Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- Recognizes role of registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) in nation-building and human development.
- Promotes development of competent RNDs through licensure exams and regulatory measures.
Objectives
- Standardize/regulate nutrition and dietetics education.
- Conduct examination, registration, licensure of RNDs.
- Supervise and regulate practice.
- Encourage continuing professional development (CPD).
- Promote integration of the profession.
Definition of Terms
- AIPO: Accredited Integrated Professional Organization of nutritionist-dietitians.
- Dietetics: Science/art of nutrition application to food planning, preparation, diet regulation.
- Nutrition: Science of food, nutrients, eating habits, nutritional status, and related social factors.
- Nutritionist-Dietitian: Registered/licensed professional under this Act.
- Profession: Practice combining nutrition and dietetics.
Nutrition and Dietetics Education
- Education program must follow CHED curricula standards.
- Faculty qualifications include being RNDs, preferably with one year practice, master’s degree, AIPO membership.
- Program heads require master’s degree and 5 years experience; Board may add further qualifications.
Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Composed of Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from lists submitted by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and AIPO.
- Qualifications include Philippine citizenship, age 35+, good moral character, no convictions for moral turpitude, 5 years practice, postgraduate degree, no conflict of interest with schools or review centers, not officers of AIPO.
- Term of office three years with max two terms.
- Powers include rule-making, licensure exam administration, certification issuance, investigation of violations, and disciplinary actions.
- Board members must resign from teaching or review work upon appointment.
Board Functions
- Adopt and enforce Codes of Ethics, Good Governance, Technical Standards.
- Regulate education compliance with CHED.
- Prepare and administer licensure exams, issue/suspend/revoke certifications.
- Hear and decide administrative cases, conduct investigations, impose penalties.
- Coordinate with other stakeholders to improve profession.
Grounds for Removal or Suspension of Board Members
- Gross neglect, incompetence, dishonesty.
- Violations of criminal laws including anti-graft.
- Manipulation or tampering of exam results.
Examination, Registration, Certification, and Licensure
- Mandatory licensure examination for practice.
- Applicant qualifications: Philippine or reciprocal foreign citizenship, good moral character, recognized bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, no criminal conviction.
- Subjects: Nutrition and Dietetics; Foods and Food Service Systems; Community and Applied Nutrition.
- Passing requires 75% general average; no subject below 50%; conditional retake allowed.
- Successful candidates must take oath before practice.
- Certificate of registration and professional ID card issued, renewable every 3 years with CPD compliance.
- Registration may be denied for moral turpitude conviction, violation of exam rules, or unsound mind.
- Certificates may be revoked or suspended for various grounds including fraud, negligence, nonpayment of fees, aiding illegal practice, drug/alcohol abuse.
- Reinstatement and reissuance possible after set periods with CPD proof.
Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Practice defined as rendering professional nutrition and dietetics services, including medical nutrition therapy, health optimization, policy setting, food system management, research and education.
- DOH and NNC may set required RND numbers in institutions.
- RNDs shall be listed in a roster updated annually.
- Only registered/licensed RNDs or those with special/temporary permits may practice.
- Returning RNDs inactive for 5 years must undergo refresher and CPD.
- Foreign practitioners subjected to reciprocity.
- Special/temporary permits issued under specific conditions for foreign experts, urgent needs, humanitarian missions, or academic exchange.
Continuing Professional Development
- CPD program mandatory, governed by Board in coordination with AIPO.
Professional Identification and Documentation
- RNDs must indicate certificate numbers, PTR, AIPO membership on professional documents.
- Certificates and IDs must be displayed in offices.
Integration of the Profession
- Unified national professional organization (AIPO) mandatory.
- All registered RNDs are automatic members with benefits upon payment of dues.
Human Resource Development
- Board to study manpower production, utilization, and development.
- Develop specialty programs to upgrade skills in fields like diabetes, oncology, renal disease, sports nutrition etc.
Penal Provisions
- Fines (minimum ₱300,000) and/or imprisonment (minimum 6 months) for:
- Unauthorized use of titles or practicing without valid registration.
- Fraudulent documents.
- Impersonation.
- Abetting illegal practice.
Implementation and Enforcement
- Board assisted by PRC, AIPO, government agencies.
- Budget appropriated through General Appropriations Act.
- Existing Board to continue until new one constituted.
- IRR to be issued within 90 days from effectivity.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Severability clause ensures validity of remaining provisions if one is invalidated.
- Repeals Presidential Decree No. 1286 and related inconsistent laws.
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication.