Philippine Blood Banking Laws (RA 7719 and DOH AO 2008-0008)

World Blood Donor Day

June 14, 2021

What is the purpose of Republic Act No. 7719?

To promote voluntary blood donation, provide safe blood, regulate blood banks, and impose penalties for violations.

May 5, 1994

When did RA 7719 was approved

Pres. Fidel V. Ramos

Who approved the RA 7719

What does the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council aim to achieve?

To ensure an adequate supply of safe quality blood and promote voluntary blood donation.

What is the significance of the National Blood Program approved on July 17, 1948?

It aims to maintain a constant supply of whole blood or plasma for emergency cases.

What was the main focus of Republic Act 1517?

Regulating the collection, processing, and sale of human blood and the operation of blood banks.

What is the main objective of the National Blood Services Act of 1994?

To promote voluntary blood donation and ensure the provision of safe and adequate blood products.

What does R.A. 7719 require from blood banks?

To operate on a non-profit basis.

What is the role of the Department of Health (DOH) in blood banking?

To issue administrative orders that regulate blood banking practices.

What does Section 15, Article II of the 1997 Philippine Constitution state?

The government shall protect the right to health of the people.

When was Republic Act 1517 repealed?

It was repealed by R.A. 7719.

What are the main sections included in R.A. 7719?

Title, Declaration of Policy, Definition, Promotion of Voluntary Blood Donation, and Regulation of Blood Services.

What is the purpose of the Administrative Orders related to blood banking?

To provide implementing guidelines for the laws governing blood banks.

What is the historical significance of President Elpidio Quirino in blood donation?

He was the first blood donor in the National Blood Program.

What is the goal of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program?

To promote voluntary blood donation and ensure a safe blood supply.

What is the effect of the phase-out of commercial blood banks as per R.A. 7719?

To transition to a system focused on non-profit blood donation and services.

What does the Declaration of Policy in R.A. 7719 emphasize?

The importance of voluntary blood donation and the provision of safe blood.

What are the penalties outlined in R.A. 7719?

Penalties for violations of the regulations governing blood services.

What is the significance of the term 'non-profit operation' in blood banking?

It ensures that blood banks operate without profit motives, focusing on public health.

What does the term 'separability clause' refer to in legal documents?

A provision that ensures if one part of the law is invalid, the rest remains in effect.

What is the role of voluntary blood donation in public health?

It helps ensure a safe and adequate supply of blood for medical needs.

What is the importance of the Administrative Order No. 0008 S. 2008?

It provides specific regulations for blood banking practices in the Philippines.

What does the term 'regulation of blood services' entail?

Establishing standards and guidelines for the operation of blood banks and collection units.

What does 'blood' refer to in the context of blood services?

Human blood, processed or unprocessed, including its components, products, and derivatives.

What is a blood service facility?

Any unit, office, or institution providing blood transfusion services, such as blood banks and blood centers.

What is the role of a blood station?

A facility authorized to store, issue, transport, and distribute blood and perform compatibility testing of red cell units.

What functions does a blood collection unit (BCU) perform?

Recruitment and care of donors, screening and selection of donors, health education, blood collection, and transport for testing.

What capabilities does a blood bank have?

Recruiting and screening donors, collecting, processing, storing, and issuing blood for transfusion.

What distinguishes a blood center from a blood bank?

A blood center can conduct health education, process blood components, and manage storage and distribution of blood units.

What are the basic donor qualifications for blood donation?

Age: 16-65 years, Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs), Blood Pressure: 90/60 to 160/100 mmHg, Pulse Rate: 60-100 bpm, Hemoglobin: at least 125 g/L.

What is a hospital-based blood bank?

A blood bank located within a hospital that can perform compatibility testing of blood.

What is a commercial blood bank?

A blood bank that operates for profit and is not solely focused on blood service maintenance.

What is an apheresis facility?

A facility where blood collection procedures separate selected components from whole blood, returning the remainder to the donor.

What is an end-user hospital?

A hospital with a licensed clinical laboratory that receives blood for transfusion but does not have its own blood service facility.

What is the purpose of the blood services network?

To provide for the blood needs of a specific geographical area through a group of designated blood centers and hospitals.

Who are walking blood donors?

Qualified voluntary blood donors ready to donate blood when needed in their community.

What are the types of blood donors?

Paid, voluntary, and replacement donors.

What are the five core tests recommended by WHO for blood safety?

Tests for antibodies to HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Hepatitis C, serologic test for syphilis, and malaria.

What is the goal of promoting voluntary blood donation?

To provide safe, adequate, affordable, and equitable blood products and inform the public.

What is the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)?

A program planned and implemented by the DOH and other organizations to meet blood transfusion needs across regions.

What funding sources support the NVBSP?

Government allocations, PCSO, PAGCOR, Duty Free Philippines, and contributions from civic organizations.

What is required of all blood banks and centers regarding operation?

They must operate on a non-profit basis and may only collect service fees for necessary expenses.

What is the regulation regarding the establishment of blood banks?

It is unlawful to operate a blood bank without registration and a license from the Department of Health.

What is the policy on the importation of blood bank equipment?

Blood banks and hospitals participating in NVBSP can import equipment tax-free as promulgated by the Department of Finance.

What is the time frame for phasing out commercial blood banks?

Commercial blood banks must be phased out within two years, extendable by the Secretary for an additional two years.

What is the implementation period for the new rules and regulations?

Within sixty (60) days from the approval.

What happens to the existing Revised Rules & Regulations?

They remain in force unless amended or revised by the Secretary.

What is the penalty for establishing a blood bank without a license?

Imprisonment of twelve (12) years and one (1) day to twenty (20) years, and a fine of Php 50,000 to Php 500,000.

What is the penalty for collecting charges greater than the minimum prescribed by DOH?

Imprisonment of one (1) month to six (6) months, and a fine of Php 5,000 to Php 50,000.

What is the penalty for failing to dispose of contaminated blood within 48 hours?

Imprisonment of ten (10) years.

What is the fine for failing to renew a license within 3 months prior to expiration?

A fine of Php 5,000.

What does the separability clause imply?

If any provision of the Act is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

What Act does this new regulation supersede?

Republic Act No. 1517 entitled 'Blood Bank Act'.

When does this Act take effect?

After fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

What is the classification of blood service facilities based on ownership?

Government (National/Local) and Private (Individual, Corporation, Association, or Organization).

What are the two types of institutional character for blood service facilities?

Hospital-based and Non-hospital-based.

What services does a Blood Station provide?

Advocacy for voluntary blood donation, provision of whole blood and packed red cells, and compatibility testing if hospital-based.

What is the role of a Blood Collection Unit (BCU)?

Advocacy for voluntary blood donation, recruitment and care of donors, screening and selection of donors, and collection of blood.

What services are provided by a Blood Bank (BB)?

Storage and issuance of whole blood and blood components, compatibility testing, and investigation of transfusion reactions.

What does a Blood Center (BC) do?

Advocacy for voluntary blood donation, collection and testing of blood, processing of blood components, and distribution to health facilities.

What is the maximum penalty for operating a blood bank without a license?

Twenty (20) years imprisonment.

What is the minimum fine for collecting excessive charges?

Php 5,000.

What is the purpose of the implementing guidelines?

To govern the regulation of blood services facilities.