QuestionsQuestions (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2013-0006)
The text cites Section 16 of R.A. No. 10022 (amending R.A. No. 8042) as the authority for DOH to promulgate necessary guidelines for PEME, including prescribing a reasonable range of fees.
To set guidelines to carry out Rule XI (Role of DOH) in the Omnibus Rules and Regulations implementing the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by R.A. No. 10022.
All DOH-accredited medical clinics conducting PEME for land-based overseas work applicants and seafarers for domestic/overseas employment.
DOH-PTC is a prerequisite for accreditation; it is issued by DOH-BHFS to an applicant who will establish and operate a medical facility after compliance with required documents before construction, and also applies to facilities with substantial alteration/expansion/renovation.
Each clinic must have a valid QSS in place certified by a DOH-recognized certifying entity, and it must be implemented as part of continuous improvement and compliance with standards.
It enumerates minimum full-time staff including: a Head/Medical Director (licensed physician), examining physician(s), registered nurse, psychologist(s), psychometrician(s), audiometrician(s), dentist(s), and ancillary/support roles such as pathologist and radiologist (with weekly visit requirements if part-time), medical technologist(s), x-ray technologist(s), and administrative officer and Quality Management Representative (QMR).
Examples include separate examination rooms for male and female clients; dental clinic; optical room/area; audiometry room; psychological testing room (capacity for at least six persons); pre- and post-test HIV counseling room (or use consultation/follow-up rooms); clinical laboratory with specimen collection, working area, pathologist’s area, access to toilet; radiologic facility with x-ray room/control booth/dressing area; and support facilities such as separate male/female toilets, pantry/back room, supply storage, waste holding, and janitor’s closet.
Clinics must ensure prompt results of PEME within seventy-two (72) hours from the time of examination.
Clinics must follow DOH templates for certificates and statistical reports, submit data monthly in specified formats (Annexes E, F, G, H), report HIV test results using the indicated certificate format (Annex I), and submit reports automated/computerized plus maintain required logbooks (e.g., Master Logbook).
The fit PEME certificate is valid for ninety (90) days from the date of fitness (and if not deployed within 90 days, a complete basic DOH PEME is required).
It is valid for a maximum period of two (2) years, on condition the applicant is deployed within ninety (90) days from date of fitness. Exceptions include: if below 18 years old, maximum is one (1) year; and if limitations due to health reasons.
Decking practice (registration then farmed out to a medical clinic elsewhere) is not allowed. OFWs have freedom to choose any DOH-accredited or DOH-operated clinics for medical examinations, except where a seafarer’s cost is shouldered by the principal/shipowner.
The medical clinic/health facility that conducted the health examination(s) must pay for the OFW’s repatriation back to the Philippines and the cost of deployment.
The Peer Review Committee is created by the Secretary of Health based on BHFS recommendations and appeals. Decisions of the Peer Review Committee are final.
First offense: fine of Php 50,000. Second offense: suspension of COA and/or fine of Php 100,000. Third offense: revocation of COA. For repatriation cases, the penalty is revocation of COA.
BHFS may immediately preventively suspend the clinic for up to 60 days if found violating standards/rules/prohibited acts, or upon filing of a complaint related to Section 16 of R.A. No. 10022. During preventive suspension, the clinic must cease operations and not accept clients for medical examination; violating this may lead to revocation of COA.
The clinic may file a Motion for Reconsideration with BHFS, then elevate to the Office of the Secretary. The Office of the Secretary’s decision is final and executory.