QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10862)
RA 10862 is known as the “Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016.”
The State recognizes the important role of registered nutritionist-dietitians in nation building and human development, and promotes their sustained development through regulatory measures and internationally recognized standards of professional service.
RA 10862 aims to govern: (a) standardization and regulation of nutrition and dietetics education; (b) examination, registration and licensure of RNDs; (c) standardization and regulation of the practice (including supervision/control); (d) development of professional competence through CPD; and (e) integration of the profession.
Dietetics is the science and art of applying nutrition principles to food planning and preparation, and regulation of diet in relation to health and disease, including promotive, preventive, therapeutic, and administrative nutritional services in health and food service settings.
AIPO refers to the one and only accredited integrated professional organization of nutritionist-dietitians recognized by the PRB of Nutrition and Dietetics, subject to approval of the PRC (Professional Regulation Commission).
At minimum: (a) must be an RND in the Philippines; (b) preferably has at least one (1) year of practice in a specialization; (c) must be a member in good standing of the AIPO; and (d) preferably has a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics/education/related allied sciences. The head of the program must have a master’s degree and at least five (5) years of experience.
It has a Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President from recommended lists: the Commission submits two recommendees per position from three nominees endorsed by the AIPO.
Board members must not (among others): (i) be members of the faculty of any school/college/university offering the course at the time of appointment; (ii) be an owner/shareholder/manager/consultant/staff or connected to a review school or center; and/or (iii) be an officer/board member/trustee of the AIPO.
Each holds office for three (3) years and may be reappointed for another term of three (3) years; however, the holding shall not be more than two (2) terms or not more than six (6) years.
The Board prescribes tables of specifications and syllabi; prepares and corrects examination questions; evaluates and approves applications; conducts and releases results; and administers oaths to successful examinees.
A candidate must obtain a general or weighted average rating of at least 75%, with no grade below 50% in any subject. There is also a remedial re-exam mechanism if the candidate failed the average but obtained at least 75% in at least half of total subjects.
Non-registration applies if the examinee has been: (a) convicted by final judgment of an offense involving moral turpitude; (b) adjudged guilty for violation of the General Instructions to Examinees; or (c) declared of unsound mind by a court.
Examples include: providing medical nutrition therapy via the Nutrition Care Process; optimizing health and well-being through quality products/programs/services; promoting nutritional health; setting standards/guidelines; managing food and nutrition systems; conducting nutrition research; and educating/training others about food and nutrition.
RNDs who have not actively practiced for five (5) consecutive years must attend a refresher course and CPD program offered by an AIPO-accredited institution.
It lists the name, address, registration dates and other pertinent dates of each RND, is opened for public inspection, and copies are available in the PRC records. It is prepared by the Commission every August starting the year following the Act’s effectivity.
Among others: using the title/indications of being a nutritionist-dietitian without valid registration; practicing without valid certificate/ID or special/temporary permit; using an RND’s seal/certificate; aiding illegal practice by an unregistered person; obtaining credentials through fraud; and impersonating an RND or holder of a special/temporary permit.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any major daily newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.