Question & AnswerQ&A (PITAHC CIRCULAR NO. 01, SERIES OF 2010)
These guidelines are known as the PITAHC Guidelines on the National Certification of Chiropractic.
The policy of the State is to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system.
Chiropractic is defined as a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health, emphasizing manual techniques including joint adjustment and/or manipulation, focusing on subluxations.
The Committee is composed of the PITAHC Director General as Ex-officio Chairman, three duly-licensed practicing Chiropractors, one Medical Doctor preferably from PMA, and one Educator preferably from CHED, all appointed by the PITAHC Director General.
A person must be a Filipino citizen, at least twenty-one (21) years old, have completed the prescribed chiropractic course from a PITAHC-accredited learning institution, have passed the chiropractic certification examination, and hold a valid Certificate of Registration issued by PITAHC.
The curriculum should include basic science components, preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.), clinical sciences (history-taking, physical exam), chiropractic sciences and additional subjects (applied neurology, biomechanics), chiropractic care management interventions, documentation and recordkeeping, and research methodology.
A penalty shall be charged based on the national accounting rules and regulations per year for non-renewal, and the penalty fee may be changed upon PITAHC review.
No, chiropractors already practicing can register with the National Certification Committee for Chiropractic without taking the examination, provided they are Filipino citizens, at least 21 years old, certified by a PITAHC-recognized institution, and register within 30 days from the rules' effectivity.
They must submit proof that they meet chiropractic educational requirements, provide evidence of equivalent licensure from another regulated country, and submit a certificate that their practice in the Philippines will be supervised by a duly licensed Filipino chiropractor for six months.
The Certificate of Accreditation is valid for three (3) years and is subject to renewal, suspension, or cancellation for cause as determined by the PITAHC Committee.