PITAHC Circular No.

02 series of 2013

Guidelines Implementing R.A. 8423 IRR on the National Certification of

Naturopaths and Accreditation of Naturopathy Training Programs, Centers
and Naturopathy Centers/Facilities

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:

4.1 Accreditation of Training Programs

4.2 Accreditation of Training Centers for Naturopathy
4.3 Accreditation of Naturopathy Centers/Facilities
4.4 National Certification of Naturopaths

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:

a. Republic Act 8423 – An Act creating the "Philippine Institute of Traditional

and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)” to accelerate the development of

1
 traditional and alternative health care in the Philippines or otherwise known as
“Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997”.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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) .

e. 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.

f. 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”)

g. 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

2
 an intelligent, orderly fashion. Naturopathic approaches to health care are
aimed at supporting and enhancing the body’s own ability to heal itself.

h. 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.

i. Assessment – the systematic collection and interpretation of information based

on the principles of naturopathy

j. 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.

k. 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.

l. National Accreditation – process of issuing certificates to training programs,

centers and facilities.

m. 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
PITAHC Competency Standards for Naturopathy and will require other
additional qualifications/ certification for practice:
1) Performing new/advanced naturopathic treatment methods

3
 2) Conducting clinical and/or experimental naturopathy- related research
activities

n. 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.

o. Training Program – systematic, formal training on the knowledge and practice

of naturopathy

p. 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.

q. Naturopathy Training Center – a training facility intended for the formal

education of students in naturopathy and practice.

r. Community-Based Naturopathy Training Center – a naturopathy training

center for PITAHC accredited community -based health programs.

s. Naturopathy Centers/Facilities – a health center facility intended for the

assessment and management of patients through Naturopathy

t. Community Based Naturopathy Centers – a health center facility for PITAHC

accredited community based health programs.

u. 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.

v. 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.

w. 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

4
invitation is valid only for the period indicated herein, and 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:
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.
b. 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.

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

Section 2. Duties and Functions of the Committee

a. Develop and maintain the assessments based on the competency standards and
code of ethics for Naturopathy

b. Issuance of Naturopathy training policies

c. Accredit training programs, centers, schools and centers/facilities for

Naturopathy

5
 d. Administer the national certification assessments for competency standards for
Naturopathy

e. Certify practitioners

f. Revoke certification/accreditation of practitioners, training centers, schools, and

centers/facilities for Naturopathy

g. Reschedule or cancel assessments

h. Accommodate candidates for assessments with disabilities (differently-abled)

i. Safeguard public trust by upholding the PITAHC Code of Ethics of Medical and
non- Medical Naturopaths

j. Develop and monitor databank of practitioners, training centers/schools and

centers/facilities

k. Represent the interests of both medical and non-medical Naturopaths in the

country

l. Recommend commissioning of researches related to Naturopathy services and

their effects and impact to public health

m. 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.

A. 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
 6. Perform Naturopathic therapeutic intervention

7. Manage the Naturopathic center/facility service

8. Continue professional development.

B. 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

7
 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 anytime 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

8
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 anytime 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

A. Naturopath may offer his/her services in a wide variety of settings that include:
a. Private practice centers and offices
b. Health spas and resorts, and cruise ships
c. Health clubs and fitness centers
d. Nursing homes and hospitals
e. On-site in corporate workplaces

B. 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

9
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

10
 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$1000.00) 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

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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:

a. Violation of the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice for

Naturopaths

11
 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.

A. Naturopathy Training Centers

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 One (1) 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 (1) 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), weighing
scale, Iridology assessment tools, Live blood analysis
assessment tools etc.)

1.3 At least one (1) well-ventilated and lighted 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

12
 b. Dressing room
c. Waiting room
d. An administrative office

1.5 A library with books and AV materials relevant to the courses

offered (Refer to PITAHC Competency Standard on
Naturopathy)

1.6 Training materials, equipment, and accessories based on

training standards and course offering.

1.7 An original copy of the PITAHC Competency Standards of

Naturopathy and PITAHC Code of Ethics

2. Personnel

2.1 The Naturopathy Training Center should have adequate

personnel requirements with updated bio-data and
designation and valid health certificates: a full time Training
officer who must at least be a college graduate; regular staff
for the academic training program.

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

B. Community -Based Naturopathy Training Centers

1. Facilities and Equipment

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

a. 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

b. An assessment/examination room with chairs and

tables for clients equipped with the following
instruments (such as stethoscope,
sphygmomanometer, thermometer, weighing scale
etc.)

c. A treatment room that can accommodate at least 5

students at any given time

1.2 Auxiliary room such as

a. Comfort room/ dressing room

13
 b. Waiting room/ administrative office

1.3 A library with books, audiovisual materials relevant to the

course offered. (Refer to PITAHC Competency Standard on
Naturopathy).

1.4 Training materials, equipment, and accessories based on

training standards and course offering, as specified in the
competency standards on Naturopathy .

1.5 An original copy of the PITAHC Competency Standards of

Naturopathy and PITAHC Code of Ethics

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 Naturopathy.

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

14
 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:

a. Falsification of documents by any of its officers or employees.

b. 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

15
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.

1. For Naturopathy Training Centers

1.1 An accreditation fee for new applicants of ten thousand pesos

(P10,000.00) for one 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 (P3,000.00) for three

years and an additional accreditation certificate fee of three hundred
pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.

2. For Community-Based Naturopathy Training Centers

2.1 An accreditation fee of three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) and an additional

accreditation certificate fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be
collected from newly accredited applicants.

2.2 An accreditation fee of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) and an additional

accreditation certificate fee of one hundred pesos (P100.00) 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 PITAHC Committee

9.1 A penalty of five hundred pesos (P500.00) shall be charged per year for non-
renewal by the Naturopathy Training Center.

9.2 A penalty of one hundred fifty pesos (P150.00) shall be charged per year for
non-renewal by the Community Based Naturopathy Training Center.

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.

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 Well-ventilated and lighted Naturopathy treatment rooms

with:

16
 a. Health Device/ equipment (such as colonic machine,
microscope for the live blood analysis, vaporizer,
nebulizer, energy machines, etc)
b. Center supplies
c. Beds appropriately designed for Naturopathy treatment
d. Communications equipment
e. Naturopathy reference materials
f. Naturopathy posters
g. Patient’s clinical records based on the Naturopathy
competency standard
h. Logbook of Patient Visits
i. Administrative equipment and materials (such as
furniture and fixtures)

1.2 One (1) well-ventilated and lighted prototype assessment/

examination room with chairs and tables equipped with the
following instruments (such as magnifying glass, pen
lights , etc )

1.3 Well-ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:

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

2. Personnel

2.1 Naturopaths in Naturopathy Center/Facility must be:

a. PITAHC Certified Naturopathic Practitioner(CNP)

b. PITAHC Certified Medical
Naturopaths (CMN)

2.2 Center Receptionist

B. The following are the requirements for Community-Based Naturopathy Centers

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1 A well-ventilated and lighted Naturopathy treatment room with:

a. Health device/ equipment (such as vaporizer, nebulizer,
energy machines, etc)
b. Center supplies

17
 c. Beds appropriately designed for Naturopathy treatment
d. Communications equipment
e. Naturopathy reference materials
f. Naturopathy charts
g. Patient’s records based on the Naturopathy
competency standard
h. Logbook of Patient/Client Visits
i. Administrative equipment and materials (such as
furniture and fixtures)

1.2 Well-ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:

a. Comfort room/ Dressing room
b. Waiting area

2. Personnel

2.1 Naturopaths in a Community Based Naturopathy Center should at

least be a PITAHC- Certified Naturopathic Practitioner or
PITAHC- Certified Medical Naturopath

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

18
 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:

a. Falsification of documents.

b. Failure to maintain the standards and requirements for accreditation as

prescribed in these Guidelines.

c. 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 non-

transferable.

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 anytime upon review of
PITAHC Committee.

1. For Naturopathy Centers/Facilities

19
 1.1 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.

1.2 A renewal accreditation fee of one thousand five hundred pesos

(P1,500.00) for two (2) years and an additional accreditation certificate
fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.

2. For Community-Based Naturopathy Centers/Facilities

2.1 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.

2.2 A renewal accreditation fee of five hundred pesos (P500.00) for two (2)
years and an additional accreditation certificate fee of one hundred
pesos (P100.00) shall be collected.

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.

9.1 A penalty of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) shall be charged per year for
non-renewal by the Naturopathy Center/Facility.

9.2 A penalty of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be charged per year for non-
renewal by the Community- Based Naturopathy Center/Facility.

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.

JUVENCIO F. ORDOÑA, MD
PITAHC Director- General

20
21