Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7164)
The title of Republic Act No. 7164 is the "Philippine Nursing Act of 1991."
The State assumes responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures to ensure relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career prospects, and a dignified existence for nurses. The State also guarantees delivery of basic health services through adequate nursing personnel throughout the country.
The Board of Nursing is composed of a Chairman and four (4) members appointed by the President from a list of twelve (12) nominees who are registered nurses of recognized standing meeting specified qualifications.
The Board supervises and regulates nursing practice; designs, administers, and rates the licensure examinations; issues, suspends or revokes certificates of registration; investigates violations; studies conditions affecting nursing practice; authorizes opening of nursing colleges; requires state college nursing graduates to serve at least one year in the Philippines; and promulgates rules for nursing practice improvement.
A Board member must be a Filipino citizen and resident, a registered nurse with a master's degree in nursing, have at least ten years continuous nursing practice, be in good standing with the accredited national nurses' association, not hold a green card or equivalent, and must not have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
No. Upon qualification, Board members must resign from any teaching positions or government employment and must not have pecuniary interest or administrative supervision over nursing education institutions or related review programs.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or citizens of countries that allow Filipino nurses similar practice rights, at least 18 years old (or will reach majority before practicing), of good health and moral character, and hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from a recognized institution.
An examinee must obtain a general average of at least 75% with no rating below 60% in any subject. Failure in any subject below 60% requires retaking that subject. After three failures, a refresher course is required before another attempt.
Certificates may be suspended or revoked for conviction of moral turpitude crimes, immoral or dishonorable conduct, unprofessional or unethical conduct, gross incompetence, malpractice or negligence, and fraud or deceit in obtaining the certificate.
A fine ranging from Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) to Forty thousand pesos (P40,000.00), imprisonment from one (1) to six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.