Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016

Case Overview and Summary

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10862 - NUTRITION AND DIETETICS LAW OF 2016

Summary:

Declaration of Policy and Objectives (Sections 2-3)
- Recognizes the role of registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) in nation-building and human development through adequate nutrition.
- Aims to standardize and regulate nutrition and dietetics education, examination, registration, licensure, practice, continuing professional development, and integration of the profession.

Definition of Terms (Section 4)
- Defines key terms such as "AIPO", "dietetics", "nutrition", "nutritionist-dietitian", and "profession".

Nutrition and Dietetics Education (Sections 5-6)
- Prescribes requirements for nutrition and dietetics education programs and faculty qualifications.

Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics (Sections 7-13)
- Creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics under the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Outlines the Board's composition, qualifications, term of office, compensation, powers, functions, duties, and responsibilities.
- Provides grounds for removal or suspension of Board members.
- Mandates the Commission to keep records and provide support services to the Board.

Examination, Registration, Certification, and Licensure (Sections 14-25)
- Requires passing a licensure examination for nutritionist-dietitians, with specified qualifications for applicants. (Section 15)
- Outlines subjects for the licensure examination. (Section 16)
- Specifies the passing rating of 75% general average, with no rating below 50% in any subject. (Section 17)
- Provides for issuance of certificates of registration and professional identification cards to successful examinees. (Section 20)
- Lists grounds for non-registration, revocation or suspension of certificates, and non-payment of annual fees. (Sections 21-22, 24)
- Allows reissuance of revoked certificates after 4 years and replacement of lost or damaged certificates. (Section 23)
- Recognizes vested rights of previously registered nutritionist-dietitians. (Section 25)

Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics (Sections 26-36)
- Defines the scope of practice in nutrition and dietetics. (Section 26)
- Requires appropriate number of RNDs in healthcare institutions, to be determined by DOH, NNC, and AIPO. (Section 27)
- Mandates preparation of a roster of nutritionist-dietitians by the Commission. (Section 28)
- Specifies lawful practitioners of nutrition and dietetics. (Section 29)
- Requires inactive RNDs returning to practice to attend refresher courses and CPD programs. (Section 30)
- Allows foreign reciprocity and issuance of special/temporary permits to foreign nutritionist-dietitians under certain conditions. (Sections 31-32)
- Mandates continuing professional development (CPD) program for RNDs. (Section 33)
- Requires indication of registration numbers, PTR, AIPO membership, and O.R. numbers on documents. (Section 34)
- Requires posting of certificates of registration and identification cards or permits. (Section 35)
- Provides for integration of the profession into one national professional organization (AIPO). (Section 36)

Nutrition and Dietetics Human Resource Production, Utilization and Development (Sections 37-38)
- Mandates studies on nutrition and dietetics manpower needs, production, utilization, and development.
- Requires formulation of a comprehensive nutrition and dietetics specialty program within 90 days.

Penal Provision (Section 39)
- Imposes a fine of not less than ₱300,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than 6 months for various violations, such as illegal practice, fraud, and impersonation.

Final Provisions (Sections 40-46)
- Provides for enforcement, funding, transitory provisions, implementing rules and regulations, separability clause, repealing clause, and effectivity date.