Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- Recognizes the role of registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) in nation building and human development through adequate nutrition.
- Promotes professional growth through licensure examination, regulatory measures, and adherence to world-class standards.
Objectives
- Standardize and regulate nutrition and dietetics education.
- Oversee examination, registration, and licensing of nutritionist-dietitians.
- Supervise and control professional practice.
- Develop professional competence through continuing professional development (CPD).
- Integrate the nutrition-dietetics profession.
Definitions
- AIPO: Accredited integrated professional organization of nutritionist-dietitians.
- Dietetics: Science and art of nutrition application related to planning, preparation, and dietary regulation.
- Nutrition: Science of food, nutrients, eating habits, and their implications.
- Nutritionist-Dietitian: Registered and licensed professional with valid certification.
- Profession: Practice combining nutrition and dietetics.
Education Program
- Education program must provide sound general and professional foundation adhering to CHED standards.
- Faculty qualifications include being a licensed RND, preferably with specialization and a master's degree.
- The head of the program must have a master's and five years of experience.
Professional Regulatory Board
- Created under PRC supervision, composed of a Chairperson and two members.
- Appointment by the President from nominees endorsed by AIPO.
- Members must be Philippine citizens, at least 35 years old, morally upright, experienced for 5 years, with postgraduate degrees, and independent from academic or review institutions.
- Terms last 3 years, maximum of 2 consecutive terms.
- Board receives compensation and benefits as per the General Appropriations Act.
Board Powers and Functions
- Regulatory: Issue rules, adopt ethics codes, consult with professionals, collaborate with CHED.
- Licensure: Prepare exams, issue/suspend/revoke registrations and permits.
- Administrative: Hear cases, issue summons, investigate violations, file complaints, impose penalties.
- Other duties: Prepare annual reports, ensure program compliance.
Grounds for Removal of Board Members
- Neglect, incompetence, dishonesty.
- Violations of criminal laws and anti-graft acts.
- Manipulation or leakage of licensure exam results.
Records and Support
- PRC maintains and supervises Board records and provides administrative support.
Licensure Examination
- Mandatory for registration; held according to PRC schedules.
- Applicant qualifications: Filipino or reciprocal foreign citizen, good moral character, bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics, no conviction involving moral turpitude.
- Subjects include Nutrition and Dietetics, Foods and Food Service Systems, Community and Applied Nutrition.
- Passing grade: 75% weighted average, no below 50% in any subject.
- Failure rules allow retake of failed subjects within two years.
Registration and Certification
- Successful examinees taking oath and issued certificates and professional ID cards.
- Registration denial for convictions, unsound mind, or examinee misconduct.
- Certificates subject to revocation or suspension for violations, fraud, incompetence, unpaid fees, aiding illegal practice, substance abuse.
- Reissuance conditions and replacement of lost documents outlined.
- Suspension for nonpayment of fees for five consecutive years with resumption rules.
- Automatic registration of previously registered nutritionist-dietitians.
Scope of Practice
- Includes medical nutrition therapy, health promotion, setting nutrition policies, managing food systems, research, and education.
- The Board may update the scope to align with developments.
Personnel Requirements
- DOH, National Nutrition Council, and AIPO to determine RND staffing in institutions.
- Positions requiring nutritionist-dietitian expertise must be occupied by RNDs.
Roster
- Annual public roster of RNDs is prepared and accessible.
Lawful Practitioners
- Practice authorized only for registered/licensed RNDs and foreign RNDs with special permits.
Requirements for Inactive RNDs
- Required refresher course and CPD for those inactive for 5 years.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreign nationals can only practice if their country grants similar privilege to Filipinos.
Special/Temporary Permits
- Issued to foreign experts, humanitarian workers, or exchange professors for up to one year, renewable.
Continuing Professional Development
- All RNDs must comply with CPD rules promulgated by the Board.
Identification Requirements
- RNDs must indicate registration numbers, PTR, AIPO membership on official documents.
Posting of Credentials
- Certificates and ID cards must be displayed or kept on file.
Integration of the Profession
- One national professional organization accredited by the Board acting as the sole AIPO.
- Automatic membership for registered RNDs upon payment of dues.
Human Resource Development
- Board coordinates studies and develops specialty programs for skill upgrading.
Penal Provisions
- Violations such as unauthorized practice, use of titles, fraud, and impersonation punished by fines and/or imprisonment.
Enforcement and Funding
- Cooperation between Board, PRC, AIPO, and other agencies mandated.
- Funds allocated within the General Appropriations Act and initial implementation charged to PRC.
Transitory Provisions
- Incumbent Board continues until new Board is constituted.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Must be issued within 90 days after effectivity by the Board with Commission approval.
Separability and Repealing Clauses
- Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Act.
- Repeals Presidential Decree No. 1286 and other conflicting issuances.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in official or major newspaper.