Law Summary
Board of Examiners for Nurses: Composition and Appointment
- Composed of a chairman and two members
- Appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Commissioner of Civil Service
- Members must be registered nurses of recognized standing certified by a national nursing association
- Members must meet qualifications under Section 4
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Issue, suspend, revoke, and reissue certificates of registration
- Maintain ethical, technical, moral, and professional standards
- Study nursing education standards and facilities
- Recommend authorization for new nursing schools or colleges
- Investigate violations, issue summons and subpoenas
- Recommend measures for advancement and enforcement of nursing practice
Qualifications of Board Members
- Filipino citizens and residents
- Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
- At least 30 years old
- Minimum 10 years successful nursing practice
- No faculty membership or pecuniary interest in nursing schools for at least one year prior
Term of Office and Removal
- Term of three years; staggered initial terms (1, 2, and 3 years)
- Vacancies filled only for unexpired term
- Removal for neglect, incompetency, irregularities, or dishonorable conduct after investigation
Board Administration and Compensation
- Commissioner of Civil Service as Executive Officer
- Secretary from Boards of Examiners under prior law
- Board members compensated up to ten pesos per candidate examined
Rulemaking and Reporting
- Board may promulgate rules subject to Presidential approval
- Annual report to the President detailing proceedings and recommendations
Nursing Schools: Establishment and Requirements
- Must prepare qualified nurses and operate as educational institutions
- Adequate budget, library, classrooms, and teaching equipment required
- Clinical facilities must have at least 100 beds including various medical specialties
- Provision for public health nursing experience in community health agencies
Faculty Qualifications
- Director/Dean: Registered nurse, Bachelor in Nursing Education, at least 3 years teaching/supervision, Filipino citizen
- Instructors in nursing and clinical courses: Registered nurses, Bachelor in Nursing majoring in subject, minimum 1 year head nurse experience
- Public health nursing instructors: Bachelor in Nursing with public health major, 6 months public health nursing experience
Entrance Requirements for Nursing Schools
- Completion of at least one year of college including chemistry, zoology, English, Spanish, psychology, social science, sociology
- Schools may set additional requirements or use integrated four-year programs
Nursing Examination and Registration
- Practice prohibited without valid certificate unless exempted
- The Board conducts examinations biannually (April and October)
- All applicants generally required to pass the exam
Applicant Qualifications
- Filipino citizens or foreigners from reciprocating countries
- Minimum 21 years old, good health and moral character
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Nursing diploma from accredited institution covering specified biological, social, medical, nursing, and humanities subjects
Examination Scope and Passing Ratings
- Written test covering nursing specialties and integrated subjects
- Pass requires 75% general rating and no below 60% in any subject
- Mechanism for retake on failed subjects within one year with progressive remedial measures
Certification and Reciprocity
- Certificates issued after Presidential approval and fee payment
- Reciprocal registration for foreign nurses if standards and privileges are equivalent
Fees and Administrative Provisions
- Examination fee: 30 pesos; Registration fee: 10 pesos
- Refusal of registration for criminal convictions involving moral turpitude or dishonest conduct
- Revocation or suspension for unprofessional conduct, malpractice, fraud, or incompetency
- Procedure for reissue or replacement of certificates upon payment
Prohibited Acts and Penalties
- Practicing without registration, using false certificates, impersonating nurses, advertising falsely, or other violations
- Penalties: fine from 1,000 to 5,000 pesos or imprisonment 1 to 5 years, or both
Enforcement and Repeal
- Law enforcement officers are mandated to enforce and prosecute violations
- Conflicting laws or regulations related to nursing repealed
Effectivity
- Law effective upon approval on June 19, 1953