Practice and Regulation of Respiratory Therapy

State recognizes importance of respiratory therapists in nation-building.
Aim to nurture competent, virtuous, globally competitive respiratory therapists.
Use licensure exams and regulatory programs for professional growth.

Created under PRC administrative supervision.
Composed of Chairperson and two members appointed by President from nominees.
Members qualifications: natural born citizen, age requirements, registered respiratory therapist, degree holder with experience, no conflict of interest, no criminal record.
Board terms: 3 years with staggered initial terms and maximum 6-year limit.
Compensation comparable to other regulatory boards.
Powers include rulemaking, licensing, investigation, and enforcement.
Board may inspect workplaces for compliance.
Supervision of educational institutions with CHED.
Can adopt Code of Ethics and oversee examination related matters.
Suspension or removal of board members for cause including malpractice, misconduct, and exam rigging.
Board under PRC supervision; records maintained by PRC.
Annual reports to PRC on activities and recommendations.

Licensure examination mandatory for registration.
Applicants must:
- Be Filipino or comply with foreign reciprocity.
- Complete at least 10 months/1500 hours of internship.
- Graduate of authorized respiratory therapy program.
- Of good moral character, no criminal conviction involving moral turpitude.
Examination subjects on cardiopulmonary assessment, neonatal/pediatric therapy, ventilation, therapy management.
Passing requires 75% average, no subject below 60%.
Registration without exam allowed within 2 years for qualified individuals with substantial experience.
Exam results reported within 10 days.
Oath-taking required before practice.
Issuance of certificate and professional ID card upon passing or registration.
Refusal to register for convictions or unethical conduct.
Certificate use and indication on professional documents mandatory.
Use of "RTRP" suffix required for registered therapists.
Board authorized to revoke, suspend registration for violations.
Reinstatement possible after two years.
Board to maintain publicly accessible roster of therapists.
Special/temporary permits for foreign experts with limitations, subject to board and commission rules.

Registered respiratory therapists perform diagnostic, treatment, and management functions with physician direction.
Activities include pulmonary function testing, mechanical ventilation, pharmacologic administration, rehabilitation, research, and education.
Unauthorized practice prohibited; use of title limited to registered individuals.
Prohibited acts include practice without valid registration, misuse of certificates, and misrepresentation.
Facilities required to employ at least three registered therapists per shift.
Adoption of Code of Ethics and Continuing Professional Education mandatory.
Integration of all respiratory therapist associations into one accredited national organization.
Foreign reciprocity required for foreign practitioners.

Violations punishable by fines of at least P20,000 or imprisonment of at least 6 months.
Funding integrated into PRC’s budget.
Board to promulgate rules, regulations, and Code of Ethics within 90 days of effectivity.
No interference with other legal professions.
Separability and repealing clauses provided.
Law effective 15 days after publication in two major newspapers.