ra 9173

THE PHILIPPINE NURSING THE PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT OF 2002ACT OF 2002

Republic Act No. 9173Republic Act No. 9173

Important Dates in the Important Dates in the Enactment of RA 9173Enactment of RA 9173

On October 8, 2002, RA 9173 was approved by the House of Senate as Senate Bill no. 2292

On October 15, 2002,it was approved by the House of Representative as House Bill no. 1084

On October 21, 2002, it was signed into law by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Republic Act No 9173

Parts of RA 9173Parts of RA 9173 RA 9173 is divided into 9 articles and 41 sections RA 9173 is divided into 9 articles and 41 sections

and these are as followsand these are as follows:: Article I – TitleArticle I – Title

Section 1 – TitleSection 1 – Title Article II – Declaration of PolicyArticle II – Declaration of Policy

Section 2 – Declaration of PolicySection 2 – Declaration of Policy Article III – Organization of the Board of NursingArticle III – Organization of the Board of Nursing

Section 3 – Creation and Composition of the BoardSection 3 – Creation and Composition of the Board Section 4 - Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Section 4 - Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the

BoardBoard Section 5 – Requirements upon Qualification as Member of the Section 5 – Requirements upon Qualification as Member of the

Board of NursingBoard of Nursing Section 6 – Term of OfficeSection 6 – Term of Office Section 7 – Compensation of Board MembersSection 7 – Compensation of Board Members Section 8 – Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of Section 8 – Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of

its Records, Secretariat and Support Servicesits Records, Secretariat and Support Services Section 9 – Powers and Duties of the BoardSection 9 – Powers and Duties of the Board Section 10 – Annual ReportSection 10 – Annual Report Section 11 – Removal and Suspension of Board MembersSection 11 – Removal and Suspension of Board Members

Parts of RA 9173Parts of RA 9173 Article IV – Examination and Registration

Section 12 – Licensure Examination Section 13 – Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure

Examination Section 14 – Scope of Examination Section 15 – Ratings Section 16 – Oath Section 17 – Issuance of Certificate of Registration or

Professional License and Professional Identification Card Section 18 – Fees for Examination and Registration Section 19 – Automatic Registration of Nurses Section 20 – Registration by Reciprocity Section 21 – Practice through Special/ Temporary Permit Section 22 – Non Registration and Non Issuance of COR or

Professional License or Special/Temporary Permit Section 23 – Revocation and Suspension of COR or

Professional License or Special/ Temporary Permit Section 24 – Re Issuance of Revoked Certificates and

Replacement of Lost Certificates

Parts of RA 9173Parts of RA 9173

Article V – Nursing EducationArticle V – Nursing Education Section 25 – Nursing Education ProgramSection 25 – Nursing Education Program Section 26 – Requirement for Inactive Section 26 – Requirement for Inactive

Nurses Returning to PracticeNurses Returning to Practice Section 27 – Qualifications of the FacultySection 27 – Qualifications of the Faculty

Article VI – Nursing PracticeArticle VI – Nursing Practice Section 28 – Scope of NursingSection 28 – Scope of Nursing Section 29 – Qualifications of Nursing Section 29 – Qualifications of Nursing

Service AdministratorsService Administrators


Article VII – Health Human Resource Article VII – Health Human Resource Production, Utilization and DevelopmentProduction, Utilization and Development Section 30 – Studies for Nursing Manpower Section 30 – Studies for Nursing Manpower

Needs, Production, Utilization and Needs, Production, Utilization and DevelopmentDevelopment

Section 31 – Comprehensive Nursing Section 31 – Comprehensive Nursing Specialty ProgramSpecialty Program

Section 32 – SalarySection 32 – Salary Section 33 – Funding for the Section 33 – Funding for the

Comprehensive Nursing Specialty ProgramComprehensive Nursing Specialty Program Section 34 – Incentives and BenefitsSection 34 – Incentives and Benefits


Article VIII – Penal and Miscellaneous Article VIII – Penal and Miscellaneous ProvisionsProvisions Section 35 – Prohibitions in the Practice of Section 35 – Prohibitions in the Practice of

NursingNursing Article IX – Final ProvisionsArticle IX – Final Provisions

Section 36 – Enforcement of this ActSection 36 – Enforcement of this Act Section 37 – AppropriationsSection 37 – Appropriations Section 38 – Rules and RegulationsSection 38 – Rules and Regulations Section 39 – Separability ClauseSection 39 – Separability Clause Section 40 – Repealing ClauseSection 40 – Repealing Clause Section 41 - EffectivitySection 41 - Effectivity

Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations Implementing RA 9173Implementing RA 9173

Resolution No 425, S 2003 of the BON is the “ Resolution No 425, S 2003 of the BON is the “ The Rules and Regulations Implementing the The Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”

Basis: Resolution No. 425, S 2003 was passed by Basis: Resolution No. 425, S 2003 was passed by the BON pursuant to Sec. 38 of RA 9173 which the BON pursuant to Sec. 38 of RA 9173 which provides as follows:provides as follows: ““Sec 38. Rules and Regulations – Within ninety (90) Sec 38. Rules and Regulations – Within ninety (90)

days after the effectivity of this Act, the Board and days after the effectivity of this Act, the Board and the Commission, in coordination with the accredited the Commission, in coordination with the accredited professional organization, the Department of Health , professional organization, the Department of Health , the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned government agencies, shall other concerned government agencies, shall formulate such rules and regulations necessary to formulate such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act…” carry out the provisions of this Act…”

According to the Resolution No. 425, S 2003, it According to the Resolution No. 425, S 2003, it shall be known as ‘ IRR’shall be known as ‘ IRR’

Philippine Laws Relating Philippine Laws Relating to Nursingto Nursing

The following are the laws enacted by The following are the laws enacted by the Philippine Government related to the the Philippine Government related to the practice of nursingpractice of nursing Act No 2493Act No 2493

Approved on February 5, 1915Approved on February 5, 1915 It was actually a law relating to the practice of It was actually a law relating to the practice of

medicine in the Philippines. However, it also medicine in the Philippines. However, it also provided for the examination and registration of provided for the examination and registration of nurses in the country (Sec 7 and 8 thereof)nurses in the country (Sec 7 and 8 thereof)

Act 2493 Sec 7 and 8 is considered the first law Act 2493 Sec 7 and 8 is considered the first law affecting the practice of nursing in the affecting the practice of nursing in the PhilippinesPhilippines


Act 2808 (First True Nursing Law)Act 2808 (First True Nursing Law) Was approved on March 1, 1919Was approved on March 1, 1919 It was entitled “ An act regulating the practice It was entitled “ An act regulating the practice

of the nursing profession in the Philippine of the nursing profession in the Philippine Islands”Islands”

1920, first board examination was given1920, first board examination was given Republic Act No 465Republic Act No 465

It was approved on June 1950It was approved on June 1950 It standardized the examination and It standardized the examination and

registration fees charged by the Examining registration fees charged by the Examining BoardsBoards


Republic Act 877Republic Act 877 It took effect on June 19, 1953It took effect on June 19, 1953 It was otherwise known as “The Philippine It was otherwise known as “The Philippine

Nursing Law”Nursing Law” It repealed all the provisions of the above It repealed all the provisions of the above

mentioned laws that are inconsistent with its mentioned laws that are inconsistent with its provisions on nursing education and practiceprovisions on nursing education and practice

It includes the provision for the organization It includes the provision for the organization of Board of Examiners for nurses, nursing of Board of Examiners for nurses, nursing schools and colleges, examination and schools and colleges, examination and registration of nursesregistration of nurses


Republic Act No 4704Republic Act No 4704 It was approved on June 18, 1966It was approved on June 18, 1966 It amended RA 877It amended RA 877 Members of the BON increase from 3 to 5Members of the BON increase from 3 to 5 Members of the Board were to be appointed Members of the Board were to be appointed

by the President with consent from the by the President with consent from the Commission on Appointments upon Commission on Appointments upon recommendation of the Civil Service recommendation of the Civil Service CommissionCommission

Board Members must be Master’s Degree Board Members must be Master’s Degree HolderHolder


Republic Act 6136Republic Act 6136 It was approved on August 31, 1970It was approved on August 31, 1970 It amended RA 877 and RA 4704It amended RA 877 and RA 4704 It expressly authorized RN to administer It expressly authorized RN to administer

intravenous and other injections as long as intravenous and other injections as long as the administration is under the direction of the administration is under the direction of and in the presence of a physicianand in the presence of a physician


Republic Act No 7164Republic Act No 7164 Introduced by Heherson Alvarez, it codified and Introduced by Heherson Alvarez, it codified and

revised all the laws regulating the practice of revised all the laws regulating the practice of nursingnursing

It was approved on November 21, 1991It was approved on November 21, 1991 It was entitled “The Philippine Nursing Act of It was entitled “The Philippine Nursing Act of

1991”1991” It repealed, amended or modified existing laws It repealed, amended or modified existing laws

that are inconsistent with itthat are inconsistent with it Redefinition in the scope of nursing practiceRedefinition in the scope of nursing practice Requiring a faculty member who is appointed by Requiring a faculty member who is appointed by

BON to resign from his/her teaching positionBON to resign from his/her teaching position

ARTICLE III – ARTICLE III – Organization of the Organization of the Board of NursingBoard of Nursing

Sec 3. Creation and Composition of the BoardSec 3. Creation and Composition of the Board The Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing The Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing

which is created by Sec 3 of RA 9173 is which is created by Sec 3 of RA 9173 is composed of composed of a CHAIRPERSONa CHAIRPERSON Six (6) membersSix (6) members

Under Sec 3 of RA 9173 there are 3 stages in Under Sec 3 of RA 9173 there are 3 stages in the appointment of the Chairperson and/ or the appointment of the Chairperson and/ or Members of the BON: Nomination, Members of the BON: Nomination, Recommendation, AppointmentRecommendation, Appointment


Sec 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Sec 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the BoardMembers of the Board At the time of his/her appointment, the At the time of his/her appointment, the

Chairperson of the BON must be:Chairperson of the BON must be: A natural-born citizenA natural-born citizen A resident of the PhilippinesA resident of the Philippines A member of good standing of the accredited A member of good standing of the accredited

professional organization of nursesprofessional organization of nurses A registered nurseA registered nurse A holder of a master’s degree in nursing conferred by a A holder of a master’s degree in nursing conferred by a

college or university duly recognized by the college or university duly recognized by the GovernmentGovernment

With at least 10 years of continuous practice of the With at least 10 years of continuous practice of the profession prior to the appointment, profession prior to the appointment, the last 5 years of the last 5 years of which must have been in the Philippineswhich must have been in the Philippines

Not a convict of any offense involving moral turpitudeNot a convict of any offense involving moral turpitude

Citizenship – There are widely accepted Citizenship – There are widely accepted principles in determining the citizenship of a principles in determining the citizenship of a personperson Jus soli Jus soli – under which the place of the birth of – under which the place of the birth of

person determines his/her citizenshipperson determines his/her citizenship Jus sanguinis Jus sanguinis – under which the citizenship of the – under which the citizenship of the

parents determines the citizenship of the childparents determines the citizenship of the child There are 2 kinds of citizens in the There are 2 kinds of citizens in the

Philippines:Philippines: Naturalized Citizens – one who acquires citizenship Naturalized Citizens – one who acquires citizenship

by naturalizationby naturalization NATURALIZATION – is the process provided by law by NATURALIZATION – is the process provided by law by

which a person(alien) acquires citizenship after birth and which a person(alien) acquires citizenship after birth and becomes entitled to the privileges of citizenshipbecomes entitled to the privileges of citizenship

Natural Born Citizens – are those described in Art Natural Born Citizens – are those described in Art IV Sec 2 of the 1987 Philippine ConstitutionIV Sec 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Residence – refers to the permanent home, or Residence – refers to the permanent home, or the place of birth to which whenever absent the place of birth to which whenever absent for business or pleasure, one intends to returnfor business or pleasure, one intends to return

The term The term Accredited Professional Organization Accredited Professional Organization ((APOAPO) of nurses refers to the Philippine Nurses ) of nurses refers to the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc or any professional Association, Inc or any professional organization of nurses accredited by PRCorganization of nurses accredited by PRC

A registered nurse – is one whose name A registered nurse – is one whose name appears in the Book of Registry of Nurses as appears in the Book of Registry of Nurses as evidenced by duly issued Certificate of evidenced by duly issued Certificate of Registration as NurseRegistration as Nurse

Conviction in a general sense, is the result of Conviction in a general sense, is the result of a criminal trial which ends in a judgment or a criminal trial which ends in a judgment or sentence that the accused is guilty as sentence that the accused is guilty as chargedcharged

Offense is a breach of the criminal laws; it is Offense is a breach of the criminal laws; it is a violation of law for which penalty is a violation of law for which penalty is prescribedprescribed

Moral turpitude refers to the act of Moral turpitude refers to the act of baseness, vileness or depravity in private baseness, vileness or depravity in private and social duties which man owes to his and social duties which man owes to his fellow man, or to society in general, contrary fellow man, or to society in general, contrary to accepted and customary rule of right and to accepted and customary rule of right and duty in between man and manduty in between man and man

Examples of offenses that are considered as Examples of offenses that are considered as involving moral turpitude are MURDER, involving moral turpitude are MURDER, ABORTION, RAPEABORTION, RAPE


Qualifications of the Members of the BONQualifications of the Members of the BON A natural born citizenA natural born citizen A resident of the PhilippinesA resident of the Philippines A member of good standing of the accredited A member of good standing of the accredited

professional organization of nurseprofessional organization of nurse A registered nurseA registered nurse A holder of A holder of master’s degree in nursing, education or master’s degree in nursing, education or

other allied medical profession other allied medical profession conferred by a college conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Governmentor university duly recognized by the Government

Have at least 10 years of continuous practice of the Have at least 10 years of continuous practice of the profession, the last 5 years of which must have been profession, the last 5 years of which must have been in the Philippinesin the Philippines

Not have been convicted of any offense involving Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitudemoral turpitude


Sec 5 – Requirements Upon Qualification as a Sec 5 – Requirements Upon Qualification as a Member of the BONMember of the BON A person who is appointed as Chairman or Member A person who is appointed as Chairman or Member

of the BON, upon qualification as such is required of the BON, upon qualification as such is required by lawby law

To immediately resign from any teaching position in any To immediately resign from any teaching position in any school or institution that offers BSN or review program school or institution that offers BSN or review program for the Philippine Nursing Board Examinationsfor the Philippine Nursing Board Examinations

To immediately resign from any office or employment 1) To immediately resign from any office or employment 1) in the government or any subdivision, agency or in the government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality, including government-owned or instrumentality, including government-owned or government- controlled corporations or their subsidiaries government- controlled corporations or their subsidiaries 2) in the private sector2) in the private sector

Not to have any Not to have any pecuniary interest pecuniary interest in any school or in any school or institution that offers BSN or review classes for the institution that offers BSN or review classes for the Philippine Nursing Board ExaminationsPhilippine Nursing Board Examinations

Not to have any administrative Not to have any administrative supervision supervision in any school in any school or institution that offers BSN or review classes for the or institution that offers BSN or review classes for the Philippine Nursing Board ExaminationsPhilippine Nursing Board Examinations


Sec 6 – Term of OfficeSec 6 – Term of Office Term of Office – is the period during Term of Office – is the period during

which an elected officer or appointee is which an elected officer or appointee is entitled to hold office , perform its entitled to hold office , perform its functions and enjoy its privileges and functions and enjoy its privileges and emoluments. It is a fixed and definite emoluments. It is a fixed and definite period of time which the law describes period of time which the law describes that an officer may hold officethat an officer may hold office

Tenure – is the period during which the Tenure – is the period during which the incumbent actually holds officeincumbent actually holds office

The term of office of the Chairperson The term of office of the Chairperson and Members of the BON is 3 yearsand Members of the BON is 3 years


Sec. 7 – Compensation of Board of Sec. 7 – Compensation of Board of MembersMembers The Chairperson and Members of a professional The Chairperson and Members of a professional

regulatory board shall receive monthly regulatory board shall receive monthly compensation equivalent to the following:compensation equivalent to the following: Chairperson: Compensation equivalent to 2 steps Chairperson: Compensation equivalent to 2 steps

higher than the Members of the Boardhigher than the Members of the Board Members: Compensation equivalent to, at least 2 Members: Compensation equivalent to, at least 2

salary grades lower than the salary grade of the salary grades lower than the salary grade of the Commissioners (of the PRC)Commissioners (of the PRC)

Chairperson: Salary grade 30Chairperson: Salary grade 30 Members: Salary grade 28Members: Salary grade 28


Sec 8. Administrative Supervision of the Sec 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat and Support Servicesand Support Services The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) The Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)

has administrative supervision over the BONhas administrative supervision over the BON PRC is the legal custodian of all the records of PRC is the legal custodian of all the records of

the BONthe BON The records of the BON that are declared by law to be The records of the BON that are declared by law to be

in custody of the PRC are the following:in custody of the PRC are the following: Applications for the nurse licensure examinationsApplications for the nurse licensure examinations Examination papersExamination papers Examination resultsExamination results Minutes of deliberationMinutes of deliberation Records of administrative casesRecords of administrative cases Records of investigations conducted by the BoardRecords of investigations conducted by the Board

ARTICLE III – Organization ARTICLE III – Organization of the Board of Nursingof the Board of Nursing

Sec 9 – Power and Duties of the BoardSec 9 – Power and Duties of the Board To supervise and regulate the practice of nursing To supervise and regulate the practice of nursing

profession in the Philippinesprofession in the Philippines To conduct licensure examination for nursesTo conduct licensure examination for nurses To issue, suspend or revoke COR for the practice of To issue, suspend or revoke COR for the practice of

nursingnursing To monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing To monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing

practice in the Philippines and exercise the powers practice in the Philippines and exercise the powers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient , necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient , ethical and technical, moral and professional ethical and technical, moral and professional standards in the practice of nursing taking into standards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of the nationaccount the health needs of the nation

To ensure quality nursing education by examining the To ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facilities of universities or colleges of prescribed facilities of universities or colleges of nursing or departments of nursing education and nursing or departments of nursing education and those seeking permission to open nursing courses to those seeking permission to open nursing courses to ensure that standards of nursing education are ensure that standards of nursing education are properly complied with and maintained at all timesproperly complied with and maintained at all times

Sec 9 – Power and Duties of Sec 9 – Power and Duties of the Boardthe Board

To conduct hearings and investigations to To conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for unethical and unprofessional conduct and for unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations of RA 9173 or its rules and regulationsviolations of RA 9173 or its rules and regulations

To promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination To promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination and consultation with APO of nurses and consultation with APO of nurses

To recognize nursing specialty organizations in To recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the APOcoordination with the APO

To prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate To prescribe, adopt, issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures and decisions guidelines, regulations, measures and decisions as may be necessary for the improvement of as may be necessary for the improvement of the nursing practice, advancement of the the nursing practice, advancement of the profession and for the proper and full profession and for the proper and full enforcement of RA 9173 subject to the review enforcement of RA 9173 subject to the review and approval by the Commissionand approval by the Commission


Sec 10 Annual ReportSec 10 Annual Report The BON is required by Sec 10 of RA 9173 The BON is required by Sec 10 of RA 9173

to submit an annual reportto submit an annual report The said annual report of the BON must be The said annual report of the BON must be

submitted to the President of the Republic submitted to the President of the Republic of the Philippinesof the Philippines

The said annual report of the BON must be The said annual report of the BON must be submitted to the President through the PRCsubmitted to the President through the PRC

The said annual report of the BON must be The said annual report of the BON must be submitted at the close of the calendar year submitted at the close of the calendar year of the BONof the BON


Sec 11 – Removal or Suspension of Sec 11 – Removal or Suspension of Board MembersBoard Members Continued neglect of duty or Continued neglect of duty or

incompetenceincompetence Commission or toleration of Commission or toleration of

irregularities in the licensure irregularities in the licensure examinationexamination

Unprofessional, immoral or Unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conductdishonorable conduct


Neglect of duty is the omission or Neglect of duty is the omission or refusal, without sufficient excuse, to refusal, without sufficient excuse, to perform an act or duty, which it was the perform an act or duty, which it was the officers legal obligation to perform the officers legal obligation to perform the failure to give due attention to the failure to give due attention to the performance of dutyperformance of duty

Incompetency is defined as lack of Incompetency is defined as lack of adequate ability and fitness for the adequate ability and fitness for the satisfactory performance of official satisfactory performance of official duties by reasons of one’s vice or duties by reasons of one’s vice or vicious habits, the lack of any physical, vicious habits, the lack of any physical, moral or intellectual quality which moral or intellectual quality which substantially incapacitates one to substantially incapacitates one to perform his dutiesperform his duties


Unprofessional conduct is defined as the conduct Unprofessional conduct is defined as the conduct which by general opinion considered to be which by general opinion considered to be unprofessional because immoral, unethical or unprofessional because immoral, unethical or dishonorable. It refers to such conduct which dishonorable. It refers to such conduct which violates ethical code or rules of profession, or to violates ethical code or rules of profession, or to such conduct which is unbecoming a member of such conduct which is unbecoming a member of a profession a profession

Immoral conduct refers to the conduct which is Immoral conduct refers to the conduct which is willful, flagrant, or shameless, and which shows willful, flagrant, or shameless, and which shows a moral indifference to the opinion of the good a moral indifference to the opinion of the good and respectable members of the community. It is and respectable members of the community. It is not confined to sexual matters, but includes not confined to sexual matters, but includes conduct inconsistent with rectitude, or indicative conduct inconsistent with rectitude, or indicative of corruption, indecency, depravity, of corruption, indecency, depravity, dissolutenessdissoluteness

ARTICLE IV – Examination ARTICLE IV – Examination and Registrationand Registration

Sec 12 – Licensure ExaminationSec 12 – Licensure Examination Nurse Licensure Examination – is the written Nurse Licensure Examination – is the written

examination that is being given by the BON to examination that is being given by the BON to an applicant for license to practice nursing in an applicant for license to practice nursing in the Philippines, in such place and date the Philippines, in such place and date designated by the PRC, and in accordance with designated by the PRC, and in accordance with PRC Modernization Act of 2000PRC Modernization Act of 2000

If only one examination is given in a year, it If only one examination is given in a year, it must be held on a weekday (Monday to Friday)must be held on a weekday (Monday to Friday)

When 2 or more examinations are given in a When 2 or more examinations are given in a year, at least one examination must be held on year, at least one examination must be held on a weekday a weekday


Sec 13- Qualifications for Admission to Sec 13- Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examinationthe Licensure Examination He is a citizen of the PhilippinesHe is a citizen of the Philippines He is of good moral characterHe is of good moral character He is a holder of Bachelor’s Degree in He is a holder of Bachelor’s Degree in

Nursing from a college or university that Nursing from a college or university that complies with the standards of nursing complies with the standards of nursing education duly recognized by the proper education duly recognized by the proper government agencygovernment agency

He has paid the fees prescribed by the PRCHe has paid the fees prescribed by the PRC


Sec 14 – Scope of ExaminationSec 14 – Scope of Examination The objectives of the nursing curriculumThe objectives of the nursing curriculum The broad areas of nursingThe broad areas of nursing Other related discipline and competencies in Other related discipline and competencies in

determining the subjects of examinationdetermining the subjects of examination The NLE examination shall be divided into 4 major The NLE examination shall be divided into 4 major

parts organized around 4 major goals of nursing:parts organized around 4 major goals of nursing: Test I- PromotiveTest I- Promotive Test II – PreventiveTest II – Preventive Test III A – CurativeTest III A – Curative Test III B – CurativeTest III B – Curative Test IV - RehabilitativeTest IV - Rehabilitative

Broad Areas of NursingBroad Areas of Nursing Fundamental NursingFundamental Nursing Maternal and Child NursingMaternal and Child Nursing Community Health Nursing of Adolescent, Community Health Nursing of Adolescent,

Adults and AgedAdults and Aged Mental Health and Psychiatric NursingMental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Other DisciplineOther Discipline Physiology and AnatomyPhysiology and Anatomy Pharmacology and TherapeuticsPharmacology and Therapeutics MicrobiologyMicrobiology Nutrition and Diet TherapyNutrition and Diet Therapy


Sec 15 – Ratings Sec 15 – Ratings Passing GradePassing Grade

A general average of at least 75% A general average of at least 75% A rating of not below 60% in any subjectA rating of not below 60% in any subject

Rules when GA is below 75%Rules when GA is below 75% An examinee who obtains a GA that is lower than An examinee who obtains a GA that is lower than

75% FAILS the licensure examination regardless of 75% FAILS the licensure examination regardless of the ratings he obtain in the individual subjectthe ratings he obtain in the individual subject

Rules when GA is 75% aboveRules when GA is 75% above An examinee who did not obtain a rating of below An examinee who did not obtain a rating of below

60% in any subject, he PASSES the licensure 60% in any subject, he PASSES the licensure examination. examination.

If he obtained a rating below 60% in any subject, he If he obtained a rating below 60% in any subject, he FAILS the licensure examination. However, he may FAILS the licensure examination. However, he may take a REMOVAL examinationtake a REMOVAL examination

However, in a REMOVAL EXAMINATION, the ratings in However, in a REMOVAL EXAMINATION, the ratings in the subject being repeated must be at least 75%the subject being repeated must be at least 75%


Sec 16 – Oath of ProfessionSec 16 – Oath of Profession OATH – is any form of attestation by w/c OATH – is any form of attestation by w/c

a person signifies that he is bound in a person signifies that he is bound in conscience to perform an act faithfully conscience to perform an act faithfully and truthfully. and truthfully.

The oath may be recited in:The oath may be recited in: English (Oath of Professionals)English (Oath of Professionals) Filipino (Panunumpa ng Propesyonal)Filipino (Panunumpa ng Propesyonal)


Sec 17. Issuance of Certification of Sec 17. Issuance of Certification of Registration/ Professional Identification CardRegistration/ Professional Identification Card Under Sec 17 of RA 9173, a successful examinee Under Sec 17 of RA 9173, a successful examinee

shall be issued the following documentsshall be issued the following documents Certificate of Registration/ Professional LicenseCertificate of Registration/ Professional License Professional Identification CardProfessional Identification Card

Contents of COR or Professional LicenseContents of COR or Professional License Full name of the registrantFull name of the registrant Serial No of the CertificateSerial No of the Certificate Signature of the Chairperson of the PRCSignature of the Chairperson of the PRC Signatures of the Members of the BONSignatures of the Members of the BON Official seal of the PRCOfficial seal of the PRC Official seal of the Board of NursingOfficial seal of the Board of Nursing


Sec 18. Fees for Examination and Sec 18. Fees for Examination and RegistrationRegistration Persons required to pay examination Persons required to pay examination

and registration fees set by the and registration fees set by the CommissionCommission All applicants for admission to the NLEAll applicants for admission to the NLE All applicants for registration as All applicants for registration as

professional nurse practitionerprofessional nurse practitioner


Sec 19. Automatic Registration of NursesSec 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses Automatically registered nurses under RA Automatically registered nurses under RA

9173:9173: Nurses already in the Roster or Registry Book of Nurses already in the Roster or Registry Book of

NursesNurses Under Sec 40 of RA 9173, expressly repeals RA 7164, Under Sec 40 of RA 9173, expressly repeals RA 7164,

otherwise known as “The Philippine Nursing Act of 1991”otherwise known as “The Philippine Nursing Act of 1991” Automatically or “ipso facto”Automatically or “ipso facto”

The term “ipso facto” means by mere fact or by the mere The term “ipso facto” means by mere fact or by the mere effect of an act or facteffect of an act or fact

Thus, by the mere fact of their names already appearing Thus, by the mere fact of their names already appearing in the Roster or Book of Registry of Nurses when RA 9173 in the Roster or Book of Registry of Nurses when RA 9173 took effect this nurses also became RN under RA 9173took effect this nurses also became RN under RA 9173

There may be regarded as the automatically registered There may be regarded as the automatically registered nurses under Sec 19 of RA 9173nurses under Sec 19 of RA 9173


Sec. 20 Registration of Nurses by ReciprocitySec. 20 Registration of Nurses by Reciprocity As a general rule, all applicants for license to As a general rule, all applicants for license to

practice in the Philippines are required by Sec practice in the Philippines are required by Sec 12 to pass the nurse licensure examination 12 to pass the nurse licensure examination provided for in RA 9173provided for in RA 9173

However, those who are qualified for However, those who are qualified for registration by reciprocity under Sec 20 of RA registration by reciprocity under Sec 20 of RA 9173 are exempted from this rule9173 are exempted from this rule

Thus, a nurse, who is registered under the law Thus, a nurse, who is registered under the law of any country other than the Philippines, may of any country other than the Philippines, may be issued without examination a certificate of be issued without examination a certificate of registration or professional license, if the registration or professional license, if the conditions mentioned in Sec 20 are metconditions mentioned in Sec 20 are met

Registration by reciprocity under this Section is Registration by reciprocity under this Section is available only to nurses who are registered available only to nurses who are registered under the laws of a foreign state or countryunder the laws of a foreign state or country


Sec 21. Practice Through Special/ Temporary PermitSec 21. Practice Through Special/ Temporary Permit A A special/ temporary permit to practice nursing special/ temporary permit to practice nursing is a is a

permit that may be granted by the BON to a licensed permit that may be granted by the BON to a licensed nurse from a foreign state or country allowing nurse from a foreign state or country allowing him/her to engage in a special or temporary practice him/her to engage in a special or temporary practice of nursing here in the Philippines without need of of nursing here in the Philippines without need of passing first the NLEpassing first the NLE

Who may be issued Special/ Temporary Permit to Who may be issued Special/ Temporary Permit to Practice:Practice: He/ She is an He/ She is an internationally well known specialist internationally well known specialist or an or an

outstanding expert outstanding expert in any branch or specialty in nursing in any branch or specialty in nursing (whose service may either be for a fee or for free)(whose service may either be for a fee or for free)

He/ She is on He/ She is on medical mission medical mission (whose services must be (whose services must be free in a particular hospital, center or clinic)free in a particular hospital, center or clinic)

He/ She is employed by a nursing school, as an He/ She is employed by a nursing school, as an exchange exchange professor professor in a branch or specialty of nursingin a branch or specialty of nursing


Sec 22. Non- registration and Non- Sec 22. Non- registration and Non- Issuance of COR/ Professional License or Issuance of COR/ Professional License or Special/ Temporary PermitSpecial/ Temporary Permit Grounds For Non- Registration and Non-Grounds For Non- Registration and Non-

Issuance of COR/PL or Special/Temporary Issuance of COR/PL or Special/Temporary PermitPermit

If he has been convicted by final judgment of If he has been convicted by final judgment of a criminal offense involving moral turpitudea criminal offense involving moral turpitude

If he is guilty of immoral or dishonorable If he is guilty of immoral or dishonorable conductconduct

If he has been declared by the court to be of If he has been declared by the court to be of unsound mindunsound mind

A person of UNSOUND MIND refers to one who from A person of UNSOUND MIND refers to one who from infirmity of mind is incapable of managing himself infirmity of mind is incapable of managing himself or his affairs. Includes insane personsor his affairs. Includes insane persons


Sec. 23 Revocation and Suspension of Sec. 23 Revocation and Suspension of COR/PL and Cancellation of COR/PL and Cancellation of Special/Temporary PermitSpecial/Temporary Permit

Suspension – means a “temporary stop, Suspension – means a “temporary stop, interruption or cessation”interruption or cessation”

Revocation – means the withdrawal or recall of Revocation – means the withdrawal or recall of some power, authority or things granted; it is some power, authority or things granted; it is the total repeal or cancellation of something the total repeal or cancellation of something that existsthat exists

Grounds for Suspension and Revocation, Grounds for Suspension and Revocation, Cancellation of Special/ Temporary PermitCancellation of Special/ Temporary Permit Conviction by final judgment of any criminal Conviction by final judgment of any criminal

offense involving moral turpitudeoffense involving moral turpitude Immoral or dishonorable conductImmoral or dishonorable conduct Unsoundness of mind as declared by courtUnsoundness of mind as declared by court Unprofessional or unethical conductUnprofessional or unethical conduct Gross incompetence or serious ignoranceGross incompetence or serious ignorance Malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursingMalpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing Use of fraud or deceit or false statements in Use of fraud or deceit or false statements in

obtaining certificate of registration or professional obtaining certificate of registration or professional licenselicense

Violation of any of the followingViolation of any of the following RA 9173RA 9173 Implementing Rules and RegulationsImplementing Rules and Regulations Code of Ethics for NursesCode of Ethics for Nurses The policies of the BON and PRCThe policies of the BON and PRC

Practicing his/her profession during his/her Practicing his/her profession during his/her suspensionsuspension

Maximum Period of Suspension:Maximum Period of Suspension: Shall be for a period not to exceed 4 Shall be for a period not to exceed 4

yearsyears May a revoked COR/PL be re-issued?May a revoked COR/PL be re-issued?

Yes. Under sec 24 of RA 9173, the BON Yes. Under sec 24 of RA 9173, the BON has the power to re-issue revoked CORhas the power to re-issue revoked COR


Sec 24 Re-Issuance of Revoked Certificates Sec 24 Re-Issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost Certificates and Replacement of Lost Certificates

Conditions for Re – Issuance of Revoked Conditions for Re – Issuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration / Professional Certificate of Registration / Professional LicenseLicense That there is a proper application with the BON That there is a proper application with the BON

for the re-issuance of the revoked COR/ PLfor the re-issuance of the revoked COR/ PL That the application is made after the That the application is made after the

expiration of a maximum of 4 years from the expiration of a maximum of 4 years from the date of revocation of the certificatedate of revocation of the certificate

That the cause of revocation has disappeared That the cause of revocation has disappeared or has been cured or correctedor has been cured or corrected

That the re-issuance is sought for reasons of That the re-issuance is sought for reasons of equity and justiceequity and justice

That the required fees have been paidThat the required fees have been paid

Replacement of Lost Destroyed or Replacement of Lost Destroyed or Mutilated COR/ PLMutilated COR/ PL LostLost DestroyedDestroyed MutilatedMutilated

ARTICLE V- Nursing ARTICLE V- Nursing EducationEducation

Sec 25 Nursing Education ProgramSec 25 Nursing Education Program requires nursing education program to requires nursing education program to

provide sound general and professional provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursingfoundation for the practice of nursing

That learning experiences must adhere That learning experiences must adhere strictly to specific requirements strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the CHED policies as promulgated by the CHED policies and standards of nursing educationand standards of nursing education


Sec 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Sec 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice Returning to Practice An inactive nurse is a nurse who has not An inactive nurse is a nurse who has not

actively practicing the nursing profession actively practicing the nursing profession for 5 consecutive yearsfor 5 consecutive years

Required to undergo training program Required to undergo training program Training program for inactive nurses Training program for inactive nurses

returning to practice:returning to practice: 1 month didactic training1 month didactic training 3 months of practicum3 months of practicum


Sec 27. Qualification of the FacultySec 27. Qualification of the Faculty Qualifications of Faculty- Members in a Qualifications of Faculty- Members in a

College of NursingCollege of Nursing A registered nurse in the PhilippinesA registered nurse in the Philippines With at least 1 year of clinical experience in With at least 1 year of clinical experience in

a field of specializationa field of specialization A member of good standing in the APO of A member of good standing in the APO of

nursesnurses A holder of master’s degree in nursing, A holder of master’s degree in nursing,

education, or other allied medical and health education, or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Governmentduly recognized by the Government


Qualifications of the Dean of a College Qualifications of the Dean of a College of Nursingof Nursing A registered nurse in the PhilippinesA registered nurse in the Philippines With at least 1 year of clinical practice in a With at least 1 year of clinical practice in a

field of specializationfield of specialization A member of good standing in the APO of A member of good standing in the APO of

nursesnurses A holder of master’s degree in nursing A holder of master’s degree in nursing

conferred by a college or university duly conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the governmentrecognized by the government

With at least 5 years of experience in With at least 5 years of experience in nursingnursing

ARTICLE VI – Nursing ARTICLE VI – Nursing PracticePractice

Sec 28. Scope of NursingSec 28. Scope of Nursing

1. singly or in collaboration with another, 1. singly or in collaboration with another, initiates and performs nursing services to initiates and performs nursing services to individuals,families and communitiesindividuals,families and communities

2. provide nursing care from delivery up to old 2. provide nursing care from delivery up to old ageage

3. as independent practitioner, primarily 3. as independent practitioner, primarily responsible for the promotion of health and responsible for the promotion of health and prevention of illnessprevention of illness

4. collaborates with other members of health 4. collaborates with other members of health team team

DUTIES OF NURSES:DUTIES OF NURSES:

1. Provide nursing care1. Provide nursing care

2. Establish linkages with community 2. Establish linkages with community resources resources

3. Provide health education3. Provide health education

4. Teach, guide and supervise students 4. Teach, guide and supervise students in nursing programsin nursing programs

5. Undertake research and training, 5. Undertake research and training, professional continuing educationprofessional continuing education

6. Observe Code of Ethics6. Observe Code of Ethics

ARTICLE VI- Nursing ARTICLE VI- Nursing PracticePractice

Sec 29. Qualifications of Nursing Service Sec 29. Qualifications of Nursing Service AdministratorsAdministrators A nursing service administrator is a person A nursing service administrator is a person

occupying a supervisory or managerial occupying a supervisory or managerial position that requires knowledge of nursingposition that requires knowledge of nursing

Qualification of Nursing Service Administrator:Qualification of Nursing Service Administrator: Registered nurse in the PhilippinesRegistered nurse in the Philippines With at least 2 years of experience in general With at least 2 years of experience in general

nursing service administrationsnursing service administrations With BSN degreeWith BSN degree With at least 9 units in management and With at least 9 units in management and

administration courses at graduate leveladministration courses at graduate level A member of good standing of the APO of nursesA member of good standing of the APO of nurses

ARTICLE VI- Nursing ARTICLE VI- Nursing PracticePractice

Qualifications of a Chief Nurse or Qualifications of a Chief Nurse or Director of Nursing Service:Director of Nursing Service:

Registered nurse in the PhilippinesRegistered nurse in the Philippines With at least 2 years of experience in general With at least 2 years of experience in general

nursing service administrationsnursing service administrations With BSN degreeWith BSN degree With at least 9 units in management and With at least 9 units in management and

administration courses at graduate leveladministration courses at graduate level A member of good standing of the APO of A member of good standing of the APO of

nursesnurses With at least 5 years of experience in a With at least 5 years of experience in a

supervisory or managerial position in nursingsupervisory or managerial position in nursing With a master’s degree major in nursingWith a master’s degree major in nursing

ARTICLE VII – Health Human ARTICLE VII – Health Human Resource Production Resource Production

Utilization and Utilization and DevelopmentDevelopment Sec 30. Studies for Manpower Needs, Production, Sec 30. Studies for Manpower Needs, Production,

Utilization and DevelopmentUtilization and Development The BON has the duty under Sec 30 of RA 9173 to The BON has the duty under Sec 30 of RA 9173 to

initiate, undertake and conduct studies on health initiate, undertake and conduct studies on health human production, utilization and development human production, utilization and development

Sec 31. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Sec 31. Comprehensive Nursing Specialty Program Program The BON is mandated by this Section to formulate The BON is mandated by this Section to formulate

and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty and develop a comprehensive nursing specialty program that would upgrade the level of skill and program that would upgrade the level of skill and competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the competence of specialty nurse clinicians in the countrycountry

Critical careCritical care OncologyOncology RenalRenal Such areas as may be determined by the BoardSuch areas as may be determined by the Board

ARTICLE VII – Health Human ARTICLE VII – Health Human Resource Production Resource Production

Utilization and DevelopmentUtilization and Development Sec 32. SalarySec 32. Salary

Nurses working in public health institutions have Nurses working in public health institutions have the right to receive not less than the minimum base the right to receive not less than the minimum base pay provided in Sec 32 of RA 9173 ; must not be pay provided in Sec 32 of RA 9173 ; must not be lower than Salary Grade 15 prescribed under RA lower than Salary Grade 15 prescribed under RA 6758, otherwise known as “ The Compensation and 6758, otherwise known as “ The Compensation and Classification Act of 1989”Classification Act of 1989”

Sec 33. Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Sec 33. Funding for the Comprehensive Nursing Specialty ProgramSpecialty Program PCSOPCSO PAGCOR shall equally share the cost of the PAGCOR shall equally share the cost of the

training mentioned in Sec 33training mentioned in Sec 33 The annual fund shall be released to the DOH and the DOH The annual fund shall be released to the DOH and the DOH

shall set the criteria for the availment of this programshall set the criteria for the availment of this program

ARTICLE VII – Health ARTICLE VII – Health Human Resource Human Resource

Production Utilization and Production Utilization and DevelopmentDevelopment Who may avail of this PCSO- PAGCOR- Who may avail of this PCSO- PAGCOR-

Funded Program:Funded Program: Member of the nursing staff of a government Member of the nursing staff of a government

hospital participating in the comprehensive hospital participating in the comprehensive nursing specialty programnursing specialty program

10 % of the nursing staff of the participating 10 % of the nursing staff of the participating government hospitalsgovernment hospitals

Sec 34. Incentives and BenefitsSec 34. Incentives and Benefits Forms of Incentives and BenefitsForms of Incentives and Benefits

Free hospital care for nurses and their dependentsFree hospital care for nurses and their dependents Scholarship grantsScholarship grants Other non- cash benefitsOther non- cash benefits

ARTICLE VIII – Penal and ARTICLE VIII – Penal and Miscellaneous ProvisionsMiscellaneous Provisions

Sec 35. Prohibitions in the Practice of Sec 35. Prohibitions in the Practice of NursingNursing This section is what we know the penal This section is what we know the penal

clause of RA 9173; this part enumerates clause of RA 9173; this part enumerates certain acts that are declared CRIMINAL, id certain acts that are declared CRIMINAL, id est, prohibited and punishableest, prohibited and punishable

Penalties:Penalties: Fine (minimum 50,000 –maximum 100, 000)Fine (minimum 50,000 –maximum 100, 000) Imprisonment (minimum 1 year – maximum 6 Imprisonment (minimum 1 year – maximum 6

years)years) Both (Fine and Imprisonment)Both (Fine and Imprisonment)


Any person practicing nursingAny person practicing nursing

1. without a COR/PL, special/ temporary permit1. without a COR/PL, special/ temporary permit

2. uses an invalid certificate;2. uses an invalid certificate;

3. uses a suspended or revoked Certificate or expired 3. uses a suspended or revoked Certificate or expired or cancelled permitor cancelled permit

4. gives false evidence to the Board4. gives false evidence to the Board

5. falsely poses or advertises or conveys the 5. falsely poses or advertises or conveys the impression that he is a registered nurseimpression that he is a registered nurse

6. who appends BSN, RN without authority6. who appends BSN, RN without authority

7. who as a registered nurse, assists illegal practice of 7. who as a registered nurse, assists illegal practice of a non-qualified persona non-qualified person


Penalties:Penalties: a fine of not less than P50000. a fine of not less than P50000.

Nor more than P100,000. Or Nor more than P100,000. Or imprisonment of not less than 1 imprisonment of not less than 1 year nor more than six years, or year nor more than six years, or both, upon the discretion of the both, upon the discretion of the courtcourt

ARTICLE IX – Final ARTICLE IX – Final ProvisionsProvisions

Sec 36. Enforcement of this ActSec 36. Enforcement of this Act Sec 37.AppropriationsSec 37.Appropriations Sec 38. Rules and RegulationsSec 38. Rules and Regulations Sec 39. Separability ClauseSec 39. Separability Clause Sec 40. Repealing ClauseSec 40. Repealing Clause

ra 9173

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