Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses

THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR FILIPINO NURSES

What are CODES OF ETHICS?
These are systematic guides for developing ethical behavior.
They answer normative questions of what beliefs and values should be normally accepted.
Code of Good Governance
Promulgated by the Professional Regulation Commission, July 23, 2003.
States that:
The hallmark of all professionals is their willingness to accept a set of professional and
ethical principles which they follow in the conduct of their daily lives.
The acceptance of these principles requires the maintenance of a standard of conduct higher
than what is required by law.
This code is adopted by the Professional Regulation Commission and the 42 Professional
Regulatory Boards to cover an environment of good governance in which all Filipino
professionals shall perform their duties.
General Principles:
 Service to Others
 Integrity and Objectivity
 Professional Competence
 Solidarity and Teamwork
 Social and Civic Responsibility
 Global Competitiveness
 Equality of All Professions
After consultation on October 23, 2003 at lloilo City with the accredited professional
organization of registered nurses, the code was adopted under the Republic Act 9173 and
promulgated by the Board of Nursing under Resolution No. 220 Series of 2004 last July 14,
2004.
ARTICLE I Preamble
Sec. 1. Health is a fundamental right of every individual.
The Filipino registered nurse believes in the worth and dignity of each human being,
recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost.
The Filipino registered nurse believes in the worth and dignity of each human being,
recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost.

Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses

Sec 2. To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and
understanding of a man's cultural, social, spiritual, psychological, and ecological aspects of
illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and political and socio-economic
status are inherent factors to effective nursing care.
Sec 3. The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and the
members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest
possible degree of ethical conduct.
ARTICLE II REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE
Sec.4 Ethical Principles
Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be represented.
Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be respected.
Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held in strict
confidence.

Sec 5. Guidelines to be observed

REGISTERED NURSES MUST:
Consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer care;
Respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and treatment;
Uphold the rights of individuals; and
Take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing care.
However, in conflicts, their welfare and safety must take precedence.
ARTICLE III REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE
Sec.6. Ethical Principles
1. Human life is inviolable.
2. Quality and excellence in the care of patients are the goals of nursing practice.
3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark of
nursing accountability.

Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses

Sec.7. Guidelines to be observed
Registered Nurses must:
a. Know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the provisions of R.A. No.
9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003,
the "Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002", (the IRR);
b. Be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession as defined
in the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and the IRR;
c. Acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge, skills and attitudes to
effectively render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations;
d. If they are administrators, be responsible in providing a favorable environment for the
growth and development of Registered Nurses in their charge;
e. Be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by the BON are
accredited through the Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC);
f. See to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the optimum standard of safe nursing
practice;
g. Ensure that patient's records shall be available only if they are to be issued to those who
are professionally and directly involved in their care and when they are required by law.
h. Insure that modification of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing practice;
i. If in a position of authority in a work environment, be normally and legally responsible for
devising a system of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice.

Sec.8. Ethical Principle

4. Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take appropriate steps to
safeguard their rights and privileges.

Sec.9. Guidelines to be observed

Registered Nurses must
a. Respect the "Patient's Bill of Rights" in the delivery of nursing care;
b. Provide the patients or their families with all pertinent information except those that may
be deemed harmful to their well-being; and
c. Uphold the patient's rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care.

Sec. 10. Ethical Principle

5. Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral and legal
dimensions. They strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned.

Sec. 11. Guidelines to be observed

Registered Nurses must
a. Perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws, rules, regulations,
measures, and generally accepted principles of moral conduct and proper decorum;
Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
ARTICLE IV REGISTERED NURSE AND CO-WORKERS
Sec.12. Ethical Principles
1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the healthcare team in
working for the patient's best interest.
2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationships with
colleagues and other health care providers.
Sec.13. Guidelines to be observed
Registered Nurses must
a. Maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health
team;
b. Conform with the group activities as those of a health team should be based on
acceptable, ethico-legal standards;
c. Contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health
team;
d. Actively participate in professional organizations;
e. Not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions;
f. Honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other
professions; refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their
competence, conduct, and procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a
colleague and to a member of other professions; and
g. Respect the rights of their co-workers.
ARTICLE V REGISTERED NURSE, SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT
Sec.14. Ethical Principles
1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promotion of a healthy
environment shall be a commitment of a Registered Nurse.
2. The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting local, national, and
international efforts to meet health and social needs of the people as a contributing member
of society is a noble concern of a Registered Nurse.

Sec.15. Guidelines to be observed

Registered Nurses must
a. Be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be involved in community
concerns;
b. Be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take active
roles in primary health care;
c. Actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that respond to the problems of
society;
d. Lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper decorum; and
e. Project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times;
Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses
ARTICLE VI REGISTERED NURSE AND THE PROFESSION
Sec.16. Ethical Principles
1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are
ideals.
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA) and other
professional organizations of which a Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty.
3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth
of the profession are commendable obligations.
4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general welfare of
nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and visionary mission.

Sec.17. Guidelines to be observed

Registered Nurses must
a. Be members of the accredited professional organization which is the PNA
b. Strictly adhere to the nursing standards;
c. Participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profession;
d. Strive to secure equitable economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate
legislation and other means; and
e. Assert for the implementation of labor and work standards.
ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES, REPEALING CLAUSE AND EFFECTIVITY
Section 18. The Certificate of Registration of the Registered Nurse shall either be revoked or
suspended for violation of any provisions of this Code pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art.IV of R.A.
No. 9173 and Sec.23 (f), rule Ill of Board Res.No.425, Series of 2003, the IRR.

Republic Act No. 9173

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MORE RESPONSIVE NURSING PROFESSION, REPEALING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7164, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE PHILIPPINE NURSING ACT
OF 1991” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLE I Title
Section 1. Title.-This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.”
ARTICLE II Declaration of Policy
Section 2. Declaration of Policy.-It is hereby declared the policy of the State to assume
responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting
measures that will result in relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better
career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses.
The State hereby guarantees the delivery of quality basic health services through an
adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country.
ARTICLE III Organization of the Board of Nursing
Section 3. Creation and Composition of the Board.-There shall be created a
Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be
composed of a Chairperson and six (6) members. They shall be appointed by the president
of the Republic of the Philippines from among two (2) recommendees, per vacancy, of the
Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, chosen and
ranked from a list of three (3) nominees, per vacancy, of the accredited professional
organization of nurses in the Philippines who possess the qualifications prescribed in Section
4 of this Act.
Section 4. Qualifications of the Chairperson and Members of the Board.-The
Chairperson and Members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment, possess the
following qualifications:
(a) Be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;
(b) Be a member of good standing of the accredited professional organization of nurses;
© Be a registered nurse and holder of a master’s degree in nursing, education or other allied
medical profession conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Government:
Provided, That the majority of the members of the Board shall be holders of a master’s
degree in nursing: Provided, further, That the Chairperson shall be a holder of a master’s
degree in nursing;
(d) Have at least ten (10) years of continuous practice of the profession prior to
appointment: Provided, however, That the last five (5) years of which shall be in the
Philippines; and
€ Not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude; Provided, That the
membership to the Board shall represent the three (3) areas of nursing, namely: nursing
education, nursing service and community health nursing.
Section 5. Requirements Upon Qualification as Member of the Board of Nursing. -
Any person appointed as Chairperson or Member of the Board shall immediately resign from
any teaching position in any school, college, university or institution offering Bachelor of
Science in Nursing and/or review program for the local nursing board examinations or in any
office or employment in the government or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality
thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries as well
as those employed in the private sector. He/she shall not have any pecuniary interest in or
administrative supervision over any institution offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing
including review classes.
Section 6. Term of Office..-The Chairperson and Members of the Board shall hold office for
a term of three (3) years and until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified:
Provided, That the Chairperson and members of the Board may be re-appointed for another
term. Any vacancy in the Board occurring within the term of a Member shall be filled for the
unexpired portion of the term only. Each Member of the Board shall take the proper oath of
office prior to the performance of his/her duties. The incumbent Chairperson and Members of
the Board shall continue to serve for the remainder of their term under Republic Act No.
7164 until their replacements have been appointed by the President and shall have been
duly qualified.
Section 7. Compensation of the Board Members. – The Chairperson and Members of
the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to the compensation and
allowances received by the Chairperson and members of other professional regulatory
boards.
Section 8. Administrative Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records,
Secretariat and Support Services. -The Board shall be under the administrative
supervision of the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for
examinations, administrative and other investigative cases conducted by the Board shall be
under the custody of the Commission. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the
Board and shall provide the secretariat and other support services to implement the
provisions of this Act.
Section 9. Powers and Duties of the Board.-The Board shall supervise and regulate the
practice of the nursing profession and shall have the following powers, duties and functions:
(a) Conduct the licensure examination for nurses;
(b) Issue, suspend or revoke certificates of registration for the practice of nursing;
© Monitor and enforce quality standards of nursing practice in the Philippines and exercise
the powers necessary to ensure the maintenance of efficient, ethical and technical, moral
and professional standards in the practice of nursing taking into account the health needs of
the nation;
(d) Ensure quality nursing education by examining the prescribed facilities of universities or
colleges of nursing or departments of nursing education and those seeking permission to
open nursing courses to ensure that standards of nursing education are properly complied
with and maintained at all times. The authority to open and close colleges of nursing and/or
nursing education programs shall be vested on the Commission on Higher Education upon
the written recommendation of the Board;
€ Conduct hearings and investigations to resolve complaints against nurse practitioners for
unethical and unprofessional conduct and violations of this Act, or its rules and regulations
and in connection therewith, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to
secure the appearance of respondents and witnesses and the production of documents and
punish with contempt persons obstructing, impeding and/or otherwise interfering with the
conduct of such proceedings, upon application with the court;
(f) Promulgate a Code of Ethics in coordination and consultation with the accredited
professional organization of nurses within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act;
(g) Recognize nursing specialty organizations in coordination with the accredited
professional organization; and
(h) Prescribe, adopt issue and promulgate guidelines, regulations, measures and decisions
as may be necessary for the improvements of the nursing practice, advancement of the
profession and for the proper and full enforcement of this Act subject to the review and
approval by the Commission.
Section 10. Annual Report.-The Board shall at the close of its calendar year submit an
annual report to the President of the Philippines through the Commission giving a detailed
account of its proceedings and the accomplishments during the year and making
recommendations for the adoption of measures that will upgrade and improve the conditions
affecting the practice of the nursing profession.
Section 11. Removal or Suspension of Board Members.-The president may remove or
suspend any member of the Board after having been given the opportunity to defend
himself/herself in a proper administrative investigation, on the following grounds;
(a) Continued neglect of duty or incompetence;
(b) Commission or toleration of irregularities in the licensure examination; and
© Unprofessional, immoral or dishonorable conduct.
ARTICLE IV Examination and Registration
Section 12. Licensure Examination. – All applicants for license to practice nursing shall
be required to pass a written examination, which shall be given by the Board in such places
and dates as may be designated by the Commission: Provided, That it shall be in accordance
with Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000.”
Section 13. Qualifications for Admission to the Licensure Examination.-In order to
be admitted to the examination for nurses, an applicant must, at the time of filing his/her
application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
(a) He/she is a citizen of the Philippines, or a citizen or subject of a country which permits
Filipino nurses to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subject or
citizen of such country: Provided, That the requirements for the registration or licensing of
nurses in said country are substantially the same as those prescribed in this Act;
(b) He/she is of good moral character; and
© He/she is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from a college or university that
complies with the standards of nursing education duly recognized by the proper government
agency.
Section 14. Scope of Examination. -The scope of the examination for the practice of
nursing in the Philippines shall be determined by the Board. The Board shall take into
consideration the objectives of the nursing curriculum, the broad areas of nursing, and other
related disciplines and competencies in determining the subjects of examinations.
Section 15. Ratings. – In order to pass the examination, an examinee must obtain a
general average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) with a rating of not below sixty
percent (60%) in any subject. An examinee who obtains an average rating of seventy-five
percent (75%) or higher but gets a rating below sixty percent (60%) in any subject must take
the examination again but only in the subject or subjects where he/she is rated below sixty
percent (60%). In order to pass the succeeding examination, an examinee must obtain a
rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in the subject or subjects repeated.
Section 16. Oath. – All successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take
an oath of profession before the Board or any government official authorized to administer
oaths prior to entering upon the nursing practice.
Section 17. Issuance of Certificate of Registration/Professional License and
Professional Identification Card. -A certificate of registration/professional license as a
nurse shall be issued to an applicant who passes the examination upon payment of the
prescribed fees. Every certificate of registration/professional license shall show the full name
of the registrant, the serial number, the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and
of the Members of the Board, and the official seal of the Commission. A professional
identification card, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, bearing the date of
registration, license number, and the date of issuance and expiration thereof shall likewise
be issued to every registrant upon payment of the required fees.
Section 18. Fees for Examination and Registration. – Applicants for licensure and for
registration shall pay the prescribed fees set by Commission.
Section 19. Automatic Registration of Nurses.-All nurses whose names appear at the
roster of nurses shall be automatically or ipso facto registered as nurses under this Act upon
its effectivity.
Section 20. Registration by Reciprocity.- A certificate of registration/professional license
may be issued without examination to nurses registered under the laws of a foreign state or
country: Provided, That the requirements for registration or licensing of nurses in said
country are substantially the same as those prescribed under this Act: Provided, further,
That the laws of such state or country grant the same privileges to registered nurses of the
Philippines on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or country.
Section 21. Practice Through Special/Temporary Permit. -A special temporary permit
may be issued by the Board to the following persons subject to the approval of the
Commission and upon payment of the prescribed fees:
(a) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states whose service are either for a fee or free if
they are internationally well-known specialists or outstanding experts in any branch or
specialty of nursing;
(b) Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states on medical mission whose services shall be
free in a particular hospital, center or clinic; and
© Licensed nurses from foreign countries/states employed by schools/colleges of nursing as
exchange professors in a branch or specialty of nursing; Provided, however, That the
special/temporary permit shall be effective only for the duration of the project, medical
mission or employment contract.
Section 22. Non-registration and Non-issuance of Certificates of
Registration/Professional License or Special Temporary Permit. -No person convicted
by final judgment of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude or any person guilty of
immoral or dishonorable conduct or any person declared by the court to be of unsound mind
shall be registered and be issued a certificate of registration/professional license or a
special/temporary permit. The Board shall furnish the applicant a written statement setting
forth the reasons for its actions, which shall be incorporated in the records of the Board.
Section 23. Revocation and suspension of Certificate of Registration/Professional
License and Cancellation of Special Temporary Permit.-The Board shall have the
power to revoke or suspend the certificate of registration/professional license or cancel the
special temporary permit of a nurse upon any of the following grounds:
(a) For any of the causes mentioned in the preceding section;
(b) For unprofessional and unethical conduct;
© For gross incompetence or serious ignorance;
(d) For malpractice or negligence in the practice of nursing;
€ For the use of fraud, deceit, or false statements in obtaining a certificate of
registration/professional license or a temporary/special permit;
(f) For violation of this Act, the rules and regulations, Code of Ethics for nurses and technical
standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and the Commission, or the conditions
and limitations for the issuance of the temporary/special permit; or
(g) For practicing his/her profession during his/her suspension from such practice; Provided,
however, That the suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license shall be
for a period not to exceed four (4) years.
Section 24. Re-issuance of Revoked Certificates and Replacement of Lost
Certificates.-The Board may, after the expiration of a maximum of four (4) years from the
date of revocation of a certificate, for reasons of equity and justice and when the cause for
revocation has disappeared or has been cured and corrected, upon proper application
therefor and the payment of the required fees, issue another copy of the certificate of
registration/professional license. A new certificate of registration/professional license to
replace the certificate that has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued, subject to
the rules of the Board.
ARTICLE V Nursing Education
Section 25. Nursing Education Program. -The nursing education program shall provide
sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing. The learning
experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed
curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education’s policies and standards
of nursing education.
Section 26. Requirement for Inactive Nurses Returning to Practice. -Nurses who
have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) consecutive years are required to
undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum. The Board
shall accredit hospitals to conduct the said training program.
Section 27. Qualifications of the Faculty. – A member of the faculty in a college of
nursing teaching professional courses must:
(a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
(b) Have at least one (1) year of clinical practice in a field of specialization;
© Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional organization of nurses; and
(d) Be a holder of a master’s degree in nursing, education, or other allied medical and health
sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines.
In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the dean of a college must have a master’s
degree in nursing. He/she must have at least five (5) years of experience in nursing.
ARTICLE VI Nursing Practice
Section 28. Scope of Nursing. -A person shall be deemed to be practicing nursing within
the meaning of this Act when he/she singly or in collaboration with another, initiates and
performs nursing services to individuals, families and communities in any health care
setting. It includes, but not limited to, nursing care during conception, labor, delivery,
infancy, childhood, toddler, preschool, school age, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. As
independent practitioners, nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and
prevention of illness. A members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate with other
health care providers for the curative, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of care,
restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and when recovery is not possible, towards a
peaceful death.
It shall be the duty of the nurse to:
(a) Provide nursing care through the utilization of the nursing process. Nursing care includes,
but not limited to, traditional and innovative approaches, therapeutic use of self, executing
health care techniques and procedures, essential primary health care, comfort measures,
health teachings, and administration of written prescription for treatment, therapies, oral
topical and parenteral medications, internal examination during labor in the absence of
antenatal bleeding and delivery. In case of suturing of perineal laceration, special training
shall be provided according to protocol established;
(b) establish linkages with community resources and coordination with the health team;
© Provide health education to individuals, families and communities;
(d) Teach, guide and supervise students in nursing education programs including the
administration of nursing services in varied settings such as hospitals and clinics; undertake
consultation services; engage in such activities that require the utilization of knowledge and
decision-making skills of a registered nurse; and
€ Undertake nursing and health human resource development training and research, which
shall include, but not limited to, the development of advance nursing practice; Provided,
That this section shall not apply to nursing students who perform nursing functions under
the direct supervision of a qualified faculty: Provided, further, That in the practice of nursing
in all settings, the nurse is duty-bound to observe the Code of Ethics for nurses and uphold
the standards of safe nursing practice. The nurse is required to maintain competence by
continual learning through continuing professional education to be provided by the
accredited professional organization or any recognized professional nursing organization:
Provided, finally, That the program and activity for the continuing professional education
shall be submitted to and approved by the Board.
Section 29. Qualification of Nursing Service Administrators. – A person occupying
supervisory or managerial positions requiring knowledge of nursing must:
(a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
(b) Have at least two (2) years experience in general nursing service administration;
© Possess