Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010 - 0034)
The primary purpose is to regulate the practice of massage therapy in the Philippines, ensuring that only qualified individuals enter the profession, thereby improving the quality of health service delivery in massage facilities.
The CEMT is composed of a chairperson from the Health Human Resource Development Bureau, a vice-chairperson from the Environmental Health Office, sanitary engineer, medical practitioner, physical therapist, legal officer, and members/assessors/facilitators who are active members of a massage therapists' organization.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens at least 18 years old, of good moral character, not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, physically and mentally fit, at least a high school graduate, and must have completed DOH-accredited training including theoretical and practical massage courses.
A candidate must obtain a general average of 75% in both the theoretical and oral/practical examination parts to pass successfully.
Grounds include conviction of criminal offense involving moral turpitude, insanity, fraud in acquiring or renewing the certificate, gross negligence or incompetence, addiction to drugs or alcohol, unethical practices, physical incapacity, failure to renew the certificate for five years, and other analogous grounds.
Licensed massage therapists must practice massage in accordance with the rules, not use medical titles like 'Dr.' or 'M.D.', avoid occupations that may infect their hands, not prescribe drugs or medical therapies, avoid harmful substances, maintain hygiene, wear clean uniforms, and limit work to eight hours daily.
The CMTEC accredits Continuing Massage Therapy Education programs, evaluates applications, determines CMTE credit units, monitors implementation of programs, upgrades criteria, and performs related functions to maintain professional development.
The Certificate of Registration must be renewed every three years. Requirements include health certificate, current professional tax receipt, community tax certificate, payment of fees, and certificate of attendance in continuing education or training conducted by accredited entities.
Violations such as non-compliance with the rules, interfering with officers, damaging notices, or practicing without a valid license can result in prosecution under Section 103(a) and (b) of PD 856, including suspension or revocation of the license to practice massage therapy.
These rules and regulations take effect fifteen days after publication in the official gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.