Nature of Medical Technology & Republic Act 5527

Vocabulary flashcards covering key laws, historical figures, amendments, professional roles and core concepts related to the Philippine Medical Technology profession.

Medical Technology (definition)

An interdisciplinary science devoted to diagnostic testing of human samples such as blood, urine, feces, body secretions, serous fluids, CSF, stones, nails, hair, bone or tissue through quantitative, semi-quantitative, qualitative or descriptive physical/chemical analyses.

Medical Laboratory Technology / Medical Laboratory Science / Clinical Laboratory Science / Biomedical Science

Recognized synonyms for the profession and practice of Medical Technology.

Republic Act No. 5527 (Medical Technology Act of 1969)

The Philippine law that requires registration of medical technologists, defines their practice and sets regulations for the profession.

Charlemagne T. Tamondong

Instrumental in working for House Bill No. 7682 (precursor to RA 5527) with the help of Congressmen Jose Moreno and Magnolia Antonino on May 10, 1965.

Nardito D. Moraleta

Worked for Senate Bill No. 996, another key bill that led to the passage of RA 5527 on January 27, 1969.

Approval Date of RA 5527

June 21, 1969, when President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the Medical Technology Act into law.

Republic Act No. 6138

August 31, 1970 amendment to RA 5527 affecting Section 16 (exam subjects), Section 21 (refusal to issue certificates) and Section 22 (revocation or suspension of certificates).

Presidential Decree 498

June 28, 1974 amendment to RA 5527 revising definitions, council composition, board powers, exam qualifications, administrative matters and penal provisions.

Presidential Decree 1534

June 11, 1978 amendment further adjusting council composition, powers/functions and examination qualifications.

Code of Ethics for Medical Technologists (Philippines)

Professional ethical guidelines first released Aug 6 1968, revised Mar 7 1997 under PAMET President Norma Chang; current version issued by the PRC Board of Medical Technology.

Key Responsibilities of a Medical Technologist

Includes performing clinical tests, special procedures, ensuring accuracy, honesty, timely reporting, professionalism, confidentiality, collaboration, research and health-promotion involvement.

Pathologist (Philippines)

PRC-registered physician specialized in anatomic and/or clinical pathology; member of the Philippine Society of Pathologists; oversees laboratory operations.

Medical Laboratory Technician

PRC-registered individual with a BS Medical Technology degree but board exam average of 74.9 % or below who assists medical technologists in analysis.

Phlebotomist (Philippine context)

Often a registered medical technologist performing blood collection; in other countries phlebotomists may not require a degree but hold specific certification/training.

Cytotechnologist

Registered medical technologist with specialty training in cytotechnology who examines cells microscopically to detect abnormalities.

Histotechnologist

Registered medical technologist trained in histopathology, preparing and analyzing tissue samples for microscopic diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Nuclear Medical Technologist

Professional with PNRI-accredited training in nuclear medicine, handling radioactive substances, imaging techniques (e.g., PET scan) and radiation safety.

Toxicologist (Laboratory)

Medical technologist with specialty training in toxicology, skilled in analyzing toxic substances, interpreting results and understanding biological effects of toxins.

Scope of Practice under RA 5527

Includes examination of body fluids, blood banking, microbiologic & parasitologic techniques, histopathology, cytotechnology, clinical research, reagent preparation, quality control, and specimen collection/preservation.

Importance of Medical Technology

Plays a crucial role in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, making it one of the most vital fields in the healthcare delivery system.

House Bill No. 7682

The lower-house bill championed by Charlemagne T. Tamondong that initiated legislation leading to RA 5527.

Senate Bill No. 996

The counterpart upper-house bill led by Nardito D. Moraleta contributing to the passage of RA 5527.

Minimum Required Examination (Sec 16, RA 6138)

Specifies the subjects that must be included in the licensure examination for medical technologists.

Refusal to Issue Certificates (Sec 21)

Provision allowing the PRC Board to decline issuing a medical technologist certificate for valid reasons such as unethical conduct or fraud.

Revocation or Suspension of Certificates (Sec 22)

Legal authority under RA 5527 and RA 6138 to suspend or revoke a practitioner’s certificate for violations of the Act or Code of Ethics.