Question & AnswerQ&A (PITAHC CIRCULAR NO. 02 SERIES OF 2013)
The guidelines are known as the PITAHC Guidelines on the National Certification of Naturopaths and Accreditation of Naturopathy Training Programs, Training Centers and Naturopathy Centers/Facilities.
It is the policy of the State to improve the quality and delivery of health care services through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system.
These guidelines apply to: 1) Accreditation of Training Programs, 2) Accreditation of Training Centers for Naturopathy, 3) Accreditation of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities, and 4) National Certification of Naturopaths.
Naturopathy is a distinct method of healing based on a philosophical perspective recognizing that all living forms possess a self-regulatory, inherent ability for self-healing, with approaches aimed at supporting and enhancing the body's own ability to heal.
A candidate must have completed a prescribed naturopathy course accredited by PITAHC of at least 1500 hours including 400 hours of supervised clinical training or equivalent of two years full-time study, passed the naturopathic certification examination, and hold a valid Certificate of Registration issued by the PITAHC National Certification Committee.
Certification may be revoked, canceled or suspended if the practitioner violates the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice for Naturopaths.
The Certificate of Accreditation for naturopathy training centers is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue for newly accredited centers, with annual renewal thereafter.
A penalty of five hundred pesos (P500.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Naturopathy Training Center.
The requirements include certified copy of registration documents, municipal or city permits, fire safety inspection certificates, a duly accomplished application form, payment of applicable fees, facilities such as treatment and assessment rooms, personnel who are PITAHC Certified Naturopathic Practitioners or Certified Medical Naturopaths, and compliance with equipment and administrative standards.
Accreditation must be renewed every two (2) years. A penalty of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per year is charged for late renewal by Naturopathy Centers/Facilities, while Community-Based Centers have a penalty of three hundred pesos (P300.00) per year for non-renewal.