RT205 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7431

With Sections Dissected That is why its long

Republic Act No. 7431

An act regulating the practice of radiologic technology in the Philippines, creating the Board of Radiologic Technology defining its powers and functions and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 7431 shall be known and cited

as the ?

Section 1. Title

This Act shall be known and cited as the "Radiologic Technology Act of 1992.“

Sec. 2. Statement of Policy.

It is the policy of the State to upgrade the practice of radiologic technology in the Philippines for the purpose of protecting the public from the hazards posed by radiation as well as to ensure safe and proper diagnosis, treatment and research through the application of machines and/or equipment using radiation.

• X-ray technology

• Radiologic Technology

• X-Ray Technologists

• Radiologic Technologist

• Radiology

• Radiologist

• Medical Physicist

• Board

• Commission

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.

X-Ray Technology

is an auxiliary branch of radiology which deals with the technical application of x-rays as aid in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries

Radiologic Technology

is an auxiliary branch of radiology which deals with the technical application of radiation, such as x-rays, beta rays, gamma rays, ultrasound and radio frequency rays, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases

X-Ray Technologist

is a bona fide holder of a certificate of registration for x-ray technology issued by the Board of Radiologic Technology in accordance with this Act

Radiologic Technologist

is a bona fide holder of a certificate of registration for x-ray technology issued by the Board of Radiologic Technology in accordance with this Act

Radiology

is a branch of medical science which deals with the use of radiation in the diagnosis, treatment and research of diseases

Radiologist

is a licensed physician who specializes in the diagnosis or treatment of disease with the use of radiation

Medical Physicist

is a physicist who specializes in the application of the principles and techniques of physics in medicine

Board

refers to the Board of Radiologic Technology

Commission

refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created under Presidential Decree Numbered Two hundred and twenty-three.

Board of Radiologic Technology

"Board" refers to the

Professional Regulation Commission

"Commission" refers to the

X-Ray Technologist

shall also be considered in the practice of his profession if the nature and character of his employment requires professional knowledge in the art and science of x-ray technology and such employment or position requires that the holder thereof be an _________________

Sec. 5. Practice of Radiology Technology

shall include any and all acts by which one renders, furnishes, or contracts to render or furnish professional service as a radiologic technologist.

Radiologic Technologist

shall also be considered in the

practice of his profession if the nature and character of

his employment requires professional knowledge in the

art and science of radiologic technology, and such

employment or position requires that the holder thereof

be a _____________________

Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

There is hereby created a Board of Radiologic Technology which shall be composed of a Chairman and four (4) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Professional Regulation Commission. The Commission shall recommend three (3) radiologic technologists from a list to be submitted by the Association of radiologic technologists (PART); one (1) radiologist from a list to be submitted by the association of radiologists; and one (1) medical physicist from a list to be submitted by the association of medical physicists: Provided, however, That the said associations are accredited in accordance with Presidential Decree Numbered Two hundred and twenty-three: Provided, further, That each person whose name is submitted shall possess the qualifications prescribed in Section 7 of this Act.

The Board of Radiologic Technology

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: What body is created under this section to regulate the practice of radiologic technology in the Philippines?

Five (5) members
— one (1) Chairman and four (4) Members.

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: How many members compose the Board of Radiologic Technology?

The President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: Who appoints the members of the Board of Radiologic Technology?

• 3 Radiologic Technologists from a list submitted by PART (Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists)

• 1 Radiologist from the association of radiologists

• 1 Medical Physicist from the association of medical physicists

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: Who does the PRC recommend for appointment to the Board of Radiologic Technology?

Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists

PART

They must be accredited under Presidential Decree No. 223

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: What requirement must the professional associations meet before their nominees can be considered?

Each nominee must meet the qualifications stated in Section 7 of the Act.

Section: Sec. 6. Creation of the Board of Radiologic Technology

Q: What qualification must each nominee possess?

Sec. 7. Qualifications of Board Members. — (a) Each

member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:

(1) Be a radiologist; and

(2) Has at least ten (10) years practice as a radiologist prior to his appointment.

Sec. 7. Qualifications of Board Members.

(c) One (1) member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:   (The Chairman)

(1)Be a medical physicist; and

(2) Has at least ten (10) years practice as a medical physicist.

Sec. 7. Qualifications of Board Members.

(d) One (1) member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:

Sec. 8. Term of Office.

The members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years from the date of their appointment until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified; Provided, That the first appointees to the Board shall hold office for the following terms: the Chairman for three (3) years; two (2) members for two (2) years and two (2) members for one (1) year. Vacancies shall be filled only for the unexpired term.

Each member serves for three (3) years from the date of appointment until their successor is appointed and qualified.

Section: Sec. 8. Term of Office

Q: How long is the term of office for members of the Board of Radiologic Technology?

• Chairman: 3 years

• Two (2) members: 2 years

• Two (2) members: 1 year

Section: Sec. 8. Term of Office

Q: What are the terms of office for the first appointees to the Board of Radiologic Technology?

Vacancies are filled only for the unexpired term of the member being replaced.

Section: Sec. 8. Term of Office

Q: How are vacancies in the Board of Radiologic Technology filled?

The Board is responsible for enforcing and implementing the provisions of the Act governing the practice of radiologic and x-ray technology in the Philippines.

Section: Sec. 9. Duties and Functions of the Board

Q: What is the general role of the Board of Radiologic Technology under this section?

To enforce the provisions of the Act.

Section: Sec. 9(a)

Q: What is one of the primary duties of the Board under Section 9(a)?

To administer oaths in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

Section: Sec. 9(b)

Q: What power does the Board have under Section 9(b)?

To issue, and after investigation, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for radiologic and x-ray technologists.

Section: Sec. 9(c)

Q: What authority does the Board have concerning certificates of registration?

• To investigate violations of the Act and its rules.

• To issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to alleged violators or witnesses.

• To compel attendance and production of documents.

• To cite and punish for contempt when necessary.

Section: Sec. 9(d)

Q: What investigative powers does the Board possess under Section 9(d)?

To conduct yearly board examinations for radiologic and x-ray technologists under PRC supervision.

Section: Sec. 9(e)

Q: What examination-related duty does the Board have?

To monitor and improve the conditions affecting the practice of radiologic and x-ray technology and maintain professional standards and ethics.

Section: Sec. 9(f)

Q: What responsibility does the Board have regarding professional standards and ethics?

To promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act, with PRC approval.

Section: Sec. 9(g)

Q: What rule-making power does the Board have?

To authenticate its official documents.

Section: Sec. 9(h)

Q: What is the purpose of the Board’s official seal?

Sec. 10. Compensation of the Board.

The members of the Board shall each receive the same compensation as members of other Boards under the supervision of the Commission as provided for in the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Removal of Board Members.

Any member of the Board may be removed from office by the President upon the recommendation of the Commission for neglect of duty, incompetence or unprofessional, immoral, or dishonorable conduct, or commission or toleration of irregularities in the conduct of the examinations, after having been given the opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation conducted by the Commission.

The members of the Board shall be under the general supervision of the Commission. No record shall be removed, altered or examined without the prior authorization of the Board. All records, including examination papers, examination results, minutes of deliberation, records of administrative cases and investigations of the Board shall be kept by the Commission.

Sec. 13. Rules and Regulations.

Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Board shall set ethical and professional standards for the practice of radiologic technology and x-ray technology and adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Such standards, rules and regulations shall take effect one (1) month after publication in any newspaper of general circulation.

The Board shall, at the end of each calendar year, submit to the Commission an annual report of its activities and proceedings during the year. Other information or data may be requested by the Commission as often as may be necessary and practicable.

The person must have a certificate of registration issued by the Board of Radiologic Technology.

Section: Sec. 15. Requirement for the Practice of Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technology

Q: What is required before a person can practice as a radiologic or x-ray technologist in the Philippines?

Only those exempted under Sections 16 and 17 of the Act.

Section: Sec. 15. Requirement for the Practice of Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technology

Q: Who is exempt from the examination requirement before practicing radiologic or x-ray technology?

It is prohibited to practice or offer to practice as a radiologic or x-ray technologist without a valid certificate of registration from the Board.

Section: Sec. 15. Requirement for the Practice of Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technology

Q: What is prohibited under Section 15 of the Act?

Section: Sec. 16. Exemption from Examination in X-ray Technology

Q: Who are exempted from taking the examination for x-ray technology under Section 16(a)?

Those who, prior to the approval of this Act, have already passed specific x-ray or medical radiation examinations.

Section: Sec. 16(b). Exemption from Examination in X-ray Technology

Q: Who are exempted from examination under Section 16(b)?

The Civil Service examination for x-ray technicians.

Section: Sec. 16(b)

Q: What Civil Service exam qualifies a person for exemption under Section 16(b)?

The examination for private sector x-ray technicians.

Section: Sec. 16(b)

Q: What private sector exam qualifies for exemption under Section 16(b)?

The examination for chest x-ray technicians.

Section: Sec. 16(b)

Q: What specialized chest exam qualifies for exemption under Section 16(b)?

The proficiency examination for medical radiation technicians.

Section: Sec. 16(b)

Q: What proficiency exam administered by the Department of Health qualifies for exemption?

• Radiation Health Office

• Radiological Health Service

• Radiation Health Service

Section: Sec. 16(b)

Q: Which offices under the Department of Health administered the proficiency examination for medical radiation technicians?

They must register with the Board after fulfilling the requirements for registration as radiologic technologists.

Section: Sec. 16. Exemption from Examination in X-ray Technology

Q: What must those exempted under Section 16 still do to practice legally?

The first members of the Board of Radiologic Technology, as provided in Section 7(b).

Section: Sec. 17(a) — Exemption from Examination in Radiologic Technology

Q: Who are exempted from examination in radiologic technology under Section 17(a)?

Radiologists from other countries invited for lectures, consultations, or visiting/exchange professorships in government-recognized colleges or universities.

Section: Sec. 17(b) — Exemption from Examination in Radiologic Technology

Q: What foreign professionals are exempted from examination under Section 17(b)?

• Must be legally qualified to practice in their own country.

• Must secure a special permit from the Board (valid as determined by the Board).

• Exemption applies only if their country grants the same privilege to Filipino radiologic technologists.

Section: Sec. 17(b) — Exemption from Examination in Radiologic Technology

Q: What are the conditions for foreign radiologists to be exempted?

Those who, before the approval of this Act, passed the proficiency exam for medical radiation technologists conducted by the DOH through:

• Radiation Health Office

• Radiological Health Service

• Radiation Health Service

Section: Sec. 17(c) — Exemption from Examination in Radiologic Technology

Q: Who are exempted under Section 17(c)?

The applicant must be a Filipino citizen.

Section: Sec. 19(a) — Qualifications for Examination

Q: What is the citizenship requirement for applicants?

They must be of good moral character and not convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Section: Sec. 19(b) — Qualifications for Examination

Q: What moral requirement must applicants meet?

A baccalaureate degree in radiologic technology from a government-recognized school, college, or university.

Section: Sec. 19(c) — Qualifications for Examination

Q: What educational qualification is required for the radiologic technology examination?

An associate in radiologic technology diploma from a government-recognized school, college, or university.

Section: Sec. 19(c) — Qualifications for Examination

Q: What educational qualification is required for the x-ray technology examination?

(a) Radiation Physics 10%

Radiology and Radiation Protection 10%

Equipment Maintenance 10%

(b) Radiographic Positioning 10%

Radiographic Technique 10%

Special Procedures 10%

(c) Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology 15%

(d) Photochemistry and Darkroom Procedures 10%

(e) Film Analysis 5%

(f) Nursing and Departmental Procedures in Radiology 5%

(g) Professional Ethics 5%

Sec. 20. Scope of Examination in X-ray Technology. — Unless changed or modified by the Board, the examination in x-ray technology shall cover the following subjects with the corresponding weights as follows:

(a) Radiation Physics and Equipment Maintenance 10%

• Radiobiology and Radiation Protection 10%

(b) Radiographic Positioning 10%

• Radiographic Technique 10%

• Special Procedures 10%

(c) Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology 10%

(d) Photochemistry and Film Analysis 10%

(e) Nursing and Department Procedures in Radiology and Professional Ethics 5%

(f) Ultrasound 5%

(g) Radiation Therapy 5%

(h) Nuclear Medicine 5%

(i) Radiologic Pathology 5%

(j) Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging 5%

Sec. 21. Scope of Examination in Radiologic Technology. — Unless changed or modified by the Board, the examination in radiologic technology shall cover the following subject with the corresponding weights as follows:

Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the completion of the examination.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: Within how many days after the completion of the examination must the Board report the results?

The Board reports the ratings to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), which then submits the report to the President of the Philippines for approval.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: To whom does the Board report the ratings of candidates?

A weighted average of at least 75% with no rating below 60% in any subject.

Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: What is the passing average required to pass the examination?

The examinee must retake only the subjects where the score was below 60%.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: What happens if an examinee gets an average of 75% or higher but scores below 60% in one or more subjects?

As far as practicable, in the next scheduled examination.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: When should the reexamination for subjects below 60% be taken?

The examinee must obtain a rating of at least 75% in each repeated subject.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: What grade must an examinee obtain in each subject repeated during the reexamination to pass?

The examinee shall, as far as practicable, be required to repeat the failed subjects in the next succeeding examination.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: What happens if the examinee fails the reexamination?

The applicant shall be required to take the entire examination again.

Section: Sec. 22 — Report of Ratings

Q: What happens if an applicant fails to qualify after the third examination?

Sec. 23. Oath-taking.

All successful examinees shall be required to take a professional oath before the Board or before any person authorized by the Board to administer oaths prior to the practice of their profession as radiologic technologists and/or x-ray technologists.

Every applicant who has satisfactorily passed the required examination and paid the registration fee under Section 25.

Section: Sec. 24 — Issuance of Certificates of Registration

Q: Who is entitled to receive a certificate of registration?

The Board of Radiologic Technology, subject to review by the Commission.

Section: Sec. 24 — Issuance of Certificates of Registration

Q: Who issues the certificates of registration?

Yes, certificates are also issued to those exempt under Sections 16 and 17.

Section: Sec. 24 — Issuance of Certificates of Registration

Q: Can certificates be issued to persons exempt from examination?

It contains the registrant’s full name, serial number, signature of the Commissioner, date of issuance, and the official seal of the Board.

Section: Sec. 24 — Issuance of Certificates of Registration

Q: What details are included in a certificate of registration?

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), unless otherwise fixed by the Commission.

Section: Sec. 25 — Fees

Q: Who determines the fees for examinees and registrants?

₱350.00

Section: Sec. 25 — Fees

Q: How much is the fee for the application for examination?

₱250.00

Section: Sec. 25 — Fees

Q: How much is the fee for registration after passing the board examination?

₱100.00

Section: Sec. 25 — Fees

Q: How much is the fee for replacement of lost or destroyed certificate of registration?

₱100.00

Section: Sec. 25 — Fees

Q: How much is the fee for reissuance of a revoked certificate?

A fine of ₱10,000–₱40,000, or imprisonment of 1–6 years, or both, at the court’s discretion.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: What is the penalty for violations under this section?

When they practice without a valid certificate of registration.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: When is a person penalized for practicing radiologic or x-ray technology?

They will be penalized under Sec. 26 for presenting or using another’s certificate.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: What happens if a person uses another person’s certificate of registration?

Yes — it is a violation under this section.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: Is using an expired, suspended, or revoked certificate punishable?

The violator is punished under Sec. 26 — fine, imprisonment, or both.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: What penalty applies for giving false or forged evidence to obtain registration?

Fine, imprisonment, or both as stated in Sec. 26.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: What is the penalty for posing or advertising as a registered technologist without being one?

Yes — any violation of the provisions of this Act falls under Sec. 26 penalties.

Section: Sec. 26 — Penal Provisions

Q: Is violating any provision of the Act itself punishable?