RA 5527
Republic Act No. 5527 (Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969)
As amended by RA 6132, PD 498, and PD 1534
Section 1. Title
May be cited as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.
Section 2. Definition of Terms
Practice of Medical Technology: Services aiding the physician in diagnosing, studying, and treating diseases, including:
Examination of tissues, secretions, and excretions, and body fluids using various laboratory procedures.
Blood banking techniques.
Parasitology, mycology, microbiology procedures.
Histopathology and cytotechnology (with certain qualifications for laboratory technicians).
Clinical research involving patients.
Reagent preparation and standardization for exclusive laboratory use.
Quality control in clinical laboratories.
Specimen collection and preservation.
Pathologist: Registered physician with specialized training in laboratory medicine.
Medical Technologist: Engages in medical technology under a pathologist’s supervision, registered after passing the relevant exams.
Medical Laboratory Technicians: Certified individuals assisting medical technologists or pathologists.
Accredited Medical Technology Training Laboratory: Approved clinical facilities by the Department of Health.
Recognized School of Medical Technology: Institutions offering a DOH-approved course in Medical Technology.
Council: Established council for medical technology education.
Board: Board of Examiners for Medical Technology.
Section 3. Council of Medical Technology Education
Composition:
Director of Higher Education (Chairman)
Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission (Vice-Chairman)
Director of the Bureau of Research and Laboratories
Members from the Medical Technology Board, Deans, and relevant associations.
Section 4. Compensation and Traveling Expenses of Council Members
Chairman: ₱50.00 per diem.
Members: ₱25.00 each per meeting.
Entitled to travel expenses for official duties.
Section 5. Functions of the Council
Recommend minimum curriculum for medical technology course.
Determine allowed student numbers per school.
Approve and periodically inspect medical technology schools.
Collect annual reports from schools.
Certify undergraduate internship eligibility for students.
Formulate refresher courses for failed examinees and enforce necessary regulations.
Section 6. Minimum Required Course
Must be a 4-year program with a 12-month internship, including subjects such as:
English, Biochemistry, Gross Anatomy
Clinical Parasitology, Physiology
Histology, Microbiology
Clinical methods (hematology, serology, etc.)
The Council can modify subjects based on progress in medical technology.
Section 7. Medical Technology Board
Created under the Professional Regulation Commission, with members including a pathologist and registered medical technologists.
Members serve a 3-year term.
Section 8. Qualifications of Examiners
Must be a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, and qualified in laboratory medicine or medical technology for at least 10 years prior to the appointment.
Section 9. Executive Officer of the Board
Functions and appointments outlined in later sections.
Section 10. Compensation of Members
Members earn ₱10 per applicant examined and ₱5 for registration without examination.
Section 11. Functions and Duties of the Board
Administer provisions of the Act, issue, revoke certifications, oversee medical technology practice, investigate violations, and draft regulations as required.
Section 12. Removal of Board Members
Members can be removed for neglect, incompetency, or misconduct after due process.
Section 13. Accreditation of Schools and Laboratories
Approval and accreditation processes established for schools and training laboratories based on set qualifications and standards.
Section 14. Inhibition Against Unauthorized Practice
No practice of medical technology without valid registration, with exceptions for registered physicians and foreign professionals under specific conditions.
Section 15. Examination Requirements
Registration candidates must pass an annual written examination. Notices published ahead of time.
Section 16. Qualification for Examination
Candidates must provide proof of good health, moral character, and educational qualifications.
Section 17. Scope of Examination
Subjects tested and their respective weightings are defined, with provisions for modifications.
Section 18. Report of Rating
Examination results processed and reported within 120 days.
Section 19. Rating in Examination
Criteria for passing the examination include a minimum average and subject requirements.
Section 20. Oath Taking
Successful examinees required to take professional oaths prior to practice.
Section 21. Certificate of Registration
Issued upon passing the exam, with specific age and display requirements.
Section 22. Fees
Board established fees for examinations and various registrations.
Section 23. Refusal to Issue Certificate
Guidelines for denying certification based on ethical breaches or legal issues.
Section 24. Administrative Investigation
Procedures for handling complaints against medical technologists and consequences for misconduct.
Section 25. Appeal Process
Penalties imposed by the Board can be appealed to the Civil Service Commissioner.
Section 26. Reinstatement of Certificate
Revocation can be lifted under appropriate conditions.
Section 27. Foreign Reciprocity
Certification dependent on bilateral agreements with other countries regarding medical technology practices.
Section 28. Roster of Medical Technologists
Annual roster maintained for registered medical technologists.
Section 29. Penal Provisions
Offenses and penalties against unlawful practice, including fines and imprisonment.
Section 30. Separability Clause
If parts of the Act are declared invalid, the remainder remains effective.
Section 31. Repealing Clause
Repeal of conflicting acts, maintaining essential previous regulations.
Section 32. Effectivity
The Act takes effect upon approval, dated June 21, 1969.