Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC BOARD OF NURSING BOARD Resolution NO. 220, SERIES 2004)
The primary responsibility of Filipino registered nurses is to preserve health at all costs, which includes promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, restoration of health, and assistance towards a peaceful death when other measures are not possible.
The Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses under Section 9, paragraph (g), Article III of Republic Act No. 9173, known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.
Ethical principles include respecting values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals; respecting individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions; and holding personal information acquired during nursing care in strict confidence.
Registered nurses must consider the individuality and totality of patients, respect spiritual beliefs and practices regarding diet and treatment, uphold the rights of individuals, and take into consideration the culture and values of patients. However, in cases of conflict, the welfare and safety of patients must take precedence.
Registered nurses must know the definition and scope of nursing practice as provided in Republic Act No. 9173 and Board Resolution No. 425, Series of 2003, which are the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.
Registered nurses are advocates of patients and must respect the Patients' Bill of Rights, provide all pertinent information to patients or their families except where it may be harmful, and uphold patients' rights when conflicts arise regarding care management.
Registered nurses must decline any gifts, favors, or hospitality that could be interpreted as capitalizing on patients, must not demand or receive any commission, fee, or emolument for recommending or referring a patient to a physician or health worker, and must not pay commissions or fees for patient referrals.
They must maintain professional role/identity, conform to acceptable ethico-legal standards, contribute to professional growth of the health team, participate actively in organizations, avoid prejudicial acts against other professions, and respect the rights and dignity of colleagues.
Registered nurses must be conscious of their obligations as citizens, be involved in community concerns, be equipped with knowledge of community health resources, participate actively in programs addressing social problems, lead lives according to right conduct and decorum, and project a positive image of the profession.
The Certificate of Registration of a Registered Nurse may be revoked or suspended for violations of any provisions of the Code pursuant to Section 23 (f), Article IV of Republic Act No. 9173 and Section 23 (f), Rule III of Board Resolution No. 425, Series of 2003.