Declaration of Policy
- State policy encourages integration and enhancement of traditional and alternative healthcare into the national system.
Scope of Application
- Covers accreditation of training programs, training centers, naturopathy centers/facilities, and national certification of naturopaths.
Definitions
- RA 8423 establishes PITAHC for traditional and alternative health development.
- Traditional and alternative health care includes non-biomedicine knowledge and practices.
- Biomedicine definition includes practices based on natural sciences.
- Alternative health modalities include various therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture, yoga, massage, etc.
- Biological medicine supports body's regulation and self-healing.
- Naturopathy is a healing method supporting self-regulation and natural healing.
- Homeopathy operates on the law of similars.
- Assessment means systematic information collection based on naturopathy.
- National certification and registration process ensure competency and regulate practitioners and training institutions.
- Non-medical naturopaths have limitations, especially on biomedical diagnosis and prescribing drugs.
- Medical naturopaths have restrictions mainly on advanced treatments and research activities.
- Code of Ethics defines the professional conduct standards for naturopaths.
- Training programs refer to formal education in naturopathy.
- Community-based programs serve vulnerable sectors.
- Portfolio assessment evaluates experiential evidence for certification.
- Medical naturopath: licensed physician practicing naturopathy.
- Naturopath: practitioner certified under PITAHC but not licensed as physician.
National Certification Committee for Naturopathy
- Composed of PITAHC Director General (Chair), division chiefs, medical naturopaths, a naturopath practitioner, a training center representative, and a consumer/NGO representative.
- Members serve staggered terms; vacancies filled for expired terms.
- Committee makes decisions by majority vote with PITAHC Board ratification.
- Secretarial functions by PITAHC Standard and Accreditation Division.
Duties and Functions of the Committee
- Develop competency standards, conduct certification exams, accredit programs and centers.
- Certify and revoke practitioners and institutions.
- Accommodate differently-abled candidates.
- Uphold ethical standards and maintain databank of stakeholders.
- Recommend research and review advertising.
Certification Assessment and Competencies
- Certified Naturopath Practitioner (CNP) must demonstrate competence in holistic assessment, therapeutic intervention, center management, and continued professional development.
- Certified Medical Naturopath (CMN) possess similar competencies including biomedicine assessment within naturopathic context.
Qualifications and Requirements for Candidates
- Naturopaths: completion of at least 1500 hours of accredited training including clinical training.
- Medical naturopaths: licensed physicians with additional naturopathy training (minimum 1000 hours).
- Foreign-trained applicants must pass authorized exams and fulfill residency and language requirements.
- Application forms, fees, and documentary evidence required.
Fees and Assessment Procedures
- Certification application: ₱500 for individuals, ₱300 for community-based programs.
- Accreditation and renewal fees apply to institutions.
- Assessment venues designated by PITAHC.
- Results published pass/fail.
Accreditation of Training Programs and Centers
- Training centers must register course modules based on competency standards.
- Accreditation ensures compliance with facilities, personnel, curriculum, and training requirements.
- Fees range from ₱300 to ₱10,000 depending on type and renewal status.
- Accreditation valid for one year (training centers) or three years with renewal and penalties for late renewal.
- Certificates non-transferable.
Accreditation of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities
- Requirements include adequate treatment rooms, equipment, records, and personnel certified by PITAHC.
- Community-based centers have scaled facility and equipment requirements.
- Accreditation fees vary from ₱300 to ₱1,500.
- Accreditation valid for two years with penalties for failure to renew.
- Certificates non-transferable.
Provisional and Special Certifications
- Provisional certification granted to resident Filipino practitioners with proof of training within 3 years of guidelines effectivity.
- Non-Filipino practitioners must have valid work permits, language proficiency, equivalent training and practice documentation.
- Visiting teachers with experience and skill equivalency may be granted limited certificates for up to two years, renewable annually.
Grounds for Cancellation of Certification and Accreditation
- Violations of PITAHC Code of Ethics and standards.
- Falsification of documents.
- Failure to maintain accreditation requirements.
- Illegal and immoral activities.
Service Provision by Certified Naturopaths
- Certified naturopaths may practice in private centers, spas, fitness centers, hospitals, workplaces.
- Those without permanent facilities must present official certification or ID.
Final Provisions
- Previous inconsistent issuances are suspended or amended.
- Guidelines take effect 15 days after publication.
This comprehensive framework regulates the certification and accreditation to ensure quality, ethical practice, and accountability in naturopathy as an alternative health care in the Philippines.