physician; b) when the public health and safety so demand; and c)
when the patient waives this right.
The patient has the right to demand that all information, com-
munication and records pertaining to his care be treated as confiden-
tial. Any health care provider or practitioner involved in the treatment
of a patient and all those who have legitimate access to the patient's
record is not authorized to divulge any information to a third party who
has no concern with the care and welfare of the patient without his
consent, except: 6 a) when such disclosure will benefit public health
and safety; b) when it is in the interest of justice and upon the order of
a competent courz; and c) when the patients waives in writing the con-
fidential nature of such information; d) when it is needed for continued
medical treatment or advancement of medical science subject to de-
identification of patient and shared medical confidentiality for those
who have access to the information.
Informing the spouse or the family to the first degree of the pa-
tient’s medical condition may be allowed; Provided, That the patient of
legal age shall have the right to choose on whom to inform. In case
the patient is not of legal age or is mentally incapacitated, such infor-
mation shall be given to the parents, legal guardian or his next of kin.
4. Right to Information.
In the course of hisher heabnent and hospital care, the patient
or his/her legal guardian has a right to be informed of the result of the
evaluation of the nature and extent of hisher di;ease, any other addi-
tional or further contemplated medical treatment on surgical proce-
dure or procedures, including any other additional medicines to be
administered and their generic counterpart including the possible
complications and other pertinent facts, statistics or studies, regard-
ing hisher illness, any change in the plan of care before the change is
made, the person’s participation in the plan of care and necessary
changes before its implementation, the extent to which payment may-
be expected from Philhealth or any payor and any charges for which
the patient maybe liable, the disciplines of health care practitioners
81
who will furnish the care and the frequency of services that are pro-
posed to be furnished.
The patient or his legal guardian has the right to examine and
be given an itemized bill of the hospital and medical services rendered
in the facility or by his/her physician and other health care providers,
regardless of the manner and source of payment. He is entitled to a
thorough explanation of such bill.
The patient or his/her legal guardian has the right to be in-
formed by the physician or hisher delegate of hisher continuing health
care requirements following discharge, including instructions about
home medications, diet, physical activity and all other pertinent infor-
mation to promote health and well-being.
At the end of hisher confinement, the patient is entitled to a
brief, written summary of the course of hidher illness which shall in-
clude at least the history, physical examination, diagnosis, medica-
tions, surgical procedure, ancillary and laboratory procedures, and the
plan of further treatment, and which shall be provided by the attending
physician. He/she is likewise entitled to the explanation of, and to
view, the contents of the medical record of his/her confinement but
with the presence of hidher attending physician or in the absence of
the attending physician, the hospital’s representative.
Notwithstanding that he/she may not be able to settle his ac-
counts by reason of financial incapacity, he/she is entitled to repro-
duction, at lusher expense, the pertinent part or parts of the medical
record the purpose or purposes of which he shall indicate in hislher
written request for reproduction. The patient shall likewise be entitled
to medical certificate, free of charge, with respect to hisker previous
confinement.
The patient has likewise the right not to be informed, at hidher
explicit request.
5. The Right To Choose Health Care Provider and Facility.
The patient is free to choose the health care provider to serve
him as well as the facility except when he is under the care of a sexice
82
facility or when public health and safety so demands or when the pa-
tient expressly or impliedly waives this right.
The patient has the right to discuss his condition with a con-
sultant specialist, at the patient’s request and expense. He also has
the right to seek for a second opinion and subsequent opinions, if ap-
propriate, from another health care provider/practitioner.
6. Right to Self-Determination.
The patient has the right to avail himself/herself of any recom-
mended diagnostic and treatment procedures. Any person of legal age
and of sound mind may make an advance wriflen directive for physi-
cians to administer terminal care when heishe suffers from the termi-
nal phase of a terminal illness: Provided, That a) he is informed of the
medical consequences of his choice; b) he releases those involved in
his care from any obligation relative to the consequences of his deci-
sion; c) his decision will not prejudice public health and safety. 8
7. Right to Religious Belief.
The patient has the right to refuse medical treatment or proce-
dures which may be contrary to his religious beliefs, subject to the
limitations described in the preceding subsection: Provided, That such
a right shall not be imposed by parents upon their children who have
not reached the legal age in a life threatening situation as determined
by the attending physician or the medical director of the facility.
8. Right to Medical Records.
The patient is entitled to a summary of his medical history and
condition, He has the right to view the contents of his medical records,
except psychiatric notes and other incriminatory information obtained
about third parties, with the attending physician explaining contents
thereof. At his expense and upon discharge of the patient, he may ob-
tain from the health care institution a reproduction of the same record
whether or not he has fuIIy settled his financial obligation with the
physician or institution concerned.
The health care institution shall safeguard the confidentiality of
the medical records and to likewise ensure the integrity and authentic-
83
ity of the medical records and shall keep the same Within a reasona-
ble time as may be determined by the Department of Health.
The health care institution shall issue a medical certificate to
the patient upon request. Any other document that the patient may
require for insurance claims shall also be made available to him within
a reasonable period of time.
9. Right to Leave.
The patient has the right to leave a hospital or any otller health
care institution regardless of his physical condition: Provided, That a)
he/she is informed of the medical consequences of hisiher decision;
b) hdshe releases those involved in hisher care from any obligation
relative to the consequences of his decision; c) hidher decision will
not prejudice public health and safety.
No patient shall.be detained against hisher Will in any health
care institution on the sole basis of his failure to fully settle is finan-
cial obligations. However, he/she shall only be allowed to leave the
hospital provided appropriate arrangements have been made to settle
the unpaid bills: Provided, farther, that unpaid bills of patients shall be
considered as lost income by the hospital and health care provider/
practitioner and shall be deducted from gross income as income loss
for that particular year.
10. Right to Refuse Participation in Medical Research.
The patient has the right to be advised if the health care provid-
er plans to involve him in medical research, including but not limited
to human experimentation which may be performed only with the writ-
ten informed consent of the patient. Provided, further, That, an institu-
tional review board or ethical review board jn accordance with the
guidelines set in the Declaration of Helsinki be established for re-
search involving human experimentation: Provided, Jiprally, That the
Department of Health shall safeguard the continuing training and edu-
cation of future health care provider/practitioner to ensure the devel-
opment of the health care delivery in the country.
11. Right to Correspondence and to Receive Visitors.
84
The patient has the right to communicate with relatives and
other persons and to receive visitors subject to reasonable limits pre-
scribed by the rules and regulations of the health care institution.
12. Right to Express Grievances.
The patient has the right to express complaints and grievances
about the care and services received without fear of discrimination or
reprisal and to know about the disposition of such complaints. The
Secretary of Health, in consultation with health care providers, con-
sumer groups and other concerned agencies shall establish a griev-
ance system wherein patients may seek redress of their grievances.
Such a system shall afford all parties concerned with the opportunity
to settle amicably all grievances.
13. Right to be Informed of His Rights and Obligations as a Patient.
Every person has the right to be informed of his rights and obli-
gations as a patient. The Department of Health, in coordination with
health care providers, professional and civic groups, the media, health
insurance corporations, people’s organizations, local government or-
ganizations, shall launch and sustain a nationwide information and
education campaign to make known to people their rights as patients,
as declared in this Act. Such rights & obligations of patients shall be
posted in a bulletin board conspicuously placed in a health care insti-
tution.
It shall be the duty of health care institutions to inform patients
of their rights as well as of the institution's rules and regulations that
apply to the conduct of the patient while in the care of such institu-
tion.
SEC. 5. SOCIETAL RIGHTS OF PATIENTS. - In addition to the individual
rights oof patients, the patient has likewise their societal rights. Fol-
lowing are the societal rights of patients:
1. Right to Health.
The patient has the right to regain andlor acquire the highest
attainable standard of health, in a non-discriminatory, gender sensi-
tive, and equal manner, which health authorities and health practition-
85
er must progressively contribute to realize.
2. Right to Access to Quality Public Health Care.
The patient has the right to functioning public health and health
care facilities, goods and services and programs needed and sufficient
quantity. They shall likewise be provided with health facilities and ser-
vices with adequate provision of essential drugs, regular screening
programs, appropriate treatment of prevalent diseases, illnesses, inju-
ries and disabilities, including provision of public health insurance.
Towards this end, the government shall, as far as practicable, approxi-
mate the international standard allocation for the health sector as set
by World Health Organization.
3. Right to Healthy and Safe Workplace.
The patient has the right to a healthy natural workplace environ-
ment with adeqiate supply of safe and potable water and basic sanita-
tion, industrial hygiene, prevention and reduction of exposure to harm-
ful substances, preventive measures for occupational accidents and
diseases, and an environment that discourages abuse of alcohol, to-
bacco me, drug use and other harmful substances.
4. Right to Prevention and Education Programs .
The patient has the right to prevention and education programs
on immunization, on the prevention, treatment and control of diseas-
es, for behavior-related concerns, for disaster relief and emergency
situations during epidemics and similar health hazards.
5. Right to Participate in Policy Decisions.
The patient has the right to participate in policy decisions relat-
ing to patient’s right to health at the community and national levels.
86
References
1. https://www.truthaboutnursing.org/
press/pioneers/nightingale_pledge.html#gsc.tab=0
2. https://www.scribd.com/
document/358656646/351419363-CMO-No-15-
Series-of-2017-Policies-Standards-and-Guidelines-
for-the-Bachelor-of-Science-in-Nursing-BSN-
Program-pdf
3. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2002/10/21/
republic-act-no-9173/
4. https://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/Board%
20of%20Nursing-CE.pdf
5. https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-
files/2012_ICN_Codeofethicsfornurses_%20eng.pdf
6. https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-
rights/
7. https://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/50404429!.pdf
87
infirmier
a guidebook to the nursing basics
~
A Guidebook Presented to
The Faculty of the College of Nursing
Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite
General Trias, Cavite
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Subject
Introduction to Nursing
By:
Julian Grayfrex A. Alcomendas
BSN 101
November 2019
88

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INFIRMIERE | A GUIDEBOOK TO NURSING BASICS

Julian Grayfrex A. Alcomendas

NursingNursing, as an integral part of the

The unique function of nurses in caring for indi-

Nightingale Pledge (1893)

Nightingale Pledge (1935)

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