Objective
- To standardize and update the conduct of psychological examinations for overseas work applicants to ensure consistency and quality.
Scope of Application
- Applies to all DOH accredited medical clinics providing psychological services for overseas work applicants.
Definition of Terms
- Accreditation: Formal DOH authorization to operate medical facilities for overseas workers.
- Applicant: Person applying for overseas work requiring PEME.
- BHFS: Bureau of Health Facilities and Services, DOH’s regulatory body.
- DOH Accredited Medical Clinics: Medical facilities authorized by DOH for overseas workers.
- Inspection/Monitoring Tool: Checklist used by regulatory officers to ensure compliance with standards.
- OFW: Overseas Filipino Worker.
- PEME: Complete medical examination including psychological evaluation prior to deployment.
- Psychologist: Licensed professional responsible for psychological screening under RA 10029.
- Psychometrician: Licensed professional under RA 10029 assisting with psychological assessments.
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices/Purdue Non-Language Test: Non-verbal test assessing intellectual capacity.
- 16 PF Test: A personality inventory test measuring 16 personality factors.
General Policies
- Psychological exams for overseas applicants must only be conducted in DOH accredited clinics.
- Accredited clinics must adhere to standards specified in the BHFS inspection/monitoring tool.
- Full-time psychologists must supervise the psychological screening process, including specified minimum tests and comprehensive interviews.
- Clinics must promptly notify BHFS in writing of changes in personnel, facilities, or additional psychological tests, ensuring qualified personnel administer added tests.
- Enhanced psychological tests cannot impose additional costs on applicants.
Specific Policies: Standards
- Clinics must be organized for quality, effective, and efficient psychological services.
- Documented administrative and technical protocols must cover human resources, materials, record-keeping, and referral procedures.
- Policies must align with DOH’s operational manuals for psychological services.
- DOH will implement an electronic system for submission of psychological examination data; clinics must send monthly consolidated reports.
- Accredited clinics must maintain a reliable information technology system for data transmission at no extra cost to applicants.
Validity of Psychological Test Results
- Psychological test results must be valid to support issuance of PEME certificates.
- Results of the 16 PF Test are valid for 12-18 months or less if significant life or work changes occur.
Accreditation Status
- Accreditation can be revoked, suspended, or modified due to false statements, violations, or non-compliance with policies.
Violation and Penalty
- Violations of RA 10029, this Order, or related issuances by accredited clinics are penalized under Section IX Paragraph 2 of AO No. 181, s. 2004.
Repealing Clause
- Previous inconsistent provisions are rescinded or modified to conform with this Order.
Separability Clause
- Invalid or unauthorized provisions declared by courts will not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Order takes effect 15 days post-approval and publication and is subject to review after three years.