RT 103 (ALL LECTURES)
LESSON 1: ETHICS AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Ethics
It is a study of ethical principles, codes or systems which should be strictly observed or followed
It points out which human acts ought to be approved and which one should be disapproved
Moral Reasoning
It is the study of how people think about right and wrong and how they acquire and apply moral rules
Refers to the logical process of determining whether an action is right or wrong
Moral Reasoning Model
1. Gather the facts
2. Determine the ethical issues
3. Identify the principles that have a bearing on the case
4. List the alternatives
5. Compare the alternatives with the principles
Personal Standard Behavior
Are rules of behavior that you set for yourself
These may help an individual to align their behavior with their views and goals
Have a dark side as an excuse for inflexibility, elitism or mediocrity
Competence
Is the set of demonstrable characteristics and skills that enable and improve the efficiency or performance of a job
Standards of Practice
Set of guidelines that delineate the expected techniques and procedures, and the order in which to use them, for interventions with individuals experiencing a range of psychological, medical, or educational conditions
Ethical Concepts and Principles
Autonomy
The act or power of making one's own choices or decisions
Non-maleficent
Derives from the ancient maxim primum non nocere, which, translated from the Latin, means first, do no harm
The principle of nonmaleficence directs physicians to “do no harm” to patients
Beneficence
Obligation to optimize benefit to the patient and should be considered through the prism of the patient's values and preferences
Justice
The quality or fact of being just, ethics the principle of fairness that like cases should be treated alike a particular distribution of benefits and burdens fairly
Paternalism
The policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates' supposed best interest
Fidelity
Faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty
Nature of Ethics
Refers to the normative standards of behavior pertaining to the ideal code of conduct of human beings.
This is substantially different from that of our feelings
The ethical choices get affected significantly by our feelings
Ethical Values
Refer to social and cultural concepts that guide the behavior of an individual or an organization
Health Ethics
It looks at moral issues involved in our understanding of life
Professionalism and Etiquette
Professionalism is the state or practice of doing one’s job with skill, competence, ethics, and courtesy
The conduct, behavior and attitude of someone in a work or business environment
Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group
A system of principles governing medical conduct. It deals with the relationship of the doctor with the patient, patient’s family, fellow physicians, and a society at large
Code of Ethics
A code of conduct in that it establishes behavior expectations that an organization has of its employees and third parties
Code of Ethics for Radiologic Technologist
The radiologic technologist conducts himself or herself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care.
The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion or socioeconomic status.
The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purpose for which they were designed and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient.
The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self and other members of the health care team. The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient’s right to quality radiologic technology care.
The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient’s right to privacy and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community.
The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues and investigating new aspects of professional practice.
Types of Ethics Violation
Fraud or deceptive practices
Subversion
Unprofessional conduct
Scope-of-practice violations
Being unfit to practice
Improper management of patient records
Violation of state laws, federal laws, or regulatory rules
Failure to report violations or errors
Systematic Analysis of Ethical Problems
It is a systematic approach to figuring out the right moral decision in a particular situation. By analyzing the situation logically, in accordance with your ethical code, you can figure out which options are both effective and moral
Gather the facts
Define the ethical issues involved
Identify the parties involved
List potential solutions and the possible consequences if you act on them
Pick the most ethical action to follow
Lesson 2: ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE
ETHICAL ISSUES
Everyone has a personal code of ethics that evolves based on their cultural and environmental background.
Professionals have code of ethics which patterns behavior when working within the scope of the profession
This is to maximize the patient wellness
RT must maintain dignity and sense of self-worth
4 PRINCIPLES IN DECISION-MAKING
Respect for autonomy - obtain the wishes of the patient so that their autonomy can be protected.
Beneficence - to seek to act in the patient’s best interest.
Non-maleficence - designate harm and determine how to avoid it.
Justice - navigate due process to determine where the limits on healthcare lie.
5 ETHICAL ISSUES IN HEALTHCARE
Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
Patient Confidentiality
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
Healthcare Accessibility
Allocating Limited Donor Organs, Medications and Tools of Support
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
It is defined as the freedom to act, work, and behave without retribution bestowed upon members of an organization through legal, regulatory and societal standards.
Constitutional Rights
Civil Rights
Political Rights
Economic Rights
Social Rights
Cultural rights
SOCIAL RIGHTS
These are rights arising from the social contract, in contrast to natural rights which arise from the natural law.
This assures that the public receives equal distribution of collective and private interests.
Right to Health
Right to Access to Quality Public Health Care
Right to Healthy and Safe Workplace
Right to Prevention and Education Programs
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Culture is defined as the shared ideas, meanings, and values acquired by individuals as members of society.
Cultural considerations is defined as the degree to which cultural awareness plays a role in interactions with a particular cultural group.
Language barriers.
Unfamiliarity with the concept of palliative care/hospice settings.
Distrust of
health care services/clinicians.
Personal experiences/past trauma.
Religious differences.
Belief in alternative medicines.
Fear of the unknown.
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
It means any payments, fees, reimbursement for expenses, gifts, or anything else of value, provided that "economic consideration" does not include salary, wages or benefits furnished by a federal, state or local government agency.
The factors associated with the purchase or manufacture of a product or asset that relate to life cycle cost
TECHNOLOGY AND SCARCE RESOURCES
Scarcity refers when the demand for a resource is greater than the supply of that resource, as resources are limited.
Its resource, limited due to natural phenomena or to technical reasons
Land
Water
Labour
Health care
Fixed supply of roads
ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE
- increase access to comprehensive, high-quality health care services
HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION AND RESEARCH
Human experimentation is when the physician's departure from standard medical practice of treatment for the purpose of obtaining new knowledge or testing a scientific hypothesis on human subjects.
Three basic ethical principles governing human subjects:
Respect for persons
Beneficence
Justice
END-OF-LIFE ISSUES
The main situations that create ethical difficulties for healthcare professionals are the decisions regarding:
resuscitation
mechanical ventilation
artificial nutrition and hydration
terminal sedation
withholding and withdrawing treatments
euthanasia
physician-assisted suicide
4 areas:
physical comfort
mental and emotional needs
spiritual needs, and
practical tasks
ETHICAL RESEARCH
It is the moral principles that guide researchers to conduct and report research without deception or intention to harm the participants of the study or members of the society as a whole, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
This involves the application of fundamental ethical principles to research activities which include the design and implementation of research, respect towards society and others, the use of resources and research outputs, scientific misconduct and the regulation of research.
Lesson 3: LEGAL ISSUES
LEGAL ISSUES
It is something that happens that has legal implications that may need the help of a lawyer to sort out.
LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
This protects healthcare workers, their employer and the patient based on laws created by federal, state and local governments.
PARAMETERS OF LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
RT are legally responsible when injury occurs in the work area
Examine the scope of practice of RT for guideline of safe performance
Remember that patients are protected by “Patient’s Bill of rights”
RA 7431
Code of Ethics for Radiologic Technologist/X-ray Technologist
Criminal Law
Civil Law
RT Associations
Public Opinion
LEGAL DUTIES OF A RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST TOWARD HIS PATIENT
Duty to possess reasonable skill
Duty to possess knowledge of the profession
Duty to exercise ordinary care and diligence
Duty to exercise the best judgment
Duty to utmost good faith
CONFIDENTIALITY
In health care refers to the obligation of professionals who have access to patient records or communication to hold that information in confidence.
It functions to impose a boundary on the amount of personal information and data that can be disclosed without consent
PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
This refers to the right of patients to keep their records private and represents physicians’ and medical professionals’ moral and legal obligations in handling patients’ sensitive medical and personal information.
PRINCIPAL TYPE OF PATIENT RECORDS
Radiograph
Reported Interpretation
CD/USB
HOW HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CAN UPHOLD PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
Following DPA guidelines.
Complying with state regulations.
Protecting electronic health information with safeguards and encryption.
Establishing facility-wide procedures and protocols for handling patient information
Ask for consent to share information
Consider safeguarding when sharing information
Be aware of the information you have and whether it is confidential
Keep records whenever you share confidential information
Be up to date on the laws and rules surrounding confidentiality.
PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
Physicians are legally permitted to share their patient’s health information without permission:
Patient safety. A healthcare professional can breach patient confidentiality to protect a patient’s safety.
Public health. If a reported case of an infectious disease puts public health at risk, healthcare professionals must reveal the patient’s information for the well-being of the community.
Health outcomes. Healthcare practitioners are permitted to share information for clinical purposes, such as discussing a diagnosis with colleagues, referring patients to another facility, or speaking with a pharmacist. This can include vital clinical data if it is needed to optimize patient care.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
It is the communication which uses electronic media to transmit the information or message using computers, e-mail, telephone, video calling, FAX machine, etc.
Types of electronic communication:
E-mail
Messaging
Blogging
Video Chat
Social Networking
Telex
Fax
Multimedia
TORT
It is defined as the wrongful act; a civil crime that does not involve a contract.
Categories of tort:
Intentional Tort - is a wrongful act that someone plans and carries out while fully aware of their actions
Negligent/Unitentional Tort - the reckless or careless behavior that resulted in the injury or harm of someone else
Strict Liability Tort - a type of personal injury case in which you as the defendant are held liable regardless of whether you were negligent or not.
COMMON TORTS
Malpractice: (bad practice); “professional negligence”; the failure of a professional to use learned knowledge or skills and an injury occurs, or, there is loss or damage to the person receiving care.
Abuse: A care that results in physical harm, pain or mental anguish.
Physical Abuse: hitting, forcing against will, restraining movement, withholding food and/or water, not providing physical care.
Verbal Abuse: speaking harshly, swearing, shouting, use of inappropriate words to describe race, writing threats or abusive statements.
Psychological Abuse: threatening harm, denying rights, belittling, intimidating, ridiculing, threatening to reveal information about the patient
Sexual Abuse: any unwanted sexual touching or act; use of sexual gestures or suggesting sexual behavior.
Defamation: False statements or incorrect information that causes the person to be ridiculed or damages their reputation.
2 types of Defamation: Slander - Spoken Lies
Libel - Written Lies
Lesson 4: LEGAL ISSUES (Continuation)
Tort against a person:
Assault
a threat or attempt to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm on a person (as by lifting a fist in a threatening manner) that puts the person in immediate danger of or in apprehension of such harm.
Battery
is an unlawful application of force directly or indirectly upon another person or their personal belongings, causing bodily injury or offensive contact.
False Imprisonment
on the act of confinement without consent, whereas kidnapping requires intent, movement, and elements such as force, fear, fraud, or deception.
IIED
occurs when one acts in a manner that intentionally or recklessly causes another to suffer severe emotional distress, such as issuing the threat of future harm.
Negligence
is the failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances.
Nuisance
is defined as a “condition, activity, or situation (such as a loud noise or foul odor) that. interferes with the use or enjoyment of property….” The interference created must be unreasonable and substantial to qualify as a nuisance.
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES (FROM MA’AM VAM)
Autonomy
Person’s self-reliance, independence, liberty, right, privacy, individual choices,
freedom of will, and self-contained ability to decide.
Beneficence
Doing good; active promotion of good, kindness and charity.
Code of Ethics
Articulated statement of role morality as seen by the members of the profession.
Confidentiality
Belief that health-related information about individual patients should not be
revealed to others. It implies privacy.
Double Effect
Refers to the fact that some actions may produce both a good and a bad effect.
Justice
Equitable, fair or just conduct in dealing with others.
Legal Rights
Rights of individuals or groups that are established and guaranteed by law.
Moral Principles
General universal guide to action that are derived from co-called basic moral truths that should be respected unless a morally compelling reason exists not to do so, also referred to as ethical principles.
Nonmaleficence
Ethical principles that place high value on avoiding harm to others.
It is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare, meaning "do no harm."
Paternalism
Refers to the attitude that sometimes prompts health care workers to make decisions regarding a person’s care without consulting the person affected.
Respect for Property
Refers to keeping the belongings of patients safe and taking care not to intentionally damage or waste equipment or supplies with which one works.
Sanctity of Life
Refers to the belief that life is the highest good and nobody has the right to judge that another person’s quality of life is so poor that his or her life is not of value and should be terminated.
You cannot make life-and-death decisions for your patients based on your personal values.
Values
Ideals and customs of a society towards which the members of a group have an affective regard.
A value may be quality desirable as an end in itself.
Veracity
Duty to tell the truth and avoid deception.
Virtue
Traits or characters that are socially valued, such as courage.
COMMON LEGAL DOCTRINES (FROM MA’AM VAM)
Respondeat Superior
This doctrine means "let the master answer."
It holds that an employer (like a hospital or clinic) can be held liable for the negligent acts of its employees (like doctors or nurses) if those acts occur within the scope of their employment.
Proximate Cause
This doctrine establishes that a medical professional's negligence is the direct cause of an injury.
To prove negligence, it must be shown that the injury would not have occurred without the negligence, or that the negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injury.
Res Ipsa Loquitur
Meaning "the thing speaks for itself"
This doctrine allows a court to infer negligence in certain situations where it's clear the injury wouldn't have occurred without negligence, even without direct proof of negligence.
This is often used in cases where the cause of the injury is inherently beyond the patient's control.
EX: presence of a sponge or clamp in the body cavity of a patient who has had surgery is a self-evident indication of negligent conduct by some member of the operating team.
Duty of Care/Standard of Care
Medical professionals have a legal and ethical duty to provide a standard of care, meaning they must act as a reasonably prudent and competent practitioner would in similar circumstances.
The doctrine of a reasonable doctor helps establish this standard by comparing the actions of the medical professional to what would be expected of a reasonable doctor in similar circumstances.
Medical Malpractice
This refers to professional negligence that causes harm to a patient. It typically involves a breach of duty of care, which leads to an injury.
EX. A doctor breaches his duty of care when he fails to reach the standard of proficiency expected of him.
Informed Consent
Patients must be adequately informed about the risks and benefits of a medical procedure before they can give informed consent. Failure to do so can lead to legal consequences.
Confidentiality/Privilege
Medical professionals have a duty to maintain the confidentiality of patient information, unless there are specific exceptions, such as court orders or legal mandates.
PATIENT CONSENT (FROM MA’AM VAM)
Implied Consent
Provided by the behavior of the patient
Ex. patient presents at outpatient clinic
Express Consent
Anything other than implied consent
May be oral or written
Informed Consent
Consent must be obtained after a reasonable explanation of the proposed procedure, so that he is enable to make informed decision whether or not to submit
The Extension Doctrine
Provides an exception to the general rule that a patient’s consent is limited to those procedures contemplated when consent is given
If in the course of authorized medical intervention a doctor discovers a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment and the patient is unable to consent, the doctor may extend the operation or procedure without the patient’s express consent
Therapeutic Privilege
A situation where full disclosure to the patient might be harmful and therefore contraindicated, a doctor may have a therapeutic privilege to withhold information
This privilege avails only when the patient’s distress and apprehension are so great that full disclosure of all risks might cause emotional harm or induce the patient to refuse treatment, fail to cooperate with treatment, or make an irrational choice treatment alternatives
Used in rare circumstances only
Lesson 5: RA-7431
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY LAW (RA 7431)
Radiologic Technology Act of 1992
Approved on April 22, 1992
An act regulating the practice of radiologic technology in the Philippines, creating the board of radiologic technology defining its powers and functions for other purposes
Sec 18: Examination Required
Except as otherwise specifically allowed under the provisions of this Act and other existing laws, all applicants for registration as radiologic technologists and x-ray technologists shall be required to undergo an examination which shall be given once a year by the Board, through the Commission, according to its rules and regulations and at such time and place as may be determined by the Commission
Sec 19: Qualifications for Examinations
(a) Is a Filipino citizen:
(b) Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; and
(c) Is a holder of a baccalaureate degree in radiologic technology from a school, college or university recognized by the Government if he applies for the radiologic technology examination or is a holder of an associate in radiologic technology diploma from a school, college or university recognized by the Government if he applies for the x-ray technology examination.
Sec 22: Report of Ratings
The Board shall, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of completion of the examination, report the rating obtained by each candidate to the Commission which shall submit such report to the President of the Philippines for approval.
Board > commission > president
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.
Relevant Professional Regulation Commission regulations and guidelines on continuing professional development
Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016 (RA 10912)
RA 7431 (IN DEPTH)
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7431, April 22, 1992
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
SEC. 1. Title. This Act shall be known and cited as the "Radiologic TechnoIogy 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.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
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 radiologic 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 diseases 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; and
"Commission, refers to the Professional Regulation Commission created under Presidential Decree Numbered Two hundred and twenty-three.
SEC. 4. Practice of X-ray Technology. - The practice of x-ray technology shall include any and all acts by which one renders, furnishes, or contracts to render or furnish professional service as an x-ray technologist.
An 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 x-ray technologist.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to disqualify other professionals duly registered with the Professional Regulation Commission from performing any of the acts abovementioned: Provided, That under the law or laws governing their respective professions, they may perform the said acts: Provided further, That no person shall use the title "X-ray Technologist" or any other title conveying the impression that he is an x-ray technologist without having been issued a certificate of registration as x-ray technologist by the Commission in the manner provided in this Act.
SEC. 5. Practice of Radiologic Technology. - The practice of radiologic technology shall include any and all acts by which one renders, furnishes, or contracts to render or furnish professional service as a radiologic technologist.
A 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 radiologic technologist.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to disqualify other professionals duly registered with the Professional Regulation Commission from performing any of the acts abovementioned: Provided, That under the law or laws governing their respective professions, they may perform the said acts: Provided further, That no person shall use the title "Radiologic Technologist' or any other title conveying the impression that he is a radiologic technologist without having been issued a certificate of registration as radiologic technologist by the Commission in the manner provided in this Act.
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 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; 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 shall possess the qualifications prescribed in Section 7 of this Act.
SEC.7. Qualifications of Board Members. -
Each member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:
Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines
Be of good moral character;
Be at least thirty (30) years of age; and
Is neither a member of the faculty, whether full time, part time or lecturer, of any school, college or university where a regular course in radiologic technology is taught, nor has any pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in such institution during his term of office as a Board member.
Three (3) members of the Board, including the Chairman, shall at the time of their appointment:
Be radiologic technologists; and
Have at least ten (10) years practice as radiologic technologists prior to their appointment: Provided, That the three (3) radiologic technologists appointed as members of the first Board shall be deemed automatically registered as radiologic technologists upon assumption of their duties members.
One (1) member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:
Be a radiologists; and
Has at least ten (10) years practice as a radiologist prior to his appointment:
One (1) member of the Board shall at the time of his appointment:
Be a medical physicist; and
Has at least ten (10) years practice as a medical physicist.
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.
SEC. 9. Duties and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following duties and functions:
To enforce the provisions of this Act;
To administer oaths in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
To issue and, after due investigation, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of radiologic technology and x-ray technology;
To investigate any violation of this Act or of the rules and regulations issued thereunder, as may come to the knowledge of the Board and, for this purpose, to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to alleged violators or witnesses to secure their attendance in investigations or hearings, and the production of books, papers and documents in connection therewith and compel their attendance by the power to cite and punish for contempt;
To conduct yearly board examinations to radiologic technology and x-ray technology examinees under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission;
To look, from time to time, into the condition affecting the practice of radiologic technology and x-ray technology in the Philippines, and adopt such measures as may be deemed necessary for the maintenance of the standards and ethics of the profession;
To promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the same shall be issued only after the approval thereof by the Commission; and
To adopt a seal to authentic its official documents.
The Board shall exercise these powers and duties in accordance with Presidential Decree Numbered Two hundred and twenty-three.
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.
SEC. 12. Supervision of the Board and Custody of Its Records. - 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.
SEC. 14. Annual Report. - 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.
SEC. 15. Requirement for the Practice of Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technology. - Unless exempt from the examinations under Sections 16 and 17 hereof, no person shall practice or offer to practice as a radiologic technologist and/or x-ray technologist in the Philippines without having obtained the proper certificate of registration from the Board.
SEC. 16. Exemption from Examination in X-ray Technology. - Examinations shall not be required of the following persons:
The first members of the Board of Radiologic Technology as provided in Section 7 (b) hereof; and
Those who, prior to the approval of this Act, have passed the Civil Service examination for x-ray technicians, or the examination for the private sector x-ray technicians, or the examination for chest x-ray technicians, or the proficiency examination for medical radiation technicians administered by the Department of Health through its Radiation Health Office, Radiological Health Service, or Radiation Health Service.
Those so exempt under the aforementioned categories shall register with the Board after they have complied with the requirements for registration as radiologic technologists.
SEC. 17. Exemption from Examination in Radiologic Technology. - Examination shall not be required of the following persons:
The first members of the Board of Radiologic Technology as provided in Section 7(b) hereof;
Radiologic technologists from other countries invited for lectures or consultation or as visiting or exchange professors to colleges or universities duly recognized by the Government: Provided, That such radiologic technologists arc legally qualified to practice as such in their own state or country: Provided, further, That they shall first secure a special from the Board which shall be valid as the Board may determine: Provided, finally, That the privilege granted in this subsection shall be given only to radiologic technologists from countries giving similar privilege to their Filipino counterparts;
Those who, prior to the approval of this Act, have passed the proficiency examination for medical radiation technologists administered by the Department of Health through its Radiation Health Office, Radiological Health Service, or Radiation Health Service; and
Those who, prior to the approval of this Act, have passed the Civil Service examination for x-ray technicians, or the examination for private sector x-ray technicians, or the proficiency examination for medical radiation technicians administered by the Department of Health through its Radiation Health Office, Radiological Health Service or Radiation Health Service, with ten (10) years continuous practice of radiologic technology after passing one of these aforementioned examinations.
Those falling under categories (a), (c) and (d) shall register with the Board after they have complied with the requirements for registration as radiologic technologists.
SEC. 18. Examination Required. - Except as otherwise specifically allowed under the provisions of this Act and other existing laws, all applicants for registration as radiologic technologists and x-ray technologists shall be required to undergo an examination which shall he given once a year by the Board, through the Commission, according to its rules and regulations and at such time and place as may be determined by the Commission.
SEC. 19. Qualifications for Examination. - Every applicant for examination under this Act shall, prior to admission for examination, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he:
Is a Filipino citizen;
Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; and
Is a holder of a baccalaureate degree in radiologic technology from a school, college or university recognized by the Government if he applies for the radiologic technology examination, or is a holder of an associate in radiologic technology diploma from a school, college or university recognized by the Government if he applies for the x-ray technology examination.
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:
SEC. 21. Scope of Examination in Radiologic Technology. - Unless changed or modified by the Board, the examination in radiologic technology shall cover the following subjects with the corresponding weights as follows:
SEC. 22. Report of Ratings. - The Board shall, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of completion of the examination, report the rating obtained by each candidate to the Commission which shall submit such report to the President of the Philippines for approval.
In order to pass the examination, a candidate must obtain a weighted average of at least 75% with no rating below 60% in any subject. An examinee who obtains an average rating of 75% or higher but gets a rating below 60% in any subject shall be allowed to take a reexamination in only those subjects in which he obtained a rating below 60%. Such examination shall, as far as practicable, be taken in the next scheduled examination.
In order to pass the second examination, the examinee must obtain a rating of 75% in each of the subjects repeated. If the candidate still fails the reexamination, he shall, as far as practicable be required to repeat said subjects during the succeeding examination. When an applicant fails to qualify after the third examination, he shall be required to take the entire 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,
SEC. 24. Issuance of Certificates of Registration. - Every applicant who has satisfactorily passed the required examination shall, upon payment of the registration fee as provided in Section 25, be issued a certificate of registration as radiologic technologist and/or x-ray technologist.
The Board shall, subject to review by the Commission, issue the corresponding certificates to persons who apply for the same who are exempt from the examinations provided under Sections 16 and 17 thereof.
All certificates of registration shall contain the full name of the registrant, serial number, signature of the Commissioner, date of issuance, and the official seal of the Board duly affixed thereto.
SEC. 25. Fees. - Unless otherwise fixed by the Commission, each examinee or registrant shall pay the following fees:
SEC 26. Penal Provisions. - Any person who shall practice radiologic technology and/or x-ray technology in the Philippines, within the meaning of this Act, with any of the following attending circumstances shall, upon conviction by final judgment, be punished with a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P 10,000) nor more than Forty thousand pesos (P40,000), or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the court:
Without a certificate of registration in accordance with the provisions of this Act;
Presenting or using as his own the certificate of registration of another person;
Using an expired license, or suspended or revoked certificate of registration;
Giving any false or forged evidence to the Board of Radiologic Technology in order to obtain a certificate of registration;
Posing or advertising as a registered radiologic and/or x-ray technologist or using any other means tending to convey the impression that he is a registered radiologic and/or x-ray technologist; and
Violation of any of the provision or provisions of this Act.
SEC. 27. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the compensation of the members of the Board shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following the approval of this Act and thereafter.
SEC 28. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and other issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 30. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect one (1) month after its publication in any newspaper of general circulation.