RA 5527: the philippine medical technology act of 1969

Question 1

Piece of legislation enacted as a policy that may govern the conduct and behavior of an individual or group of persons and uphold the principles of the Constitution.

Answer 1

Republic act
Drafted by the Congress and approved by the President of the Philippines.

[A law is a rule made by the government that people must follow. It helps guide how individuals or groups should behave and ensures that society runs smoothly. Laws also protect people’s rights and follow the rules set by the country’s Constitution.

first written and discussed by Congress (a group of lawmakers). Once they agree on it, they send it to the President, who decides whether to approve or reject it.]

Question 2

Proclamation of the legal consequences of the facts or acts in connection with the practice of medical technology carried out or decided by the court in its finality.

Answer 2

Presidential degree

Question 3

Second amendment to RA 5527

Answer 3

PD 498

[made by President Ferdinand Marcos, updated some parts of the original law, including requirements for medical technologists, board exams, and practice regulations. Since it was a Presidential Decree, it was issued directly by the President without needing approval from Congress.]

Question 4

President’s directives implementing or interpreting certain constitutional provisions or treaties.

Answer 4

Executive order
- legal language of the president of the Republic of Philippines [official and formal way the President gives laws, orders, or policies]

Question 5

Institutionalized the full computerization of the Medical Technology Licensure Examination by various regulatory boards and under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission.

Answer 5

Executive Order 200

[can be taken on computers at official PRC testing centers. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) monitors the exams to ensure fairness, security, and accuracy]

Question 6

Piece of proposed legislation that has been issued or was modified by the Congress or the Senate.

Answer 6

Senate Bill
- Can become a law after its passage by the Senate and the House of Representatives and approval of the President

[proposed law that is written and discussed by Senators. It can be changed or updated before being approved.]

Question 7

Amendments of RA 5527

Answer 7

• RA 6132
• PD 498
• PD 1534

Question 8

Section 1: Title

Answer 8

Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.

Question 9

how many Sections are there in RA 5527

Answer 9

32

Question 10

A duly registered physician who is specially trained in methods of laboratory medicine, or the gross and microscopic study and interpretation of tissues, secretion and excretions of the human body and its functions in order to diagnose disease, follow its course, determine the effectivity of treatment, ascertain cause of death and advance medicine by means of research.

Answer 10

pathologist

[Diagnose diseases
Track how a disease is progressing
Check if treatments are working
Determine the cause of death
Help improve medicine through research]

Question 11

A person who engages in the work of medical technology under the supervision of a pathologist or licensed physician authorized by the Department of Health in places where there is no pathologist and who having passed the prescribed course (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor of Science in Hygiene) of training and examination is registered under the provision of this Act.

Answer 11

medical technologist

Question 12

A person certified and registered with the Board as qualified to assist a medical technologist and/or qualified pathologist in the practice of medical technology as defined in this Act.

Answer 12

Medical Laboratory Technicians

Question 13

A clinical laboratory, office, agency, clinic, hospital or sanitarium duly approved by the Department of Health or its authorized agency

Answer 13

Accredited Medical Technology Training Laboratory

Question 14

Any school, college, or university which offers a course in Medical Technology approved by the Department of Education in accordance with the requirements under this Act, upon recommendation of the council of medical technology education.

Answer 14

Recognized School of Medical Technology

Question 15

The council of medical technology education established under this Act.

Answer 15

council

Question 16

The Board of Examiners for Medical Technology established under this
Act.

Answer 16

board

Question 17

difference between board and council

Answer 17

Council – Focuses on medical technology education (sets rules for schools, training, and curriculum).

Board – Handles the licensure exam for medical technologists (gives exams, checks results, and issues licenses).

Question 18

council of medical technology education, its composition

Answer 18

chairman - director of higher education
vice chairman - professional regulation commission chairman

members:
chairman of BRL (bureau of research and laboratories)
representatives from
- deans of medical technology schools
- president of the PSP (Philippine Society of Pathologist)
- president of PAMET (Philippine association of Medical Technologists)

Question 19

Compensation and traveling expenses of council members

Answer 19

section 4:

per meeting they attend:
- chairman: 50pesos
- members: 25pesos
* can receive this payment even if they already have a government salary.
* can also get travel expense reimbursements when doing official work.

Question 20

Functions of the Council of Medical Technology Education

Answer 20

Setting the curriculum – Deciding what subjects medical technology students must study.

Controlling student enrollment – Limiting the number of students in each school based on available teachers and facilities.

Approving or closing schools – Allowing schools to operate if they meet standards and recommending closure if they don’t.

Requiring annual reports – Asking schools to submit reports about students, teachers, facilities, and graduates every June.

Inspecting schools – Checking if schools maintain high educational standards.

Approving internships – Allowing students who completed three years of study to start their internships and collecting a ₱5 fee per student.
[ students must pay the ₱5 fee before starting their internship. This fee goes to the Council of Medical Technology Education to help with its operations.]

Providing refresher courses – Creating courses for students who failed the board exam three times.

Making rules and regulations – Enforcing guidelines to ensure all these functions are properly followed.

Question 21

Minimum Required Courses

Answer 21

Basic Sciences & Math:
English
Spanish (previously required)
Social Science
Mathematics
College Physics
Biostatistics

Biology & Anatomy:
General Zoology (study of animals, including humans)
Botany (study of plants)
Gross Anatomy (study of body structures)
Histology (study of tissues)
Physiology (how the body functions)

Chemistry & Laboratory Sciences:
General Chemistry
Qualitative Chemistry (identifying substances in a sample)
Quantitative Chemistry (measuring amounts of substances)
Biochemistry (study of chemical processes in the body)

Medical & Clinical Subjects:
Clinical Parasitology (study of parasites in the body)
General Pathology (study of diseases)
Microbiology (study of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes)
Clinical Laboratory Subjects (hands-on lab skills for medical testing)

Question 22

Medical Technology Board

Answer 22

Chairman: Pathologist, Marilyn A. Cabal-Barza
Members: 2 Medical technologist
- Leila Lany M. Florento
- Marilyn Atienza
They shall hold a term of 3 years or until appointment of successor

Question 23

Difference Between the Council and the Board in Medical Technology

Answer 23

The Council focuses on education and training (before becoming a medical technologist).
- chairman: Director of Higher Education
- members: Representatives from PRC, DOH, medical tech schools, and professional organizations

The Board focuses on licensure exams and certification (to officially become a medical technologist).
- chairman: Pathologist
- members: 2 medical technologists

Question 24

Qualifications of Board of Examiners

Answer 24

To become a member of the Board of Examiners for Medical Technology, a person must:
- Be a Filipino citizen 🇵🇭
- Have good moral character (must be ethical and trustworthy)
- Be a Pathologist (if applying as Chairman)
- Be a Registered Medical Technologist (if applying as a member)
- Have at least 10 years of experience in laboratory medicine or medical technology
- Not be a faculty member of any medical technology school or have financial interests in one for at least 2 years before appointment

Question 25

Compensation of Members of the Board of Examiners for Medical Technology

Answer 25

section 10: Board members are paid based on the number of applicants: ₱10 for each person who takes the board exam ₱5 for each person who gets a license without an exam

Question 26

Functions and Duties of the Board

Answer 26

section 11: Enforce the law – Make sure the rules of this Act are followed. Administer oaths – Swear in new medical technologists. Issue and revoke licenses – Grant, suspend, or cancel medical technology licenses. Maintain ethical standards – Ensure medical technologists follow professional ethics. Investigate violations – Look into complaints and violations, and call witnesses or request documents if needed. Create rules and regulations – Draft new rules to improve the profession, subject to the President’s approval. Check laboratory staffing – Ensure that clinical labs and blood banks have enough qualified staff before they get a license from the Department of Health. Set specialization standards – Define the qualifications and training needed for medical technologists in specialized fields. Classify laboratory staff – Decide the qualifications and roles for different lab positions like: Medical Technologist Senior Medical Technologist Medical Laboratory Technician

Question 27

Removal of Board Members

Answer 27

section 12: A Board member can be removed for the following reasons: Neglect of duty – Failing to do their job properly. Incompetence – Not having the necessary skills or ability to perform their role. Malpractice or misconduct – Acting in an unethical, immoral, or dishonorable way. 🔹 Before removal, they have the right to defend themselves in an investigation. 🔹 While being investigated, the President can suspend them and temporarily appoint someone else.

Question 28

Accreditation of Schools of Medical Technology and Training Laboratories

Answer 28

section 13: Medical Technology Schools 🏫: The Medical Technology Board recommends which schools should be accredited. The Department of Education and Culture officially approves the schools. Training Laboratories : The Department of Health (DOH), through the Bureau of Research and Laboratories, approves labs for student training. The Medical Technology Board works with the DOH to make sure labs meet the required standards. ✅ Requirements for Labs to Get Approved: - Must have qualified staff 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ - Must have proper equipment 🧪🔬 - Must offer training in important laboratory fields, including: Clinical Chemistry Microbiology Serology Parasitology Hematology Blood Banking Clinical Microscopy Histopathology

Question 29

Inhibition against the practice of Medical Technology

Answer 29

section 14: [who can and cannot practice] 🔴 A person CANNOT work as a medical technologist unless they have a valid license (certificate of registration) from the Board. ✅ Exceptions (Who Can Practice Without a License): Licensed doctors – They are already trained in laboratory procedures. Foreign medical technologists – If they are invited for consultation or as visiting professors in schools, but only for that purpose. Medical technologists working for the U.S. Armed Forces – If they are stationed in the Philippines, they don’t need to register locally.

Question 30

Section 15: Examination 📌 Who needs to take the exam? 📌 How is the exam conducted? 📌 How is the exam conducted? 📌 How will people know about the exam?

Answer 30

📌 Who needs to take the exam? - Everyone who wants to become a licensed medical technologist. 📌 How is the exam conducted? - It is a written exam given by the Board of Examiners for Medical Technology. 📌 When and where is the exam held? - Once a year, in August or September. (April and March too pwede daw) - Locations: Manila, Cebu, and Davao (or other places decided by the Board). 📌 How will people know about the exam? - The Board must announce the exam at least 30 days before the exam date. - The announcement must be published in at least three national newspapers.

Question 31

Section 16: Qualification for Examination

Answer 31

📌 To qualify for the exam, a person must: 1. Be in good health and have good moral character. 2. Have a degree in either: - Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology 🎓 - Bachelor of Science in Public Health - From a recognized school, college, or university. 3. Special Case (For those who started working before June 21, 1969): - If they graduated from another profession but have worked as a medical technologist for at least 5 years, they can also take the exam.

Question 32

Section 17: Scope of Examination

Answer 32

10%: - Clinical Microscopy (1STDAY) - Histopathologic Techniques, Cytotechnology, - Medical Technology Laws, Related Laws and Ethics - Implementing rules, and the Code of Ethics 20%: - Clinical Chemistry (1STDAY) - Microbiology & Parasitology (1STDAY) - Hematology - Blood Banking & Serology

Question 33

Section 18: Report of Rating 📌 What happens after the exam? 📌 Who reviews the results?

Answer 33

📌 What happens after the exam? The Board of Examiners must complete and submit the exam results within 120 days (4 months). 📌 Who reviews the results? The Board submits the results to the Commissioner of Civil Service. The Commissioner forwards the results to the President of the Philippines for approval.

Question 34

Section 19: Report of Rating 📌 To pass the exam as a Medical Technologist: 📌 For Medical Laboratory Technicians: 📌 If a candidate fails 3 times:

Answer 34

📌 To pass the exam as a Medical Technologist: ✅ Must have a general average of at least 75%. ✅ No subject should have a score below 50%. ✅ Must not fail 60% or more of the subjects. 📌 For Medical Laboratory Technicians: Those who score between 70% and 74.99% can qualify as Medical Laboratory Technicians instead. 📌 If a candidate fails 3 times: They must take a 12-month refresher course in an accredited laboratory before retaking the exam.

Question 35

Section 20: Oath-Taking 📌 What happens after passing the board exam? 📌 Who administers the oath?

Answer 35

📌 What happens after passing the board exam? All successful examinees must take an oath before officially working as a Medical Technologist. 📌 Who administers the oath? The Board of Medical Technology or Any authorized official who can administer oaths.

Question 36

Section 21: Issuance of Certificate of Registration 📌 Who can receive a certificate of registration (license)? 📌 Who signs the certificate? 📌 What should you do with your certificate?

Answer 36

📌 Who can receive a certificate of registration (license)? - Only those who passed the board exam and are at least 21 years old. 📌 Who signs the certificate? - Board Members - Commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 📌 What should you do with your certificate? - Must be displayed at your workplace to prove you are a licensed Medical Technologist.

Question 37

Section 22: Fees 📌 How much do applicants pay? 📌 Where does the money go?

Answer 37

📌 How much do applicants pay? ₱50 – For taking the exam and getting a license. ₱25 – For getting a license without taking the exam (special cases under the law). ₱10 – For replacing a lost, damaged, or destroyed license. 📌 Where does the money go? It is collected by the Civil Service Commission and used to cover the Board’s expenses and compensation of Board members. [ fees paid by applicants (for exams, registration, or license replacement) are not kept by the Board members personally. Instead, the money goes to the Civil Service Commission, which manages and distributes the funds. The funds are used to: ✅ Pay for the expenses of the Board (such as exam materials and administration). ✅ Provide compensation to the Board members for their work.]

Question 38

Section 23: Refusal to issue Certificate

Answer 38

❌ Have been convicted of a serious crime (involving moral wrongdoing). ❌ Have immoral, dishonorable, or unethical behavior. ❌ Have a mental illness that affects their ability to work. ❌ Have a serious infectious disease that could harm patients. 📌 If someone is denied a license, the Board must explain in writing why they were rejected and keep a record of the decision. ✅

Question 39

Section 24: Administrative Investigation 🔍 Investigation Process: ⚖️ Possible Punishments: 🚫 License Revocation & Suspension:

Answer 39

🔍 Investigation Process: - If a medical technologist is accused of wrongdoing, at least two Board members and a legal officer will conduct an investigation. - The accused has the right to: ✅ Have a lawyer or defend themselves. ✅ Have a fair and public trial. ✅ Question witnesses. ⚖️ Possible Punishments: - The Board can warn (reprimand), suspend, or revoke a medical technologist’s license for: ❌ Serious violations from Section 23 or Section 29. ❌ Unethical behavior, malpractice, incompetence, or negligence. 🚫 License Revocation & Suspension: - License revocation requires all three Board members to agree (unanimous vote = everyone must agree on). - License suspension (up to 2 years) only needs a majority vote. - If revoked or suspended, the medical technologist must return their license within 30 days, or they will be permanently banned from the profession.

Question 40

Section 25: Appeal

Answer 40

🔹 If a medical technologist’s license is suspended or revoked, they can appeal the decision. 🔹 The Civil Service Commissioner will review the case. Their decision becomes final after 30 days unless: ✅ The medical technologist appeals to the President of the Philippines within that period. 🔹 If no appeal is made, the Civil Service Commission's decision is final. ✅

Question 41

Section 26: Reinstatement, Reissue, or Replacement of Certificate

Answer 41

🔹 If a medical technologist’s license was revoked, they can apply for reinstatement (getting back smthing that was taken away) if they provide a valid reason and the Board approves it. 🔹 If the license was only suspended, it will be automatically reissued once the suspension period ends—as long as no further violations were committed.

Question 42

Section 27: Foreign Reciprocity

Answer 42

foreigner can only take the exam or get a medical technology license in the Philippines if their country allows Filipino medical technologists to work there under the same conditions.

Question 43

Section 28: Roster of Medical Technologist

Answer 43

Roster of Medical Technologists means that every year, a list of all registered medical technologists is created. This list includes their name, address, citizenship, registration date, and other important details. The list is public and shared with government offices for verification purposes. You can check the validity of a medical technologist’s license online at https://online.prc.gov.ph/Verification.

Question 44

Section 29: Penal Provisions

Answer 44

Practicing without a license – Anyone working as a medical technologist without proper registration or exemption will be penalized. Working without proper supervision – Even licensed medical technologists must work under a qualified pathologist or physician approved by the Department of Health. Faking lab results – Any medical technologist who intentionally makes fraudulent lab reports will face consequences. Not displaying the registration certificate – If a registered medical technologist refuses to display their certificate at their workplace after being warned, they can be penalized. Using someone else’s license – If a person steals or pretends to use another person’s medical technologist license, they will be punished. Giving false information – If someone provides fake or fraudulent documents to get a medical technology license, they can be penalized. Impersonating a licensed professional – A person pretending to be a registered medical technologist (even with the same name) will be penalized. Using a suspended/revoked license – If someone tries to use a canceled or suspended medical technologist license, they will face legal action. False advertising – If a person claims or advertises themselves as a medical technologist without a valid license, they will be punished. Employers hiring unlicensed individuals – Any employer or company that hires an unlicensed medical technologist or knowingly recommends an unqualified person for the job will be penalized. Violating Board rules – Anyone who disobeys the rules and regulations set by the Board of Medical Technology, which have been approved by the President, will be penalized.

Question 45

Section 30-32

Answer 45

Section 30: Separability Clause - If any part of this law is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, the rest of the law will still remain in effect. [If one part of the law is invalid, the rest still applies.] Section 31: Repealing Clause - Any previous laws or rules that go against this Act are canceled or replaced. [Old laws that conflict with this one are canceled.] Section 32: Effectivity Approved: June 21, 1969