Law Summary
Scope of Application
- Applies to accreditation of acupuncture training programs, training centers, and clinics.
- Governs national certification of acupuncturists.
Definitions
- Traditional and Alternative Health Care: Knowledge/practices outside biomedicine used in diagnosis and treatment.
- Biomedicine: Conventional western/allopathic medicine.
- Traditional Oriental Medicine: Medicine from China using holistic approaches and pattern identification.
- Acupuncture: Healthcare system using traditional Chinese medical theories and methods (needle insertion, heat, massage, etc.).
- National Certification: Credentialing based on education and exams by PITAHC.
- National Accreditation: Certification granted to training programs, centers, and clinics.
- Medical Acupuncturist: Licensed physician practicing acupuncture.
- Exclusions: Certain advanced practices and biomedical diagnostics are outside PITAHC competency standards requiring additional qualifications.
- Code of Ethics: Professional behavioral standards for practitioners.
- Training Programs and Centers: Formal education facilities for acupuncture.
- Community Based Health Programs and Clinics have specific accreditation criteria.
Accreditation of Training Programs
- All acupuncture training providers must register with PITAHC and comply with competency standards.
- PITAHC monitors continuous compliance.
Accreditation of Training Centers
- Facilities must have classrooms, exam rooms, treatment rooms, auxiliary rooms, libraries, and training materials per PITAHC standards.
- Personnel must include qualified trainers passing PITAHC assessments.
- Community-Based centers have scaled-down facility and staff requirements.
- Curriculum must align with PITAHC competency standards.
- Certificate issued upon submission of documents including registration, permits, personnel lists, safety certificates, and fees.
- Inspections validate compliance before accreditation is granted.
- Accreditation is valid for one year initially, renewable for three years.
- Cancellation grounds include falsification and failure to maintain standards.
- Non-transferable certificate.
- Fees are prescribed, with penalties for late renewal.
Accreditation of Acupuncture Clinics
- Facilities require treatment rooms with medical equipment, exam rooms, auxiliary spaces, and administrative setups.
- Personnel include certified acupuncturists; associate acupuncturists must work under supervision.
- Community-based clinics have proportionate facility and staffing requirements.
- Certificates issued after document submission and PITAHC inspection.
- Accreditation valid for three years.
- Grounds for cancellation include falsification, substandard maintenance, and illegal activities.
- Non-transferable certificate.
- Specified application, accreditation fees, and penalties for late renewal.
National Certification of Acupuncturists
- A National Certification Committee composed of sector representatives oversees certification and accreditation.
- Duties include developing assessments based on competency and ethics, accrediting training entities, issuing certifications, revoking credentials, accommodating differently-abled candidates, and maintaining practitioner databanks.
- Certification levels: Certified Associate Acupuncturist (CAA), Certified Acupuncturist (CA), Certified Associate Medical Acupuncturist (CAMA), Certified Medical Acupuncturist (CMA), each with specific competency requirements.
- Applicants must meet education, practical training, and clinical management benchmarks.
- Provision for portfolio assessment for overseas-trained practitioners.
- Application includes submission of health certificates, training documentation, and fees.
- Assessment results are pass/fail and are publicly posted.
- Certificates valid for three years with penalties for late renewal.
Service Provision by Certified Acupuncturists
- Certified acupuncturists may practice in various settings including private clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, home visits, and mobile clinics.
Provisional Certification
- Filipinos with three years acupuncture practice and evidence of course completion within three years of guidelines’ effectivity may obtain provisional certification.
Certification of Non-Filipino Acupuncturists
- Certification by endorsement available for foreign practitioners with five years’ license and meeting specified requirements, including fees in US dollars.
- Practice subject to supervision by Filipino certified acupuncturist.
- Visiting teachers with at least five years practice may be granted limited certificates subject to conditions and fees.
Grounds for Cancellation of Certification
- Violations of the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Effectivity
- Guidelines take effect 15 days after publication.
- Previous inconsistent issuances are suspended or amended accordingly.