QuestionsQuestions (PITAHC CIRCULAR NO. 01, SERIES OF 2010)
To prescribe the procedures and guidelines for implementing the PITAHC IRR on the National Certification of Chiropractic pursuant to RA 8423 (Rule VI on Promotion, Advocacy and Training), and to guide accreditation of chiropractic programs/training centers/clinics, continuous service improvement, and strengthen accountability of stakeholders.
“Chiropractic” is a health care profession concerned with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and their effects on general health, emphasizing manual techniques (e.g., joint adjustment/manipulation) with focus on subluxations (WHO definition). “Chiropractor” is a duly-registered and licensed health care professional engaged in chiropractic practice concerned with neuro-musculoskeletal health issues, similarly emphasizing manual techniques focusing on subluxations.
(1) Develop practice standards consistent with mainstream medical practice laws; (2) guide PITAHC regulation of chiropractic practice; (3) certify and endorse chiropractors and accredit training programs and institutions/clinics/organizations; (4) guide PITAHC in setting minimum chiropractic education requirements recommended by CHED; and (5) develop a Chiropractic Code of Ethics.
It has 5 members: the PITAHC Director General as ex-officio Chairman; and sector representatives consisting of three (3) duly-licensed practicing chiropractors, one (1) Medical Doctor (preferably from PMA), and one (1) educator (preferably from CHED). The five are appointed by the PITAHC Director General.
Of the appointed members, the first three (3) members serve for three (3) years, while the remaining two (2) members serve for two (2) years, renewable at the option of the PITAHC Director General.
A majority vote of the five (5) sectoral representatives is required. A meeting must be duly called, attended by a majority of members (3 of 5), and actions are subject to PITAHC approval. The PITAHC Director General casts the tie-breaking vote if there is a tie among sectoral representatives in a duly called meeting with quorum.
Examples include: developing assessments based on competency standards and ethics; formulating policies relating to chiropractic education and practice; recommending issues on certification/licensure administration; reviewing and approving continuing education courses; accrediting training programs/centers/schools/clinics; administering national certification assessments; certifying practitioners; revoking certification/accreditation for cause; safeguarding public trust through the Code of Ethics; and reviewing research proposals.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) on Education will be convened to work out the curriculum for chiropractic.
No person may engage in chiropractic practice in the Philippines unless they are: Filipino citizen; at least 21 years old; completed a prescribed chiropractic course in a PITAHC-accredited learning institution; satisfactorily passed the corresponding chiropractic certification examination; and hold a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued by PITAHC in cooperation with the National Certification Committee.
(1) Full-time bachelor’s degree in health sciences majoring in chiropractic completed in an accredited institution; (2) Graduate school level for those who have completed medicine or health-related courses leading toward doctorate in chiropractic; and (3) For holders of chiropractic degrees in other countries, subjects to review with an equivalency panel to align courses to the Philippine curriculum.
Examples: Basic science—chemistry, physics, biology (included/prerequisite). Preclinical—anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and toxicology, psychology, dietetics and nutrition, public health. Clinical science—history-taking skills and physical examination. Chiropractic science/additional—applied neurology and orthopedics; clinical biomechanics; chiropractic consumer assessment (e.g., gait/postural analysis, palpation); ethics and jurisprudence; and background studies of traditional/complementary/alternative healthcare.
Recording primary complaints, health history, physical examination, findings, assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan; accurate documentation of every chiropractic encounter; re-examination findings and documentation of care plan modifications; confidentiality and privacy; consent obligations; and insurance and legal reporting.
A learning institution may offer chiropractic course only after securing necessary accreditation from CHED and after submission of specified requirements to PITAHC, including CHED authorization to operate the degree programs, SEC registration (non-profit, non-proprietary), proposed curriculum complying with the Rules, a governing board reflecting public interest, resolution committing to accreditation standards, published ethics commitments on student recruitment/public information, and a written plan/process for planning and evaluation.
Foreign chiropractors wishing to practice in the Philippines must submit to the National Certification Committee within 90 days from effectivity: proof they met educational requirements for all three categories completed at accredited learning institutions; proof of equivalent licensure examination or licensure credentials from at least one other country where chiropractic is developed and regulated; and a certificate that their practice in the Philippines will be supervised by a duly-licensed Filipino chiropractic for six months. The Committee may review requirements for foreign chiropractors.
No. Those already practicing at the time the Rules took effect are exempted from taking the national certification, but must register with the National Certification Committee, provided they are Filipino citizens, at least 21 years old, and have been certified by a learning institution recognized by PITAHC, and they must register within 30 days from effectivity.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. All issuances inconsistent with its provisions are suspended or amended.