Objectives of the Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Improve quality of health services in massage facilities.
- Define functions of massage therapists and administrative offices.
- Assign responsibilities to relevant managing bodies.
- Promote compassionate service towards clients.
Scope of the Rules
- Applicable to all massage service facilities and their practitioners nationwide.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Accreditation: Official recognition of compliance with standards.
- Assessor: Expert appointed by the Committee to examine candidates.
- Certificate of Registration: Official license to practice massage therapy.
- Committee: Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT).
- Continuing Massage Therapy Education (CMTE): Post-registration education to maintain competence.
- Health Certificate: Medical clearance including specific diagnostic tests required for massage service providers.
- Licensed Massage Therapist: Individual who has passed licensure and holds a valid registration.
- Massage Therapy: Scientific application of manual techniques and adjunctive therapies to promote health.
Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) Organization
- Composed of chairperson, vice-chairperson, and members from various health-related offices and massage therapy practitioners.
- Term of office: Three years, renewable.
- Secretariat: Health Human Resource Development Bureau.
Powers and Functions of the Committee
- Organize and conduct licensure examinations.
- Approve or deny examination applications.
- Issue, suspend, or revoke licenses based on legal and professional grounds.
- Investigate complaints against licensed therapists.
- Accredit training institutions and establish accreditation criteria.
- Monitor practice of massage therapists at least biannually.
- Perform additional regulatory, standardizing, and professionalizing functions.
Allowances for Committee Members
- Members receive monthly allowances and honoraria for official duties.
Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC)
- Established to evaluate and approve continuing education programs.
- Composed of three members with designated roles linked to CEMT and accredited institutions.
- Responsibilities include accreditation, monitoring, and upgrading education standards.
- Members receive honoraria comparable to Committee members.
Examination Procedures
- Scheduled biannually, with provisions for special examination dates.
- Venues include DOH headquarters or designated Regional Health Centers.
- Applicants must meet citizenship, age, moral, educational, medical, and training requirements.
- Fees and documentation must be submitted timely before examination dates.
- Examination divided into theoretical and practical/oral parts covering prescribed curriculum.
- Passing grade: 75% in both theoretical and practical exams.
Issuance and Renewal of Certificate of Registration
- Successful examinees issued certificates valid for three years.
- Certificates must include photographs and signatures and be displayed at place of work.
- Renewal requires compliance with health certificates, tax payments, continuing education, and payment of fees.
- Regional Health Directors submit updated registries annually.
Grounds for Suspension or Revocation of License
- Criminal convictions involving moral turpitude.
- Mental incapacity.
- Fraud in registration.
- Negligence or incompetence.
- Addiction to substances.
- False advertising or unethical practice.
- Failure to renew for five years.
- Other analogous grounds.
Standards for the Practice of Massage Therapy
- Practice limited to licensed individuals.
- Prohibited use of titles implying medical doctor qualifications.
- Prohibited from prescribing drugs or medical treatments.
- Prohibited use of harmful substances during massage.
- Required compliance with scientific procedures and hygiene standards.
- Annual health certification required and must be worn visibly.
- Dress code and sanitation procedures mandated.
- Restricted to massage services only and limited to eight working hours daily.
Career Development and Compensation
- Committee tasked with developing continuous education and career progression pathways.
- Minimum wage to be compliant with Department of Labor and Employment standards with adjustments for small establishments.
Responsibilities of Regional Health Directors
- Process renewal applications.
- Maintain and submit lists of licensed therapists.
- Recommend disciplinary actions for violations.
Penal Provisions
- Violations subject to prosecution under Sanitation Code provisions.
- Penalties include revocation or suspension of licenses.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remaining provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Prior inconsistent rules are repealed or amended.
- Remaining provisions of the order remain effective.
Effectivity
- The rules take effect 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper of general circulation.