Physical and Occupational Therapy Regulation Act

Defines physical therapy, physical therapy technician, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapist, physiatrist, occupational therapy, occupational therapist, occupational therapy technician, and disability.
Physical therapy involves treatment with physical agents like heat, cold, light, electricity, and exercises.
Occupational therapy is a paramedical treatment focusing on independence and well-being of disabled persons through supervised activities.
Distinguishes roles of technicians and licensed professionals.

Must be Filipino citizens and residents for at least five years.
Age requirement: chairman at least 35 years old; members at least 30.
Good moral character and no conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude.
Educational and professional qualifications specified.
Prohibited from holding teaching positions or financial interest in therapy schools at appointment (except first Board).

Issue, suspend, revoke, or re-issue certificates of registration.
Conduct licensure examinations for physical and occupational therapists.
Promote the practice, study conditions, maintain professional ethics and standards.
Approve curricula and faculty qualifications of educational institutions offering therapy programs.
Exercise additional powers necessary to uphold professional standards.

Three-year term, with staggered terms for first appointees.
Removal for neglect, incompetence, malpractice, or unethical conduct after administrative investigation.
Members compensated per examinee; government employees receive compensation in addition to salary.

Commissioner of Civil Service serves as executive officer overseeing examinations.
Secretary of the Board maintains records and separate registers of licensed therapists.

Licensure exams held biannually in Manila or other locations approved by authorities.
Written and practical exams based on prescribed curricula.
Passing requires a general rating of at least 75% with no subject below 60%.
Provision for re-examination for failures, with additional studies required after repeated failures.

Filipino citizen or foreigner from reciprocal countries.
At least 21 years old, good health, good moral character.
Completion of a recognized high school and proper degree in physical or occupational therapy.
Completion of prescribed academic subjects and a nine-month clinical internship or experience.

Certificates issued to successful examinees, valid unless revoked.
License holders entitled to use initials PTRP (Physical Therapist Registered, Philippines) or OTRP (Occupational Therapist Registered, Philippines).
Reciprocity provisions allow foreign-licensed therapists to practice if standards are equivalent.
Registration and examination fees specified.

Therapy practice requires a valid certificate and prescription from a licensed physician.
Unauthorized practice, fraudulent certification, or misrepresentation are misdemeanors.
Penalties include fines from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 and imprisonment from one to five years, or both.

Registered physicians, therapy students in training, and government-employed therapists eligible via prior Civil Service exam are exempt from licensure provisions.

Board submits annual reports to the President and Congress detailing its activities and recommendations.
Board authorized to promulgate rules and ethical standards subject to presidential approval.

Board may re-issue revoked certificates or replace lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificates upon payment.