Authority and Responsibilities of the Board
- Powers to issue and revoke nursing practice certificates
- Conducts studies on nursing practice conditions nationwide
- Ensures ethical, efficient, and technical standards in the profession
Terms and Appointments of the Board Members
- Members serve three-year terms
- Staggered terms so one expires annually
- Interim vacancies are filled for the remainder of the term
Grounds and Procedure for Removal of Board Members
- Removal authorized by Secretary of the Interior
- Causes include neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct
Officers and Administration of the Board
- Physician-member serves as president and chief executive
- Secretary-treasurer appointed annually from nurse-members
- Secretary-treasurer keeps official records and registers
Duties and Records Maintained by Secretary-Treasurer
- Records of board proceedings and registrants
- Detailed registrant information including personal details, educational background, and qualifications
Compensation of Board Members
- Paid three pesos per candidate examined
- Secretary-treasurer receives additional fixed annual compensation
Annual Reporting and Regulations
- Board submits yearly reports on activities and finances to Secretary of the Interior
- Board promulgates regulations on examination and standards with Secretary’s approval
Prohibition Against Unregistered Nursing Practice
- Nursing practice only allowed after registration, except for specific exemptions
- Defines nursing practice activities constituting the profession
- Exempts student nurses under supervision and physicians/surgeons/midwives acting legitimately
Exemptions from Registration
- Military nurses serving in the U.S. Army or Navy not required to register in the Philippines
Examination Requirement and Exemptions
- All applicants must generally pass board examination
- Certificates issued without exam to practicing nurses with diplomas before enactment, 1919 graduates, and government/private hospital nurses with certain qualifications
Scheduling of Examinations
- Board meets semiannually in Manila, with possible other locations authorized by the Secretary of the Interior
Qualifications for Examination
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, of good moral character
- Must present diploma from government-recognized institution covering specified nursing subjects taught over three years
Certificate of Registration
- Issued to successful exam candidates
- Allows use of "R.N." designation
- Signed by majority of the board and official seal appended
Fees for Examination and Registration
- Fee of ten pesos per candidate for exams and certification for exempt persons
Grounds for Refusal to Issue Certificates
- Conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude
- Immoral or dishonorable conduct or unsound mind
- Written reasons required for refusal
Grounds for Revocation of Certificate
- Same as refusal grounds plus unprofessional conduct, malpractice, incompetence, ignorance, negligence
- Fraud or deceit in obtaining certificate
Appeal Process for Revocation
- Party may appeal to Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary’s decision is final
Prohibition of False Representation and Use of Titles
- Unauthorized use of "graduate nurse" title or "R.N." letters prohibited
- Prohibits false claims of educational credentials or registration
Penalties for Violations of the Nurse Law
- Fine up to one thousand pesos and/or imprisonment up to one year for each violation
Appropriation of Funds
- Initial appropriation of three thousand pesos from Insular Treasury
- Annual funding to be provided in budget acts for board expenses
Short Title and Effectivity
- Act shall be known as the Nurses Law
- Takes effect immediately upon approval