By Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA
MANILA — The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved on final reading earlier this week a measure seeking to regulate the practice of Occupational Therapy in the country.
With 170 affirmative votes, the chamber approved on third reading House Bill 8528, which aims to promote the development of globally-competitive, highly-motivated, and well-trained Filipino occupational therapists by instituting standards for the practice of profession, including those for licensure, registration and continuing education.
Under the measure, a Professional Regulatory Board of Occupational Therapy shall be created for a more effective supervision, control, and regulation of the practice of occupational therapy in the country.
The Board shall be under the administrative supervision and control of the PRC.
The bill mandates all applicants for registration for the practice of Occupational Therapy to undergo a licensure examination to be given by the PRC.
It seeks the adoption and promulgation of a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for occupational therapists.
Furthermore, it proposes the integration of all occupational therapists in the country into one accredited and integrated professional organization (AIPO) duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and recognized by the Board of Occupational Therapy and PRC.