02 RA5527_vs_SB2473-AUDIO

Note on Republic Act 5527: Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969

Page 1-2: Overview of Republic Act 5527

  • Title: Republic Act 5527

  • Purpose: Governs the practice of Medical Technology in the Philippines.

  • Structure: Comprised of 32 sections.

Page 3-4: Title and Definition

  • Act Requirement: Registration of Medical Technologists and definition of their practice.

  • Title: Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.

Page 5-6: Definition of Terms

  • Key Terms Defined:

    • Practice of Medical Technology

    • Pathologist

    • Medical Technologist

    • Medical Laboratory Technician

    • Accredited Medical Training Laboratory

    • Recognized School of Medical Technology

    • Council

    • Board

Page 7-8: Council of Medical Technology Education

  • Composition:

    • Chairman: Director of Higher Education

    • Vice-Chairman: Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission

    • Members:

      • Director of the Bureau of Research and Laboratories (DOH)

      • Chairman and two members of the Board of Medical Technology

      • Representative of Deans of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health

      • President of the Philippine Society of Pathologists

      • President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists

Page 9-10: Compensation and Functions

  • Compensation:

    • Chairman: Php 50.00 per diem

    • Members: Php 25.00 per diem

  • Travel Expenses: Entitled for official duties.

  • Functions: Defined in Section 10.

Page 11: Minimum Required Course

  • Duration: At least four years (BSMT, BSPH, BMLS) including a 12-month internship.

  • Current Practice: CMO No. 13 mandates a 12-month internship.

Page 12-14: Medical Technology Board

  • Creation: By the Professional Regulation Commission, appointed by the President.

  • Chairman: Pathologist.

  • Members: Two Registered Medical Technologists (RMTs).

  • Qualifications of Examiners: Filipino citizen, good moral character, qualified pathologist, RMT with relevant degree, and experience.

Page 15-19: Board Functions and Examination

  • Functions and Duties: Defined in Section 17.

  • Examination: Required written board exam held in August or September.

  • Qualification for Examination: Completion of a four-year course, good health, and moral character.

  • Scope of Examination: Includes Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Clinical Microscopy.

Page 20-30: Certification and Regulations

  • Oath Taking: Required for successful examinees.

  • Issuance of Certificate: Age requirement of 21 years.

  • Fees: Application and registration fees.

  • Refusal to Issue Certificate: Conditions outlined.

  • Administrative Investigation: Conducted by board members and legal officer.

Page 31-32: Appeals and Effectivity

  • Appeal Process: Final decision within 30 days; can appeal to the President.

  • Effectivity: Act effective upon approval on June 21, 1969.

Page 40-49: Current Relevance and Proposed Changes

  • Obsolescence: RA 5527 is outdated; practice scope has expanded.

  • Attempts to Change: Various bills proposed (e.g., Medical Technology Act of 2011, Senate Bill 2722).

  • New Proposals: SB 2473 includes 38 sections, with changes in structure and content.

    • Removed Sections: Related to the Council of Medical Technology Education and refusal to issue certificates.

    • Added Sections: Include policy declarations, technical committee, continuing professional development, and salary considerations.

Conclusion

  • Need for Update: The scope and roles of Medical Technologists have evolved, necessitating legislative updates to reflect current practices and standards i