AN ACT REGULATING AND MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF CHEMISTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Case Overview and Summary

Title: Chemistry Profession Act

Declaration of Policy (Section 2): The State shall promote, regulate and protect the professional practice of chemistry to ensure high standards.

Definitions (Section 3):
- Chemistry: Study, analysis, modification and calculations of physico-chemical or biochemical properties of matter.
- Registered chemist: Engaged in professional practice of chemistry, duly registered.
- Registered chemical technician: Engaged in chemical analysis work, duly registered.
- Chemical analysis: Physico-chemical or biochemical procedures involving measurement, determination, separation, calculations, etc.
- Chemical synthesis: Preparation of compounds through chemical or biochemical reactions.
- Chemical laboratory: Facility where chemical analysis and synthesis are performed.

Scope of Professional Practice (Section 4):
- Performance, certification, inspection, supervision of chemical analysis or synthesis.
- Teaching professional chemistry subjects.
- Consultation, research on physico-chemical or biochemical matters of public interest.
- Sale, supervision of sale of chemicals, apparatus or equipment.
- Functions related to chemical management like safety, waste, pollution control.

Scope of Chemical Analysis Practice (Section 5): Limited to performing chemical analysis, synthesis, sale of chemicals under supervision of registered chemist.

Professional Regulatory Board (Sections 6-13):
- Composition: Chairperson and two members appointed by the President.
- Powers and duties: Supervise practice, prescribe licensure exams, issue certificates, conduct inspections, hear cases, adopt ethics code.
- Qualifications: Citizen, good moral character, master's degree in Chemistry, registered chemist with 10 years experience.
- Term: 3 years, maximum of 2 terms.
- Grounds for suspension or removal: Neglect, dishonesty, violation of laws.
- Annual report and meeting with stakeholders.

Licensure and Registration (Sections 14-40):
- Certification required to practice as chemist or chemical technician (Section 14).
- Qualifications for chemist: Citizen, good moral character, BS Chemistry or allied degree with 60 units in chemistry (Section 16).
- Chemist exam scope: Analytical, Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry (Section 17).
- Qualifications for chemical technician: Citizen, good moral character, 30 units in chemistry courses (Section 18).
- Chemical technician exam scope: Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry (Section 19).
- Examination at least once a year, prescribed fees (Sections 20-21).
- Passing scores: 70% average, no subject below 50% (Section 22).
- Exemption for PhD in Chemistry holders (Section 23).
- Temporary/special permit for foreign experts (Section 24).
- Professional oath, certificate of registration, identification card (Sections 25-27).
- Indication of registration number and tax receipt number (Section 28).
- Grounds for revocation or suspension (Section 29).
- Mandatory membership in accredited professional organization (Section 30).
- Continuing professional development program (Section 31).
- Roster of registered chemists and chemical technicians (Section 32).
- Official seal for registered chemists (Section 33).
- Foreign reciprocity (Section 34).
- Certificate of authority to operate for firms, agencies (Section 35).
- Requirements for certificate of authority (Section 36).
- Roster of chemical laboratories (Section 37).
- Penal clause for unlawful practice with fines from ₱100,000 to ₱1,000,000 (Sections 38-39).
- Official documents require chemist's signature and number (Section 40).
- Coverage of professional practice (Section 41).
- Entitlement to hazard pay, insurance, legal assistance (Section 42).

Transitional Provisions (Sections 43-46):
- Current Board to serve 2 more years.
- Automatic registration of existing chemists and technicians.
- 3-year grace period to obtain seal and comply.
- Grace period for chemistry subject teachers to qualify.

Other Provisions:
- Implementing rules within 60 days (Section 47).
- Funding from annual appropriations (Section 48).
- Separability clause (Section 49).
- Repealing Republic Act 754 (Section 50).
- Effectivity 15 days after publication (Section 51).