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Professional Adjustment Adjustment – an educational process referring to changes in behavior towards better life, better relationships and better contribution to society. Profession – a calling by which members profess to have acquired special knowledge by training, by experience or both so that they may guide or advice or serve others in that field. An occupation usually involving relatively long and specialized preparation on the level of higher education and governed by its own code of ethics. Professional Adjustment – the growth of the whole individual and development of all his/her capacities: physical, mental, social and spiritual towards efficient and effective performance of his/her profession. NURSING AS A PROFESSION 1. Education - with a well-defined knowledge and expertise - A profession requires an extended education of its member, as well as basic liberal foundation. 2. Code of Ethics - required integrity of its members, that is, a member is expected to do what is considered right regardless of the personal cost - means to monitor professional behavior 3. Mastery of the Craft - depth of knowledge and skills that others without similar education - expected to make independent decisions using this body of knowledge - Theory. A profession has a theoretical body of knowledge leading to defined skills, abilities and norms. 4. Professional organization - need to be aware of the issues confronting nursing and the trends in nursing practice 5. Accountability - Nurses participates in making decisions and learns to live with these decisions - Responsibility 6. Service - A profession that provides basic service 7. Autonomy - Members of a profession have autonomy in decision making and in practice. 8. Caring - The most unique characteristic of nursing as a profession is that, it is a caring profession Professional Nursing – the performance for a fee, salary or other reward or compensation of professional services Undertaking responsible nursing care and supervision of patients involving the whole management of care, requiring or application of principles of the biologic, physical and behavioral sciences Observation of the signs of physical as well as mental conditions and needs requiring evaluation or application of principles of biologic, physical and behavioral sciences Accurate reporting and recording of facts including evaluation of the whole case Supervision of others contributing to nursing care of patients Execution of nursing procedures and techniques Direction and education to secure physical mental care Application and execution of legal orders in writing of physician's orders concerning treatment and medication Determinants of professional practice Problem and needs of the people Policies and regulations Current socio-economic-political and cultural systems Levels of care of Nursing Practice Promotion of Health Prevention of Illness Restoration of Health Consolation of dying Nursing Functions Independent functions involve actions which the nurse initiates herself are autonomous actions based on scientific rationale that is executed to benefit the client in a predicted way related to the nursing diagnosis and client-centered goals. These can solve client's problems without consultation to other health care professionals E.g. health teachings Dependent Functions Are based on the physician's response to a medical diagnosis The nurse intervenes by carrying out physician's written orders, but requires nursing judgment or decision making E.g. administration of medications Interdependent or Collaborative Are therapies that require the knowledge, skill and expertise of multiple health care professionals CLASSIFICATION OF NURSES According to types of position held Administrator or administrative assistant Consultant Supervisor or assistant supervisor Professor, lecturer, or instructor Dean or college secretary Head nurse or assistant head nurse Chief nurse General duty nurse or staff nurse According to professional status Active Inactive According to types of duty General duty nurses Private duty nurses According to the fields of nursing wherein they devote their practice Hospital or institutional nurse Public health nurses Nurse educators FIELDS/AREA OF SPECIALIZATION Institutional Nursing (hospital nursing) Wide range of specialization and areas of work (OB, Trauma, surgery, internal medicine, nuclear, recovery room, critical care unit etc) Public Health Nurse Main concern is prevention of diseases, promotion of health and vigor of the people in the rural areas (Clinics, RHU, communities, mobile clinics, diagnostic centers) Industrial Nursing Looks after the health of the employees Function is to maintain a high standard of nursing service in the company, interpret, develop and administer the health programs emanating from the health unit R.A. 1054 – requires employment of nurse in a commercial, industrial or agricultural establishment having employee not less than 30 or not more than 200 permanent employees and laborers (but the main duty is mainly to take charge of the emergency medicines for use of the employees) Special Employment Employment of nurses on certain vessels It is required by law (RA 10 as amended by RA 233) no such vessels with a carrying capacity of 75 passengers or more but less than 150, regularly making voyages lasting more than 24 hours without touching port, any lawfully sail from any Philippine port unless it has a male nurse in its complement To be enforced by bureau of customs Penalty: not more than 1000 or not more than 2 years of imprisonment Military Nursing Brief history National Defense Act: 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 386) Under this law, the Army Nurse Corps was created as component of the medical service of the Philippine Army Later the name was changed to Nurse Corps qualifications: single, female, BSN, RN, 21-26 years old regular or reserve Nursing Education The career ladder in nursing education starts with a Clinical Instructors' position up to the Dean of a College of Nursing. School Health Nursing School health nurses must like children a lot. They often work alone, out of touch with other nurses, the hospital and all professional supports they have known. They are responsible for the school's activities in the areas of health service, health education and environmental health and safety. Private Duty Nursing Nurses in private practice are expected to be expert clinicians as well as expert generalist in nursing. She renders comprehensive nursing care to a client on a one-to-one ratio. She/he is an independent contractor. The patient may provide care in the hospital or in the home. Clinic Nursing Clinic nursing requires that the nurse possess general skills. Usually a doctor has been in general practice for a number of years. It is with him the nurse acts as a receptionist, answers phone, does the billing, takes x-rays and ECGs, changes dressing, gives injections and assist in physical examinations. The nurse may even do autoclaving of instruments, keep records, order and store supplies, make follow up calls and referrals for patients. Roles and Functions of the Nurse Care provider. The nurse supports the client by attitudes and actions that show concern for client welfare and acceptance of the client as a person. The nurse is primarily concerned with the client's needs. Communicator. The nurse communicates with clients, support persons and colleagues to facilitate all nursing actions. Teacher. The nurse provides health teaching to effect behavior change which focuses on acquiring new knowledge or technical skills. This role gives emphasis on health promotion and health maintenance. Counselor. The nurse helps the client to recognize and cope with stressful psychologic or social problems, to develop improved personal relationships and promote personal growth. This role includes providing emotional, intellectual and psychologic support. Client Advocate. The nurse promotes what is best for he client, ensures that the client's needs are met, and protect client's rights. Change Agent. The nurse initiates changes and assist the client make modifications in the lifestyle to promote health. Leader. The nurse through the process of interpersonal influence helps the client make decisions in establishing and achieving goals to improve his well-being. Manager. The nurse plans, gives directions, develops staff, monitors operations, gives rewards fairly and represents both staff members and administration as needed. The nurse manages the nursing care of individuals, groups, families and communities. The nurse manager delegates nursing activities to ancillary workers and other nurses and supervises and evaluates their performance. Researcher. The nurse participates in scientific investigation and sues research findings in practice. The nurse helps develop knowledge about health and the promotion of health over the full life span; care of persons with health problems and disabilities; and nursing actions to enhance people's ability to respond effectively to actual or potential health problems. Case Manager. The nurse coordinates the activities of other members of the health care team, such as nutritionists and physical therapists, when managing a group of client's care. Collaborator. The nurse works in a combined effort with all those involved in care deliver, for a mutually acceptable plan to be obtained that will achieve common goals. The nurse initiates nursing actions within the health team. Philippine Nurses Association Vision The caring and fortifying light giver committed to providing opportunities for the professional growth and development of world class Filipino nurses. Mission 1. Zealously provide strategic directions and programs that enhance the competencies of nurses to be globally competitive. 2. Passionately sustain the quality work life and collegial interactions with and among nurses. 3. Continuously strengthen the internal capacity and capabilities for quality care and services to the nurses. 4. Enthusiastically explore possibilities of collaboration towards unification of nurses Proclamation No. 539 Granted national status to PNA and the last week of October was designated as the Nurses Week. This is to develop consciousness and availability of nursing resource in the Philippines. Letter of Instruction 1000 Compulsory membership to professional association by the Professional Regulations Commission Code of Nursing Ethics Under the Philippine Nursing Act, the Board of Nursing is vested with authority to study the conditions affecting the practice of nursing in the Philippines and to exercise powers necessary to insure the maintenance of efficient ethical standard in the practice of nursing, taking into consideration the health needs of the nation. By necessary implication from this authority and its power to promulgate such rules and regulations may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Nursing Act, the board has likewise the power to adopt a code of nursing ethics for the guidance of registered nurses in the Philippines in the observance of ethical principles that should govern their nursing practice, conduct and professional relationships. The professional code of ethics for Filipino nurses provides direction for the nurses to act morally. It strongly emphasizes the four-fold responsibility of the nurse, the universality of the nursing practice, the scope of their responsibilities to the people they serve, to their co- workers, to society and environment, and to their profession. Prior to 1984, the Code of Ethics used by Filipino nurses was the code promulgated by the International Council of Nurses. In 1982, the Philippine Nurses Association Special Committee, under the chairmanship of Dean Emeritus Julita V. Sotejo, developed Code of Ethics for Filipino nurses. The 1982 Proceedings of the Third Annual Convention of the PNA House of Delegates (HOD), published in October 1983, contains a detailed transcript of discussion and eventual unanimous approval of the PNA Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses. In 1984, the Board of Nursing, Professional Regulation Commission adopted the Code of Ethics of the International Council for Nurses through Board Resolution No. 633 dated March 21, 1984 adding ―promotion of spiritual environment‖ as the fifth-fold responsibility of the nurse. This was enforced up to 1989. In 1989, the Code of Ethics promulgated by the Philippine Nurses Association was approved by the Professional Regulation Commission and through Board Resolution No. 1955 was recommended for use. This was approved by the general assembly of the Philippine Nurses Association during the Nurses Week Convention in October 25, 1990. Pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act no. 877, known as the Philippine Nursing Law, and section 6 of P.D. 223, the amended Code of Ethics for Nurses recommended and endorsed by the Philippine Nurses Association was adopted to govern the practice of nursing in the Philippines. A new Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses has been promulgated by the Board of Nursing, in coordination and in consultation with the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA). In its formulation, the Code of Good Governance for the Pr5ofessions was adopted and integrated, as they apply to the Nursing Profession. After consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the PNA, and other affiliated organizations of registered nurses, the Code was adopted under Republic Act 9173 and promulgated by the Board of Nursing under Resolution No. 220 Series of 2004 last July 14, 2004. A. Fundamentals of Nursing Ethics 1. Ethics – system of moral principles or moral standards governing conduct; a system of rule of practice applied to a single class of human action (e.g. legal ethics, medical ethics, nursing ethics); a standard to examine and understand moral life. 2. Professional Ethics – a branch of moral science concerned with the obligations that member of the profession owes to the public. 3. Health Ethics – is the division of ethics that relates to human health. 4. Bio-ethics – is a specific domain of ethics that focuses on moral issues in the field of health care. 5. Nursing Ethics – system of principles governing the conduct of nurses; her relationship to the patient, patient's family, fellow nurses and society. Reinforces the nurses' ideals and motives in order to maximize the affectivity of their service. Johnston defines nursing ethics as the ―examination of all ethical and bio-ethical issues from the prospective of nursing theory and nursing ethics‖. B. Difference between Ethics and Moral 1. Ethics – the moral conduct of the principles underlying the desirable types of human conduct. It is a science of ideals which guides our judgment concerning morality of human acts. Whereas; 2. Moral – refers to the human conduct of ethics; the application of ethics. Ethicist Joseph Fletcher differentiates morality from ethics. He states that morality is what you believe is right and good while ethics is the critical reflection about morality and rational analysis about it. C. Importance of Ethics Ethics makes clear why one act is better than another Ethics keep an elderly social life by having agreements, understanding, principles or rules of procedures Moral conduct and ethical system must be intelligently and appraised and criticized. Ethics seeks to point out to men the true value of life and attempts to stimulate the moral sense, discover true values of life and inspire men to gain in for quest for these values. Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding a course of action. Without it, our actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work towards a goal because there would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals. Even with an ethical standard, we may be unable to pursue our goals with the possibility of success. To the degree which a rational ethical standard is taken, we are able to correctly organize our goals and actions to accomplish our most important values. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability to be successful in our endeavors. (Jeff Landauer and Joseph Rowlands 2001) D. Importance of the Code of Ethics for Nurses The four elements of the Code of Ethics for Nurses : nurses and people, nurses and practice, nurses and co-workers, nurses, society and environment and, nurses and the profession give a framework for the standards of conduct. Nurses and nursing students can therefore: Study the standards under each element of the Code. Reflect on what each standard means to you. Think about how you can apply ethics in your nursing domain: practice, education, research or management. Discuss the Code with co-workers and others. Use a specific example from experience to identify ethical dilemmas and standards of conduct as outlined in the Code. Identify how you would resolve the dilemmas. Work in groups to clarify ethical decision making and reach a consensus on standards of ethical conduct. Collaborate with your national nurses' association, co-workers, and others in the continuous application of ethical standards in nursing practice, education, management and research. Excerpts from ICN - International Council of Nurses, 3, place Jean-Marteau, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland E. Concept of Nursing Ethics – aspect of moral philosophy which serves as guide in one's judgment or appraisal of the goodness or badness of acts relative to the practice of nursing. Guiding Principles: 1. Nursing practice is predicated on the ideals of service 2. premised or personal sacrifices and devotion to duty for the benefit of the people 3. As a practitioner, her primary object is to render satisfactory professional service 4. A profound devotion to her professional duties and genuine concern in the advancement of her profession for the promotion of public health and public welfare. 5. Primary responsibility is to help in the promotion of health and conversation of human lives commensurate with her knowledge, training and experience, serve and care with utmost solicitude and giving him always the best of her talent and skill. 6. Assumes IPSO-FACTO- the obligation to uphold the noble traditions of the profession. 7. As a citizen, a nurse is bound to fulfill her civic duties to abide by the laws, to have sufficient knowledge of nursing and medical laws and to cooperate with the state in the promotion of public health and welfare. 8. As a professional practitioner, the nurse should safeguard the reputation and dignity of her co-workers. F. Responsibilities to the Patient 1. The primary responsibility of the nurse to the patient is to give him/her the kind of care his/her condition needs regardless of his/her race, creed, color, nationality or status. In doing so, the patient's care shall be based on needs, the physician's orders, and the ailment; and shall involve the patient and/or his/her family so that he/she or any of the family can participate in his/her care. 2. The nurse can plan with the patient and family a specific nursing care of the patient according to his or family's needs and requirements. 3. The nurse should promote learning for the patient. 4. When giving care she should not forget that patients and human beings not just bodies afflicted with illness (treatment of person not symptom). 5. A nurse is expected to show more commission to the patient than the physician. 6. Her primary consideration in assuming care is a concern for the patient's welfare and safety. 7. A nurse is responsible to give facts or information to the patient and his family which they entitled to know. 8. A nurse guard as a sacred trust any confidential or private information from the patient even after death of the patient except when it is required to show the interest of justice, public health or public safety. 9. Nurses are advised to become familiar with the patient's bill of rights and observe its provisions. 10. Nurses should commit themselves to the welfare of those entrusted to their care. They should be loyal to their sworn duty. G. Responsibilities to the Physician 1. It is expected that nurses will not only carry out doctor's orders accurately and conscientiously but help plan and implement patient care as well. 2. He/she should call the physician's attention when he makes mistakes before carrying out his prescriptions otherwise he/she may be liable for the consequences. 3. nurses must report patient's condition including results of therapies so that management of care can be properly monitored and modified as necessary. 4. Nurses should familiarize themselves with the various routines, methods or idiosyncrasies of physicians, so that smooth relationships can be maintained. In case the patient has a complaint against the physician, this shall be tactfully brought to the latter's attention. 5. Any case of illegal, incompetent or unethical practice by any member of the health team shall be brought to the attention of the appropriate authority through channels within the institutional or agency setting. 6. Nurses should remember that any medical act relegated to them is illegal because it is specified in the Medical Law that any licensed nurse who does this, even if supervised, can be held for illegal practice of medicine. H. Responsibilities to the Public 1. A nurse should cooperate with the proper authorities in the enforcement of sanitary laws and regulations and in the education of the masses on the p[promotion of individual and community health. 2. takes part in enlightening the public regarding communicable disease (prevention and cure) 3. Must be active in the performance of her duties as a citizen. I. Responsibilities to Colleagues 1. Nurses are expected to be able to get along smoothly with their colleagues. 2. Nurses shall adjust themselves to the organization and know its policies and procedures. They shall establish good working relationships with co-workers. 3. It is important that nurses know their place in the total organization so that they may cooperate, coordinate and maximize their work. 4. Situations such as when nurses see their colleagues neglect their duties or are incompetent shall be brought to the attention of the immediate supervisor or appropriate authority within the agency setting before any life could be endangered. 5. Nurses should observe utmost caution, tact and prudence with respect to the official conduct of his/her superiors or another nurse. 6. Should refrain from making unfair and unwarranted criticisms against another nurse or doing anything that would discredit her colleagues. 7. Should not interfere with or take over the nursing care of a patient already under the care of another nurse unless in case of emergency. J. Responsibilities to the Profession 1. A nurse should be zealous in her professional growth by keeping abreast with the least trends in nursing science, act and practice (join a bona fide professional organization) 2. Should be upright, diligent, sober, modest and well versed in both science and the act of her profession. 3. Should not solicit patient by any means such as through advertisements, solicitors or agents. 4. Must refrain from performing any act or any transaction that may be a discredit to herself or to the profession and to bring to the attention of proper authorities any unethical conduct of any registered nurse. K. Responsibility to other profession 1. She ought to cooperate in safeguarding the reputation and dignity of the members of other professions. HISTORY OF THE NURSING LAW Act. No. 2493 (1915) An Act to amend No. 310 regulating the Practice of Medicine in the Philippines Provided for the examination and registration of nurses Nurse must apply for registration to the Director of Health Requirements: Good moral character. Good health and 21 years old Act No. 2808 (1919) An act regulating practice of nursing profession The FIRST TRUE NURSING LAW Created the board of examiners composed of three members Examination date on the 2nd Monday of June and December First board exam: 10920 Act No. 3025 (1922) Amplification of the definition of the Nursing Profession Granting the privilege of registering as nurses without exams the RNs from US Change of date of exam: 2nd Monday of April and October Act No. 4007 (1932) The reorganization law of 1932 The conduct of examination was placed under the direct supervision of Bureau of Civil Service Change of jurisdiction over the Board of Examiner under the Department of Public Instruction EO No. 317 (1941) Pursuant to Commonwealth Act 430, transfer of jurisdiction of the board to the Department of Health and Public Welfare Republic Act No. 546 (1950) Reorganized and placed all the Boards under the direct supervision of the President of the Philippines Gave the board the power to prescribe collegiate courses Republic Act 877 (1953) Organization of the Board of Examiners for nurses Provisions regarding nursing schools and colleges, examination, registration of nurses including sundry provisions relative to the practice of nursing Two important sections pertained to the need for registration as nurse before anyone could practice nursing in the country o No person shall practice or offer to practice nursing in the Philippines as defined in the Act, without holding a valid certificate of registration as nurse issued by the Board of Examiners for Nurses o Not only prohibit the practice of nursing without a certificate of registration issued by the Board of Nursing but also provides the penalty for doing so. Republic Act 4704 (1966) Amended certain portions of R.A. 877 The membership of the Board of Examiners for Nurses was increased from three to five members. Members of the Board were to be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and no longer upon the recommendation of the Commission of Civil Service The requisite academic degree for members of the Board was a Master's Degree, instead of Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing No person was eligible for membership in the board if he/she was over 65 years of age The academic qualification for Dean, Directors and principals of Colleges and Schools of Nursing was raised to that of Master's Degree in Nursing. The minimum age required of applicants for admission to the nurse's examination was lowered from 21 to 18 years of age, but no candidate who passed the examination was permitted to practice the profession until he/she reached the age of 21 years. R.A. 6136 (1970) The application and execution of legal orders in writing of physicians concerning treatments and medications including the application of hypodermic and intramuscular injection; provided that intravenous and other injections may be administered under the direction and in the presence of the said physician R.A. Act 7164 "Philippine Nursing Act of 1991" Redefinition of the scope of nursing practice to emphasize o The use of nursing process as a scientific discipline in arriving at an appropriate nursing action and care o The teaching, management, leadership and decision making roles of the nurse o The undertaking of and participation in studies and research by nurses Requiring a faculty member who was appointed to the Board of Nursing to resign from his/her teaching position at the time of appointment and not one year preceding his/her appointment as provided in R.A. 877 Updating a faculty's educational qualification by requiring a Master's Degree in Nursing or related fields or its equivalent in terms of experience and specification as pre- requisite to teaching Specification of qualifications of administrators of nursing services Inclusion of the phrase ―Unethical conduct‖ as one of the reasons for revocation and suspension of certificate of registration R.A. 9173 "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" The Board is now composed of a Chairman and six members instead of a Chairman and four members Submission of names of qualified nominees by the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) to the Commission, three (3) nominees per vacancy, not later than three months before the vacancy The Commission submits to the office of the President two (2) nominees per vacancy not later than two months before the vacancy occurs. The appointment must be issued not later than thirty (30) days before scheduled licensure examination. Qualifications of Board Members o Educational requirement for members of the Board is not limited to registered nurses with Master's degree in nursing but also to registered nurses with master's degrees in education, or other allied medical profession provided that the Chairperson and majority of the members are holders of a Master's degree in nursing o Of the ten years of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment, the last five (5) years must be in the Philippines. Added the powers and duties of the Board o Adopt and regulate a Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for the practice of nursing within one year from the effectivity of this act. o Recognize specialty organization in coordination with accredited professional organization. Licensure Examination and Registration o Specific dates of examination has been deleted Specific dates of examination – not earlier than one (1) month and not later than 2 months after the closing of each semestral term. o Specific age of applicants has been deleted Ratings o Specific number of times an examinee may take the licensure examination has been deleted o Added: Removal examination shall be taken within two (2) years after the last failed examination Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration o Added: Implementing Rules and Regulations, Code of Ethics, Code of Technical Standards, for Nursing Practice and policies of the Board and of the Commission o Added: Sec. 28g for practicing the profession during the period of suspension o Period of Suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license not to exceed four (4) years Nursing Education o Added: Requirement for inactive nurses returning to practice – Nurse who have not actively practiced the profession shall undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum o Qualifications of Faculty – Requirement of clinical experience in a field of specialization has been reduced from three (3) years to one (1) year in a field of specialization o The Dean of the College of Nursing must have at least five 95) years of experience in teaching and supervising a nursing education program. Nursing Practice o Scope of Nursing – Duties and responsibilities of the Nurse Deleted: Special training for intravenous injections but Nursing Service Administrators still require formal training for the safety of the patient and the protection of the nurse and of the institution. Added: Special training for suturing the Lacerated perineum Note: This is being undertaken by the Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines (ANSAP) with the Maternal and Child Association of the Philippines (MCNAP) Added: Observe the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards to maintain competence through continual professional education Health human resource production and Utilization additions o Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. The Board is mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that would upgrade the level of skills and competency of specialty nurse clinicians in the country Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program Nursing Specialty Certification Program has been adopted and a Nursing Specialty Certification Council has been created on the basis of RA. No. 7164 It was done through Resolution No. 14 of the BON on February 18, 1999 The adoption and creation were perceived to oversee the administration of the program by the Specialty Certification Board These Specialty Certification Boards were scheduled for creation in each of the four major groups of nursing specialties with the assistance of the Clinical Nurse Association of the Philippines Inc. The purpose of this program is to upgrade the level of skill and competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the country Resolution No. 14 contained developments that served as premises and justifications for its issuance. It includes; 1. The increasing emphasis on the climate for specialization Advances in science and technology direct initiatives toward high quality performance in a field of choice. 2. The emergence of the concept of globalization As imposed by the national laws of countries all over the world, this facilitates the removal of barriers in trade, industry, and services. 3. Response to increasing demands of developments Impels people in the service sector to address the challenges imposed by changes resulting from advancement and innovations in facilities and strategies of healthcare delivery 4. Adoption of a system of incentives and benefits Recognizes individual and collective efforts as a process in inspiring nurses and other stakeholders toward preparing practitioners to acquire expertise in delivering service to their clientele 5. Current trend of specialization in nursing practice recognized by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) The deepening and refining of nursing practice and applying it to the Philippine setting enhances the quality of nursing care and consequently benefits the Filipino clientele 6. The need for a framework of the program, and detailing the mechanics, guidelines, and procedures for its implementation. The consultation of the Board of Nursing with the leaders of national nursing association and other concerned nursing groups led to the decision of tasking a special group of nurses to study and prepare a position paper that captures the process of implementing the Nursing Specialty Certification Program. As a consequence, resolution No. 14, Series of 1999, details the mechanics, guidelines and procedures for its implementation. The scope of Resolution 14 is covered in the following headings: (a) the framework; (b) definition; (c) assumption; and the (nursing specialty certification council. The term, Specialty Certification, in the Resolution is defined in three (3) perspectives – (a) a process; (b) as a mechanism; and () as an act. It is the process whereby qualified agents, based on a variety of measures and assessment strategies, confirm or attest that individual nurses who underwent training and instruction for advanced nursing practice in specialized nursing services meet minimum standards set at specified times. It is a mechanism that is used to validate achievement of a level of clinical specialty of functional expertise and competence that goes beyond the level of basic licensure. And finally, it is the act of a competent authority, embodied in a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a particular level and field of specialization. The Nursing Specialty Certification Council is described in Resolution No. 14 under nine (9) sub-topics, including: 1. Mission 2. Commitment of the Board of Nursing 3. Function of the Nursing Specialty Certification Council 4. Creation of the Sub-specialty Boards 5. Organizational Structure 6. Creation of the Appeals Panel 7. Creation of the Specialty Certification Board 8. Formulation of the criteria for the selection and qualifications of committee members; and 9. The levels for certification The three (3) levels subject to certification are (1) Level I – Nurse Clinician I; (2) Level II – Nurse Clinician II; and (3) Level III – Clinical Nurse Specialist. o Salary. Minimum base pay of nurses in public health institutions shall not be lower than the first step or hiring rate prescribed for Salary Grade 15 pursuant to R.A. 6758, otherwise known as the Compensation and Classification Act of 1989. o Funding for the comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. The annual financial requirement to rain at least ten (10) percent of the nursing staff of the participating hospital shall be chargeable against the incomes of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes. o Incentives and Benefits. Incentives and benefits shall be limited to non-cash benefits such as free hospital care for nurses and their dependents and scholarship grants. Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions o Penalty for violation of this Act in fines has been increased to not less than fifty thousand pesos nor more than one hundred thousand pesos. o Imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the Board NURSING JURISPRUDENCE Department of law which comprises all the legal rules and principles affecting the practice of nursing Includes the study and interpretation of rules and principles and their application in the regulation of the practice of nursing. Functions of Law of Nursing Provides a framework for establishing what nursing actions in the care of patients are legal delineates the nurse's responsibilities from those of other professionals Helps to establish the boundaries of independent nursing actions\ Assists in maintaining a standard of nursing practice by making nurses accountable to the law Laws and Regulations Affecting Nursing Practice in the Philippines Act. No. 2493 Regulations of the practice of medicine which covers nursing practice RA 4704 Amended 877 RA 6136 Application and execution of legal orders in writing of physicians re: treatments and meds, IV injection by nurse under the direct supervision of physician RA 6511 Standardization of examination and registration fees, non-payment of fees for 5 consecutive years will mean suspension and removal from annual roster PD No. 223 Creation of the PRC and its powers and responsibilities RA 5181 (1976) Practice of profession by a person who is a permanent resident in Philippines for at least 3 years and reciprocity LOI No. 1000 Compulsory membership to professional organization and priority in hiring of members RA 1612 Privilege tax payment before starting business or occupation, income tax payment on or before January 31 PD 69 Limits the number of children to 4 for exemption RA 1080 Passing bar and board exams means civil service eligible Proclamation No. 539 Last week of October is designated as Nurses Week RA 2644: RA 7392 Philippine Midwifery Law RA 3753/ PD 651 Civil Register Law; Birth registration Law RA 2302 Philippine Medical Act PD 541 Former Filipino Professional are allowed to practice while in then Philippines RA 6425 Dangerous Drug Act RA 1082 (1954); RA 1891 (1957) Creation of Rural Health Units all over the Philippines RA 679; PD 148 Woman and Child Labor Law RA 1054 Free emergency, medical and dental services for employees RA 4226 Hospital Licensure Act RA 5901 Maximum of 40 hours a week of work for nurses in agencies with 100 bed capacity and/or in an area with 1M population PD 442 Labor Code of the Philippines – right to self-organization and collective bargaining PD 603 Child and Youth Welfare Code ILO Convention No. 149 Improvement of worklife conditions of nursing personnel through negotiations ratified by Proc. No. 1851 RA 6111 Philippine Medicare Act PD 1519 Medicare benefits pf government employees PD 1636 Compulsory membership of self-employed individuals to SSS RA 3573 Law on reporting of communicable diseases to be monitored at least weekly; 1. measles 2. acute poliomyelitis 3. severe/acute diarrhea 4. neonatal tetanus 5. HIV infection RA 1136 Reorganization of the Division of Tuberculosis RA 6675 Generics Act RA 4073 Liberalizing treatment of Leprosy RA 7305 Magna Carta of Public Health Workers Executive Order No. 51 Milk Code LOI 949 Primary Health Care Proclamation No. 6 Implementing UNICEF goal on child immunization PD 965 Couples to undergo family planning instruction before issuance of marriage license PD 48 Limits paid maternity leave to 4 children LOI 47 Directing all health sciences and social work schools to incorporate family planning in their curriculum PD 996 Compulsory basic immunization to infants and young children PD 825 Penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness PD 856 Code of Sanitation RA 8423 Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care RA 7719 National Blood Services Act RA 7170 Organ Donation Act RA 702 Unlawful to demand deposit in cases of serious conditions RA 807 Civil Service Law EO 180 Right of government employees to joint unions PD 851 Requires employers to pay employees the 13th month pay RA 1981 GSIS RA 1161 SSS RA 7041 Publication of vacancies in government position RA 7875 National Health Insurance Act RA 7160 The Local Government Code Executive Order No. 503 Implementing rules and guidelines on the devolution of health services RA 8504 AIDS Law RA 8479 Clean Air Act PD 626 Employee Compensation and State Insurance Fund RA 6758 Salary Standardization Law RA 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees RA 7432 Senior Citizens Act RA 7610 Special Protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination RA 6725 Law on women with respect to terms and conditions of employment RA 7192 Women in developing and nation building Act RA 7600 Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act RA 7877 Anti-sexual harassment Act of 1995 Executive Order 266 Institutionalizing of continuing professional education of various boards under the supervision of PRC LOI 567 Validity of license in three years (PRC resolution no. 187, renewal on birth date not later than the 20th of the next month) RA 8981 PRC Modernization Law RA 9173 Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 LEGAL ASPECTS AND THE NURSE Professional Negligence Negligence – refers to the commission or omission of an act, pursuant to a duty, that a reasonably prudent person in the same or similar circumstance would or would not do, and acting or the non-acting of which is the proximate cause of injury to another person or his property Elements of a Professional Negligence 1. existence of a duty on the part of the person charged to use due care under circumstances 2. failure to meet standard of due care 3. the foreseability of harm resulting from failure to meet the standard 4. the fact that the breach of this standard resulted in an injury to the plaintiff Examples of Negligence 1. Burns resulting from hot water bags, heat lamps, vaporizers or sitz baths 2. Objects left inside the patients body such as sponges 3. Drugs given to the wrong person 4. wrong medicine, wrong concentration, wrong route or wrong dose Doctrine of RES IPSA LOQUITUR- ―the thing speaks for itself‖ Rule: When a thing which has caused an injury is shown to be under the management of the party charged with negligence and the accident is such as in the ordinary course of things will not happen if those who have such management use proper care, the accident itself affords reasonable evidence in the absence of explanation by the parties charged, that is rose from the want of proper care. Three conditions required to establish a defendant's negligence without proving specific conduct. 1. that the injury was of such nature that it would not normally occur unless there was a negligent act on the part of someone 2. that the injury was caused by an agency within control of the defendant 3. that the plaintiff himself did not engage in any manner that would tend to bring about the injury. Example of such case is the presence of sponges in the patient's abdomen after an operation. Malpractice – implies the idea of improper or unskillful care of a patient by a nurse. Also denotes stepping beyond one's authority with serious consequences. It is a term for negligence or carelessness of professional personnel. Doctrine of FORCE MAJEURE – means an irresistible force, one that is unforeseen or inevitable. Rule: When a debtor is unable to comply with his obligation because of force majeure he cannot be held liable for such performance. In the absence of stipulations to the contrary, impossibility of performance, without the negligence of the parties, prevents the enforcement of bond or contract. Circumstances such as floods, fire earthquakes and accidents falls under this doctrine and nurses who fail to render service during these circumstances are not held negligent. Doctrine of RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR – let the master answer for the acts of the subordinate. Rule: The masters is responsible for the want of care on the part of the servant toward those to whom the master is under the duty to use care, provided the failure of the servant to use such care occurred in the course of his employment. Example of this is that if the hospital will decides to hire under board nurses or midwives in place of professional nurse in an effort to cut down on expenses and these persons prove to be incompetent then the hospital will be held liable. Incompetence – lack of ability, legal qualifications of fitness to discharge the required duty. Medical Orders, Drugs and Medications RA 6675 states only validly registered medical, dental, and veterinary practitioners are authorized to prescribe drugs In accordance with RA 5921, or the Pharmacy Act all prescriptions must contain the following information: 1. name of the prescriber 2. office address 3. professional registration number 4. professional tax receipt number 5. patient's/client's name 6. age and sex 7. date of prescription 8. RA 6675 requires that drugs be written in their generic name Only when these orders are legal in writing and bear the doctor's signature does the nurse have the legal right to follow them The nurse must not execute an order if she is reasonably certain it will result in harm to the patient The nurse must demonstrate courage and determination in verifying orders which are not clear or which, to her, seems erroneous A nurse must see to it that she understands the action of a drug, its minimum and maximum dosages, route of administration and untoward effects so that she may skillfully, safely and effectively carry them out Tests and treatments should be explained to the patient in accordance with the general plan of his care so that the patient can give full consent and cooperate in its implementation Nurses must be able to report and record the effects of medication to the patient so that the doctor can judge its therapeutic value and know when to discontinue their use NURSES AND CRIMES Crime – an act committed or omitted in violation of societal law and punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment or death Two Elements 1. criminal act 2. evil/criminal intent Conspiracy to commit a crime – exists when two or more persons agree to commit a felony and decide to do it. Principals – are those who take a direct part in the execution of the act; who directly force or induce others to commit it Accomplices – are those persons who, not being principals, cooperate in the execution of the offense by previous or simultaneous act. Accessories – are those who, having knowledge of the commission of the crime; by profiting themselves or assisting the offender to profit from the effects of the crime by destroying or concealing body of the crime, or the effects or instruments, in order to prevent its discovery or by harboring, concealing or assisting in the escape of their principal of the crime. Criminal Actions – deal with acts or offenses against public welfare. Vary from minor offenses and misdemeanor to felonies. Misdemeanor – a general name for a criminal offense which does not in law amount to felony. Punishment is usually a fine or imprisonment for a term of less than one year. Felony – is a public offense for which is convicted person is liable to be sentenced to death or to be imprisoned in a penitentiary or prison. A felony is committed with deceit and fault. Deceit (Dolo) – exists when the act is performed with deliberate intent Fault (Culpa) - when wrongful acts result from imprudence, negligence or lack of skill or foresight. Classes of Felonies According to the degree of the acts of execution 1. consummated – when all the elements necessary for its execution and accomplishment are present 2. frustrated – when the offender performs all the acts or execution which will produce the felony as a consequence but which nevertheless do not produce it by reason of causes independent of the will of the perpetrator 3. attempted – when the offender commences the commission of the same directly by overt acts, and does not perform all the acts or execution which shall produce the felony, by reason of some cause or accident other tha his own spontaneous desistance According to the degree of punishment 1. Grave – are those to which law attaches the capital punishment (death) or penalties which in any of their periods are afflictive 9 imprisonment from 6 years and 1 day to life imprisonment or fine not exceeding P6,000.00) 2. Less grave – are those which the law punishes with penalties which in their maximum period are correctional (imprisonment from 1 month and 1 day to 6 years, or fine not exceeding P6,000.00) 3. Light felonies – are those infractions of law for the commission of which the penalty of arresto menor (imprisonment for 1 day to 30 days or fine not exceeding P200.00 or both) Circumstances Affecting Criminal Liability Justifying circumstances. — The following do not incur any criminal liability: 1. Anyone who acts in defense of his person or rights, provided that the following circumstances concur; a. Unlawful aggression. b. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it. c. Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person defending himself. 2. Any one who acts in defense of the person or rights of his spouse, ascendants, descendants, or legitimate, natural or adopted brothers or sisters, or his relatives by affinity in the same degrees and those consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, provided that the first and second requisites prescribed in the next preceding circumstance are present, and the further requisite, in case the revocation was given by the person attacked, that the one making defense had no part therein. 3. Anyone who acts in defense of the person or rights of a stranger, provided that the first and second requisites mentioned in the first circumstance of this Art. are present and that the person defending be not induced by revenge, resentment, or other evil motive. 4. Any person who, in order to avoid an evil or injury, does not act which causes damage to another, provided that the following requisites are present; a. That the evil sought to be avoided actually exists; b. That the injury feared be greater than that done to avoid it; c. That there be no other practical and less harmful means of preventing it. 5. Any person who acts in the fulfillment of a duty or in the lawful exercise of a right or office. 6. Any person who acts in obedience to an order issued by a superior for some lawful purpose. Exempting Circumstances— the following are exempt from criminal liability: 1. An imbecile or an insane person, unless the latter has acted during a lucid interval. When the imbecile or an insane person has committed an act which the law defines as a felony (delito), the court shall order his confinement in one of the hospitals or asylums established for persons thus afflicted, which he shall not be permitted to leave without first obtaining the permission of the same court. 2. A person under nine years of age. 3. A person over nine years of age and under fifteen, unless he has acted with discernment, in which case, such minor shall be proceeded against in accordance with the provisions of Revised Penal Code. 4. Any person who, while performing a lawful act with due care, causes an injury by mere accident without fault or intention of causing it. 5. Any person who act under the compulsion of irresistible force. 6. Any person who acts under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear of an equal or greater injury. 7. Any person who fails to perform an act required by law, when prevented by some lawful insuperable cause. Mitigating circumstances. — The following are mitigating circumstances; 1. When all the requisites necessary to justify or to exempt from criminal liability in the respective cases are not attendant. 2. That the offender is under eighteen year of age or over seventy years. 3. That the offender had no intention to commit so grave a wrong as that committed. 4. That sufficient provocation or threat on the part of the offended party immediately preceded the act. 5. That the act was committed in the immediate vindication of a grave offense to the one committing the felony (delito), his spouse, ascendants, or relatives by affinity within the same degrees. 6. That of having acted upon an impulse so powerful as naturally to have produced passion or obfuscation. 7. That the offender had voluntarily surrendered himself to a person in authority or his agents, or that he had voluntarily confessed his guilt before the court prior to the presentation of the evidence for the prosecution; 8. That the offender is deaf and dumb, blind or otherwise suffering some physical defect which thus restricts his means of action, defense, or communications with his fellow beings. 9. Such illness of the offender as would diminish the exercise of the will-power of the offender without however depriving him of the consciousness of his acts. 10. And, finally, any other circumstances of a similar nature and analogous to those above mentioned. Aggravating circumstances. — The following are aggravating circumstances: 1. That advantage is taken by the offender of his public position. 2. That the crime be committed in contempt or with insult to the public authorities. 3. That the act be committed with insult or in disregard of the respect due the offended party on account of his rank, age, or sex, or that is be committed in the dwelling of the offended party, if the latter has not given provocation. 4. That the act be committed with abuse of confidence or obvious ungratefulness. 5. That the crime be committed in the place dedicated to religious worship. 6. That the crime be committed on the occasion of a conflagration, shipwreck, earthquake, epidemic or other calamity or misfortune. 7. That the crime be committed in consideration of a price, reward, or promise. 8. That the crime be committed by means of inundation, fire, poison, explosion, stranding of a vessel or international damage thereto, derailment of a locomotive, or by the use of any other artifice involving great waste and ruin. 9. That the act be committed with evidence premeditation. 10. That the craft, fraud or disguise be employed. 11. That advantage is taken of superior strength, or means be employed to weaken the defense. 12. That means be employed or circumstances brought about which add ignominy to the natural effects of the act. 13. That the crime be committed after an unlawful entry. There is an unlawful entry when an entrance of a crime a wall, roof, floor, door, or window is broken. 14. That the wrong done in the commission of the crime be deliberately augmented by causing other wrong not necessary for its commissions. Alternative circumstances are those which must be taken into consideration as aggravating or mitigating according to the nature and effects of the crime and the other conditions attending its commission. They are the relationship, intoxication and the degree of instruction and education of the offender. The alternative circumstance of relationship shall be taken into consideration when the offended party in the spouse, ascendant, descendant, legitimate, natural, or adopted brother or sister, or relative by affinity in the same degrees of the offender. The intoxication of the offender shall be taken into consideration as a mitigating circumstances when the offender has committed a felony in a state of intoxication, if the same is not habitual or subsequent to the plan to commit said felony but when the intoxication is habitual or intentional, it shall be considered as an aggravating circumstance. Murder – unlawful killing of a human being with intent to kill Homicide – is the killing of a human being by another without criminal intent Infanticide – is the killing of a child less than three (3) days of age Abortion – expulsion of the product of conception before the age of variability with the intention of prematurely ending a pregnancy, willfully and unlawfully does any act to cause the same is guilty of procuring abortion Parricide – a crime committed by one who kills his/her father, mother or child whether legitimate or illegitimate, or any of his/her ascendants or descendants of his/her spouse Simulation of birth – substitute one child for another, falsification of birth favoring adoption Torts – legal wrong committed calling for compensation in damages Examples of torts: 1. Assault and Battery. Assault is the imminent threat of harmful or offensive bodily contact while battery is an intentional, unconsented touching of another person. 2. False Imprisonment of Illegal detention. Means unjustifiable detention of a person without a legal warrant within boundaries fixed by the defendant by an act or violation of duty intended to result in such confinement. 3. Invasion of Right to Privacy and Breach of Confidentiality. Nurses may be liable for invasion of privacy if they divulge information from a patient's chart to improper sources or unauthorized persons. 4. Defamation. In general, character assassination, be it written or spoken constitutes defamation. a. Slander – oral defamation of a person by speaking unprivileged of false words by which his reputation is damaged b. Libel – is defamation by written words, cartoons or such representations NURSE AND CONTRACTS Contract Meeting of minds between two persons whereby one binds himself, with respect to the other, to give something or to render some service An agreement between two or more competent persons upon sufficient consideration to do or not do some lawful act Can be written or oral Kinds of contract 1. Formal Contract – refers to an agreement among parties involved and is required to be in writing by some special laws. 2. Informal contract – one which is concluded as the result of a written document or correspondence where the law does not require the same to be in writing, or as the result of oral and spoken discussion between parties or conduct between the parties, evidence and intention to contract. 3. Express contract – is one in which the conditions and terms of the contract are given orally or in writing by the parties concerned. 4. Implied contract – is one that is concluded as a result of acts of conduct of the parties to which the law ascribes an objective intention to enter into contract. 5. void contract – is one that is inexistent from the very beginning and therefore may not be enforced 6. Illegal contract – is one that is expressly prohibited by law. Requisites of a contract 1. two or more persons must participate 2. parties involved must give consent to the contract 3. the object must be specified such as: all things which are not outside the commerce of man all rights which are not intransmissible future inheritance in cases expressly authorized by law all services which are not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order and public policy 4. The cause of obligation is established 5. Contracting parties must have legal capacity to enter into a contract. They must: be of legal age be of sound mind not under the influence of intoxicating drugs, or fear of bodily harm not be suffering form physical disability such as those who are mentally incompetent Breach of Contract - is failure to perform an agreement, whether expressed or implied, without cause. The following constitute breach of contract for nursing services: prevention of performance failure to perform because of inconvenience or difficulty failure of cooperation in performance abandonment of duty substitution of performance failure to use due care Legal Excuses in Refusing, Neglecting or Failure to Perform a Contract discovery of material misrepresentation made and relied upon where performance will be illegal where performance is made possible by reason of illness where performance is made possible by death of patient or nurse where performance is made for other reasons where contract in insufficient Consent to Medical and Surgical Procedures Consent – free and rational act that presupposes knowledge of the thing to which consent is being given by a person who is legally capable to give consent. Nature of Consent. An authorization, by a patient or a person authorized by law to give the consent on the patient's behalf, that changes touching, for example, from non-consensual to consensual. Informed Consent. It is established principle of law that every human being of adult years and sound mind has the right to determine what shall be done with his own body. Elements of informed Consent 1. diagnosis and explanation of the condition 2. fair explanation of the procedures to be done and used and the consequences 3. a description of alternative treatments or procedures 4. a description of the benefits to be expected 5. material rights if any 6. the prognosis, if the recommended care, procedure, is refused Proof of Consent. A written consent should be signed to show that the procedure is the one consented to and that person understands the nature of the procedure, the risks involved and possible consequences. Who must consent. Ordinarily, the patient is the one who gives the consent in his own behalf. However, if he is incompetent or physically unable and is not an emergency cse, consent must be taken from another who is authorized to give it in his behalf. Consent of Minors. Parents, or someone standing in their behalf, gives the consent to medical or surgical treatment of a minor. Parental consent is not needed however, if the minor is married or otherwise emancipated. Emergency situation. No consent is necessary because inaction at such time may cause greater injury. Refusal to Consent. A patient who is mentally and legally competent (sane mind and of legal age) has the right to refuse the touching of his body or to submit to a medical or surgical procedure no matter how necessary, nor how imminent the danger to his life if he fails to submit to treatment. Consent for Sterilization. The husband and wife must consent to the procedure if the operation is primarily to accomplish sterilization. When sterilization is medically necessary and the sterilization in an incidental result such as ectopic pregnancies, the patient's consent alone is sufficient. Will is a legal declaration of a person's intentions upon death called a testamentary document because it takes effect after the death of its maker an act whereby a person is permitted with the formalities prescribed by law, to control to a certain degree the deposition of his estate, to take effect after his death Decedent – a person whose property is transmitted through succession whether or not he left a will Heir – is a person called to succession either by the provision of a will or by operation of law Holographic will – a will which is written, dated, signed by the testator Nuncupative will – is an oral will Legal Requirements must be of right age – under 18 years of age cannot make a will of sound mind and have clear thinking ability free from undue influence the testator shall name the person who will be in-charge of carrying out the provisions of the will Properties must be disposed in accordance with legal requirements The will must be signed by the testator, attested and signed by at least three witnesses in his presence and of one another Every will must be acknowledged before a notary public by the testator and witnesses Witnesses to the wills shall be of sound mind, 18 years of age or more, not blind, deaf or dumb, and able to read and write Nurse's obligations The nurse should note the soundness of the patient's mind That there was freedom from fraud or undue influence That the patient was above 18 years of age He should note that the will was signed by the testator, that the witnesses were all present at the same time and signed the will in the presence of the testator For the protection of the nurse, she should make notation on the patient's chart of the apparent mental and physical condition of the patient at the time of making the will and also the fact of his making the will. Legal Procedure and Trial Commencement of Action The first step in the trial process is to determine what kind of legal action to take Statutes of Limitation Complaint must be made within a specific time or the right to complain may be lost forever Claims for negligence or malpractice vary from two (2) to three (3) years In criminal cases, statutes of limitation carry form two (2) to six (6) years except in cases where murder is committed in which there is no time limit Commencement of legal proceedings The primary functions of the court is to determine a controversy between two disputants, technically called litigants o Accuser, complainant, plaintiff o Accused, respondent, defendant Attorney or counselor files an order to issue writ of summons to the sheriff to inform the defendants that they must appear before the court on a particular date The complaint is filed and served The defendants attorney will now study the case and prepare a strategy and defense Pleadings 1st pleading o complaint or petition (less serious crimes) – misdemeanor o indictments (more serious crimes) - felonies Pre-trial informal discussion between judge and attorney to eliminate matters not in dispute, agree on issues and settle procedural trial Trial facts of the case are determined the judge determine the facts and applies the law witness subpoena – court summons directing a witness to appear and give testimony on the date and time ordered subpoena duces tecum – requires witness to bring records, papers and the like which may be in his possession testimony of facts – testifying only on what she knows based on facts testimony of opinion – may only be given by expert witnesses Perjury – false swearing under oath Hearsay evidence – or a repetition of what the witness has heard others say Privileged communications – are statements uttered in good faith Dying declarations or ante-mortem statements – hearsay evidence except when made by a victim of a crime Appeals An appellate court reviews the case and when case is decided by it, the final judgment results and matter is ended Execution of judgment Generally, lawsuits against hospitals or physicians and nurses involve recovery of money damages Rights of the Accused at trial on all criminal prosecution Be presumed innocent Be informed on the nature of the case Be exempt from being compelled to be a witness Confront/cross examine a witness against him/her Be given compulsory process Be given speedy and impartial trial Self-protection of the Nurse Familiarity with the laws, code of ethics, rules and regulations, and standards of practice Clinical competence Self-awareness Sound management Concept of personal liability Documentation/recording BOARD OF NURSING Board Resolution No. 220 Series of 2004 PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES WHEREAS, the Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art. III of R.A. No. 9173, known as the ―Philippine Nursing Act of 2002); WHEREAS, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the principal basis therefore: All the principles under the said Code were adopted and integrated into the Code of Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession; WHEREAS, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines, regulations or measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission (Sec. 9, Art. II of R.A. No. 9173); and WHEREAS, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc (PNA), and other affiliate organizations of Registered Nurses, decided to adopt a new Code of Ethics under the afore-mentioned new Law; NOW, THEREFORE, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to promulgate the hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses: ARTICLE I PREAMBLE SECTION 1. Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. However, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her obligation. SECTION 2. To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care. SECTION 3. The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. ARTICLE II REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE SECTION 4. Ethical Principles 1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected. 2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be respected. 3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held in strict confidence. SECTION 5. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must a. consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer care. b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and treatment. c. uphold the rights of individuals. d. take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must take precedence. ARTICLE III REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE SECTION 6. Ethical Principles 1. Human life is inviolable. 2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals of nursing practice. 3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability. SECTION 7. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the provisions of R. A. No. 9173, known as the ―Philippine Nursing Act of 2002‖ and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the ―Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act. of 2002‖, (the IRR). b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession as defined in the ―Philippine Nursing Act of 2002‖ and the IRR. c. acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations. d. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable environment for the growth and developments of Registered Nurses in their charge. e. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by the BON are accredited through the Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC). g. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the optimum standard of safe nursing practice. h. insure that modification of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing practice. i. if in position of authority in a work environment, be normally and legally responsible for devising a system of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice. j. ensure that patients' records shall be available only if they are to be issued to those who are professionally and directly involved in their care and when they are required by law. SECTION 8. Ethical Principle 4. Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must a. respect the ―Patients' Bill of Rights‖ in the delivery of nursing care. b. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent information except those which may be deemed harmful to their well-being. c. uphold the patients' rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care. SECTION 10. Ethical Principle 5. Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. They strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned. SECTION 11. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must: a. perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws, rules regulations. measures, and generally accepted principles of moral conduct and proper decorum. b. not allow themselves to be used in advertisement that should demean the image of the profession (i.e. indecent exposure, violation of dress code, seductive behavior, etc.). c. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as capitalizing on patients. d. not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for recommending or referring a patient to a physician, a co-nurse or another health care worker; not to pay any commission, fee or other compensations to the one referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing care. e. avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patients and of the privilege access allowed to their property, residence or workplace. ARTICLE IV REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS SECTION 12. Ethical Principles 1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the healthcare team in working for the patient's best interest. 2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues and other health care providers. SECTION 13. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must a. maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health team. b. conform with group activities as those of a health team should be based on acceptable, ethico-legal standards. c. contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health team. d. actively participate in professional organizations. e. not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions. f. honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other professions; refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence, conduct, and procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to any member of other professions. g. respect the rights of their co-workers. ARTICLE V REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY, AND ENVIRONMENT SECTION 14. Ethical Principles 1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promotion of healthy environment shall be a commitment of a Registered Nurse. 2. The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting local, national, and international efforts to meet health and social needs of the people as a contributing member of society is a noble concern of a Registered Nurse. SECTION 15. Guidelines to be observed: REGISTERED Nurses must a. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be involved in community concerns. b. be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take active roles in primary health care. c. actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that respond to the problems of society. d. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper decorum. e. project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times. ARTICLE VI REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION SECTION 16. Ethical Principles: 1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are ideal. 2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA), and other professional organizations of which the Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty. 3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth of the profession are commendable obligations. 4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and a visionary mission. SECTION 17. Guidelines to be observed: Registered Nurses must a. be members of the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA). b. strictly adhere to the nursing standards. c. participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profession. d. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means. e. assert for the implementation of labor and work standards. ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATIVE PENALITIES, REPEALING CLAUSE, AND EFFECTIVITY SECTION 18. The Certificate of Registration of Registered Nurse shall either be revoked or suspended for violation of any provisions of this Code pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art. IV of R. A. No. 9173 and Sec. 23 (f), Rule III of Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR. SECTION 19. The Amended Code of Ethics promulgated pursuant to R. A. No. 877 and P.D. No. 223 is accordingly repealed or superseded by the herein Code. SECTION 20. This Code of Ethics for Nurses shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its full and complete publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspapers of general circulation. Done in the City of Manila, this 14th day of July, 2004. (original signed) Republic Act No. 9173 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE NURSING PROFESSION, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7164, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 1991" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I Title Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002." ARTICLE II Declaration of Policy Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses. The State hereby guarantees the delivery of quality basic health services through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country. ARTICLE III Organization of the Board of Nursing Section 3. Creation and Composition of the Board. - There shall be created a Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be composed of a Chairperson and six (6) members. They shall be appointed by the president of the Republic of the Philippines from among two (2) recommendees, per vacancy, of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, chosen and ranked from a list of three (3) nominees, per vacancy, of the accredited professional organization of nurses in the Philippines who possess the qualifications prescribed in Section 4 of this Act. Section 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment, possess the following qualifications: (a) Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines; (b) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses; (c) Be a registered nurse and holder of a master's degree in nursing, education or other allied medical profession conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Government: Provided, That the majority of the members of the Board shall be holders of a master's degree in nursing: Provided, further, That the Chairperson shall be a holder of a master's degree in nursing; (d) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the profession prior to appointment: Provided, however, That the last five (5) years of which shall be in the Philippines; and (e) Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude; Provided, That the membership to the Board shall represent the three (3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing education, nursing service and community health nursing. Section 5. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of Nursing. - Any person appointed as Chairperson or Member of the Board shall immediately resign from any teaching position in any school, college, university or institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing and/or review program for the local nursing board examinations or in any office or employment in the government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries as well as these employed in the private sector. He/she shall not have any pecuniary interest in or administrative supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing including review classes. Section 6. Term of Office.. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years and until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified: Provided, That the Chairperson and members of the Board may be re-appointed for another term. Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a Member shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each Member of the Board shall take the proper oath of office prior to the performance of his/her duties. The incumbent Chairperson and Members of the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term under Republic Act No. 7164 until their replacements have been appointed by the President and shall have been duly qualified. Section 7. Compensation of the Board Members. - The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to the compensation and allowances received by the Chairperson and members of other professional regulatory boards. Section 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support Services. - The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for examinations, administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be under the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act. Section 9. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The Board shall supervise and regulate the practice of the nursing profession and shall have the following powers, duties and functions: (a) Conduct the licensure examination for nurses; (b) Issue, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of nursing; (c) Monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing practice in the Philippines and exercise the powers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient, ethical and technical, moral and professional standards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of the nation; (d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facilities of universities or colleges of nursing or departments of nursing education and those seeking permission to open nursing courses to ensure that standards of nursing education are properly complied with and maintained at all times. The authority to open and close colleges of nursing and/or nursing education programs shall be vested on the Commission on Higher Education upon the written recommendation of the Board; (e) Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations of this Act, or its rules and regulations and in connection therewith, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to secure the appearance of respondents and witnesses and the production of documents and punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the conduct of such proceedings, upon application with the court; (f) Promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional organization of nurses within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act; (g) Recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the accredited professional organization; and (h) Prescribe, adopt issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures and decisions as may be necessary for the improvements of the nursing practice, advancement of the profession and for the proper and full enforcement of this Act subject to the review and approval by the Commission. Section 10. Annual Report. - The Board shall at the close of its calendar year submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines through the Commission giving a detailed account of its proceedings and the accomplishments during the year and making recommendations for the adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve the conditions affecting the practice of the nursing profession. Section 11. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. - The president may remove or suspend any member of the Board after having been given the opportunity to defend himself/herself in a proper administrative investigation, on the following grounds; (a) Continued neglect of duty or incompetence; (b) Commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examination; and (c) Unprofessional immoral or dishonorable conduct. ARTICLE IV Examination and Registration Section 12. Licensure Examination. - All applicants for license to practice nursing shall be required to pass a written examination, which shall be given by the Board in such places and dates as may be designated by the Commission: Provided, That it shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the "PRC Modernization Act of 2000." Section 13. Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examination. - In order to be admitted to the examination for nurses, an applicant must, at the time of filing his/her application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that: (a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines, or a citizen or subject of a country which permits Filipino nurses to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subject or citizen of such country: Provided, That the requirements for the registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act; (b) He/she is of good moral character; and (c) He/she is a holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from a college or university that complies with the standards of nursing education duly recognized by the proper government agency. Section 14. Scope of Examination. - The scope of the examination for the practice of nursing in the Philippines shall be determined by the Board. The Board shall take into consideration the objectives of the nursing curriculum, the broad areas of nursing, and other related disciplines and competencies in determining the subjects of examinations. Section 15. Ratings. - In order to pass the examination, an examinee must obtain a general average of at least seventy-five percent (785%) with a rating of not below sixty percent (60%) in any subject. An examinee who obtains an average rating of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher but gets a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any subject must take the examination again but only in the subject or subjects where he/she is rated below sixty percent (60%). In order to pass the succeeding examination, an examinee must obtain a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in the subject or subjects repeated. Section 16. Oath. - All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of profession before the Board or any government official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the nursing practice. Section 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Professional Identification Card. - A certificate of registration/professional license as a nurse shall be issued to an applicant who passes the examination upon payment of the prescribed fees. Every certificate of registration/professional license shall show the full name of the registrant, the serial number, the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and of the Members of the Board, and the official seal of the Commission. A professional identification card, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, bearing the date of registration, license number, and the date of issuance and expiration thereof shall likewise be issued to every registrant upon payment of the required fees. Section 18. Fees for Examination and Registration. - Applicants for licensure and for registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by Commission. Section 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses. - All nurses whose names appear at the roster of nurses shall be automatically or ipso facto registered as nurses under this Act upon its effectivity. Section 20. Registration by Reciprocity. - A certificate of registration/professional license may be issued without examination to nurses registered under the laws of a foreign state or country: Provided, That the requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided, further, That the laws of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered nurses of the Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country. Section 21. Practice Through Special/Temporary Permit. - A special/temporary permit may be issued by the Board to the following persons subject to the approval of the Commission and upon payment of the prescribed fees: (a) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states whose service are either for a fee or free if they are internationally well-known specialists or outstanding experts in any branch or specialty of nursing; (b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission whose services shall be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and (c) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states employed by schools/colleges of nursing as exchange professors in a branch or specialty of nursing; Provided, however, That the special/temporary permit shall be effective only for the duration of the project, medical mission or employment contract. Section 22. Non-registration and Non-issuance of Certificates of Registration/Professional License or Special/Temporary Permit. - No person convicted by final judgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person declared by the court to be of unsound mind shall be registered and be issued a certificate of registration/professional license or a special/temporary permit. The Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting forth the reasons for its actions, which shall be incorporated in the records of the Board. Section 23. Revocation and suspension of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and Cancellation of Special/Temporary Permit. - The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration/professional license or cancel the special/temporary permit of a nurse upon any of the following grounds: (a) For any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section; (b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct; (c) For gross incompetence or serious ignorance; (d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing; (e) For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a certificate of registration/professional license or a temporary/special permit; (f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, Code of Ethics for nurses and technical standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and the Commission, or the conditions and limitations for the issuance of the temporarily/special permit; or (g) For practicing his/her profession during his/her suspension from such practice; Provided, however, That the suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license shall be for a period not to exceed four (4) years. Section 24. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost Certificates. - The Board may, after the expiration of a maximum of four (4) years from the date of revocation of a certificate, for reasons of equity and justice and when the cause for revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected, upon proper application therefore and the payment of the required fees, issue another copy of the certificate of registration/professional license. A new certificate of registration/professional license to replace the certificate that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued, subject to the rules of the Board. ARTICLE V Nursing Education Section 25. Nursing Education Program. - The nursing education program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing. The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education's policies and standards of nursing education. Section 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice. - Nurses who have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) consecutive years are required to undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum. The Board shall accredit hospitals to conduct the said training program. Section 27. Qualifications of the Faculty. - A member of the faculty in a college of nursing teaching professional courses must: (a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines; (b) Have at least one (1) year of clinical practice in a field of specialization; (c) Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional organization of nurses; and (d) Be a holder of a master's degree in nursing, education, or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the dean of a college must have a master's degree in nursing. He/she must have at least five (5) years of experience in nursing. ARTICLE VI Nursing Practice Section 28. Scope of Nursing. - A person shall be deemed to be practicing nursing within the meaning of this Act when he/she singly or in collaboration with another, initiates and performs nursing services to individuals, families and communities in any health care setting. It includes, but not limited to, nursing care during conception, labor, delivery, infancy, childhood, toddler, preschool, school age, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. As independent practitioners, nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and prevention of illness. A members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate with other health care providers for the curative, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of care, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and when recovery is not possible, towards a peaceful death. It shall be the duty of the nurse to: (a) Provide nursing care through the utilization of the nursing process. Nursing care includes, but not limited to, traditional and innovative approaches, therapeutic use of self, executing health care techniques and procedures, essential primary health care, comfort measures, health teachings, and administration of written prescription for treatment, therapies, oral topical and parenteral medications, internal examination during labor in the absence of antenatal bleeding and delivery. In case of suturing of perineal laceration, special training shall be provided according to protocol established; (b) establish linkages with community resources and coordination with the health team; (c) Provide health education to individuals, families and communities; (d) Teach, guide and supervise students in nursing education programs including the administration of nursing services in varied settings such as hospitals and clinics; undertake consultation services; engage in such activities that require the utilization of knowledge and decision-making skills of a registered nurse; and (e) Undertake nursing and health human resource development training and research, which shall include, but not limited to, the development of advance nursing practice; Provided, That this section shall not apply to nursing students who perform nursing functions under the direct supervision of a qualified faculty: Provided, further, That in the practice of nursing in all settings, the nurse is duty-bound to observe the Code of Ethics for nurses and uphold the standards of safe nursing practice. The nurse is required to maintain competence by continual learning through continuing professional education to be provided by the accredited professional organization or any recognized professional nursing organization: Provided, finally, That the program and activity for the continuing professional education shall be submitted to and approved by the Board. Section 29. Qualification of Nursing Service Administrators. - A person occupying supervisory or managerial positions requiring knowledge of nursing must: (a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines; (b) Have at least two (2) years experience in general nursing service administration; (c) Possess a degree of Bachelors of Science in Nursing, with at least nine (9) units in management and administration courses at the graduate level; and (d) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses; Provided, That a person occupying the position of chief nurse or director of nursing service shall, in addition to the foregoing qualifications, possess: (1) At least five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial position in nursing; and (2) A master's degree major in nursing; Provided, further, That for primary hospitals, the maximum academic qualifications and experiences for a chief nurse shall be as specified in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section: Provided, furthermore, That for chief nurses in the public health nursing shall be given priority. Provided, even further, That for chief nurses in military hospitals, priority shall be given to those who have finished a master's degree in nursing and the completion of the General Staff Course (GSC): Provided, finally, That those occupying such positions before the effectivity of this Act shall be given a period of five (5) years within which to qualify. ARTICLE VII Health Human Resources Production, Utilization and Development Section 30. Studies for Nursing Manpower Needs, Production, Utilization and Development. - The Board, in coordination with the accredited professional organization and appropriate government or private agencies shall initiate undertake and conduct studies on health human resources production, utilization and development. Section 31. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Board in coordination with the accredited professional organization recognized specialty organizations and the Department of Health is hereby mandated to formulate and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that would upgrade the level of skill and competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the country, such as but not limited to the areas of critical care, oncology, renal and such other areas as may be determined by the Board. The beneficiaries of this program are obliged to serve in any Philippine hospital for a period of at least two (2) years and continuous service. Section 32. Salary. - In order to enhance the general welfare, commitment to service and professionalism of nurses the minimum base pay of nurses working in the public health institutions shall not be lower than salary grade 15 prescribes under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Classification Act of 1989": Provided, That for nurses working in local government units, adjustments to their salaries shall be in accordance with Section 10 of the said law. Section 33. Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program. – The annual financial requirement needed to train at least ten percent (10%) of the nursing staff of the participating government hospital shall be chargeable against the income of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, which shall equally share in the costs and shall be released to the Department of Health subject to accounting and auditing procedures: Provided, That the department of Health shall set the criteria for the availment of this program. Section 34. Incentives and Benefits. - The Board of Nursing, in coordination with the Department of Health and other concerned government agencies, association of hospitals and the accredited professional organization shall establish an incentive and benefit system in the form of free hospital care for nurses and their dependents, scholarship grants and other non- cash benefits. The government and private hospitals are hereby mandated to maintain the standard nurse-patient ratio set by the Department of Health. ARTICLE VIII Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions Section 35. Prohibitions in the Practice of Nursing. - A fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) nor more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years, or both, upon the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon: (a) any person practicing nursing in the Philippines within the meaning of this Act: (1) without a certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit or without having been declared exempt from examination in accordance with the provision of this Act; or (2) who uses as his/her own certificate of registration/professional license and professional identification card or special temporary permit of another; or (3) who uses an invalid certificate of registration/professional license, a suspended or revoked certificate of registration/professional license, or an expired or cancelled special/temporary permits; or (4) who gives any false evidence to the Board in order to obtain a certificate of registration/professional license, a professional identification card or special permit; or (5) who falsely poses or advertises as a registered and licensed nurse or uses any other means that tend to convey the impression that he/she is a registered and licensed nurse; or (6) who appends B.S.N./R.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Registered Nurse) or any similar appendage to his/her name without having been conferred said degree or registration; or (7) who, as a registered and licensed nurse, abets or assists the illegal practice of a person who is not lawfully qualified to practice nursing. (b) any person or the chief executive officer of a judicial entity who undertakes in- service educational programs or who conducts review classes for both local and foreign examination without permit/clearance from the Board and the Commission; or (c) any person or employer of nurses who violate the minimum base pay of nurses and the incentives and benefits that should be accorded them as specified in Sections 32 and 34; or (d) any person or the chief executive officer of a juridical entity violating any provision of this Act and its rules and regulations. ARTICLE IX Final Provisions Section 36. Enforcement of this Act. - It shall be the primary duty of the Commission and the Board to effectively implement this Act. Any duly law enforcement agencies and officers of national, provincial, city or municipal governments shall, upon the call or request of the Commission or the Board, render assistance in enforcing the provisions of this Act and to prosecute any persons violating the same. Section 37. Appropriations. - The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission shall immediately include in its program and issue such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. Section 38. Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Board and the Commission, in coordination with the accredited professional organization, the Department of Health, the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned government agencies, shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. The implementing rules and regulations shall be published in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. Section 39. Reparability Clause. - If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue to be valid and operational. Section 40. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7164, otherwise known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 1991" is hereby repealed. All other laws, decrees, orders, circulars, issuances, rules and regulations and parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. Section 41. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. STANDARDIZED GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPE) PROGRAMS FOR ALL REGISTERED RPOFESSIONALS ARTICLE I CPE OBJECTIVES, DEFINITION, NATURE AND RATIONALE Section 1. Objectives. The CPE programs shall have these objectives: (1) To provide and ensure the continuous education of a registered professional with the latest trends in the profession brought about by modernization and scientific and technological advancement; (2) To raise and maintain the professional's capability for delivering professional services; (3) To attain and maintain the highest standards and quality in the practice of his profession; (4) To make the professional globally competitive; and (5) To promote the general welfare of the public. Section 2. Definition. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) refers to the inculcation, assimilation and acquisition of knowledge, skills, proficiency and ethical and moral values, after the initial registration of a professional, that raise and enhance the professional's technical skills and competence. Section 3. Nature. The CPE programs consist of properly planned and structured activities, the implementation of which requires the participation of a determinate group of professionals to meet the requirements of voluntarily maintaining and improving the occupational standards and ethics of the professionals. Section 4. Rationale. Voluntary compliance with the CPE program is an effective and credible means of ensuring competence, integrity and global competitiveness of professionals in order to allow him/her to continue the practice of his/her profession. ARTICLE II THE CPE COUNCILS: CREATION, COMPOSITION, TERMS OF OFFICE, FUNCTIONS, MEETINGS Section 5. Creation. Each of the concerned Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs), upon approval by the PRC, shall create a Council within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this resolution. This shall be known as the CPE Council which shall assist its corresponding PRB in implementing its CPE programs. Section 6. Composition. Each CPE Council shall be composed of a chairperson and two (2) members. The chairperson of each CPE Council shall be chosen from among the members of the PRB by the members themselves. The first member shall be the president or, in his absence or incapacity, any officer chosen by the Board of Directors of the Accredited Professional Organization (APO). The second member shall be the president or, in his absence or incapacity, any officer of the organization of deans or departments heads of schools, colleges or universities offering the course requiring licensure examination. In the absence of such organization, the second member shall be chosen and appointed by the PRC from at least three (3) recommendees of the PRB concerned. Said recommendees shall be well-known academicians. Section 7. Terms of Offices. The term of office of the chairperson of each CPE Council shall be co-terminus with his/her incumbency in the PRC. The first member shall have a term of office co-terminus with his/her incumbency as officer of the APO; the second member shall have a term of office co-terminus with his/her incumbency as officer of the organization of deans or heads of departments. In the case of the academician chosen and appointed by the PRC, his/her term of office shall be for two (2) years with one reappointment. Except in the case of the academician-member, upon the expiration of their respective terms of office in the PRB, APO or organization of deans or heads of departments, the chairperson, first member and second member shall continue to function as such in the CPE Council until the appointment or election of their respective successors in the PRB, APO or organization. Section 8. Exercise of Powers and Functions. Each CPE Council shall, upon a majority vote, exercise powers and functions shall include but shall not be limited to the following: 1. Accept, evaluate and approve applications for accreditation of CPE Providers, 2. Accept, evaluate and approve application for accreditation of CPE programs, activities or sources as to their relevance to the profession and determine the number of CPE credit units to be earned on the basis of the contents of" the program, activity, or source submitted by the CPE providers, 3. Accept, evaluate and approve applications for exemptions from CPE requirements. 4. Monitor the implementation by the CPE providers of their programs, activities, or sources; 5. Assess periodically and upgrade the criteria for accreditation of CPE providers, and CPE programs, activities, or sources; and 6. Perform such other related functions that may be incidental to the implementation of the CPE program or policies. Section 9. Functions of the CPE Council Chairperson. - The CPE Council Chairperson shall have the following functions: 1. To preside over the meetings of the CPE Council 2. To direct or supervise the activities of the CPE Council; 3. To submit minutes of regular and special meetings within 30 days from the date of the said meetings; 4. To submit annual reports; 5. To issue certificates of registration to CPE providers found by the Council to be qualified in accordance with this Guidelines as well as Certificate of Accreditation of programs, activities and sources. Section 10. Secretariat. The Chairperson of the PRC shall designate or appoint an official of the PRC with the rank not lower than Division Chief, who shall act as the Secretary of the Council. The designated official may participate in the deliberations of the CPE Council but shall not vote. His/Her duties and functions shall be as follows: 1. To see to it that the sessions, meetings or proceedings of the CPE Council are recorded; 2. To prepare the minutes of all the meetings and proceedings of the CPE Council. 3. To receive applications for accreditation of providers, programs, activities or sources; 4. To submit to the CPE Council applications for accreditation of aspiring providers and CPE programs, activities or sources; 5. To release Certificates of Accreditation to CPE providers and programs, activities or sources; and 6. To assist the CPE Council by providing relevant statistical data on the renewal of professional licenses and other related matters. The Secretary shall exercise general supervision and control over each of the CPE Council Secretaries, the staff of which shall be selected by the Chairperson of the PRC from among the existing personnel of the PRC. Each of the CPE Council Secretaries shall have, the following functions: 1. To release CPE Certificates of credit units earned to the professional agricultural engineers; 2. To keep all records, papers and other documents relative to the evaluation, approval and accreditation of CPE programs, activities or sources; 3. To maintain records of accredited CPE providers, on-going, continuing or completed CPE programs, activities or sources. The list of participants and other relevant data. Section 11. Meetings.- The CPE Council shall hold regular meetings once a month on dates to be fixed by the Council. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or upon written request of at least a member of the Council. ARTICLE III CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION OF PROVIDERS, PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES OR SOURCES; EQUIVALENT CREDIT UNITS; CREDIT REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS Section 12. Criteria for Accreditation. - In order to merit accreditation, the following criteria shall be complied with: A. For CPE Provider 1. Must be a duly registered organization, firm, institution or agency or a professional of good standing and has never been convicted of a crime; 2. Shall have an" established mechanism for measuring the quality of the program being offered or administered; 3. Must have adequate, modern and updated instructional materials to carry out the CPE programs and activities; 4. Shall have instructors, lecturers, and resource speakers with good moral character and technical competence and are holders of current professional licenses. B. For CPE Programs, Activities or Sources 1. The scope shall be beyond the basic preparation for admission to the practice of the profession. The contents shall be relevant/related, but not limited, to the practice of agricultural engineering; 2. The programs, activities, or sources shall enhance the competence of the professional by upgrading and updating knowledge and skills for the practice of the profession as brought about by modernization and scientific and technical advancements in the profession. Section 13. Programs, Activities and Sources for Accreditation and Equivalent Credit Units. Any provider may submit to the Council programs, activities or sources to be approved and accredited for CPE units. The provider shall be notified of the disapproval of the CPE programs, activities or sources without prior approval and accreditation from the Council. As used in these guidelines, the following terms shall mean: 1. Seminars shall refer to the gathering of professional agricultural engineers which shall include, among others, workshops, technical lectures or subject mutter meetings, non-degree training courses and scientific meeting. 2. Conventions shall refer to the gathering of professionals which shall include, among others, conferences, symposia or assemblies or round table discussions. 3. Doctoral Degree shall refer to a post graduate degree from a recognized school, college or university. 4. Masteral Degree shall refer to a graduate degree from a recognized school, college or university. 5. Fellowship shall refer to the completion of s post doctoral training program in a specific field pre-approved by a duly recognized institution, scientific faculty meetings and the like. 6. Residency/Externship shall refer to apprenticeship training at the graduate level which is beyond the basic preparation for the health professionals. This should be conducted by duly-accredited hospitals and medical centers and the like. 7. Authorship shall refer to the ownership of intellectual property which includes technical or professional books, instructional materials and the like. Credits earned must be claimed within one (1) year from the date of publication. 8. Self-Directed Learning Package shall refer to the learning which uses course manuals or accredited learning modules. Accredited learning modules include self- instructional materials or programs which may be in the form of printed manuscript, audio and video cassette tapes, films, computer-assisted learning (CAL), study kits, learning aids and modules or the use of clearly defined objectives, adequate content and an evaluation component for each module. 9. Post Graduate/In-Service Training shall mean training or specialization at the post graduate level for a minimum period or one (1) week. 10. Resource Speaker shall refer to a professional who acts as a discussion leader or lecturer in a convention or seminar or similar gathering. 11. Peer Reviewer shall refer to a professional 'who acts as an evaluator of a research paper, conference paper or 'journal article before it is presented or published. 12. CPE provider shall refer to a natural person or a juridical entity which includes among others, accredited or non-accredited professional organization, firm, partnership, corporation or institution which offers, organizes or arranges CPE programs or sources for implementation and administration. 13. CPE Programs, Activities or 'Sources shall refer to the regime of CPE which enhance the competence of the professional by upgrading and updating knowledge and skills for the profession as brought about by modernization and scientific and technical advancements in the profession. The scope shall be beyond the basic preparation for admission to the practice of profession. The content shall be related but not limited to the practice of the profession. The following is the Matrix for CPE programs, activities or sources with their corresponding credit units and supporting documents required. PROGRAMS CREDIT UNITS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 1. SEMINARS/ CONVENTIONS CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WITH 1.1 PARTICIPANT 1 CU PER HOUR NUMBER OF HOURS, SEMINAR PROGRAM AND CERTIFIED LIST OF PARTICIPANTS PHOTOCOPY OF PLAQUE CERTIFICATION 1.2. RESOURCE SPEAKER 5 CU PER HOUR AND COPY OF PAPER AND PROGRAM INVITATION CERTIFICATION FROM SPONSORING 1.3. PANELIST/REACTOR 3 CU PER HOUR ORGANIZATION AND COPY OF PROGRAM CERTIFICATION FROM SPONSORING 1,4. FACILITATOR/MODERATOR 2 CU PER HOUR ORGANIZATION AND COPY OF PROGRAM 1,5, ORGANIZER: CERTIFICATION FRO VI ORGANIZATION 5 CU/PROGRAM 3 /PROGRAM CHAIRMAN MEMBER AND COPY OF PROGRAM 2. ACADEMIC PREPARATION (Residential and Distance Mode) 1 CU/ ACADEMIC UNIT 30 CU UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATION / DIPLOMA / 2.1. MASTER'S DEGREE ADDITIONAL (UPON COMPLETION OF TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS DEGREE) 2 CU PER ACADEMIC UNIT 45 CU UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATION / DIPLOMA / 2.2. DOCTORAL DEGREE ADDITIONAL UPON EARNING THE TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS DEGREE CERTIFICATION FROM THE GRANTING 2.3. FELLOWSHIP 15CUPERYEAR INSTITUTION. CERTIFICATE OF FELLOWSHIP 3. SELF DIRECTED LEARNING PACKAGE COPY OF DULY ACCOMPLISHED MODULE 3.1 DISTANCE LEARNING MODULE 10CU PER COMPLETE SET OF MODULE AND EVALUATION 3.2. TECHNICAL PAPER / PROFESSIONAL 1 CU PER , PROFESSIONAL / COPY OF DULY ACCOMPLISHED ARTICLE JOURNAL ARTICLE TECHNICAL ARTICLE AND EVALUATION 45 CU ADDITIONAL UPON EARNING THE DEGREE 4. AUTHORSHIP 4.1. RESEARCH/ INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS/ DULY CERTIFIED / PUBLISHED TECHNICAL 10 CREDIT UNITS CREATIVE PROJECTS REPORT/ PAPER 25 - 50 PP/ 51-100PP / OVER 100PP 4.2. BOOK/ MONOGRAPH PUBLISHED BOOK WITH PROOF OF 20 CU / 30 CU / 40 CU 10 CU 20 CU 30 CU SINGLE AUTHOR 2 AUTHORS 3 OR MORE COPYRIGHT 5CU 10 CU 20 CU PUBLISHED BOOK WITH PROOF OF 4.3. EDITOR !/2 OFTHE CU OF AUTHORS CATEGORY AUTHORSHIP 1 - 3 PP/ 4-6 PP / OVER 6 PP 4.4. ARTICLE 4 CU 6 CU 8 CU PROOF OF PUBLICATION OF ARTICLE SINGLE AUTHOR 2 AUTHORS 3 OR MORE 3 CU 4 CU 6 CU 2 CU 3 CU 4 CU 4.5. PROFESSONAL JOURNAL EDITOR 5 CU PER ARTICLE COPY OF PUBLISHED JOURNAL 4.6. PEER REVIEWER 2 CU PER ARTICLE COPY OF PUBLISHED JOURNAL CERTIFIED COPY OF PATENT 5. INVENTIONS 10-30 CUPER INVENTION CERTIFICATE 0.25 CU PER HOUR (MAXIMUM OF40CU CERTIFICATE OF TRAINING AND 6. POSTGRADUATE/ IN-SERVICE TRAINING PER TRAINING TRAINING DESCRIPTION 2 CU PER DAY (MAXIMUM OF 30 CU PER CERTIFICATION FROM SONSORING 7. STUDY/ OBSERVATION TOUR HOUR) INSTITUTON CERTIFICATION OF GRANT OR 8. PROFESSORIAL CHAIR 10CU PER CHAIR/ YEAR APPOINTMENT PAPER SUCH OTHER ACTIVITIES / PROGRAMS/ SOURCE TO BE RECOMMENDED BY THE COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION (SUCH AS MEETINGS OF STANDARD-SETTING BODIES FOR THE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION) Section 14. CPE Credit Units. - The total CPE credit units for registered professionals shall be sixty (60) credit units for three years. Any excess credit units earned shall not be carried over to the next three-year period except credit units earned for doctoral and masteral degrees. The total CPE credit units for registered professionals without baccalaureate degrees shall be thirty (30) credit units for three years. Any excess shall not be carried over to the next three-year period. One credit hour of CPE program, activity or source shall be equivalent to one (1) credit unit. Section 15. Procedures. The Council shall observe the following procedure for the accreditation of CPE providers and CPE programs, activities or sources: A. Procedure for accreditation of CPE provider: I. In case of natural persons: 1. Any person seeking to offer an organized or arranged program, activity or source shall accomplish and submit to CPE Council an application form through the CPE Council Secretary. 2. An application shall include, but shall not be limited to the following information: a. Full name, address and telephone number of the applicant-provider b. Relevant educational background c. Profession, principal area of professional work and number of years in the practice of the profession. d. PRC License Number and date of expiration e. Current employment. 3. Applicant-provider must submit a valid NBI clearance II. In case of judicial entity: 1. Any agency, organization, institution, association or similar juridical entity seeking to offer an organized program, activity or source shall accomplish and submit to the Council an application form 2. An application shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information and document: a. Full name, address and telephone/fax number(s) and e-mail address. b. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) original registration papers. c. List of officers with their PRC License Numbers and expiry date, if officer is a member of a regulated profession. d. Plans for CPE programs or activities for the year applied; e. Proof of past CPE activities or programs conducted/arranged (immediate past year) for applicants renewing accreditation. III. All applicants shall submit to the CPE Council for Agricultural Engineering the following; 1. Mechanism for measuring the quality of the program, activity, of source being offered. 2. Criteria for selecting and evaluating speakers, resource persons or lecturers. IV. Payment by the accredited provider of Five-thousand (P5,000.00) pesos each for the initial accreditation and every renewal thereof B. Procedures for Accreditation of a CPE Program, Activity or Source 1. A CPE provider seeking accreditation of an organized or arranged CPE program, activity or source shall submit said program, activity of source (in triplicate) through the Secretariat of CPE Council concerned for its evaluation and approval. The program, activity, or source shall cover a period not to exceed three (3) years; 2. The application for accreditation of a CPE program, activity or source shall include the following information and documents: a. Title/s or program/s, activities or source/s, b. Name of CPE provider, address, phone and fax number c. Date and venue of the administration of the program d. Objectives e. Targeted audience or participants f. Contents and number of hours g. Resource speakers, lecturers, discussion leaders, panelists, reactors, moderators, ad facilitators including their qualifications and current PRC license if they are members of the regulated profession. h. Actual program and schedule i. Seminar or convention fee to be collected. j. Evaluation to be used which could either be any of the following modes or systems: i. evaluation of seminar by participants. ii. evaluation of participants by CPE providers; tests. iii. Other methods of evaluation 3. If the CPE Council for Agricultural Engineering finds the CPE program, activity or source to be relevant to the profession and to be in accordance with these guidelines, said CPE Council shall issue a certificate of accreditation within thirty (30) days from receipt of the application Section 15. Post-Accreditation Requirements . Upon the completion of an accredited CPE program, activity, or source, the CPE provider shall submit a report to the CPE Council within 15 days from the last day of the offering. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information: 1. Name of CPE provider. 2. Name of description of CPE program, activity or source. 3. Accreditation number and date of issuance of accreditation 4. Certified list of participants indicating names and PRC professional license identification cards and expiry dates, resource speakers, lecturers, discussion leaders, panelists, moderators or facilitators who took it or participated in the CPE program, activity, or source. 5. Date and time spent and completion of the holding of the CPE program, activity, or source. 6. Venue location of the holding of the program. 7. Summary of evaluation results of participants. 8. Name of Secretariat representative who monitored the CPE program or activity.
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