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(NAR) VOL. 25 NO. 3 / JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014

[ PITAHC CIRCULAR NO. 01 SERIES OF 2014, September 02, 2014 ]

GUIDELINES IMPLEMENTING R.A. 8423 IRR ON THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION OF TUINA MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND ACCREDITATION OF TUINA MASSAGE TRAINING CENTERS AND CLINICS



Rule I
Policy and Application

Section 1. Title. The guidelines shall be known as the PITAHC Guidelines on the National Certification of Tuina Massage Therapists and Accreditation of Tuina Massage Training Centers and Clinics.

Section 2. Purpose. The Guidelines are promulgated pursuant to Rule VI, Promotion, Advocacy and Training, IRR of RA 8423, to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the National Certification of Tuina Massage Therapists and Accreditation of Tuina Massage Training Centers and Clinics. The Guidelines promote continuous quality service improvement and strengthen the accountability of all stakeholders in the traditional and alternative health care practices.

Section 3. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development, promotion and implementation of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system.

Section 4. Scope of Application. These guidelines shall apply to the following:

4.1 National Certification of Tuina Massage Therapists
4.2 Accreditation of Training Programs for Tuina Massage
4.3 Accreditation of Training Centers for Tuina Massage
4.4 Accreditation of Tuina Massage Clinics

Section 5. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of these guidelines, the following terminologies shall mean or be understood as follows:

  1. Republic Act 8423 - An Act creating the “Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)” to accelerate the development of traditional and alternative health care in the Philippines or otherwise known as “Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997”.
  2. Traditional and Alternative Health Care - the sum total of knowledge, skills and practices, other than those embodied in biomedicine, used in the prevention, diagnosis and elimination of physical or mental disorders.
  3. Biomedicine - that discipline of medical care advocating therapy with remedies that produce effects differing from those of the diseases treated; also called ‘allopathy’, ‘western medicine’, ‘regular medicine’, ‘conventional medicine’, ‘mainstream medicine’, ‘orthodox medicine’, or ‘cosmopolitan medicine’.
  4. Traditional Chinese Medicine - the traditional medicine that originated in China, and is characterized by holism and treatment based on pattern identification/ syndrome differentiation
  5. Alternative Health Care Modalities - refer to other forms of non-allopathic, occasionally non-indigenous or imported healing methods, though not necessarily practiced for centuries nor handed down from one generation to another; includes reflexology, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, chiropractic, nutritional therapy, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, prayer, reiki, pranic healing, mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, dance and other movement therapies, art and music therapy and other similar methods.
  6. Assessment - the systematic collection and interpretation of information based on tuina principles.
  7. Tuina - an ancient Chinese therapeutic technique for treating and preventing diseases. It is a manipulative massage technique that employs the use of hands or any other part of the limb and applied to an acupuncture point or part of the body to maintain or restore yin and yang balance. It includes techniques such as pushing (Tui) and grasping (Na) of soft tissue, that are specific to the practice of TCM and are guided by its principles.
  8. National Certification – process of issuing certificates requiring education and testing that assures the competency of practitioners and trainers, administered by PITAHC and other PITAHC accredited institutions.
  9. National Accreditation – process of issuing certificates to training program, centers and clinics upon compliance with a prescribed set of requirements
  10. Code of Ethics - a summary of the standards by which tuina massage therapists agree to conduct their practice and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.
  11. Training Program - systematic, formal training on the knowledge, skills and practice of tuina massage
  12. Community Based Health Programs (CBHP) - health programs which include tuina massage as one of its programs and services, serving primarily the poor, the vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities
  13. Tuina Massage Training Center - a training facility intended for the formal education and practice of students in tuina massage
  14. Community-Based Tuina Massage Training Center - a Tuina massage training center for community-based health programs.
  15. Tuina Massage Clinic - a health center facility intended for the diagnosis and treatment of patients through tuina massage
  16. Community-Based Tuina Massage Clinic - a tuina massage clinic for community based health programs
  17. Portfolio Assessment - evaluation of documents submitted as evidences of experiences such as tuina massage training, work contract, certification from employers or agencies and other similar documents for review by PITAHC

Section 6. Delimitation. The following competencies are not included in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Tuina and will require other additional qualifications/certification for practice:

  1. Biomedicine diagnosis
  2. Correlating laboratory findings
  3. Prescribing drugs
  4. Analyzing laboratory test on tuina-related treatment
  5. Management of fractures and dislocation
  6. Conducting clinical and or experimental Tuina-related research activities
  7. Cranio-sacral assessment and therapy
  8. Biomechanics and Kinesiology
  9. Myotherapy 10. Chiropractic

Rule II
The National Certification of Tuina Massage Therapists

Section 1. The National Certification Committee of Tuina Massage. The National Certification Committee of Tuina Massage Therapist (referred to as the Committee) shall be created and shall be responsible for certifying Tuina Massage therapists. The PITAHC Director-General shall invite active practitioners in the field of Tuina Massage, valid only for the given period indicated herein, and as may be renewed by the Director General.

a. Composition

The Committee shall be composed of the following:

PITAHC Director General - Ex-officio Chairperson

Permanent Representatives:

PITAHC Advocacy and Training Division Chief
PITAHC Standard and Accreditation Division Chief

Representatives of the following sectors:

One Tuina massage therapist from the government sector
One Tuina massage therapist from the private sector
One Tuina massage therapist from massage training centers, schools or clinics
One Tuina massage therapist from the Community-based sector

The four (4) members representing the above-mentioned sectors shall be appointed by the PITAHC Director General and shall serve for two (2) years. Of the first appointed members, two (2) members shall have a term of two (2) years while the remaining two (2) members shall have a term of one (1) year. Any vacancy can be filled up provided they serve the unexpired term only.

b. The Standard and Accreditation Division shall serve as committee secretariat.

Section 2. Duties and Functions of the Committee

  1. Develop and maintain the assessments based on the competency standards and code of ethics for Tuina Massage
  2. Issuance of training policies
  3. Accredit training programs, centers, schools and clinics for tuina massage
  4. Administer the national certification assessments for Tuina Massage competency standards
  5. Certify practitioners
  6. Revoke certification/accreditation of practitioners, training centers, schools, and clinics for tuina massage
  7. Rescheduling or canceling of assessments
  8. Accommodation of candidates for assessments with disabilities (persons with disabilities)
  9. Safeguard public trust by upholding the PITAHC Code of Ethics
  10. Develop and monitor databank of tuina massage practitioners, training center, schools and clinics
  11. Represent the interests of the tuina massage practitioners in the country
  12. Recommend commissioning of researches related to tuina massage and their effects and impact to public health

Section 3. National Certification Assessment Content Outline. The National Certification for Tuina Massage covers the knowledge and skills of each competency. It also covers the basic approaches of applied science.

3.1 Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT)

To obtain this qualification, the following units of competency must be achieved:

  1. Work within a holistic or integrated framework
  2. Assess patient according to biomedicine framework – (CATMT)
  3. Assess patient according to TCM framework – (CATMT)
  4. Perform Tuina manipulative techniques
  5. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of simple soft tissue injuries (CATMT)
  6. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common pediatric conditions (CATMT)
  7. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common adult conditions (CATMT)
  8. Perform Tuina-related TCM modalities
  9. Assist in Tuina massage clinic administration

3.2 Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT)

To obtain this qualification, the following units of competency must be achieved:

  1. Work within a holistic or integrated framework.
  2. Assess patient according to biomedicine framework – (CATMT)
  3. Assess patient according to TCM framework – (CATMT).
  4. Perform Tuina manipulative techniques
  5. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of soft tissue injuries (CATMT)
  6. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common pediatric conditions (CATMT)
  7. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common adult conditions (CATMT)
  8. Perform Tuina-related TCM modalities
  9. Assist in Tuina massage clinic administration
  10. Assess patient according to biomedicine framework – (CTMT)
  11. Assess patient according to TCM framework – (CTMT)
  12. Determine patient’s TCM disharmony
  13. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of soft tissue injuries (CTMT)
  14. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common pediatric conditions (CTMT)
  15. Perform Tuina massage for treatment of common adult conditions (CTMT)
  16. Manage Tuina massage clinic services
  17. Continue professional development

Section 4. Applicants/Candidates for the National Certification for Tuina Massage (NCTM) must possess the following qualifications and submit the following requirements:

4.1 Candidates for Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT) must be /must have:

4.1.1 A graduate of 240 hours Basic Health Skills Training with 600 hours OJT or equivalent course;
4.1.2 A graduate of 240 hours Basic Tuina Massage Training with 500 hours supervised Clinical Practice, and having properly managed, within a one and a half year period from the time the training started, no fewer than 30 different patterns of disharmony handled;
4.1.3 Demonstrated proper attitudes, values and ethical behavior to patient/ client, colleagues, and to the community; and
4.1.4 If the requirements for 4.1.2 is not met, the trainee must take a validation exam and or refresher course before meeting the entry requirements for number of patient visits

4.2 Candidates for Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT) must be/must have:

4.2.1 A Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT) or completion of 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 abovementioned requirements;
4.2.2 Independent clinical practicum for at least 460 hours, having properly managed no fewer than 30 different patterns of disharmony covering any or all of the different categories mentioned under Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist level;
4.2.3 A graduate of 480 hours advanced Tuina Massage Training with 960 hours supervised Clinical Practice, having properly managed within a one and a half year period from the time the training started, no fewer than 60 different patterns of disharmony handled as Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist;
4.2.4 Demonstrated proper attitudes, values and ethical behavior to patient/client, colleagues, and to the community; and
4.2.5 If the requirements for 4.2.3 is not met, the trainee must take a validation exam and or refresher course before meeting the entry requirements for number of patient visits

4.3 Applicant must present an original copy of certificate of completion of the formal training from a PITAHC certified Tuina massage trainer or an accredited Tuina massage training center.

4.4 A Portfolio assessment is made for special cases of Filipino Tuina massage therapists trained abroad.

4.5 Applicant must present a valid health certificate duly issued by a government physician.

4.6 Applicant must submit a duly accomplished Application Form for National Certification attached with current photograph.

4.7 Applicant must pay all the necessary fees.

Section 5. Application Fees. An application fee for national certification assessment of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) shall be collected from applicants who have complied with the requirements for national certification assessment. For Community-Based Health Programs, the application fee shall be Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00). This application fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

Section 6. Place of Assessment. The assessment for Certification of Tuina Massage Therapist shall be conducted at PITAHC or at other venues as may be determined by the Committee.

Section 7. Result of Assessment. Results of the assessment shall only be “pass” or “fail”. Results shall be published at the bulletin board or publication of PITAHC.

Section 8. Accreditation Fees. An accreditation fee of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be collected based on the national accounting rules and regulation from those applicants who have complied with the requirements for accreditation. For Community-Based Health Programs, the accreditation fee shall be Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be collected from those applicants who have complied with the requirements for accreditation. The accreditation fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

Section 9. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation. A Certificate of Accreditation granted under these guidelines shall be valid for three (3) years subject to suspension or cancellation for cause to be determined by Committee.

Section 10. Renewal of Accreditation. The Accreditation shall be renewed on or before its date of expiration. A penalty of Two Hundred Fifty Pesos (P250.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Tuina massage therapist based on the national government accounting rules and regulation. A penalty of seventy-five pesos (P75.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Community-based massage therapist. The penalty fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

Section 11. National Certified Tuina Massage Therapist Service Provision. A Tuina massage therapist may offer his/her services in a wide variety of settings that includes:

  1. Private practice clinics and offices
  2. Salons, spas, resort, and cruise ships
  3. Health clubs and fitness centers
  4. Nursing homes and hospitals
  5. On-site in the workplace
  6. In client’s homes
  7. Holistic health centers
  8. Community-based health centers

Section 12. Provisional Certification. PITAHC shall waive the requirements and grant a certificate to practice Tuina massage to a resident Filipino and is residing in the Philippines at the time of the passage of the Guidelines and had been engaged in Tuina Massage practice for a minimum of three (3) years, who presents satisfactory evidence to the Committee no later than three (3) years upon the effectivity of the Guidelines and successful completion of the PITAHC approved Tuina massage training program.

Section 13. Certification of Non-Filipino Tuina Massage Therapists

13.1 Certification by Endorsement

Endorsement means that the Philippines accepts another country’s licenses/certifications if they meet certain requirements. Certification by endorsement shall be made available upon application to the Committee and payment of the appropriate application and accreditation fees. In order to qualify for certification by endorsement, an applicant must meet the criteria set by the Guidelines for the Registration of Foreign Professionals as per Resolution No. 90-547, Series of 1998 of the Professional Regulation Commission.

The applicant must provide:

  1. Documentation of five years of licensed/ certified practice of Tuina massage with a minimum of 500 patients per year with a minimum of 100 different patterns of disharmony/zang-fu syndromes;
  2. A letter of good standing from the state of prior licensure or certification specifying the number of years of licensure/ certification in his/her country or state;
  3. Documentation of current active certification in Tuina massage therapy in his/ her country or state; and
  4. Every Tuina massage therapist who is issued a Certificate by Endorsement to practice in the Philippines shall pay an application fee of five hundred dollars (US$500.00), an annual Tuina massage certification fee of three hundred dollars (US$300.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred dollars (US$300.00) prior to beginning practice, and 30 days before the end of the year must submit a renewal form and payment of fee for the next year.
  5. A penalty of one hundred dollars (US$100.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Tuina massage therapist.
  6. The practice of the non-Filipino Tuina massage therapist shall be under the supervision of a Filipino CTMT

13.2 Visiting Teachers

  1. A Tuina massage therapist who has received a teaching position in a PITAHC accredited Tuina massage training center who has at least five (5) years experience as a Tuina massage therapist, and has established satisfactory evidence to the Committee that the applicant has the skills and training equivalent to the PITAHC competency standard in Tuina massage may be issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor. This Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor shall allow the Tuina massage therapist to practice Tuina massage only to the extent that such practice is incident to and a necessary part of the applicant’s duties as approved by the Committee in connection with such faculty position.
  2. The Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor shall be granted a total of two (2) one-year extensions upon annual review and upon written request by the Tuina massage Training Center.
  3. Every Tuina massage therapist who is issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor to practice in the Philippines shall pay an application fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00), an annual Tuina massage certification fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00) prior to beginning practice and an additional accreditation certificate fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00), and 30 days before the end of the year must submit a renewal form and payment of fee for the next year.
  4. A penalty of one hundred dollars (US$100.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Tuina massage therapist.

Section 14. Grounds for Cancellation of Tuina Massage Therapist National Certification. The following are grounds upon which the Tuina massage therapist’s national certification may be revoked, canceled or suspended:

  1. Violation of the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice for Tuina Massage

Rule III
Accreditation of Training Programs

Section 1. All training centers offering courses for Tuina massage are required to register their course modules based on PITAHC Competency Standards in line with the policy of ensuring the quality of programs and courses in all institutions offering or intending to offer traditional and alternative health care courses. Program accreditation applies to mandatory compliance with minimum standards of all traditional and alternative health care courses including programs/courses being offered by public and private training institutions.

Section 2. The application for accreditation of Tuina Massage programs may be filed at the PITAHC where the Tuina Massage Training programs shall be evaluated and the National Certification Assessment shall be conducted.

Section 3. The PITAHC shall do monitoring of the continuous compliance by the Training Centers with the minimum requirements of PITAHC prescribed standard.

Rule IV
Training Centers of Tuina Massage

Section 1. Requirements for the Tuina Massage Training Centers. The following requirements for the accreditation of Training Centers shall be submitted to PITAHC.

A. Tuina Massage Training Center

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 One well ventilated and lighted classroom complete with audio/ visual equipment with desks, writing boards teaching materials that can accommodate at least 20 persons at any given time.

1.2 One well ventilated and lighted prototype assessment/ examination room with chairs and tables for students with the following instruments (like stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (non-mercurial), thermometer (non-mercurial), etc.)

1.3 At least two well-ventilated and lighted clinic treatment room prototype that can accommodate at least 10 students at any given time.

1.4 Well-ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:

a. Comfort room
b. Dressing room
c. Waiting room
d. An administrative office


1.5 A library with books and AV tapes and CDs relevant to the courses offered.

1.6 Training materials, equipment, and accessories based on training standards and course offering.

1.7 An original copy of the PITAHC Competency Standards on Tuina Massage and PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

2. Personnel

2.1 The Tuina Massage Training Center should have a regular staff for its academic training program, a full time Training officer who must at least be a college graduate.

2.2 The academic and skills trainers should have passed the PITAHC Training of Trainers Competency Assessment.

B. Community-Based Tuina Massage Training Center

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 One well ventilated and well lighted room/area used as:

  1. A classroom complete with audio/visual equipment with desks, writing boards and other teaching materials that can accommodate at least 5 persons at any given time
  2. An assessment/examination room with chairs and tables for clients equipped with the following instruments (such as stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (non-mercurial), thermometer (non-mercurial), etc.)
  3. A clinic treatment room that can accommodate at least 5 students at any given time

1.2 Auxiliary room such as

  1. Comfort room/ dressing room
  2. Waiting room/ administrative office

1.3 A library with books with optional AV tapes, and CDs relevant to the course offered.

1.4 Training materials, equipment, and accessories based on training standards and course offering, as specified in the competency standards on tuina massage.

1.5 An original copy of the PITAHC Competency Standards on Tuina Massage and PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

2. Personnel

A Community-Based Training Center should have a Training Officer/ trainer who should have passed the PITAHC Training of Trainers Competency Assessment.

C. Training Curriculum

A Training Center’s curriculum must be based on the PITAHC Competency Standard for Tuina Massage

Section 2. Accreditation of Training Center. A Certificate of Accreditation of a Training Center shall be issued to a person or to an institution that submits required documents to PITAHC and complies with the following:

  1. In case of incorporation or partnership, a certified copy of its Articles of Incorporation or Partnership duly registered with Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), or copy of its registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
  2. Updated list of personnel and training staff with their respective bio-data and designation
  3. A copy of municipal or city permits
  4. Proof of ownership of the Training Center’s premises or a copy of the lease/rental agreement of the premises
  5. List of training equipment
  6. Fire safety inspection certificates
  7. List of training programs offered
  8. Valid Health Certificate of all employees
  9. A duly accomplished application form for Training Center Accreditation
  10. Application Fee

    10.1 An application fee of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) shall be paid by the Training Center to PITAHC in accordance with the national government accounting rules and regulation.

    10.2 An application fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community-Based Massage Therapy Training Center to PITAHC in accordance with the national government accounting rules and regulation.
  11. Other documents as may be required from time to time by PITAHC based on Committee recommendation.

Section 3. Inspection and Approval of Training Centers. Upon receipt of the applicant’s notice, a duly authorized PITAHC quality assessment team shall conduct inspection at the proposed training centers to determine compliance with facilities and operation requirements.

Section 4. Issuance of Certificate of Accreditation. If the applicant has satisfactorily complied with the minimum prescribed requirement, PITAHC shall then issue the Certificate of Accreditation with a PITAHC dry seal in favor of the applicant.

Section 5. Grounds for Cancellation of Accreditation. Any of the following acts or omissions shall be sufficient ground for the cancellation of accreditation of a training center:

  1. Falsification of documents.
  2. Failure to maintain the standards and requirements for accreditation as prescribed in these Guidelines.
Section 6. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation. A Certificate of Accreditation granted under these guidelines shall be valid for one (1) year from date of issue for a newly accredited Training Center. Date of renewal shall be three (3) years thereafter subject to suspension or cancellation for cause to be determined by PITAHC.

Section 7. Non-transferability of Certificate of Accreditation. The Certificate of Accreditation of a Training Center shall be non-transferable.

Section 8. Accreditation Fees. The accreditation fee shall be collected from those applicants who have complied with the requirements for accreditation. An accreditation fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

1. For Tuina Massage Training Centers

1.1 An accreditation fee of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) shall be collected for one (1) year and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.
1.2 A renewal accreditation fee of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) for three (3) years and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.

2. For Community-Based Massage Therapy Training Centers

2.1 An accreditation fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P2,500.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00) shall be collected from newly accredited applicants.
2.2 A renewal accreditation fee of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) for three years and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00) shall be collected from renewing accredited applicants.

Section 9. Renewal of Accreditation. The Accreditation shall be renewed on or before its date of expiration. The penalty fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

  1. A penalty of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Tuina Massage Training Center.
  2. A penalty of One Hundred Fifty Pesos (P150.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Community-Based Tuina Massage Training Center.

Rule V
Accreditation of Tuina Massage Clinics

Section 1. Requirements for Tuina Massage Clinics

A. The following requirements for the accreditation of Tuina Massage Clinics shall be submitted to PITAHC.

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 Well ventilated and lighted tuina massage treatment rooms with

  1. Clinic supplies (such as cotton, alcohol, linen, etc.)
  2. Basic First Aid Kit
  3. Beds appropriately designed for tuina massage/ acupressure/ moxibustion/ cupping treatment
  4. Communications equipment
  5. Tuina Massage reference books and materials
  6. Meridian charts and/or mannequin models
  7. Patient’s clinical records
  8. Logbook of Patient Visits
  9. Administrative equipment and materials (such as clinic furniture)

1.2 One well ventilated and lighted prototype assessment/ examination room with chairs and tables equipped with the following instruments (like stethoscope, sphygmomanometer (non-mercurial), thermometer (non-mercurial), weighing scale, timers, etc.

1.3 Well ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:

  1. Comfort room
  2. Dressing room
  3. Waiting room
  4. An administrative office

2. Personnel

2.1 Tuina Massage Therapists in a Tuina Massage Clinic must be:

  1. PITAHC Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT)
  2. PITAHC Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT)

2.2 PITAHC Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT) must be under the supervision of a PITAHC Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT)

2.3 Clinic Receptionist

B. The following are the requirements for Community-Based Tuina Massage Clinics

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 A well-ventilated and lighted Tuina Massage treatment room with

  1. Clinic supplies (such as, cotton, alcohol, linen)
  2. Basic First Aid Kit
  3. Beds appropriately designed for tuina massage
  4. Communications equipment
  5. Tuina Massage reference books and materials
  6. Tuina Massage meridian charts and or mannequin models
  7. Patient’s clinical records based on the Tuina Massage competency standard
  8. Logbook of Patient Visits
  9. Administrative equipment and materials (such as clinic furniture)

1.2 Well-ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:

  1. Comfort room/ Dressing room
  2. Waiting area

2. Personnel

2.1 Tuina Massage Therapists in a Tuina Massage Clinic must be:

  1. PITAHC Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT)
  2. PITAHC Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT)

2.2 PITAHC Certified Associate Tuina Massage Therapist (CATMT) must be under the supervision of a PITAHC Certified Tuina Massage Therapist (CTMT)

2.3 Clinic Receptionist

Section 2. Accreditation of Tuina Massage Clinic. A Certificate of Accreditation of a Tuina Massage Clinic shall be issued to a person who or to an institution that submits required documents to PITAHC and complies with the following:

  1. In case of incorporation or partnership, a certified copy of its Articles of Incorporation or Partnership duly registered with Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), or copy of its registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
  2. A copy of municipal or city permits
  3. Fire safety inspection certificates
  4. A duly accomplished application form for Massage Therapy Clinic Accreditation
  5. Application Fee 5.1 An application fee of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) shall be paid by the Tuina Massage Clinic to PITAHC.
    6. 5.2 An application fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community-Based Tuina Massage Clinic to PITAHC.
  6. Other documents as may be required from time to time by PITAHC.

Section 3. Inspection and Approval of Tuina Massage Clinics. Upon receipt of the applicant’s notice, a duly authorized PITAHC quality assessment team shall conduct inspection of the Tuina massage clinic to determine compliance with facilities and operation requirements.

Section 4. Issuance of Certificate of Accreditation. If the applicant has satisfactorily complied with the minimum prescribed requirement, PITAHC shall then issue the Certificate of Accreditation with a PITAHC dry seal in favor of the applicant.

Section 5. Grounds for Cancellation of Accreditation. Any of the following acts or omissions shall be sufficient ground for the cancellation of accreditation of a Tuina Massage Clinic:

  1. Falsification of documents.
  2. Failure to maintain the standards and requirements for accreditation as prescribed in these Guidelines.
  3. Illegal and immoral activities

Section 6. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation. A Certificate of Accreditation granted under these guidelines shall be valid for three (3) years thereafter subject to suspension or cancellation for cause to be determined by PITAHC.

Section 7. Non-transferability of Certificate of Accreditation. The Certificate of Accreditation of a Tuina Massage Clinic shall be non-transferable.

Section 8. Accreditation Fees. An accreditation fee shall be collected from those applicants who have complied with the requirements for accreditation. The accreditation fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

8.1 For Tuina Massage Clinics

An accreditation fee of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P1,500.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be collected from accredited applicants.

8.2 For Community-Based Tuina Massage Clinics

An accreditation fee of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) shall be collected from accredited applicants.

Section 9. Renewal of Accreditation. The Accreditation shall be renewed on or before its date of expiration. The penalty fee may be changed anytime upon review of the Committee.

9.1 A penalty of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Tuina Massage Clinic.

9.2 A penalty of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Community-Based Tuina Massage Clinic.

Rule VI
Final Provisions

Section 1. All issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular are hereby suspended or amended accordingly.

Section 2. Effectivity. These Guidelines shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) or Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. All issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular are hereby suspended or amended accordingly.

(SGD) ISIDRO C. SIA, MD
PITAHC Director General

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