Medical Technology - Board Law_0

As amended by RA 6132, PD 498 and PD 1534

Practice of Medical Technology: Involves a person rendering professional services to aid physicians in diagnosis, treatment and health promotion for compensation. Key services include:
- Examination of body tissues, secretions, and fluids using various laboratory techniques (chemical, microscopic, etc.).
- Blood banking procedures.
- Parasitologic, mycologic, and microbiologic techniques.
- Histopathologic and cytotechnological procedures (registered medical laboratory technicians may perform these).
- Clinical research involving patients.
- Preparation and standardization of laboratory reagents and quality control.
- Specimen collection and preservation.
Pathologist: Registered physician trained in laboratory medicine to diagnose disease, assess treatment effectiveness, and conduct research.
Medical Technologist: A professional who conducts medical technology work under a pathologist's supervision, having completed the required education and registration.
Medical Laboratory Technicians: Assist medical technologists/pathologists, certified to perform specified tasks.

Accredited Medical Technology Training Laboratory: Approved clinical establishments by the Department of Health.
Recognized School of Medical Technology: Institutions approved for offering medical technology courses by the Department of Education.
Council: The governing body for medical technology education established under this Act.
Board: The Board of Examiners for Medical Technology created by this Act.

Composed of:
- Director of Higher Education (Chairman)
- Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission (Vice-Chairman)
- Director of the Bureau of Research and Laboratories (Department of Health)
- Members from the Medical Technology Board, Deans of Schools, and representatives from professional associations.
Functions of the Council:
- Recommend medical technology curriculum.
- Set student limits per school and inspect compliance.
- Approve and recommend the closure of substandard schools.
- Certify students for internship and recommend refresher courses for failing examinees.

Medical technology course requires a minimum of four years and includes:
- Subjects covering various sciences (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, etc.) and practical labs.
The Council can modify subject requirements as needed.

Medical Technology Board Composition:
- A pathologist (Chair), two registered medical technologists, appointed by the President.
Qualifications for Examiners:
- Filipino citizen, good moral character, practiced medicine for ten years, not affiliated with medical schools for two years.
Compensation: Members receive fees for examining applicants and issuing certifications.

Functions Include:
- Administer the provisions of the Act, administer oaths, issue and revoke certifications, and ensure ethical standards.
- Investigate violations of the Act using subpoena power.
- Set technical staff qualifications in clinical laboratories.

Removal of Board Members: Can be removed by the President for misconduct.
Accreditation Process: Schools and laboratories need approval based on quality standards.
Examination Requirements:
- Written exam for applicants, with a passing rate of 75%.
- Oath-taking prior to practice.
Issuance of Certificate: Successful examinees receive a registration certificate; provisions for international recognition and experience-based certifications.

The Board can refuse certifications for various moral and professional violations.
Administrative investigations must be conducted to address possible misconduct, with hearings ensuring rights are upheld.