Title
Supreme Court
Regulation of Clinical Laboratories Act
Law
Republic Act No. 4688
Decision Date
Jun 18, 1966
The Clinical Laboratories Regulation Act requires clinical laboratories in the Philippines to register and obtain an annual license, with licensed physicians authorized by the Secretary of Health being responsible for their operation and maintenance. Violations of the law can result in penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Law Summary

Qualification for Professional In-Charge

  • Only a licensed physician qualified in laboratory medicine may be professionally in-charge of a registered clinical laboratory.
  • Such physician must be authorized by the Secretary of Health, with the authorization renewed annually.
  • No license for operating a clinical laboratory shall be granted or renewed unless the laboratory is under the administration, direction, and supervision of an authorized physician.

Enforcement and Regulatory Authority

  • The Secretary of Health, through the Bureau of Research and Laboratories, is responsible for strict enforcement of the Act.
  • The Secretary may issue necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions effectively.

Penalties for Violation

  • Violators of the Act or related regulations are subject to imprisonment from one month to one year, or a fine ranging from one thousand to five thousand pesos, or both.
  • The discretion to impose penalties lies with the court.

Severability Clause

  • If any section or part of the Act is declared invalid by a competent court, the remainder of the Act remains unaffected and valid.

Appropriation of Funds

  • Fifty thousand pesos is appropriated from the National Treasury to implement the provisions of the Act.

Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

  • All Acts or parts of Acts inconsistent with this Act are repealed.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on June 18, 1966.

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