LAWS GOVERNING THE

PRACTICE OF NURSING
 LAW
◉ It is defined as “the sum total of rules and regulations by which
society is governed”.
◉ It is man-made and regulates social conduct on a formal and
binding way.
◉ It reflects society’s needs, attitudes and mores.
◉ May also be defined as a rule or conduct pronounced by
controlling authority and which may be enforced.
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 3 Essential Characteristics of every law

1. Authority or the right to declare that the rule exists- to

be able to enforce control
2. Such rule is pronounced or expressed and that is the
source can be identified
3. A right to enforce the same must be provided

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 Principal sources of pronouncements

1. the Constitution
2. the statutes or legislations
3. the regulations issued by the Executive Branch of the government
4. case decisions or judicial opinions
5. Presidential Decrees
6. Letters of Instruction

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 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
PHILIPPINE NURSING LAW
Act No. 2493 of 1915
◉ first law that had to do with the practice of nursing, which was regulated the practice
of medicine
◉ this act provided for the examination and registration of nurses in the Philippines
1919
◉ Act 2808 was passed – First True Nursing Law
◉ It created, among others, a board of examiners for nurses
1920
◉ First board examination in the Philippines was given
June 19, 1953- Congress enacted the Philippine Nursing Law (Republic Act 877)
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 2 IMPORTANT
SECTIONS OF R.A. 877
a. SEC. 16, ART IV – Inhibition against practice of nursing
b. SEC 30 ART V – Prohibition in the practice of nursing. Penal
Provision

June 18, 1966

Republic Act 4704 amended certain portions of RA 877

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 RA 7164 – introduced by Senator Heherson Alvarez codified and
revised all the laws regulating the practice of nursing in the
Philippines. It was also known as the Philippine Nursing Act of
1991.
A. Redefinition of the scope of nursing practice to emphasize
B. Requiring a faculty member who was appointed to the Board of Nursing to resign from his/
her teaching position at the time of appointment and not one year preceding his/her
appointment.
C. Updating a faculty’s educational qualifications by requiring Master’s Degree in n Nursing or
related fields or its equivalent in terms of experience and specifications as prerequisite to
teaching.
D. Specification of qualifications of administrators of nursing services
E. Inclusion of the phrase “Unethical conduct” as one of the reasons for revocation and
suspension of certificate of registration 7
October 17, 1958 – Presidential proclamation of a Nurses’ Week
Presidential Decree No. 223 – issued on June 23, 1973 created the PRC and
prescribed its powers and functions.
◉ The fee of the nurse’s examination was increased from P50 to P75 and the fee
for registration after passing the examination was increased from P20 to P40
◉ An applicant for registration as nurse without examination had to pay a statutory
fee equal to the sum of examination fee and a registration fee, or a total amount
of P115.
◉ The annual registration fee should be paid on or before the 20th of January of the
year.
◉ Nurses in inactive status were exempted from paying the annual registration fee,
provided they informed the Nursing Board that they had stopped practicing their
profession. 8
PRC Memorandum No. 2005-02 – dated March 3, 2005, implementing the
revised rates of fees charged and collected by the Commission on
Appointment
Letter of Instruction No. 1000 – dated March 20,1980, required that members
of accredited professional organizations shall be given priority in the hiring of
employees in the government service and in the engagement of professional
services
Republic Act 1612 – stated that a privilege tax shall be paid before any
business or occupation can be lawfully begun or pursued.
RA 7392 – amended RA 2644 known as Midwifery Law on June 18, 1960

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 SEVERAL ARGUMENTS AROSE AMONG NURSES
AS A RESULT OF THE PASSAGE OF THE
MIDWIFERY LAW
1. Do nurses really have to register as midwives before they can attend to deliveries?
Since the law specifies that nurses perform nursing care during delivery, then nurses have the
legal rights to do so.(Rule V Section 28 Scope of Nursing)
2. Should hilots or the licensed midwives from the barrios be allowed to continue to practice
their trade?
To ensure safety of both mothers and newborns, many health centers offer training programs for
hilots as part of their service to their communities.
3. Are the midwives properly trained in their school to assume the roles provided in R.A.
7392? Does this law not infringe on the Philippine Medical Act or the Philippine Nursing
Act? 10
 Republic Act 2382, known as the Philippine Medical Act, defines the practice
of medicine in the Philippines.
This Law states that all medical doctors must examine, diagnose, treat, operate or
prescribe any remedy for any human disease, ailment or deformity regardless of
its nature.
 Republic Act 5181. This act prescribes permanent residence and reciprocity as
qualifications for any examination or registration for the practice of any
profession in the Philippines.
This Law states that all Filipino citizen of any profession must practice his/her
profession in the Philippines.
In case he/she is an a Filipino citizen, he/she must be a permanent resident for at
least 3 years
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 Presidential Decree 541 allows former Filipino professional to practice their respective professions in
the Philippines. Balikbayans, therefore, although not residents of the Philippines anymore, may practice
their profession during the period of their stay in the country provided they register with the Professional
Regulation Commission and pay their income tax on all earnings while in the country.
This Law states that Balikbayan, are allowed to to practice their profession dursing the period of their
stay and must register to PRC and pay their income tax while in the country.
 In 1972, Republic Act 6425 known as the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed. Article II, Section 4 states
that sale, administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of prohibited drugs are punishable by
law.
This Law states that sale, administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of prohibited drugs are
punishable by law.
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 Act No. 3573 in 1929 declared that all communicable diseases shall be reported to the nearest health
station, and that any person may be inoculated.
This Law states that all communicable disease must be treated immediately and not person is allowed to refuse
the protective measures to that disease
 Republic Act 1082 which was approved on June 1954 and amended by R.A. 1891 on June 22, 1957 for the
creation of rural health units.
This Law states that all rural areas must establish rural health units staffed with technical personnel including
PHNs.
 Republic Act 4073 liberalizes the treatment o leprosy. Except when the disease requires institutional
treatment, no person afflicted with leprosy shall be confined in a leprosarium.
This Law states that all people with leprosy must be treated in a government skin clinic, rural health or by a
licensed physician
 Presidential Decree 996 requires compulsory immunization for all children below eight years of age against
communicable disease. Circular No. 14 of 1965 requires health examination and immunization of all
prospective Grade I pupils against smallpox, diphtheria and tuberculosis as pre-requisite for
 enrollment.
This Law states that there is a compulsory immunization for all children below 8 years of age against
communicable disease (smallpox, diphtheria and tuberculosis) as a pre-requisite for enrollment.
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 Presidential Decree 825 provides penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness.
This Law states that improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness is punishable by the law.
 Presidential Decree 856, the Code of Sanitation, provides for control of all factors in man’s environment that
affect health including the quality of water, food, milk, control of insects, animal carriers, transmitters of
disease, sanitary and recreation facilities, noise unpleasant odors and control of nuisance.
This Law states that all factors in man’s environment that affect health must be controlled.
 Presidential Decree No. 148 amending R.A. 679 (Woman and Child Labor Law), states that the employable
age shall be 16 years. This decree provides for the minimum employable age and for privileges of working
women.
This Law states that 16 years of age is employable and must give women privilege for working.
 Republic Act 6365 established a National Policy on Population and created the Commission on Population
(POPCOM).
 Presidential Decree No 791 is the revised Population Act. It defines the objectives, duties and functions of the
POPCOM. Among other, it empowers nurses and midwives to provide, dispense and administer acceptable
methods of contraception after having undergoing training and having been granted authorization by the
POPCOM in the consultation with the appropriate licensing bodies.
This Law states that when RNs and RMs are empowered to provide, dispense or administer acceptable methods
of contraception after undergoing a training and granted authorization by POPCOM.
Presidential Decree No. 166
amending Presidential Decree No.
791.
◉ This decree strengthens family planning programs
through participation of private organizations and
individuals in the formulation and implementation of the
program planning policies.
This Law states that private organization and individuals
must participate in strengthening the family planning
programs.

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Department of Labor Order No.
7
◉ Requires all industrial establishments to provide family
planning services.
 
This Law states that every engaged couples must undergo
family planning and responsible parenthood seminars
before the issuance of their marriage license.

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.  Presidential Decree No. 48 limits paid maternity leave privileges to four
children.
 Presidential Decree. 69 limits the number of children to four (4) for tax
exemption purposes.
 Presidential Decree No. 965 requires that couples intending to get married
must first undergo a family planning and responsible parenthood instruction
prior to the issuance of a marriage license.
 Republic Act No. 1054 requires the owner, lessee or operator of any
commercial, industrial or agricultural establishment to furnish free
emergency, medical and dental attendance to his employees and laborers.
This Law states that all employers, must provide free emergency, medical and
dental attendance to all his employees and laborers.
.
Republic Act 226, known as the Hospital Licensure Act, requires all hospitals in the Philippines
to be licensed before they can offer to serve the community.
This Law states that only licensed or authorized hospitals are allow serving the community by
the licensing agencies.
Presidential Decree 442 known as the Labor Code of the Philippines provided workers the right
to self-organizations and collective bargaining. It promotes the rights and welfare of workers.
This Law states that all worker have the right to choose their job, promotes their right are
welfare.
Presidential Decree 603, Child and Youth Welfare Code, protects and promotes the rights and
welfare of children and youth.
This Law states that protection and promotion to the right and welfare of the children and
youth. Employment of children below 16 years old is limited.
.

 Presidential Decree 651 decrees the registration of birth of a child within 30

days with the Civil Registrar.
 ILO Convention No. 149 provides for the improvement of life and work
conditions of nursing personnel.
Employees insured with the GSIS and SSS are entitled to hospitalization
privileges under Program I f the Philippine Medical Care (MEDICARE) Act
(R.A. 6111 of 1969). Medicare benefits of GSIS members or their legal
dependents must be filed with the GSIS Medicare Claims Department.
This Law states that all employees must be a member of GSIS or SSS which is
entitle to hospitalization privileges.
  
Following are the feature of
Medicare under Program I:

1. Benefits are extended only in cases of actual confinement in hospital due to illness or bodily
injury.
2. There is freedom of choice of hospital or physician and drugstore concerned.
3. Benefits are paid directly to the hospital or physician and drugstore concerned.
4. The member is entitled to 45 days hospitalization per year while their legal dependents are
5. entitled to a total of 45 days among them.
6. Hospitalization privileges include medical and surgical services. Vasectomy and caesarean
section are included while cosmetic surgery, optometric services, psychiatry, normal delivery
and diagnostic services on an out-patient basis are not included.
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.
◉ Effective January 1980, Presidential Decree No. 1636 requires compulsory
membership in the GSIS or SSS Retirement Fund.
This Law states that all employees is required compulsory membership in the
GSIS or SSS Retirement Fund

◉ Presidential Decree No. 626 or the Employee Compensation and State

Insurance Fund provided benefits to workers covered by SS or GSIS for
immediate injury illness or disabilities
This Law states that all employees has a benefit to be covered with insurance
in immediate injury illness or disabilities.
.

◉ Republic Act 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988 is an act to promote, require
and ensure the production of an adequate supply, distribution, use and
acceptance and drugs and medicines identified by their generic names,
Medicines are prescribed in generics.
This Law states that all medicines must be prescribed by their generic names.
◉ Republic Act 6758 standardizes the salaries of government employees
which includes the nursing personnel.
This Law states that salaries of government employees including nursing
personnel must be compensated to position titles, salary grades and schedules
 Republic Act No. 6713, known as the “Code of Conduct and
Ethical Standards for Public Official and Employees”,

◉ upholds a time-honored principles that public office is a

public trust.
This Law states that Public officials and employees shall
discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity,
competence and loyalty, and shall act with patriotism and
justice.

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Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code transfers responsibilities for delivery of basic services and
facilities of the national government to local government units. This involves devolution of powers, functions
and responsibilities to the local government both provincial and municipal.
Another law approved by Pres. Corazon C. Aquino on March 26, 1992, and authored by Senator Edgardo
Angara is R.A. 7305 entitled Magna Carta for Public Health Workers”. Its significant objectives are:
a. To promote and improve the social and economic well-being of health workers;
b. To develop their skills and capabilities; and
c. To encourage those qualified and with abilities to remain government service
This Law states that transfers responsibilities for delivery of basic services and facilities of the national
government to local government units.

Republic Act 7600 or the Rooming- in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 provides that babies is born in private
and government hospitals should be roomed-in with their mothers to promote breastfeeding and ensure and
safe and adequate nutrition to children. This is enforced by the Milk Code (Executive Order No. 51)
This Law states that every hospitals private ot government must have a policy that babies shold be roomed-
in with mother to promote breastfeeding
 Republic Act 9173
Change in the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 from
R.A 7164, The Philippine Nursing Act of 1998,
taken from the Implementing Rules and
Regulations of RA 9173.

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 PRC Resolution No. 2004-17 Series of 2004

Re-implemented continuing Professional Education

requiring sixty (60) credit units for three (3) years for
professionals with bachelor’s degree. Any excess unit
earned cannot be carried on to the next three-year period
except for units earned for doctoral and master’s degrees.
The total CPE units for registered professionals without
baccalaureate degrees shall be thirty (30) units for three
(3) years. Any excess shall not be carried on to the next
three-year period. 26
PRC Board of Nursing Resolution No. 14 Feb. 8, 1999 – promulgated the guidelines for the implementation of a
Specialty Certification.

PRC Board Resolution No. 2003-166 amended the filling of application of various licensure examinations in the
regional offices from twenty (20) days to thirty (30) days before the first day of examination to give sufficient time for
the Boards in charge in the Central Office to tally the report, review the qualifications, check the completeness and
accuracy of the documents thereby ensuring strict compliance with the “no deferent” policy.
PRC Board of Nursing Resolution No. 2004-200 series of 2004
Requires applicants in the licensure examination to submit transcript of records with scanned pictures and with the
remarks “For Board Examination Purposes only”.
PRC Resolution No. 2004-189 series of 2004 – forfeits the examination fees paid by the examinee that failed to
report and take the scheduled examination.
Executive Order No. 566 Sept. 8, 2006 directs the Commission on Higher Education to regulate the establishment
and operation of review centers and similar entities.
CHED Memorandum Order No. 49 series of 2006 implements the rules and regulations in governing the operation
review centers pursuant to Executive Order 266.

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