QuestionsQuestions (PITAHC CIRCULAR NO. 02 SERIES OF 2013)
It implements the IRR on the national certification of naturopaths and accreditation of naturopathy training programs, training centers, and naturopathy centers/facilities pursuant to Rule VI (Promotion, Advocacy and Training) and Rule VIII (Codes of Practice) of the IRR of R.A. 8423. Its objective is to set procedures and guidelines for quality control, certification, and accreditation, and to strengthen accountability and continuous service improvement in traditional and alternative health care.
They apply to: (1) accreditation of naturopathy training programs, (2) accreditation of naturopathy training centers, (3) accreditation of naturopathy centers/facilities, and (4) national certification of naturopaths (including medical naturopaths).
A Naturopath is not PRC-licensed as a physician and has completed the prescribed naturopathy course in a learning institution accredited by PITAHC’s National Certification Committee. A Medical Naturopath is a naturopath who is also licensed by the PRC to practice medicine in the Philippines as a physician.
For non-medical naturopaths, the Guidelines exclude competencies such as: biomedicine diagnosis, correlating laboratory findings, prescribing drugs, analyzing laboratory tests for naturopathy-related treatment, performing advanced naturopathy methods (e.g., IV/IM/subcutaneous), and conducting clinical/experimental naturopathy-related research activities.
For medical naturopaths, the Guidelines exclude: performing new/advanced naturopathic treatment methods and conducting clinical/experimental naturopathy-related research activities.
The Committee is composed of the PITAHC Director General (ex-officio chairperson), permanent representatives (Advocacy and Training Division Chief; Standard and Accreditation Division Chief), and sectoral representatives: two (2) medical naturopaths, one (1) naturopathic practitioner, one (1) representative from an accredited training center/school, and one (1) representative from a naturopathy-related consumer/health-related NGO. The PITAHC Director General appoints the five (5) sectoral representatives upon recommendation of a selection committee.
A majority vote of the five (5) sectoral representatives is required. Quorum is a majority of members (3 of 5 sectoral representatives). The PITAHC Director General casts the vote in case of a tie among sectoral representatives present, subject to PITAHC Board ratification/approval.
They include: developing/maintaining assessments based on competency standards and code of ethics; issuing naturopathy training policies; accrediting training programs/centers/schools and centers/facilities; administering national certification assessments; certifying practitioners; revoking certifications/accreditations for cause; rescheduling/canceling assessments; accommodating candidates with disabilities; safeguarding public trust via the PITAHC code; developing/monitoring a databank; representing interests of medical and non-medical naturopaths; recommending naturopathy research; and reviewing quad media advertising of naturopathy practice/services.
The assessment results shall only be “passed” or “failed.” Results are published at the bulletin board or publication of PITAHC.
CNP includes assessing patient according to the naturopathic framework and may assess according to the biomedicine framework for referral purposes without needing full biomedical assessment. CMN includes assessing patient according to the biomedicine framework within a naturopathic environment, in addition to naturopathic assessment.
They must have completed a prescribed naturopathy course of no less than 1500 hours, including no less than 400 hours of supervised clinical training or its equivalent of a minimum of two (2) years full-time study.
They must be (1) licensed physicians of good moral character; (2) graduates of not less than 1000 hours, including no fewer than 400 hours of supervised clinical training in naturopathy for physicians (with specified allocations for basic principles/theories and clinical preceptorship practice); and (3) have a certificate of attendance in classroom and clinic settings from accredited PITAHC training centers/schools.
The application fee is P500.00 for applicants who complied with requirements; for Community Based Health Programs it is P300.00.
The Guidelines state the ground as violation of the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice for naturopaths.
It must have required rooms (classroom, assessment/examination room with specified instruments, treatment room, auxiliary rooms), a library and relevant materials, the original copy of PITAHC Competency Standards and Code of Ethics, and adequate personnel including a full-time training officer (college graduate) and regular academic/skills trainers who have passed the PITAHC Training of Trainers Competency Assessment.
Training Center accreditation is valid for one (1) year for newly accredited centers (with annual renewal thereafter) and is non-transferable. Naturopathy Center/Facility accreditation is valid for two (2) years and is non-transferable.
They must hold a Philippine passport and have resided in the country for at least 3 years with an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE; demonstrate language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL and fluent in Filipino); complete prescribed accredited naturopathy course with passing examination and a PITAHC Certificate of Registration; satisfy additional registration/certification exam requirements via an authorized component body; provide documentation of licensed/certified practice with at least 100 different patients and authenticated licensure/certification years and current active certification via Philippine Consulate; and must practice under the supervision of a Filipino PITAHC-certified naturopath practitioner or certified medical naturopath.