Law Summary
Statement of Policy
- Recognizes the vital role of psychologists in nation-building and development
- Acknowledges diverse psychological specializations and functions
- Emphasizes the need for competent, ethical, and globally competitive psychologists
- Advocates effective licensure exams and regulatory measures for professional growth
Definitions
- Psychology: Scientific study of human behavior including biological, cognitive, affective, and social dimensions
- Practice of Psychology: Delivery of psychological interventions, assessments, and programs
- Psychologist: Registered individual authorized to deliver psychological services
- Psychometrician: Registered individual authorized to administer and interpret specific psychological tests under supervision
Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology
- Composed of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President
- Qualifications include doctorate degree, at least 10 years practice, teaching experience, good moral character, and no conflict of interest with education institutions
- Three-year term with possible reappointment
- Supervises licensure, administration, ethics enforcement, and continuing education
Licensure Examinations
- Mandatory for psychologists and psychometricians
- Psychologists: must have a master's degree, supervised practicum, good moral character, and nationality or reciprocity
- Psychometricians: must have a bachelor's degree, good moral character, and nationality or reciprocity
- Exams cover advanced psychological theories, abnormal psychology, personality, assessment, counseling, industrial psychology
- Provisions for registration without exam for qualified experienced professionals within three years of board creation
- Passing grade: weighted average 75% and no subject below 60%
Registration and Certification
- Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional ID card after passing exam or eligibility for registration without exam
- Requires oath-taking to uphold the profession
- Disclosure of registration information mandatory in professional documents
- Non-issuance for criminal convictions, unethical conduct, or unsound mind
- Foreign reciprocity conditions for foreigners taking exams
- Special/temporary permits for foreign specialists, indigent services, or academic positions
Suspension, Revocation, and Reinstatement
- Grounds include fraud, incompetence, misconduct, unethical actions, and unlicensed practice
- Procedures include notice, hearing, right to counsel, and appeal to Commission and Court of Appeals
- Reinstatement possible after two years with Board approval
Confidentiality and Professional Integration
- Communications during psychological services are privileged and confidential
- Integration of all registered psychologists and psychometricians into one national organization
- Adoption of Code of Ethics and Practice by the Board
Prohibited Acts
- Practicing without valid registration or permit
- Misrepresentation or misuse of registration documents
- Allowing unqualified persons to practice
- Operating psychology-related offices without Board permit
Penalties and Enforcement
- Penalties: imprisonment (6 months to 3 years), fines (₱10,000 to ₱100,000), or both
- Board empowered to initiate legal actions against violators
- Law enforcement agencies tasked to uphold and enforce the Act
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Funding provided by General Appropriations Act through the Professional Regulation Commission
- Board required to promulgate rules within 90 days
- Separability clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid if part declared unconstitutional
- Repeals conflicting laws
- Effectivity after 15 days from publication in two newspapers of general circulation