INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL STUDIES AND among three institutions: executive,

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MEDICAL legislative, and judicial.

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION

3 Institutions of the Constitution

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER 13 SERIES 1. The Executive branch – headed by the
2017 president, enforces the laws;
 Philippine Medical Technology Laws and
Bioethics 2. The Legislative branch – made up of the
 3 unit subjects = 3 lecture hours House of Representatives and Senate
 10% - Philippine Licensure for Medical (collectively called Congress) – makes
Technologist together with the the laws;
Histopathologic & Cytopathologic
Techniques and Laboratory 3. The Judicial branch – (through the
Management Supreme Court and lower courts
 R.A 5527 and other related medical established by Congress), also called the
technology/medical laboratory science judiciary, interprets the laws.
laws, amendments and administrative
orders.
 Bioethics: Principles and Basic Concepts
LEGAL PROFESSION
OVERVIEW LAW – means any rule of action or any system of
Having been under the colonial rule of Spain uniformity. It is also defined as a system, rules,
and subsequently the United States, it is not and regulations which are enforce through
surprising that the Philippines would base much acts, constitutions, and codes to govern the
of its laws and court system on the Spanish and conduct of men for an organized society.
American models.

 The Revised Penal Code (law which

General groups of the Law
defines and punishes crimes), for
1. Law which is promulgated and enforced
example, is mostly derived from Spanish
by the state. It refers for what is known.
criminal law.
(State Law)

 Laws affecting commerce (such as

2. Law which is not promulgated and
negotiable instruments, banks,
enforced by the state. It includes divine
corporations and securities), on the other
law, moral law, and physical law. (Non-
hand, are of American origins. In fact,
jural Law)
the Philippine Constitution itself is
modeled after the US Constitution.

Sub-disciplines of Law
 Understanding the government structure
1. State Law/Jural Law – the law that is
of the Philippines is essential in getting a
promulgated and enforced by the state.
clear picture of the Philippine legal
It is also called as positive law, municipal
system.
law, civil law, or imperative law. It is the
law we refer to when we speak of law in
 Under the Constitution, governmental
administration of justice, the conduct of
powers in the Philippines is divided
elections and the entire governmental

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 process itself. It covers the Constitutional
Law, Crime Law, Private Law and
Commercial Law.
2. Divine Law – is the law of religion and
faith concerns on the concepts of sin
and salvation. It is embodied by the Ten
Commandments from the Old Testament
of the Bible.
3. Natural Law – it is defined as the divine
inspiration in man of the sense of justice,
fairness and righteousness. It is regarded
as the reasonable basis of state law.
(where bioethics/ethics resides)
4. Moral Law – it is an unstable law. It is refer
as the totality of the norms of good and
right conduct growing out of the
collective sense of right and wrong.
5. Physical Law – it is a stable law, there are
uniformities of actions and orders of
sequence which are the physical
phenomena that what we sense and
feel. Laws of physical science or physical
law.
Sources of Law
1. Constitution – the written instrument by
which fundamental powers of
government are established, limited, and
defined. Since it was promulgated by the
people, it is the fundamental, basic, and
supreme law of the land.
2. Legislation – consists in the declaration of
legal rules by a competent authority.
Enacted Law or Statute Law are the acts
passed by the legislature
(congress/senate).
3. Administrative or Executive Orders,
Regulations and Rulings – issued by
administrative officials under legislative
authority. It is intended to clarify or
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explain the law and carry into effects its
general provisions.
4. Judicial Decisions or Jurisprudence –
decisions of superior court on a point of
law are binding on all subordinate courts.
Applying or interpreting the laws of
constitutions from part of the legal system
of the Philippines.
5. Custom – consists of those habits and
practices which through long and
uninterrupted usage have become
acknowledge and approved by society
as binding rules of conduct. It must be
proved as a fact according to the rules
of evidence.
6. Other sources – it includes the principles
of justice and equity, decision of foreign
tribunals, opinions of text writers and
religion.
CLASSIFICATION OF LAW
As to its Purposes
1. Substantive Law – portion of the body of
law creating and defining rights and
duties which may be either public or
private in character. The good example
is the law on obligations and contracts.
2. Adjective Law/Remedial
Law/Procedural Law – body of law
prescribing the manner or procedure by
which rights may be enforced or their
violations redresses. (reviewed laws
applicable for current situation of a
person and/or country)
As to its Subject Matter
1. Public Law – or the body of legal rules
which regulates the rights and duties
2
 arising from the relationship of the state
to the people.
 Criminal Law – defines crimes and
provides for their punishment.
 International Law – governs the
relations among the
nations/states. (where
international court ruling exist)
 Constitutional Law – governs the
relations between the state and its
citizens.
2. Private Law – regulates the relations of
individuals with one another for purely
private ends. The law on obligations and
contracts comes under this heading
because it deals with the rights and
obligations of contracting practices only.
 Civil Law – governs the relation
between organizations and
individuals. (where labor/family
code exist)
 Mercantile Law/Commercial Law
– governs the rights, relations, and
conduct of persons and
businesses engaged in
commerce, merchandising,
trade, and sale. (business law,
what business man should know)
 Civil Procedure – provide the
means by which private rights
may be enforced.
DEFINITIONS OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Medical technology as defined by Ruth
Heinemann (1963) – is “the applications of
principles of natural, physical, and biological
sciences to the performance of laboratory
procedures which aid in the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases.”
Anna Fagelson (1961) – defined it as “the
branch of medicine concerned with the
performance of laboratory determinations and
analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of
the disease and the maintenance of health.
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Walters – defined medical technology or
clinical laboratory science “as the health
profession concerned with performing
laboratory analyses in view of obtaining
information necessary in the diagnosis and
treatment of disease as well as in the
maintenance of good health.
According to Republic Act 5527 – it is defined as
an auxiliary branch of laboratory medicine
which deals with the examination by various
chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, and
other medical laboratory procedures or
technique which will aid in the physician in the
diagnosis, study, and treatment of disease and
in the promotion of health in general.
All in all Medical Technology is a part of the
health technology, which encompasses a
wide-range of health care products and, in one
way or another, is used to diagnose, monitor, or
treat every disease or condition that affects
humans.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
Early History: Ancient Laboratory Practices
(400 B.C.)
 In the year 460 B.C. when the Greek,
physician Hippocrates also known as the
father of medicine formulated the
famous Hippocratic Oath, the code of
ethics for practicing physicians.
 Hippocrates – described four “humors” or
bodily fluids in man namely the blood,
phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.
These four humors or body fluids were felt
to be the sources of a person’s
disposition and disease in ancient times.
He analyzed urine and wrote a book
“UROSCOPY” to aid in his diagnosis.
 The Greek are able to detect sugar on
the urine.
3
 In the year 1500 B.C. a medical
technologist named Vivian Herrick
traces the beginning of medical
technology when the intestinal parasites
such as Taenia and Ascaris were first
identified.
 Ebers Papyrus – believed that medical
technology began when a book for
treatment of disease published, this book
also contained the description of the
three stages of hookworm infection and
the disease it could produce to human.
Medieval Laboratory Practices (16th – 18th
Century)
 Another person in named Ruth Williams
believe that medical technology began
from the medieval period as supported
by the fact that urinalysis was a fad.
 Early Hindu doctors made the “scientific
observation” that the urine of certain
individual attracted ants, and that such
urine has a sweetish taste.
 In the 14th century, Anne Fagelson
believe that the medical technology
started when a prominent Italian doctor
at the University of Bologna employed
Alessandra Giliani to perform different
tasks in the laboratory, unfortunately she
died due to laboratory acquired
infection.
 Zacharias Janssen – a Dutch spectacle
maker open the door for the scientist
who wanted to explore the disease
causation. Making microscope 9x
magnification. Medical technology then
developed as the years passed.
 In 1632, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek
invented and improved the compound
microscope. He was the first to describe
red blood cells, to see protozoa, and to
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classify bacteria according to shape. His
invention led to the rapid progress of
microbiology and pathology. As science
progressed, laboratory tests were greatly
improved.
 In 1848, Herman Fehling performed the
first quantitative test for urine sugar. At
the same time, the rapid advancement
of our chemistry laid the ground work for
the development of our modern clinical
chemistry.
 Athanasius Kircher – a Jesuit priest – used
the microscope to investigate the
diseases.
 Robert Hooke – English Philosopher,
architect, and polymath – published
Micrographia which featured illustration
of his observations using microscope.
 Marcello Malphigi – Italian microscopist –
investigated the embryology of chicks
and the histology and physiology of the
glands and viscera.
 Jean Baptiste van Helmont – Belgian
mystic – developed the gravimetric
analysis of urine.
 Frederick Dekkers – Medical Doctor –
prescribed the protein in urine.
 Richard Lower – English Physiologist –
performed the first blood transfusion in
animals.
 William Hewson – English Physiologist –
described the process of coagulation.
 Francis Home – Medical Doctor –
developed the yeast test for sugar in
diabetic urine.
4
  Matthew Dobson – Medical Doctor –
Identified sugar in the blood and urine in
diabetics.
 John Snow – Father of Field Epidemiology
– by detecting the source of cholera in
London.
Beginning of the Practice of Medical
Technology in the Philippines (19th Century)
 World War II is the most widespread war
that occurred from 1939 to 1945. On the
day Pearl Harbor was invaded by Japan
(December 7, 1941) three days after
Japan invaded Philippines causing wrath
of the US. The war between the two rivals
was very grace. Sickness and death due
to illnesses were rampant.
 In 1994, US bases were built in Leyte
(around 75 miles away from Manila Bay).
This made possible for the US to bring in
members of health care team to the
Philippines to resolve the health problems
of soldiers and Filipinos.
 Real medical facilities were made
available to the Philippines, which
includes the 26th Medical Laboratory of
the 6th US Army. The said laboratory was
located as Quiricada, Sta. Crus, Manila,
but now known as the Public Health
Laboratory, a division of the Manila
Health Department. As early as February
of that year, a training of civilians to
become members of the health care
team was already being done.
 The 6th US Army left the laboratory on
June 1945. The Laboratory was endorsed
to the National Department of Health but
the department did not seem to be
interested in pursuing the objectives of
laboratory.
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 The World War ended on September
1945, and barely a month after, the
laboratory was formerly re-organized by
Dr. Alfredo Pio de Roda and is assisted by
Dr. Mariano Icasiano who was then the
Manila City Health Officer. The
laboratory was later named Manila
Public Health Laboratory.
 A training program for individuals aspiring
to become laboratory workers was
offered in 1947 by Dr. Pio de Roda, in
collaboration with Dr. Prudencia Sta.
Ana. Trainees were mostly high school
graduates and paramedical graduates.
The training proved to be ineffective
because the trainees were never
motivated and there was no program
that was supposed to last for a definite
period and no certificates were issued to
trainees
 Realizing this, Dr. Pio de Roda instructed
Dr. Sta. Ana to prepare a formal syllabus
of the training program. In 1954, the
training began using a syllabus and it was
to last for 6 months. A short while after Dr.
Briones joined the two. The training
program offered by Dr. Pio de Roda did
not last long, for during the same year,
the formal education of Medical
Technology in the Philippines began.
 Manila Sanitarium and Hospital began
July 1929 as a clinic and was managed
by Dr. Horace A. Hall, a medical
missionary. The demand for its services
increased by 1940 after/between the
World War II. The building was renovated
after the WWII around 1946 – 1949.
 In 1954, Manila Sanitarium and Hospital
under the leadership of Dr. Elvin Hedrick
and Mrs. Willa Hedrick opened the first
school of Medical Technology, offers
internship in Loma Linda University in
California USA.
5

 The School was absorbed by the
Philippine Union College (PUC), now the
Adventist University of the Philippines.
Leaving its facilities for its clinic.
FORMAL EDUCATION IN MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY/MEDICAL LABORATORY
SCIENCE
 Over 90 schools in the Philippines offers
Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor in Medical
Laboratory Science (BSMT/BMLS).
 Over 15 – 20 School offers graduate
school program: MS Medical Technology
and MS Medical Laboratory Science.
 Only 1 school offers Doctor of Philosophy
in Medical Technology (UST)
 University of the Philippines – Manila and
Visayas offers BS Public Health
 Master of Public Health – thesis or non-
thesis (elective specialization tracking)
numerous schools offers the degree
same with MSPH/DrPH
 MS Public Health – thesis program with
specialization.
 Doctor of Public Health – dissertation
program.
HALLMARKS OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
The Professional Practice of the Medical
Technology in the Philippines is governed by
1. Pertinent Laws – existing laws of the land
mandate the professional practice of
medical technology. The rules and
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regulations pertaining to the same
should be compiled with.
2. Labor Laws – Omnibus Implementing
Rules and Regulations, which considers
the existence of employer and
employee relationship.
3. Criminal Laws – medical technology
professional who commits an offense
can never be denied due process and
equal protection.
4. Constitution of the Philippines – since the
medical technologist are Filipino whether
natural-born or naturalized, he or she
enjoys the Bill of Rights.
5. Professional ethics – medical
technologist is mandated to perform or
observe the Code of Professional Ethics
at all times from the time he/she receives
his/her license.
6. CHED Memorandum Orders
7. Professional Organizations
REPUBLIC ACT 5527: THE MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 1969 (AMENDED BY
RA 6132, PD 498, PD 1534)
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Section 1: Title
This act may be also cited as the Philippine
Medical Technology Act of 1969
Section 2: Definition of Terms
As used in this act, the following terms shall
mean:
6
A. Practice of Medial Technology – A standards, stains and others are
person shall be deemed to be in the exclusively for the use of their
practice of medical technology within laboratory;
the meaning of this Act, who shall for a
fee, salary, or other compensation or 7. Clinical laboratory quality control;
reward paid or given directly or indirectly
through another, renders any of the 8. Collection and preservation of
following professional services for the specimens;
purpose of aiding the physician in the
diagnosis, study, and treatment of
disease and in the promotion of health in Provided, That any person who has
general: passed the corresponding Board
examination for the practice of a
1. Examination of tissues, secretions and profession already regulated by
excretions of the human body and existing law, shall not be subject to the
body fluids by various electronic, provisions of the last four preceding
chemical, microscopic, paragraphs if the performance of such
bacteriologic, hematologic, acts or services is merely incidental to
his profession.
serologic, immunologic, nuclear, and
other laboratory procedures and
techniques either manual or BS Public Health graduate – shall
automated; undergo review and training in Clinical
Laboratory for at least 1 year
2. Blood banking procedures and
techniques; B. Pathologist – A duly registered physician
who is specially trained in methods of
3. Parasitologic, Mycologic and laboratory medicine, or the gross and
Microbiologic procedures and microscopic study and interpretation of
techniques; tissues, secretion and excretions of the
human body and its functions in order to
4. Histopathologic and diagnose disease, follow its course,
Cytotechnology; provided that determine the effectivity of treatment,
nothing in this paragraph shall inhibit ascertain cause of death and advance
a duly registered medical laboratory medicine by means of research.
technician from performing
histopathologic techniques and He or she must be a diplomate or
procedures. fellow in Philippine Society of
Pathologist in Clinical Pathology and
Anatomic Pathology
5. Clinical research involving patients or
human beings requiring the use of
C. Medical Technologist - A person who
and/or application of medical
engages in the work of medical
technology knowledge and
technology under the supervision of a
procedures;
pathologist or licensed physician
authorized by the Department of Health
6. Preparations and standardization of
in places where there is no pathologist
reagents, standards, stains and
and who having passed the prescribed
others, provided such reagents,
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 course (Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor of Science in
Hygiene) of training and examination is
registered under the provision of this Act.
BS Hygiene is the former name of BS
Public Health offered in UP Manila and
UP Visayas
D. Medical Laboratory Technicians - A
person certified and registered with the
Board as qualified to assist a medical
technologist and/or qualified pathologist
in the practice of medical technology as
defined in this Act.
E. Accredited Medical Technology Training
Laboratory - A clinical laboratory, office,
agency, clinic, hospital or sanitarium duly
approved by the Department of Health
or its authorized agency.
F. Recognized School of Medical
Technology - Any school, college, or
university which offers a course in
Medical Technology approved by the
Department of Education in
accordance with the requirements
under this Act, upon recommendation of
the council of medical technology
education.
G. Council - The council of medical
technology education established under
this Act.
H. Board - The Board of Examiners for
Medical Technology established under
this Act.
FUNCTIONAL PROVISIONS: COUNCIL ON
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
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Section 3: Council of Medical Technology
Education and It’s Composition
There is hereby established a Council of
Medical Technology Education, hereafter
referred to as Council, which shall be
composed of:
1. the Director of Higher Education as
Chairman;
2. the Chairman of the Professional
Regulation Commission as Vice-
Chairman;
3. Director of the Bureau of Research and
Laboratories of the Department of
Health, Chairman and two (2) members
of the Board of Medical Technology, a
representative of the Deans of Schools of
Medical Technology and Public Health,
and the Presidents of the Philippine
Society of Pathologists and the Philippine
Association of Medical Technologists as
members.
Section 4: Compensation and Travelling
Expenses of Council Members
For every meeting actually attended, the
Chairman shall be entitled to a fifty pesos
(P50.00) per diem while the members shall be
entitled to twenty-five pesos (P25.00) each
regardless of whether or not they receive
regular salaries from the government. In
addition, the Chairman and members of the
Council shall be entitled to traveling expenses in
connection with their official duties.
Section 5: Functions of the Council of
Medical Technology Education
The functions of the Council shall be:
A. To recommend the minimum required
curriculum for the course of medical
technology.
8
B. To determine and prescribe the number Section 6: Minimum Required Course
of students to be allowed to take up the The medical technology course shall be at least
medical technology course in each four years, including a 12-month satisfactory
school, taking into account the student– internship in accredited laboratories, and shall
instructor ratio and the availability of include the following subjects:
facilities for instruction.
English Physiology
C. To approve medical technology schools Spanish Clinical Parasitology
meeting the requirements and Social Science General Pathology
recommend closure of those found to be General Zoology College Physics
substandard. Botany General Chemistry
Mathematics Qualitative Chemistry
D. To require all medical technology Biochemistry Microbiology
schools to submit an annual report, Gross Anatomy Biostatistics
including the total number of students Histology Quantitative
and instructors, list of facilities available Chemistry
for instruction, a list of their recent
graduates and new admissions, on or
 Clinical Laboratory methods including:
before the month of June.
Hematology Applied
Microbiology
E. To inspect, when necessary, the different
Serology Parasitology
medical technology schools in the
Blood Banking Histopathologic
country in order to determine whether a
techniques
high standard of education is
Clinical Cytotechnology
maintained in said institutions.
Microscopy

F. To certify for admission in to an

undergraduate internship students who
have satisfactorily completed three
years of the medical technology course
or its equivalent and to collect from said
student the amount of five pesos each
which money accrue to the operating
fund of the Council.
The Council is hereby authorized, subject to
the approval of the Secretary of Education to
change, remove from or add to the subjects
listed above as the needs and demands of
progress in the science of medical
technology may require.

G. Formulate and recommend approval of

refresher course for applicants who shall
have failed the Board Examination for
the third time.
H. To promulgate and prescribe and
enforce necessary rules and regulations
for the proper implementation of the
foregoing functions.
Section 13: Accreditation of Schools of
Medical Technology and of Training
Laboratories
Upon the recommendation of the Medical
Technology Board, the Department of
Education and Culture shall approve schools of
Medical Technology in accordance with the
provisions of this Act, as amended, in
conjunction with the Board of Medical
Technology.

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  The Department of Health through the
Bureau of Research and Laboratories
shall approve laboratories for
accreditation as training laboratories for
medical technology students or
postgraduate trainees in conjunction
with the Board of Medical Technology.
 The laboratories shall show satisfactory
evidence that they possess qualified
personnel and are properly equipped to
carry out laboratory procedures
commonly required in the following
fields: Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology,
Serology, Parasitology, Hematology,
Blood Banking, Clinical Microscopy, and
Histopathologic techniques, and that the
scope of activities of said laboratories
offer sufficient training in said laboratory
procedures.
FUNCTIONAL PROVISIONS: MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAMINERS
Section 7: Medical Technology Board
There is hereby created a Medical Technology
Board under the Professional Regulation
Commission, which shall thereafter be referred
to as the board composed of:
 A Chairman who is a Pathologist; and
 Two (2) members who are registered
medical technologists who shall be
appointed by the President of the
Republic of the Philippines upon
recommendation of the Professional
Regulation Commission.
 The Chairman and members of the
Board shall hold office for three (3) years
after appointments or until their
successors shall have been appointed
and duly qualified: Provided, that the
incumbent members will continue to
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serve until the expiration of their terms. In
case of death, disability, or removal of a
member of the Board, his successor shall
serve only the balance of his term.
Section 8: Qualification of Examiners
No person shall be appointed as member of the
Board of Examiners for Medical Technology
unless he or she is:
1. Is a Filipino citizen;
2. Is of good moral character;
3. Is a qualified Pathologist, or a duly
registered Medical Technologist of the
Philippines with the degree of Bachelor
of Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor of Science in
Hygiene/Public Health;
4. Has been in practice of laboratory
medicine or medical technology for at
least ten years prior to his appointment,
and
5. Is not a member of the faculty of any
medical technology school for at least
two (2) years prior to appointment or
having any pecuniary interest direct or
indirect in such institution: Provided,
however, That for the first three years
following the approval of this Act, the
requirements mentioned in number four
(4) shall be reduced to five years.
Section 9: Executive Officers of the Board
Section 10: Compensation of Members of the
Medical Technology Board Examiners
 COMMISSIONER OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
 Each member of the Board shall receive
as sum of ten pesos for each applicant
examined and five pesos for each
10
 applicant granted a certificate of
registration without examination.
Section 11: Functions & Duties Performed
The Board is vested with authority and required,
conformably with the provision of this Act, to:
A. Administer the provisions of this Act;
B. Administer oaths in connection with the
administration of this Act;
C. Issue, suspend and revoke certificates of
registration for the practice of medical
technology and medical laboratory
technician;
D. Look into conditions affecting the
practice of medical technology in the
Philippines and, whenever necessary,
adopt such a measure may be deemed
proper for the maintenance of good
ethic and standards in the practice of
medical technology;
E. Investigate such violations of this Act or
of the rules and regulations issued
thereunder as may come to the
knowledge of the Board and, for this
purpose issue subpoena and subpoena
duces tecum to secure appearance of
witnesses and production of documents
in connection with charges presented to
the Board; and
F. Draft such rules and regulations as may
be necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act: Provided, that the same shall
be issued only after the approval of the
President of the Philippines;
G. To determine the adequacy of the
technical staff of all clinical laboratories
and blood banks before they could be
licensed with the Department of Health
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in accordance with R.A. No. 4655 and
1517;
H. To prescribe the qualifications and
training of medical technologists as to
special fields of the profession and
supervise their specialty examination
conducted by the professional
organization of medical technologists
accredited by the Professional
Regulation Commission;
I. To classify and prescribe the qualification
and training of the technical staff of
clinical laboratories as to: Medical
Technology; Medical Technologist;
Senior Medical Technologist; Medical
Technologist and Medical Laboratory
Technician
Section 12: Removal of the Board of
Members
Any member of the Board may be removed by
the President of the Philippines for neglect of
duty, incompetency, malpractice or
unprofessional, unethical, immoral or
dishonorable conduct after having been given
opportunity to defend himself in a proper and
administrative investigation: Provided, that
during the process of investigation, the
President shall have the power to suspend such
member under investigation and appoint a
temporary member in his place.
FUNCTIONAL PROVISIONS: MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAMINERS
Section 14: Inhibition Against the Practice of
Medical Technology
No person shall practice or offer to practice
medical technology as defined in this Act
without having previously obtained a valid
certificate of registration from the Board
11
provided that registration shall not be Required
of the following:
A. Duly registered physicians.
B. Medical technologist from other
countries called in for consultation or as
visiting or exchange professors to
colleges or universities: Provided, they
are only practicing the said function.
C. Medical technologists in the service of
the United States Armed Forces stationed
in the Philippines rendering services as
such for members of the said forces only.
FUNCTIONAL PROVISIONS: MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY LICENSURE EXAMINATION
Section 15: Examination
Except as otherwise specifically allowed under
the provision of this Act, all applicants for
registration as medical technologist shall be
required to undergo written examination which
shall be given by the Board annually in the
greater Manila area, Cebu, and Davao during
the month of August or September on such days
and places as the Board may designate.
Written notices of such examination shall be
published in at least three newspapers of
national circulation by the Secretary of the
Board of least thirty days prior to the date of
examination.
Section 16: Qualification of Examiner
Every applicant examination under this Act,
shall, prior to the date thereof, furnish the Board
satisfactory proof that he or she:
A. Is in good health and is of good moral
character;
B. Has completed a course of at least four
(4) years leading to the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Medical
ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES
Technology or Bachelor of Science in
Public Health conferred by a recognized
school, college or university in
accordance with this Decree or having
graduated from some other profession
and has been actually performing
medical technology for the last five (5)
years prior to the date of the
examinations, if such performance
began prior to June 21, 1969.
Section 17: Scope of Examination
The examination questions shall cover the
following subjects with their respective relative
weights:
 Clinical Chemistry ............................... 20%
 Microbiology & Parasitology .............. 20%
 Hematology …..................................... 20%
 Blood Banking & Serology .................. 20%
 Clinical Microscopy (Urinalysis and other
body fluids)..……….............................. 10%
 Histopathologic Techniques,
Cytotechnology, Medical Technology
Laws, Related Laws and its implementing
rules, and the Code of Ethics ........….. 10%
The Board shall prepare the schedule of
subjects for examination and to submit the
same to the Commissioner of the Professional
Regulation Commission for publication at
least thirty (30) days before the date of
examination. The Board shall compute the
general average of each examinee
according to the abovementioned relative
weights of each subject. Provided, however,
that the Board may change, add to or
remove from the list of subjects or weights
above as progress in the science of Medical
Technology may require, subject to the prior
approval of the Professional Regulation
12
 Commission, and publication of the change
or amendment at least three (3) months prior
to the date of examination in which the same
is to take effect.
Section 18: Reporting of a Rating
The Board shall, within one hundred and twenty
days after the date of completion of the
examination, report the result thereof to the
Commissioner of Civil Service, who shall submit
such result to the President of the Philippines for
approval.
Section 19: Rating on Examination
 In order to pass the examination, a
candidate must obtain a general
average of at least seventy-five percent
in the written test, with no rating below
fifty percent in any of the major subjects:
Provided, That the candidate has not
failed in at least sixty percent of the
subjects computed according to their
relative weights.
 No further examinations, unless and until
he shall have completed 12 months
refresher course in an accredited
laboratory: Provided, That graduate of
paramedical profession other than
Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor of Science in
Hygiene admitted to an examination
under the provisions of this Act shall not
be given further examinations after the
provisions of this Act shall be given further
examinations after his failure to qualify for
the third time.
Section 27: Foreign Reciprocity
No foreigner shall be admitted to examination,
or be given a certificate of registration or be
entitled to any of the rights and privileges under
this Act, unless the country or state of which he
is a subject or citizen permits Filipino Medical
ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES
Technologist to practice within its territorial limits
on the same as the subject or citizens of said
country or state.
FUNCTIONAL PROVISIONS: BOARD
CERITIFICATIONS
Section 20: Oath Taking
All successful examinees shall be required to
take a professional oath before the Board or
before any person authorized to administer
oaths prior to entering upon the practice of
medical technology in the Philippines.
Section 21: Issuance of the Certificate of
Registration
 Every applicant who has satisfactorily
passed the required examination for
medical technologist shall be issued a
certificate of registration as such:
Provided, That no such certificate shall
be issued to any successful applicant
who has not attained the age of twenty-
one (21) years.
 All certificate shall be signed by the
members of the Board and by the
Commissioner of the Professional
Regulation Commission. The duly
registered medical technologists shall be
required to display his certificate of
registration in the place where he works.
 Provided, that upon application filed
and the payment of the required fee of
one hundred and fifteen pesos (P115.00)
the Board shall issue a certificate of
registration as medical technologist
without examination to persons who
have been graduated with Bachelor of
Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor of Science in
Public Health in duly recognized schools
13
 of medical technology in the Philippines
or in any foreign country,
 Provided, That in case of the latter, the
standard of medical technology
education is substantially the same as
ours, and in addition shall have been in
the practice of medical technology for
at least three (3) years prior to the filing of
the application in laboratories in the
Philippines duly accredited by the
Bureau of Research and Laboratories,
Department of Health, or in foreign
countries if such performance began
prior to June 21, 1969 and also to all other
persons who having graduated from
other professions have been actually
performing medical technology
practice for the last eight (8) years prior
to filing of the application,
 Provided, that such performance began
prior to June 21, 1969.
Provided, further, that the Board shall likewise
issue a certificate of registration as medical
laboratory technician without examination to
any person who upon application and
payment of the required fee of fifty pesos
(P500.00) show evidence satisfactory to the
Board that:
1. He or she passed the civil service
examination for medical technician
given on March 21, 1964; or
2. Has finished a two-year college course
and has at least one (1) year of
experience as medical laboratory
technician, Provided, that for every year
of deficiency in college attainment two
(2) years of experience may be
substituted; Provided, further, that an
applicant who has at least ten (10) years
of experience as medical laboratory
technician as of the date of approval of
this Decree regardless of his academic
ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES
attainment may qualify for registration
without examination; or
3. Has failed to pass the board examination
for medical technology but had
obtained a general rating of at least 70%.
Provided, finally, that a registered
medical laboratory technician when
employed in the government shall have
the equivalent civil service eligibility not
lower than second grade.
Section 22: Fees
The Board shall charge each applicant for
examination and registration the sum of fifty
pesos for each certificate of registration issued
without prior examination in accordance with
the provisions of this Act the sum of twenty-five
pesos; for issuance of a new certificate to
replace certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated,
the Board shall charge the sum of ten pesos. All
such fees shall be paid to the disbursing officer
of the Civil Service Commission who shall pay
from the receipts thereof, all authorized
expenses of the Board including the
compensation of each member.
Section 23: Refusal to Issue a Certificate
The Board shall refuse to issue a certificate of
registration to any person convicted by the
court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal
offense involving moral turpitude, or any person
guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or of
unsound mind, or incurable communicable
disease, and in such shall be give to the
applicant a written statement setting forth the
reason for its action, which statement shall be
incorporated in the record of the Board.
Section 24: Administrative Investigation
 Administrative investigation shall be
conducted by at least two members of
the Board with one legal officer sitting
14
 during all administrative proceedings,
the respondents shall be entitled to be
Section 26: Reinstatement, Reissue, or
represented by counsel or be heard in
Replacement of the Certificate
person, to have a speedy and public
The Board may, upon application and for
hearing, to confront and cross-examine
reason deemed proper and sufficient, reissue
witnesses against him or her, and to all
any revoked registration certificate. The
other rights guaranteed by the
suspension of a certificate shall be re-issued to
Constitution. The Board may, after giving
the medical technologist concerned upon
proper notice and hearing to the party
request without prejudice to further actions by
concerned reprimand an erring medical
the Board for violation of the provisions of this
technologist or revoke or suspend his
Act or conditions imposed by the Board upon
certificate of registration for causes
the medical technologist during the period of
mentioned in the next preceding section
suspension.
or for causes enumerated in section
twenty-nine (29) of this Act, or for
unprofessional conduct, malpractice,
incompetency, or serious ignorance or CONCLUDING PROVISIONS: PENAL
Gross negligence in the practice of PROVISIONS, CLOSING CLAUSES
medical technology.
Section 28: Roster of Medical Technologist
 No penalty of revocation shall be
A roster of Medical Technologist shall be
imposed unless there is a unanimous vote
prepared annually by the Secretary of the
of all the three members of the Board.
Board, commencing on the year following that
The Board may, by majority vote, impose
in which this Act shall become effective. This
the penalty or reprimand or suspension,
roster shall contain the name, address and
the latter however not to exceed two
citizenship of each registered Medical
years. When the penalty of suspension or
Technologist, date of registration or issuance of
revocation is imposed by the Board the
certificate, and other data which in the opinion
medical technologist shall be required to
of the Board are pertinent. The roster shall be
surrender his certificate of registration
open to public inspection and copies thereof
within thirty days after the decision
shall be mailed to each person included
becomes final, under the pain of
therein, placed on file in the Office of the
perpetual disqualification from the
President, furnished all Department Heads and
practice of medical technology in the
all bureau, offices and instrumentalities of the
Philippines for inexcusable failure to do
Department of Health and to such other offices,
so. The suspension shall run from the date
private or governmental, and to the public
of such surrender.
upon request.

Section 25: Appeal

Section 29: Penal Provision
The revocation or suspension of a certificate
Without prejudice to the provision of the
made by the Board shall be subject to appeal
Medical Act of 1959 as amended relating to
to the Civil Service Commissioner whose
illegal practice of Medicine, the following shall
decision shall become final thirty days after its
be punished by a fine of not less than two
promulgation, unless the respondent within the
thousand pesos nor more than five thousand
same period has appealed to the office of the
pesos, or imprisonment for not less than six
President of the Philippines.
ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES 15
months nor more than two years, or both, in the Medical Technologist without holding a
discretion of the court: valid certificate of registration;

A. Any person who shall practice Medical

J. Any person or corporate body who shall
Technology in the Philippines without
allow anyone in his employ who is not a
being registered or exempted from
registered medical technologist/medical
registration in accordance with the
laboratory technician to engage in the
provisions of this Act;
practice of medical technology or
recommend for appointment anyone to
B. Any medical technologist, even if duly
the position of medical
registered, who shall practice medical
technologist/medical laboratory
technology in the Philippines without the
technician knowing that he is not
necessary supervision of a qualified
registered as such.
pathologist or physician authorized by
the Department of Health;
K. Any person or corporate body who shall
violate the rules and regulations of the
C. Any medical technologist who shall
Board or orders promulgated by it after
knowingly make a fraudulent laboratory
having been duly approved and issued
report;
by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation of the Commissioner of
D. Any duly registered medical technologist
Civil Service28 for thepurpose of carrying
who shall refuse or fail, after due warning
out the provisions of this Act.
by the Board to display his certificate of
registration in the place where he works;

Section 30: Separability Clauses

E. Any person presenting or attempting to
All acts, executive, rules and regulations, or
use as his own, the certificate of
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions to
registration of another;
any persons or circumstances is declare invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
F. Any person who shall give any false or
remainder of this Act of the application of such
fraudulent evidence of any kind to the
provisions to other persons or circumstances
Board or any member thereof in
shall not be affected by such declaration.
obtaining a certificate of registration as
Medical Technologist;

G. Any person who shall impersonate any
registrant of like or the same name;
H. Any person who shall attempt to use a
revoked or suspended certificate of
registration;
I. Any person who shall in connection with
his name or otherwise, assume, use or
advertise any title or description tending
to convey the impression that he is a
Section 31: Repealing Clauses
All acts, executive, rules and regulations, or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed: Provided,
however, that nothing in this Act shall be
construed as repealing or amending any
portion of the Medical Act of 1959 (R.A. 2382, as
amended by R.A. 4224), the Clinical Laboratory
Act of 1966 (R.A. 4688), and the Blood Banking
Law of 1956 (R.A. 1517).

ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES 16

 Section 32: Effectivity
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 Approved: June 21, 1969

LEGAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS IN RA 5527

The legal issues and concerns that should be
addresses in the amendment proceedings of
R.A. 5527 and other Presidential Decrees.

1. Inhibition against the practice of Medical

Technology.

2. Acts of Omission or negligence and

malpractice.

3. Absence of a supervising pathologist.

4. Issuance and revocation of license

certificate of registration.

5. Biohazard pay extended to practicing

medical technologist.

6. Legal assistance extended to aggrieved

medical technologist.

7. Use of techniques by other healthcare

professionals.

8. The claim for ownership.

ALLORDE, AMANDA DENISE | 2CMT – 1 | TRANSCRIBED NOTES 17