Duterte signs law regulating practice of occupational therapy

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law regulating the registration, licensure and practice of occupational therapy in the Philippines.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11241 (The Philippine Occupational Therapy Law) on March 11, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

"The State recognizes the importance of occupational therapists in nation building," the law stated.

"Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded occupational therapists whose standards of practice shall be excellent, world class and globally competitive through inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster their continuing professional growth."

The law orders the creation of the Board of Occupational Therapy under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) composed of a chairperson and two members appointed by the President within six months after the implementation of RA 11241.

The board is mandated to supervise and regulate the registration, licensure and practice of occupational therapy in the country.

It can also issue, reinstate, suspend, cancel or revoke the registration and license, or special permits for the practice of occupational therapy whose practitioners work with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want, need, or expected to do.

In addition, the law calls for the adoption and promulgation of a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Occupational Therapists and requires a Continuing Professional Development Program for practitioners.

The measure also mandates the integration of all occupational therapists in the country into one accredited and integrated professional organization, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. — MDM, GMA News