Functions and Duties of the Board
- Study conditions affecting the practice of medicine across the Philippines.
- Maintain ethical and professional standards for medical practitioners and midwives.
- Authorized to issue, suspend, and revoke certificates of registration.
- Empowered to administer oaths and subpoena witnesses.
- May establish an office in the City of Manila.
Terms and Appointment of Board Members
- Current members serve out their appointed terms.
- Two additional members appointed: one for three years, one for four years.
- Subsequent appointments are for five-year terms or until successors qualify.
- Interim appointments fill unexpired terms.
- Members must take an oath of office before performing duties.
Removal of Board Members
- Department Head may remove members for neglect of duty, incompetency, or unprofessional/dishonorable conduct.
- Members are given due process via administrative investigation.
Compensation of Board Members
- Receive five pesos per physician candidate examined.
- Receive two pesos per midwifery candidate examined.
- Government physician members may receive compensation in addition to their salary.
Rulemaking Authority
- Board may adopt rules and regulations with Department Head approval.
- Rules govern medical and midwifery practice and examination standards.
- Examination rules cannot change within 60 days of exams.
- Rules must be printed and provided to candidates.
Prohibition on Practicing Medicine Without Certification
- No person may practice medicine without a Board-issued certificate.
- Practice defined broadly to include diagnosing, treating, operating, prescribing, or advertising medical services.
- Exceptions include commissioned medical officers, hospital interns, government dispensaries, licensed dentists, massage for hygienic/aesthetic purposes, mechanical fitting of lenses/apparatus, emergency aid, family remedies, and chiropody.
Examination Schedule
- Examinations held quarterly (February, May, August, November) in Manila.
- Candidates must receive 30 days' written notice.
Qualifications for Examination
- Applicants must be over 21, of good moral character, and hold a diploma from a reputable medical school.
- Reputable schools are legally chartered, maintain high educational standards, and prescribe specified preliminary education.
- Preliminary education includes 2 years college with specified courses in chemistry, physics, biology.
- Entrance certificates for medical students issued by Board Secretary upon satisfying requirements and payment.
Scope and Conduct of Physician Examinations
- Subjects: Anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, bacteriology, pathology, hygiene, symptomatology, diagnosis, surgery, obstetrics, tropical medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, neurology, ENT, and legal medicine.
- Exams may be written and/or practical, conducted in English or Spanish.
- Uniform questions for all candidates; anonymity maintained via numbering system.
- Passing requires 70% overall with minimum 50% in each subject.
- Provisions for partial preliminary exams and re-examinations with conditions.
- Exam results reported to Department Head and candidates within one month.
Fees for Examination and Certification
- Physician exam fee: 50 pesos total (25 pesos each for preliminary and final exams if applicable).
- Midwife certificate fee: 20 pesos.
- No additional fee for successful certification.
Revocation and Suspension of Certificates
- Board may suspend or revoke certificates for error, fraud, or unprofessional conduct.
- Unprofessional conduct includes aiding abortions, false advertising, habitual drug use, crimes involving dishonor, and breach of professional secrecy.
- Procedure: Written charges filed; accused given notice and opportunity for hearing and defense.
- Board may subpoena witnesses; must make written findings signed by three members.
- Decisions appealable to Department Head.
- Suspension or revocation noted at the provincial/city Registrar of Deeds.
- Practicing after suspension/revocation is prohibited and punishable.
- Reapplication possible after one year, with or without examination.
Registration of Certificates
- Physicians must register their certificate at the Registrar of Deeds in the locality where they practice.
- Initial registration fee is 10 pesos.
- No further fees for registration in other localities.
Prohibition on False Representation as a Medical Practitioner
- No person may advertise or represent themselves as a doctor or specialist without a valid certificate and proper medical degree.
- No unauthorized use of professional medical titles or degrees.
Penalties for Violating Medical Practice Requirements
- First offense: fine between 200 to 500 pesos, or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both.
- Second offense: fine between 500 to 1000 pesos, or imprisonment from 6 months to 1 year, or both.
- Conviction requires competent court jurisdiction.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval on March 19, 1923.