Law Summary

SECTION 1: Creation of the Board for the Examination of Physicians

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes a Board responsible for examining and registering physicians.
• Key Definitions Introduced:
  • "Board" refers to the Board for the Examination of Physicians.
• Requirements/Procedures:
  • Consists of three physicians appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.
  • Members must be graduates from a reputable medical college and hold a medical degree.
  • Members serve three-year terms; initial appointees will have staggered terms of one, two, and three years.
• Oath of Office: Members must take an oath affirming their qualifications and allegiance to the government.
• Removal of Members: The Director of Health can remove members for neglect, incompetency, or dishonorable conduct after due process.

SECTION 2: Organization and Compensation of the Board

• Legal Principle/Provision: Outlines the structure and financial arrangements of the Board.
• Key Details:
  • The Board organizes annually to elect a president and secretary-treasurer.
  • Compensation: Members receive five pesos for each candidate examined; the secretary-treasurer receives 400 pesos annually.
  • Funding for compensation comes from Insular funds.

SECTION 3: Record Keeping and Registration

• Legal Principle/Provision: Mandates record maintenance for registered physicians.
• Requirements:
  • The secretary-treasurer must maintain a register detailing candidates' personal and educational information.
• Details to Record: Name, age, sex, place of birth, medical education, and other relevant qualifications.

SECTION 4: Examination Schedule

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes the examination schedule for candidates.
• Important Timeframes:
  • Board meets on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October.
  • Candidates must receive thirty days' notice prior to examinations.

SECTION 5: Issuance of Registration Certificates

• Legal Principle/Provision: Governs the certification process for physicians.
• Requirements:
  • Certificates issued upon successful examination.
  • Candidates who practiced before enactment may also be registered under specific conditions.
• Repealed Acts: Sections of Acts No. 1632 and 1651 are repealed as of December 31, 1919.
• Examination Fee: A fee of fifty pesos is charged for each examination.

SECTION 6: Registration Requirement for Medical Practice

• Legal Principle/Provision: Mandates registration for legal medical practice.
• Important Requirements:
  • Physicians must obtain and register their certificate to practice medicine.
  • Registration must occur at the local register of deeds upon payment of ten pesos.
• Exemptions: Certain foreign physicians and those practicing prior to specific dates are exempt.

SECTION 7: Registered Nurses Certification

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes requirements for nursing practice registration.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Registered Nurse" refers to individuals who obtain a certification from the Director of Health.
• Requirements:
  • Must be at least twenty years old, in good health, and a graduate from a recognized nursing school.
  • Unregistered nurses may practice as second-class nurses under specific conditions.
• Moral Character: Good moral character is a requisite for registration.

SECTION 8: Unlawful Nursing Practice

• Legal Principle/Provision: Prohibits nursing practice without proper registration.
• Effective Date: Unlawful to practice as a nurse after January 1, 1915, without a certificate.

SECTION 9: Annual Reporting by the Board

• Legal Principle/Provision: Requires the Board to report activities and finances annually to the Director of Health.

SECTION 10: Examination Subjects

• Legal Principle/Provision: Lists subjects for the physician registration examination.
• Subjects Include: Anatomy, physiology, chemistry, surgery, obstetrics, and medical jurisprudence.

SECTION 11: Refusal and Revocation of Certificates

• Legal Principle/Provision: Details grounds for refusal or revocation of registration certificates.
• Key Conditions:
  • Conviction of immoral conduct can lead to certificate denial or revocation.
• Appeal Process: Decisions can be appealed to a specialized board of physicians.

SECTION 12: Definition of Medical Practice

• Legal Principle/Provision: Defines what constitutes the practice of medicine.
• Important Clarifications:
  • Exemptions for certain professionals and emergency services.

SECTION 13: Penalties for Violations

• Legal Principle/Provision: Establishes penalties for non-compliance.
• Penalties:
  • Fines up to 300 pesos or imprisonment for up to 90 days.

SECTION 14: Prohibition Against Misrepresentation

• Legal Principle/Provision: Prohibits unqualified individuals from using medical titles.
• Key Requirements:
  • Only those with legally conferred degrees may represent themselves as physicians.

SECTION 15: Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

• Legal Principle/Provision: Repeals all acts inconsistent with this Act.

SECTION 16: Effectivity

• Legal Principle/Provision: States that the Act takes effect upon passage.

Key Takeaways

• Act No. 2493 establishes a regulatory framework for the examination and registration of physicians and nurses in the Philippines.
• It creates an Examining Board with defined powers, responsibilities, and compensation structures.
• Registration is mandatory for both medical practitioners and nurses, with specific educational and ethical requirements outlined.
• The Act includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance and prohibits misrepresentation of medical qualifications.
• It repeals certain previous laws and establishes a clear process for medical practice in the Philippines.