Evolution of Nursing Regulations and Licensing in the Philippines: A Historical Perspective

Act 2808: The Foundation of Nursing Regulation

On March 1, 1919, Act 2808, also known as An Act Regulating the Practice of Nursing Profession in the Philippine Islands, was passed. This marked the establishment of the first true nursing law in the Philippines. Alongside this law, the Board of Examiners for Nursing was formed, with the first nursing board exam being administered in 1920. Initially, a physician served as the executive officer of the Board of Examiners for Nurses. The law stipulated that the nursing practice exam would be held on the second Monday of June and December each year. The first theoretical exam took place at the UP Amphitheater of the College of Medicine and Surgery, while the practical exam was conducted at the PGH Library. Out of 93 candidates, 68 successfully earned the title R.N., with Anna Dahlgren achieving the highest rating of 93.5%.

Republic Act 877: The Philippine Nursing Law of 1953

In 1953, the "Philippine Nursing Law," also known as Republic Act 877, significantly transformed the governance of the nursing profession in the country. This law reorganized the regulatory body, creating the Board of Nursing under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), which led to a more sophisticated and organized supervisory system. Reflecting the evolving needs of the healthcare system, the law expanded the scope of the nursing profession to include advanced responsibilities and specialized sectors. It also raised the educational requirements for nursing, mandating more coursework and training. Moreover, Republic Act 877 included extensive guidelines for moral behavior, professional demeanor, and corrective actions, ensuring high standards within the industry. These changes modernized the nursing regulatory framework, addressing the needs of the Philippine healthcare system and the profession's growth.

Republic Act 7164: The Philippine Nursing Act of 1991

Republic Act 7164, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 1991," introduced substantial changes to the regulation of the nursing profession in the Philippines. One notable distinction was the establishment of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the main regulatory agency overseeing nursing education and accrediting nursing programs. This led to more stringent administration and coordination of nursing education standards nationwide. Additionally, RA 7164 recognized specialized sectors and advanced nursing positions, aligning with the demands of the contemporary Philippine healthcare system. The law also set stronger criteria for nursing education to ensure that students acquired the necessary knowledge and skills before graduating and entering the profession. On matters of discipline and ethics, RA 7164 reinforced rules governing the application of discipline and ethical behavior in nursing, maintaining high standards and integrity within the profession. Overall, RA 7164 modernized Philippine nursing regulations, emphasizing improved educational standards and better management of the profession, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare.

Republic Act 8981: The PRC Modernization Act of 2000

The "PRC Modernization Act of 2000," known as Republic Act 8981, brought significant advancements to nursing practice and the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE). One of its major contributions was enhancing the regulatory system under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) that governs various professions, including nursing. RA 8981 strengthened the power and capability of the Board of Nursing (BoN) within the PRC regarding nursing practice. It highlighted the importance of competency and ethical behavior in nursing practice and provided more precise criteria and guidelines for the licensing and regulation of nurses. This structure enabled the BoN to enforce national standards for nurses' education, training, and professional growth.

RA 8981 also allowed for changes to the PNLE examination procedure. It required the BoN to regularly review and update the exam to ensure its relevance and alignment with international standards and modern nursing practices. This commitment to continuous improvement and assessment maintained the validity and integrity of the licensing exam, ensuring that licensed nurses in the Philippines were well-equipped to meet the country's healthcare demands.

Republic Act 9173: The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002

Republic Act 9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002," introduced several key changes that significantly impacted the PNLE. One major change was enhancing the legal framework governing nursing practice in the Philippines. RA 9173 empowered the PRC's Board of Nursing (BoN) to set and enforce stricter standards for nursing education and licensure. This reform aimed to ensure that the PNLE accurately reflected the latest trends, practices, and skills expected of professional nurses.

Additionally, RA 9173 emphasized the implementation of competency-based standards in nursing education and evaluation. This change aimed to align the PNLE with global standards, ensuring that nurses possessed the necessary skills, attitudes, and knowledge to provide high-quality healthcare services. The act also mandated modifications to the PNLE to assess competencies across various nursing specialties, reflecting the evolving healthcare environment and the increasing demand for specialized nursing services.

Furthermore, RA 9173 upheld professional behavior and ethical standards among nurses. It required test questions that assessed moral judgment and adherence to professional standards, ensuring that qualified nurses maintained integrity and reliability in their practice. The law also required periodic review and improvement of the PNLE to stay current with changes in nursing practice, education, and international standards. This dedication to continuous quality improvement ensured that the exam remained relevant and effective in assessing new nurses' preparedness for their careers.

From the passage of Act 2808 in 1919 to the latest amendments under Republic Act 9173, the evolution of nursing regulations and licensure in the Philippines reflects a commitment to modernizing and enhancing the nursing profession. These legislative changes have consistently aimed to improve educational standards, ethical practices, and competency requirements, ensuring that Filipino nurses are well-prepared to meet the dynamic demands of the healthcare system. The continuous updates to the regulatory framework underscore the importance of maintaining high standards in nursing, ultimately benefiting the overall quality of healthcare in the Philippines.