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Philippine Nursing Law Overview

Jul 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers Sections 20–22 of the Philippine Nursing Law, focusing on registration by reciprocity, special/temporary permits, and grounds for denial of a nursing license.

Section 20: Registration by Reciprocity

  • Reciprocity allows nurses to practice in another country if there is a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and that country.
  • Reciprocity is a give-and-take arrangement: Filipino nurses can use their license abroad, and foreign nurses can use their licenses in the Philippines.
  • In the absence of reciprocity, Filipino nurses must pass that country's exam (e.g., NCLEX for USA, CBT/OSCE for UK).
  • "Reciprocity" comes from the Latin "reciprocus" (back and forth), reflecting a mutual exchange.

Section 21: Special or Temporary Permit

  • Foreign nurses may be granted a special/temporary permit to practice in the Philippines without taking the local licensure exam.
  • Eligible recipients include internationally-recognized specialists or experts, foreign nurses on free medical missions, and exchange professors under academic programs.
  • The special/temporary permit is valid only for the project, mission, or employment contract duration.
  • Nursing licenses are generally limited to their country of issue unless reciprocity or a temporary permit applies.

Section 22: Grounds for Non-Issuance of License

  • The Board of Nursing can deny a license to individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or declared of unsound mind by the court.
  • Applicants denied a license will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Reciprocity — A mutual agreement allowing nurses to practice in each other's countries using local licenses.
  • Special/Temporary Permit — Authorization for foreign nurses to practice in the Philippines without the local licensure exam for specific purposes.
  • Moral Turpitude — Conduct contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review Sections 20–22 of the Philippine Nursing Law for exam preparation.
  • No post-test for this video; proceed to part seven of the lecture.