PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY RESOLUTION NO. 72

Section 7

of Republic Act No. 5527, also known as “Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969”, as amended, created a Board of Examiners for Medical Technology (Board);

Section 11

thereof states that the Board is vested with authority to look into conditions affecting the practice of medical technology in the Philippines and whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of good ethics and standards in the practice of medical technology and to draft such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the law;

Code of Ethics

was first published by the Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET) in 1968 prior to the approval of R.A. No. 5527 in 1969. It was then revised in 1997;

2012 and 2014

a review of the Code of Ethics for Medical Technology was conducted by the Board and while the contents were found to be comprehensive enough, the Board still finds the need to elaborate on some statements and to include other commitments to continuously improve the professional skills and knowledge of the medical technologists;

2018

the Board formed a Committee composed of representatives from various key sectors like the academe, industry, and laboratory practitioners to review the present Code of Ethics;

2019

the Board, together with the Committee members, organized the articles (Code) into its final draft. However, the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 resulted in the disruption and changes in priority in the work of the Board and the Committee;

June 25, 2021

the Board and the Committee members resumed its

work towards the finalization of the Code for the Commission’s adoption and

approval;

CODE OF ETHICS OF

THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION:

the Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology (Board) RESOLVES to prescribe, promulgate and issue this

Section 1. (ARTICLE I)

The primary objective of the practice of medical technology/medical

laboratory science is service to mankind, without bias to a patient’s or colleague’s

race, religion, gender, political belief or medical condition.

Section 2. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall commit to the highest degree of professionalism, excellence, competence and integrity in the practice of the profession.

Section 3. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall adhere to principles of quality and safe

practice.

Section 4. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall put the patients’ interest above his/her own.

A medical technologist shall perform his/her duties with competence and integrity

and shall maintain the confidentiality of all the patients’ information in accordance

with the existing legislation.

Section 5. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall be accountable and responsible for his/her professional and personal conduct, and is expected to demonstrate good judgment and behavior to ensure excellent laboratory performance for the best possible patient care.

Section 6. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall contribute to the profession’s development

through lifelong learning such as self-development, mentorship, or collaboration with

institutions and accredited local, national and international organizations in medical

technology.

Section 7. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall maintain allegiance and a deep sense of civic responsibility towards his/her community and country.

Section 8. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall treat other professionals with respect and foster cooperation and collaboration among them.

Section 9. (ARTICLE I)

A medical technologist shall refrain from engaging in activities which may give rise to conflict of interest.

(ARTICLE II) Section 1.

A medical technologist shall attend to patients faithfully, conscientiously and timely and shall secure for them all possible benefits that may depend upon professional skill and care. A medical technologist shall be polite, courteous, attentive, reassuring and caring.

(ARTICLE II) Section 2.

A medical technologist shall dutifully perform his/her tasks, regardless of the patient’s age, gender, creed, or nationality.

(ARTICLE II) Section 3.

A medical technologist shall seek appropriate assistance, according to

established protocols in situations beyond his/her knowledge and skills.

(ARTICLE II) Section 4.

A medical technologist shall keep all patient’s information and results obtained with strict confidentiality, except when the disclosure is required by pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

(ARTICLE II) Section 5.

A medical technologist shall only engage in lawful and appropriate procedures that promote the best interest and safety of the patient.

(ARTICLE III) Section 1.

A medical technologist shall personify professionalism, integrity,

responsibility, accountability and competence in the conduct of his/her professional

as well as personal life.

(ARTICLE III) Section 2.

A medical technologist shall continuously update and upgrade knowledge

and skills in the practice of the profession brought about by modernization as well as

scientific and technical advancements in the profession.

(ARTICLE III) Section 3.

A medical technologist shall ensure compliance with the medical technology law, other related laws and regulatory policies affecting the practice of the profession.

(ARTICLE III) Section 4.

A medical technologist is duty-bound to report to the proper authorities

illegal acts and other violations in the practice of the profession, including illegal

practice, for the protection of the public.

(ARTICLE III) Section 5.

A medical technologist shall actively support and apply principles, policies

and guidelines for the protection of the environment, especially in biosafety and

biosecurity practices.

(ARTICLE III) Section 6.

A medical technologist shall ensure compliance with Quality Assurance

Program following the standards of Good Laboratory Practice.

(ARTICLE III) Section 7.

A medical technologist shall endeavor to engage in community or social work where their services are needed, such as but not limited to cases of emergency, disaster or other similar circumstances.

(ARTICLE III) Section 9.

A medical technologist shall fulfill the duties and responsibilities as a

member of the accredited professional organization through active participation in

continuing professional development and other activities and to respect the

constitution and by-laws of the organization.

(ARTICLE III) Section 10.

The medical technologist shall accept reasonable professional fees on

matters relative to research, consultancy, and activities that require his/ her

expertise in the field of medical laboratory science and/or allied sciences.

(ARTICLE III) Section 11.

A medical technologist shall accept, carry-out and discharge the

responsibilities inherent to being a professional. He/she shall uphold the dignity of

the profession by imbibing the virtues of reliability, honesty and integrity.

(ARTICLE IV) Section 1.

A medical technologist shall establish cooperative, honest and respectful working relationships with other medical technologists.

(ARTICLE IV) Section 2.

A medical technologist shall act in the spirit of fairness and maintain a

culture of fellowship with the members of the medical technology and other

professions.

(ARTICLE IV) Section 3.

A medical technologist shall maintain harmonious working relationships with other professionals of different interdisciplinary practice and respect the scopes and limitations of their practice vis-à-vis the other professions.

(ARTICLE V) Section 1.

A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI for the advancement of medical technology and the quality of healthcare services.

(ARTICLE V) Section 2.

A medical technologist shall foster a relationship that encourages the development of a healthcare professional practice that is committed to patients' well being and is based on truthful, accurate, and updated scientific evidence.

(ARTICLE V) Section 3.

A medical technologist shall interact with HPI to meet the highest ethical standards, preserve independent decision-making and uphold public confidence in the integrity of patient care and product and service selection.

(ARTICLE V) Section 4.

A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI within the bounds of applicable laws and codes of conduct for the best interest of the patients.

(ARTICLE V) Section 5

A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI for professional

advancement on new technologies and equipment through educational and

experiential training.

PENAL PROVISIONS

Pursuant to the power of the Board to issue, suspend and revoke Certificates of

Registration for the practice of medical technology, violation of any section of the

Code of Ethics shall constitute unethical and unprofessional conduct, and shall

therefore be a sufficient ground to reprimand, suspend, or revoke the Certificate of

Registration of the offending medical technologist in accordance with the provisions

of RA No. 5527, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8981 (PRC Modernization Act of

2000).

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the Code of Ethics may be initiated by the Board, in consultation with the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) and other stakeholders. The final proposed amendments shall be submitted for approval by the Board to the Commission.

(EFFECTIVITY) (13th) (September, 2022.)

(__________________)

This Code of Ethics shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. Let copies hereof be furnished the UP Law Center and the APO for the Medical Technology profession.

Done in the City of Pasay, this (____) day of (______________)

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

ARTICLE II

RESPONSIBILITIES TO PATIENTS

ARTICLE III

RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF AND TO THE PROFESSION

ARTICLE IV

RESPONSIBILITIES TO COLLEAGUES AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS

ARTICLE V

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HEALTH PRODUCT INDUSTRY (HPI)

Article VI

PENAL PROVISIONS

Article VII

AMENDMENTS

Article VIII

EFFECTIVITY