RA 5527

THE PHILIPPINE
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
ACT OF 1969

MedTech Laws & Bioethics

Merlyn A. Baraclan-Orais, MScPI(IP), RN, RMT

 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5527
• an act requiring the registration of
Medical Technologists: defining
their practice, & for other purposes • Medical Technology – profession
• Medical Technologist- professionals
It was approved on June 21, 1969. • USA recognizes Medical
Technologists as professionals

As amended by
• RA 6138: August 31, 1970
• PD 498: June 28, 1974
• PD1534: June 11, 1978
 SECTION 1
TITLE

Philippine
Medical Technology
Act of 1969
 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS
• Practice of Medical Technology

• Pathologist

• Medical Technologist (MT)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Accredited Medical Technology Training

Laboratory

• Recognized School of Medical Technology

 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
• an auxiliary branch of laboratory
medicine

• deals with the examination by

various chemical, microscopic,
bacteriologic & other medical
laboratory procedures or technique

• will aid physician in the diagnosis,

study and treatment of disease & in
the promotion of health in general
SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

A person shall be deemed to be in the practice of medical technology

who shall for a fee, salary or other compensation or reward paid or given
directly or indirectly through another
renders any of the following professional services for the purpose of
aiding the physician in the diagnosis, study and treatment of diseases
and in the promotion of health in general:
1. Examination of tissues, secretions & excretions of the human body & body fluids by various
electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic, immunologic,
nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and techniques either manual or automated;

2. Blood banking procedures and techniques;

3. Parasitologic, Mycologic & Microbiologic procedures and techniques;

4. Histopathologic & Cytotechnology;

5. Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of and/or application
of medical technology knowledge & procedures;

6. Preparations & standardization of reagents, standards, stains & others, provided such
reagents, standards, stains and others are exclusively for the use of their laboratory;

7. Clinical laboratory quality control;

8. Collection & preservation of specimens;

 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS: PATHOLOGIST
 a duly registered physician
 especially trained in methods of laboratory
medicine
or the gross & microscopic study &
interpretation of tissues, secretions &
excretions of the human body & its
functions
in order to:
diagnose disease,
follow its course,
determine the effectivity of treatment
ascertain cause of death
advance medicine by means of research
 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS: MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
a person who engages in the work of medical
technology
under the supervision of a pathologist or
licensed physician authorized by DOH in
places where there is no pathologist
have passed a prescribed course (BSMT/ BSH)
of training & examination
 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
 a person who not being a graduate of Bachelor
of Science in Medical Technology / Bachelor of
Science in Hygiene

 Have passed the corresponding civil service

examination

 performs the work of medical technology

 under the supervision of a registered medical

technologist &/or qualified pathologist
 SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
ACCREDITED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY TRAINING LABORATORY

A
clinical laboratory
office
agency
clinic
hospital
sanitarium

duly approved by DOH or its authorized

agency
SECTION 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
RECOGNIZED SCHOOL OF
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Any
 school
 college
 university
which offers a course in Medical
Technology
approved by CHED

upon the recommendation of the

council of medical technology
education
 SECTION 3.
COUNCIL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, ITS COMPOSITION
composed of the
Chairman: the Director of Higher Education
Vice-Chairman: the Chairman of PRC
Members:
• the Director of the BRL of DOH
• the Chairman & 2 members of the Board of Medical
Technology
• a representative of the Deans of Schools of Medical
Technology & Public Health
• the Presidents of the Philippine Society of Pathologists &
the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists
 SECTION 4
COMPENSATION & TRAVELING EXPENSES
OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

Chairman shall be entitled to a P50.00 per diem

the members shall be entitled to P25.00 each

regardless of whether or not they receive

regular salaries from the government

Are also entitled to traveling expenses in

connection with their official duties
 SECTION 5
FUNCTIONS OF THE
COUNCIL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
a. To recommend the minimum required curriculum for the course of medical
technology.

b. To determine and prescribe the number of students to be allowed to take up the MT

course in each school, taking into account the student-instructor ratio & the availability of
facilities for instruction.

c. To approve MT schools meeting the requirements & recommend

closure of those found to be substandard.

d. To require all MT schools to submit an annual report, including the total

number of students and instructors, list of facilities available for instruction, a list of their
recent graduates and new admissions, on or before the month of June.
 SECTION 5
FUNCTIONS OF THE
COUNCIL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION
e. To inspect the different MT schools in the country in
order to determine whether a high standard of education is maintained in said
institutions.
f. To certify for admission in to an undergraduate internship students who have
satisfactorily completed 3 years of the BSMT course or its equivalent
& to collect from said student the amount of 5 PhP each which money accrue to
the operating fund of the Council.
g. Formulate & recommend approval of refresher course for applicants who shall
have failed the Board Examination for the 3rd time.
h. To promulgate & prescribe & enforce necessary rules & regulations for the
proper implementation of the foregoing functions.
SECTION 6
MINIMUM
REQUIRED COURSE
• English Biochemistry
The medical technology • Spanish Gross Anatomy
course shall be at least • Social Science Histology
• 4 years, • General Zoology Physiology
• including a 12-month • Botany Clinical Parasitology
satisfactory internship in • Mathematics General Pathology
accredited laboratories • College Physics Microbiology
• include the following • General Chemistry Biostatistics
subjects: • Qualitative Chemistry Quantitative Chemistry
• Clinical Laboratory Methods including:
hematology, serology, blood banking,
clinical microscopy, applied microbiology,
and parasitology, histopathologic
techniques, & cytotechnology
 SECTION 7.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOARD

composed of: • shall hold office for 3 years

• a Chairman; pathologist
• 2 members; registered • incumbent members; will continue
medical technologists to serve until the expiration of their
terms.
appointed by the President of
the Republic of the Philippines • In case of death, disability, or
upon recommendation of PRC removal of a member of the Board,
his successor shall serve only the
balance of his term.
 SECTION 8.
QUALIFICATIONS OF EXAMINERS

(1) is a Filipino citizen

(2) is of good moral character
(3) is a qualified Pathologist, or a duly RMT of the Philippines with the degree of
BSMT/Bachelor of Science in Hygiene/Public Health
(4) has been in practice of laboratory medicine or medical technology for at
least 10 years prior to his appointment
(5) is not a member of the faculty of any MT school for at least two (2) years
prior to appointment or having any pecuniary interest direct or indirect in such
institution
 SECTION 11.
FUNCTIONS & DUTIES OF THE BOARD

a. Administer the act provisions

b. Administer oaths
c. Issue, suspend & revoke CORs for the practice of medical technology &
medical laboratory technician;
d. Look into conditions affecting the practice of medical technology in the
Philippines
e. Investigate such violations of this Act or of the rules and regulations issued
thereunder as may come to the knowledge of the Board and, for this purpose
issue subpoena & subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses
and production of documents in connection with charges presented to the
Board
 THERE ARE 2 KINDS OF SUBPOENAS:

• 1. a subpoena ad testificandum • 2. a subpoena duces tecum

brings people to testify before the describes evidence (documents,
court or hearing; tape recordings, photos, guns, etc.)
which must be brought before the
court or hearing
 . SECTION 11
FUNCTIONS & DUTIES OF THE BOARD
f. Draft such rules & regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Act: Provided, shall be issued only after the approval of the President of the
Philippines;

g. To determine the adequacy of the technical staff of all clinical laboratories & blood
banks before they could be licensed with DOH in accordance with R.A. No. 4655 &
1517;

h. To prescribe the qualifications & training of medical technologists as to special

fields of the profession & supervise their specialty examination conducted by the
professional organization of medical technologists accredited by PRC

i. To classify & prescribe the qualification & training of the technical staff of clinical
laboratories as to: Medical Technology; Medical Technologist; Senior Medical
Technologist; Medical Technologist & Medical Laboratory Technician.
 SECTION 12.
REMOVAL OF BOARD MEMBERS
• Can be removed by • after having been given opportunity
the President of the Philippines to defend himself in a proper and
administrative investigation
(due process)
Reasons:
neglect of duty,
incompetency,
malpractice or
unprofessional,
unethical, immoral or dishonorable
conduct
 SECTION 13.
ACCREDITATION OF SCHOOLS OF
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY & OF TRAINING LABORATORIES.-
• Upon the recommendation of the
Medical Technology Board

• CHED: shall approve schools of

Medical Technology

• DOH thru BRL: shall approve

laboratories for accreditation as
training laboratories for medical
technology students or
postgraduate trainees
 SECTION 13.
ACCREDITATION OF SCHOOLS OF MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY & OF TRAINING LABORATORIES.-
The laboratories

Should possess qualified personnel

 are properly equipped to carry out

lab procedures commonly required
in the following fields: Clinical
Chemistry, Microbiology, Serology,
Parasitology, Hematology, Blood
Banking, Clinical Microscopy, &
Histopathologic techniques
 SECTION 14.
INHIBITION AGAINST THE
PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY.-

• No person shall practice or offer to

practice medical technology
without having previously obtained
a valid certificate of registration
(COR)
 SECTION 14.
INHIBITION AGAINST THE
PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY.-
COR is not required in the following:

a. duly registered physicians

b. medical technologist from other countries (for

consultation or as visiting or exchange professors )

c. medical technologists in the service of the USAF

stationed in the Philippines
• all applicants for registration as
medical technologist shall be required SECTION 15.
to undergo written examination
EXAMINATION
shall be given by the Board annually in
• Written notices of such
examination shall be published
Manila, in at least 3 newspapers of
national circulation
Cebu
• by the Secretary of the Board
Davao • of least 30 days prior to the
date of examination.

during the months of August or

September
SECTION 16.
QUALIFICATION FOR EXAMINATION

• Every examination applicant must

provide satisfactory proof that he or
she:

a. Is in good health and is of good moral

character;
b. Has completed a course of at least 4
years leading to the degree of BSMT or
BSPH
or having graduated from some other
profession & has been actually
performing medical technology for the
last 5 years prior to the date of the
examinations, if such performance
began prior to June 21, 1969.
 .
SECTION 17
SCOPE OF EXAMINATION
SUBJECT RELATIVE WEIGHT

Clinical Chemistry
20%
Microbiology & Parasitology
20%
Hematology
20%
Blood Banking & Serology
20%
Clinical Microscopy (Urinalysis and other
body fluids)
10%
Histopathologic Techniques,
Cytotechnology, Medical Technology Laws,
10%
Related Laws and its implementing rules,
and the Code of Ethics
 SECTION 18.
REPORT OF RATING

• within 120 days after the

date of completion of
the examination, the
results shall be reported
 SECTION 19.
RATING IN THE EXAMINATION.-
to pass the examination, a candidate • Provided,
must obtain a general average of: • That the candidate has not failed in
at least 60%of the subjects
computed according to their
• at least 75% in the written test
relative weights

• with no rating below 50% in any

of the major subjects
• No further examinations, unless and until he shall have
completed a 12-month refresher course in an accredited
laboratory:

• Provided, That graduate of paramedical profession other

than Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor
of Science in Hygiene admitted to an examination under
the provisions of this Act shall not be given further
examinations after the provisions of this Act shall be given
further examinations after his failure to qualify for the 3rd
time.
 SECTION 20
OATH TAKING
• All successful examinees shall be required to take a
professional oath
SECTION 21.
ISSUANCE OF
CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION

• Every applicant who passed the exam

shall be issued a certificate of
registration (COR) COR:
Signed by:
• Provided, that no such certificate shall members of the Board
be issued to any successful applicant
who has not attained the age PRC Commissioner
of 21 years. Must be displayed where the MT works
 • the standard of medical technology
• COR (MT) is issued without education is substantially the same as
ours,
examination to: • have been in the practice of medical
• persons who have technology for at least 3 years prior (if
graduated with BSMT/BSPH such performance began prior to June 21,
1969
in duly recognized schools
• also to all other persons who having
of medical technology in graduated from other professions have
the Philippines or in any been actually performing medical
foreign country technology practice for the last eight (8)
years prior to filing of the application,
Provided, that such performance began
prior to June 21, 1969.
• COR issued as • He or she passed the civil service
examination
Medical Laboratory
Technician(MLT) • Has finished a 2-year college
without examination course & has at least 1 year of
experience as MLT

• to any person who upon

application & payment of the • has failed to pass the board
required fee (P50.00) show examination for MT but had
evidence satisfactory to the obtained a general rating of at least
Board that: 70%
• each applicant CHARGED FOR .
SECTION 22
50.00 PhP
FEES
50.00 PhP for the examination &
registration

25.00 PhP COR

10.00 PhP replacement for a lost,

destroyed, mutilated COR
 .
SECTION 23
REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE
Refusal to issue a COR to:
• any person convicted by the court
of competent jurisdiction of any
criminal offense involving moral
turpitude

• or any person guilty

of
immoral or dishonorable
conduct, or of unsound
mind, or incurable
communicable disease
 . SECTION 24
ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION
REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATES
• Administrative investigation shall be conducted
by at least 2 members of the Board

the respondents shall be entitled to

be represented by counsel
be heard in person,
have a speedy & public hearing,
confront & cross-examine witnesses against him
or her
all other rights guaranteed by the constitution
• The Board may reprimand, revoke
or suspend a COR of an erring MT

• The Board may (majority vote)

impose the penalty or reprimand or
suspension (not to exceed 2 years)
 .
SECTION 27
FOREIGN RECIPROCITY.

• No foreigner shall be admitted to

examination, or be given a COR
• Unless:
• the country or state of which he is a subject
or citizen permits Filipino Medical
Technologist to practice within its territorial
limits
SECTION 28.
ROSTER OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
• shall be open to public inspection

• prepared annually by the Secretary

of the Board

shall contain the

• name,
• address
• citizenship
of each registered Medical
Technologist
• date of registration or issuance of
certificate
 SECTION 29.
PENAL PROVISIONS.
• the following shall be punished by a fine of not less than 2,000.00 nor more than
5,000.00 pesos, or imprisonment for not less than 6 months nor more than 2 years, or
both
• (a) Any person who shall practice Medical Technology in the Philippines without
being registered or exempted from registration
• (b) Any medical technologist, even if duly registered, who shall practice medical
technology in the Philippines without the necessary supervision of a qualified
pathologist or physician authorized by DOH

• (c) Any medical technologist who shall knowingly made a fraudulent lab report;

• (d) Any duly registered medical technologist who shall refuse or fail, after due
warning by the Board to display his certificate of registration in the place where he
works;
• (e) Any person presenting or attempting to use as his own, the certificate of
registration of another;

• (f) Any person who shall give any false or fraudulent device of any kind to the Board
of any member thereof obtaining a certificate of registration as Medical
Technologist;

• (g) Any person who shall impersonate any registrant of a fake or the same name;

• (h) Any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of
registration;
• (i) Any person who shall in connection with his name otherwise, assume, use
or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he
is a Medical Technologist without holding a valid certificate of registration;

• (j) Any person who shall violate any provision of this Act; or

• (k) Any person or corporate body who shall violate the rules and regulations
of Board or orders promulgated by it after having been duly approved and
issued by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the
Commissioner of Civil Service for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of
this Act.
THAT’S ALL FOLKS!