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Rule I
Policy and Application

Section 1. Title. These guidelines shall be known as the PITAHC Guidelines on the National Certification of Naturopaths and Accreditation of Naturopathy Training Programs, Training Centers and Naturopathy Centers/Facilities.

Section 2. Purpose. These Guidelines are promulgated to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of PITAHC IRR on the National Certification of Naturopaths and Accreditation of Naturopathy Training Programs, Training Centers and Naturopathy Centers/Facilities pursuant to Rule VI, Promotion, Advocacy and Training and Rule VIII, Codes of Practice of IRR of RA 8423. These Rules also serve the accreditation of naturopathy training programs, training centers and centers/facilities to pursue continuous 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 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:

Section 5. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of these guidelines, the following terms and words and phrases 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. Traditional Medicine (RA 8423) – the sum total of knowledge, skills and practice on health care, not necessarily explicable in the context of modern, scientific philosophical framework, but recognized by the people to help maintain and improve their health towards the wholeness of their being, the community and society, and their interrelations based on culture, history, heritage, and consciousness.
   
   
4. 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’. *(This definition is based on the TAMA Law and that there are other definitions in other documents such as the Merriam Webster’s Medical Dictionary where it is meant to refer to a branch of medical science concerned especially with the capacity of human beings to survive and function in abnormally stressful environments and with the protective modification of such environments; It is also defined as medicine based on the application of principles of the natural sciences, especially biology and biochemistry).
   
   
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, naturopathy, homeopathy, homotoxicology, 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. Biological Medicine – is an art of healing which is, in its diagnostic and therapeutic efforts, oriented to living processes. It employs therapeutic measures in order to work in harmony with the natural capabilities of the organism for its own regulation, regeneration, adaptation, and self-healing. The chief guiding principle in biological medicine is preservation and support of the integrity of the human being. Biological medicine encompasses diagnostic and therapeutic measures which utilize all the materials, energetic, and informative possibilities of regulation and reactions of the human organism, in the attempt to mobilize its powers of regeneration and self-healing. (Franz Schmidt, “Biological Medicine”)
   
   
7. Naturopathy – is a distinct method of healing, underpinned by a philosophical perspective which recognizes that all living forms possess a self-regulatory, inherent ability for self-healing. This inherent ability, or vital force, operates in an intelligent, orderly fashion. Naturopathic approaches to health care are aimed at supporting and enhancing the body's own ability to heal itself.
   
   
8. Homeopathy – is a philosophy of health and a formal system of diagnosis and of drug therapeutics that aims to stimulate the body's own natural healing capacity, developed by Samuel Christian Friedrich Hahnemann in 1797. Homeopathy comes from the Greek homios (“similar”) and pathos (“suffering” or “sickness”). The fundamental law upon which homeopathy is based is the law of similars, or “Like is cured by like” - in Latin, similia similibus curentur. The law of similars states that a remedy can cure a disease when a substance produces in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the disease. The law of similars enables the physician to select the one medicine (the simillimum) that the remedy induces.
   
   
9. Assessment – the systematic collection and interpretation of information based on the principles of naturopathy
   
   
10. 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.
    
    
11. National Registration – process of issuing certificates of registration requiring education and testing that assures the competency of practitioners and trainers, administered by PITAHC and other PITAHC accredited institutions.
    
    
12. National Accreditation – process of issuing certificates to training programs, centers and facilities.
    
    
13. DELIMITATION: For the non-medical naturopath, the following competencies are not included in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Naturopathy and will require other additional qualifications/certification for practice:
    
    1) Biomedicine diagnosis
    2) Correlating laboratory findings
    3) Prescribing drugs
    4) Analyzing laboratory test on Naturopathy related treatment
    5) Performing new/advanced naturopathy treatment methods (e.g. intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous)
    6) Conducting clinical and/or experimental Naturopathy-related research activities
    
    For the medical naturopath, the following competencies are not included in the PlTAHC Competency Standards for Naturopathy and will require other additional qualifications/certification for practice:
    
    1) Performing new/advanced naturopathic treatment methods
    2) Conducting clinical and/or experimental naturopathy- related research activities
    
    
14. Code of Ethics – a summary of the standards by which naturopaths agree to conduct their practice and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.
    
    
15. Training Program – systematic, formal training on the knowledge and practice of naturopathy
    
    
16. Community-Based Health Programs (CBHP) – health programs which include naturopathy as one of its programs and services, serving primarily the poor, the vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities.
    
    
17. Naturopathy Training Center – a training facility intended for the formal education of students in naturopathy and practice.
    
    
18. Community-Based Naturopathy Training Center – a naturopathy training center for PITAHC accredited community-based health programs.
    
    
19. Naturopathy Centers/Facilities – a health center facility intended for the assessment and management of patients through Naturopathy
    
    
20. Community Based Naturopathy Centers – a health center facility for PITAHC accredited community based health programs.
    
    
21. Portfolio Assessment – evaluation of documents submitted as evidences of experiences such as naturopathy training, work contract, certification from employers or agencies and other similar documents for review by PITAHC.
    
    
22. Medical Naturopath – a practitioner of naturopathy who has also been licensed by the Philippines' Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to practice medicine in the Philippines as a physician.
    
    
23. Naturopath – a practitioner of naturopathy, not licensed by the Philippines’ Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to practice medicine in the Philippines as a physician, but who has completed the prescribed naturopathy course in a learning institution accredited by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy

Rule II
The National Certification of Naturopaths/Medical Naturopaths

Section 1. The National Certification Committee for Naturopathy. For the purpose of certifying Naturopaths, Medical Naturopaths, the PITAHC Director General shall invite active practitioners in the field of Naturopathy, hereinafter referred to as National Certification Committee for Naturopathy. The invitation is valid only for the period indicated herein, and may be renewed by the Director- General.

1. 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:

   Two (2) Medical Naturopaths
   One (1) Naturopathic practitioner
   One (1) Representative from an Accredited Naturopathy Training Center/School
   One (1) Representative from a Naturopathy-related Consumer’s Group/Health-Related NGO

   The PITAHC Director General, upon recommendation of a Committee for selection of the Sectoral Representatives, shall appoint the five (5) Sectoral representatives. Of the initial appointive members, three (3) shall have a term of two (2) years and the remaining two (2) shall have a term of one (1) year. Any vacancy can be filled provided they serve the expired term of the vacancy.
   
   
2. Quorum and Vote. Actions taken by the National Certification Committee for Naturopathy should be by a majority vote of the five (5) representatives from the above-stated sectors, in a meeting duly called for the purpose, attended by a majority of members (3 of 5 representatives), subject to the ratification and approval of the PITAHC Board. The PITAHC Director General shall cast his vote in the event of a tie among the sectoral representatives-members present in a meeting called for the purpose, there being a quorum.
   
   
3. The Standard and Accreditation Division shall serve as committee secretariat.

1. Develop and maintain the assessments based on the competency standards and code of ethics for Naturopathy
2. Issuance of Naturopathy training policies
3. Accredit training programs, centers, schools and centers/facilities for Naturopathy
4. Administer the national certification assessments for competency standards for Naturopathy
5. Certify practitioners
6. Revoke certification/accreditation of practitioners, training centers, schools, and centers/facilities for Naturopathy
7. Reschedule or cancel assessments
8. Accommodate candidates for assessments with disabilities (differently-abled)
9. Safeguard public trust by upholding the PITAHC Code of Ethics of Medical and non-Medical Naturopaths
10. Develop and monitor databank of practitioners, training centers/schools and centers/facilities
11. Represent the interests of both medical and non-medical Naturopaths in the country
12. Recommend commissioning of researches related to Naturopathy services and their effects and impact to public health
13. Review advertisement (quad media) of naturopathy practice and services

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

1. Certified Naturopath Practitioner (CNP)
   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 (this could be interpreted to mean that the Naturopath can determine when to refer to a biomedical practitioner without having to make a biomedical assessment)
   3. Assess patient according to the Naturopathic framework
   4. Assist in Naturopathy center/facility administration
   5. Determine patient's Naturopathic assessment
   6. Perform Naturopathic therapeutic intervention
   7. Manage the Naturopathic center/facility service
   8. Continue professional development.
      
      
2. Certified Medical Naturopath (CMN) 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 within a Naturopathic environment.
   3. Assess patient according to Naturopathic framework
   4. Determine patient’s Naturopathic assessment
   5. Perform Naturopathic therapeutic intervention
   6. Perform Naturopathic -related modalities
   7. Manage Naturopathic center/facility services. 8. Continue professional development.

Section 4. Candidates for National Certification for Naturopathy must possess the following qualifications and submit the following requirements:

1. Candidates for Certified Naturopath must:
   
   

   1.1	Have completed the prescribed naturopathy course in a learning institution accredited by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy, satisfactorily passed the corresponding naturopathic certification examination, and is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy.
   1.2	The naturopathy course referred to in the preceding paragraph refers to no less than 1500 hours, including no less than 400 hours of supervised clinical training or equivalent of a minimum of two (2) years of full-time study. The said naturopathy course shall include the items stipulated in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Naturopathy.
   1.3	For Filipino naturopaths trained abroad their applications and portfolios will be processed/reviewed and approved upon passing the examination by an authorized component body for this purpose.

   
   
2. Candidates for Certified Medical Naturopath must be:
   
   

   2.1	A licensed physician of good moral character
   2.2	A graduate of not less than 1000 hours, including no fewer than 400 hours of supervised clinical training in Naturopathy for Physicians as a technique for clinical work with: • 500 hours (450-600 hours) of Basic Principles and Theories • 500 hours (415-550 hours) of Clinical Preceptorship Practice
   2.3	A certificate awarded for attendance in classroom and clinic settings from accredited PITAHC training center or school of naturopathy

3. For Filipino physicians trained abroad their applications and portfolios will be processed/reviewed and approved upon passing the examination by an authorized component body for this purpose.
   
   
4. Applicant must submit a duly accomplished Application Form for National Certification Examination attached with current photograph.
   
   
5. Applicant must pay all the necessary fees.

* Note: The number of hours required is based on the WHO Benchmarks for Training in Naturopathy.

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 any time upon review of the Committee.

Section 6. Place of Assessment. The assessment for Certification of Naturopaths shall be conducted at PITAHC or at other venues as may be determined by PITAHC 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

1. 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) an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected from those participants who have complied with the requirements for accreditation. The accreditation fee may be changed any time upon review of PITAHC.
2. A renewal accreditation fee of five hundred pesos (P500.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected. Likewise, for Community-Based Health Programs, the renewal accreditation fee shall be three hundred pesos (P300.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.

Section 9. 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 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 based on the national accounting rules and regulation per year for non-renewal by the Naturopath. A penalty of seventy-five pesos (P75.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Community-Based Naturopath. The penalty fee may be changed anytime upon review of PITAHC.

Section 11. National Certified Naturopath Service Provision

1. Naturopath may offer his/her services in a wide variety of settings that include:
   
   
   1. Private practice centers and offices
   2. Health spas and resorts, and cruise ships
   3. Health clubs and fitness centers
   4. Nursing homes and hospitals
   5. On-site in corporate workplaces
2. Certified Practitioners that do not have a permanent center or facility shall present an ID or Certification issued by PITAHC.

Section 12. Provisional Certification. PITAHC shall waive the requirements and grant a certificate to practice Naturopathy to a resident Filipino applicant, who is already practicing Naturopathy, residing in the Philippines at the time of approval of the Guidelines, who presents evidence satisfactory to the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy not later than three (3) years upon effectivity of the Guidelines of successful completion of a PITAHC approved Naturopathy training program.

Section 13. Certification of Non-Filipino Naturopath

1. In order for a non-Filipino Naturopath to be certified, the applicant must:
   
   

   1.1	Be a holder of a Philippine passport and has resided in the country for not less than 3 years and secure an Alien Employment Permit from the DOLE
   1.2	Satisfy the IELTS or TOEFL and fluent in Filipino
   1.3	Have completed the prescribed Naturopathy course in a learning institution accredited/recognized by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy, satisfactorily passed the corresponding naturopathic licensure examination, and is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued to him by the PITAHC National Certification Committee.
   1.4	The naturopathy course referred to in the preceding paragraph refers to no less than 1500 hours, including no less than 400 hours of supervised clinical training or equivalent of a minimum of two (2) years of full-time study. The said naturopathy course shall include the items stipulated in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Naturopathy.
   1.5	Have passed the registration/certification examination by an authorized component body for this purpose
   1.6	Provide the following:
   	a.	Documentation of licensed/certified practice of Naturopathy with a minimum of 100 different patients;
   	b.	Licensure or certification specifying the number of years of licensure/ certification in his/her country or state, authenticated by the Philippine Consulate from country of origin
   	c.	Documentation of current active certification in Naturopathy in his/her country or state, authenticated by the Philippine Consulate from country of origin
   1.7	Foreign certified Naturopaths must practice under the supervision of a Filipino PITAHC-certified Naturopath Practitioner or Certified Medical Naturopaths
   1.8	Every Naturopath who is issued a Certification to practice in Philippines shall pay an application fee of five hundred dollars (US$500.00), an annual Naturopathy certification fee of one thousand dollars (US$1000.00) 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 fee for the next year.
   1.9	A renewal accreditation fee of one thousand dollars (US$1 000.00) and an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00) shall be collected.
   1.10	A penalty of five hundred dollars (US$500.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Naturopath.

2. Visiting Teachers/Lecturers
   
   
   1. A Naturopath who is offered a teaching position in a PITAHC accredited Naturopathy training center, has at least five (5) years experience as a Naturopath, and has established to the satisfaction of the National Certification Committee, the skills and training equivalent to the PITAHC Competency standard in Naturopathy, may be issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor. This Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor shall allow the Naturopath to practice Naturopathy only to the extent that such practice is incident to and a necessary part of the applicant’s duties as approved by the Accreditation Committee in connection with such faculty position.
   2. The Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor shall be granted for a total of two (2) years and one (1) year extension upon annual review and written request by the Naturopathy training center.
   3. Every Naturopath who is issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor to practice in the Philippines shall pay an application fee of five hundred dollars (US $500.00), an annual Naturopath certification fee of two hundred dollars (US $200.00) prior to beginning practice and an additional accreditation certificate fee of five hundred dollars (US $500.00), and 30 days before the end of the year must submit a renewal form and fee for the next year.
   4. A penalty of two hundred dollars (US $200.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Naturopath.

Section 14. Grounds for Cancellation of Naturopath National Certification. The following are grounds upon which the Naturopath national certification may be revoked, canceled or suspended:

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

Rule III
Accreditation of Training Programs

Section 1. All training centers offering courses for naturopathy are required to register their course modules based on PITAHC Competency Standard, 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 Naturopathy programs may be filed at the PITAHC where the Naturopathy 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 Naturopathy

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

Section 2. Accreditation of Training Centers. 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, or copy of its registration with the Department of Trade and Industry
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 will be collected based on the national accounting rules and regulations
    

    10.1	An application fee of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) shall be paid by the Naturopathy Training Center to PITAHC.
    10.2	An application fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community-Based Naturopathy Training Center to PITAHC.

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 cancellation of accreditation of a training center:

1. Falsification of documents by any of its officers or employees.
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 done annually, 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 will be collected based on the national accounting rules and regulation and may be changed anytime upon review of PITAHC Committee.

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

Rule V
Accreditation of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities

Section 1. Requirements for Naturopathy Centers/Facilities

A. The following requirements for the accreditation of Naturopathy centers/ facilities shall be submitted to PITAHC.

Section 2. Accreditation of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities. A Certificate of Accreditation of a Naturopathy Center 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, or copy of its registration with the Department of Trade and Industry
2. A copy of municipal or city permits
3. Fire safety inspection certificates
4. A duly accomplished application form for Naturopathy Center/Facility Accreditation
5. Application Fee will be collected based on the national accounting rules and regulation.
   

   5.1	An application fee of One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) shall be paid by the Naturopathy Center/Facility to PITAHC
   5.2	An application fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community Based Naturopathy Center/Facility to PITAHC.

6. Other documents as may be required from time to time by PITAHC Committee.

Section 3. Inspection and Approval of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities. Upon receipt of the applicant’s notice, a duly authorized PITAHC quality assessment team shall conduct inspection of the Naturopathy center 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 Naturopathy center:

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 two (2) 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 Naturopathy Center/Facility shall be nontransferable.

Section 8. Accreditation Fees. An accreditation fee shall be collected based on the national accounting rules and regulation from those applicants who have complied with the requirements of accreditation. The accreditation fee may be changed any time upon review of PITAHC Committee.

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 PITAHC Committee.

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) JUVENCIO F. ORDOÑA, MD
PITAHC Director-General