Rule I
Policy and Application

Section 1. Title. These guidelines shall be known as the PITAHC Guidelines on the National Certification of Homeopaths/Homotoxicologist and Accreditation of Homeopathy/ Homotoxicology Training Programs, Training Centers and Clinics.

Section 2. Purpose. These Guidelines are promulgated to prescribe the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of PITAHC IRR on the National Certification of Homeopaths/Homotoxicologist and Accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Programs, Training Centers and Clinics pursuant to Rule VI, Promotion, Advocacy and Training of IRR of RA 8423. These Rules also serve the accreditation of homeopathy/ homotoxicology programs, training centers and clinics 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    Training Centers for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology
4.3    Accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics
4.4    National Certification of Homeopaths/Homotoxocologist

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 œPhilippine 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 œTraditional 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 from 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 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 Schimid, œBiological Medicine )
   
   
7. Assessment - the systematic collection and interpretation of information based on principles of homeopathy/homotoxicology.
   
   
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 ( œsimilar ) and pathos ( œsuffering  or œsickness ). The fundamental law upon which homeopathy is based is the law of similars, or œLike is cured by like  - in Latin, similia similibus curentur. The law of similar 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. Homotoxicology - a scientific therapeutic system in which complex homeopathic medications are used to treat conventionally diagnosed conditions. It is a bridge between classical and conventional pharmacology. It is a method of detoxification on the physical level in an organism, which is loaded with toxins. Dr. Hans Heinrich Reckeweg, German, developed the theory of homotoxicology in the 1950 ™s. Homotoxins may be: 1. Internal (free radicals, lactic acid, etc.) 2. external (viruses, bacteriam environmental pollutants, etc.). Reckeweg formulated a six-phase table of disease consisting of 3 humoral phases: excretory, inflammatory, and deposition phases; while the cellular phases include the impregnation, degeneration, and dedifferentiation phases. Homotoxicologists are guided by the 6-phase table of disease, a framework used in the treatment of illnesses. They use mainly oral and injectable homeopathic remedies, and electro-acupuncture.
   
   
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 clinics.
    
    
13. DELIMITATION:
    
    For the non-medical homeopath, the following competencies are not included in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Homeopathy and will require other additional qualifications/certification for practice:
    

    
    
    1. Biomedicine diagnosis
       
    2. Correlating laboratory findings
       
    3. Prescribing drugs
       
    4. Analyzing laboratory test on Homeopathy-related treatment
       
    5. Performing new/advanced homeopathy treatment methods (e.g. intravenous, intramascular, subcutaneous)
       
    6. Conducting clinical and/or experimental Homeopathy-related research activities

    
    For the medical homeopath/homotoxicologist, the following competencies are not included in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology and will require other additional qualifications/certification for practice:
    

    
    
    1. Performing new/advanced homeopathic/homotoxicologic treatment methods (e.g. cosmetic)
       
    2. Conducting clinical and/or experimental homeopathy/homotoxicology related research activities

    
    
14. Code of Ethics - a summary of the standards by which homeopaths/homotoxicologists 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 homeopathy/homotoxicology.
    
    
16. Community-Based Health Programs (CBHP) - health programs which include homeopathy/homotoxicology as one of its programs and services, serving primarily the poor, the vulnerable sectors and marginalized communities.
    
    
17. Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center - a training facility intended for the formal education of students in homeopathy/homotoxicology and practice.
    
    
18. Community-Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center - a homeopathy/ homotoxicology training center for PITAHC accredited community-based health programs.
    
    
19. Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic - a health center facility intended for the diagnosis and treatment of patients through Homeopathy/Homotoxicology.
    
    
20. Community Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic - a homeopathy/homotoxocology clinic for PITAHC accredited community based health programs.
    
    
21. Portfolio Assessment - evaluation of documents submitted as evidences of experiences such as homeopathy/homotoxicology training, work contract, certification from employers or agencies and other similar documents for review by PITAHC.
    
    
22. Medical Homeopath/Homotoxicologist - a practitioner of homeopathy/homotoxicology who has also been licensed by the Philippines ™ Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to practice medicine in the Philippines as physician.
    
    
23. Homeopath - a practitioner of homeopathy, not licensed by the Philippines ™ Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to practice medicine in the Philippines as a physician, but who has completed the prescribed homeopathy course in a learning institution accredited by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Homeopathy.

Rule II
Accreditation of Training Programs


Section 2. The application for accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology programs may be filed at the PITAHC where the Homeopathy/Homotoxicology 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 established standard.


Rule III
Training Centers of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology

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

A.  Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center

1. Facilities and Equipment   

 

1.1	One 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 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]), etc.
1.3	At least one 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
	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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology)
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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology and PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

2. Personnel

 

2.1	The Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center should have adequate personnel requirements with updated resume/biodata 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Center

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 [non-mercurial], thermometer [non-mercurial]), etc.
	c.	A clinic treatment room that can accommodate at least 5 students at any given time
1.2	Auxiliary room such as
	a.	Comfort room/dressing room
	b.	Waiting room/administrative office
1.3	A library with books, audiovisual materials relevant to the course offered. (Refer to PITAHC Competency Standard on Homeopathy/Homotoxicology)
1.4	Training materials, equipment, and accessories based on training standards and course offering, as specified in the competency standards on Homeopathy/ Homotoxicology.
1.5	An original copy of the PITAHC Competency Standards of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology and PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology.
 

Section 2. Accreditation of Training Center. A Certificate of Accreditation of a Training 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. Updated list of personnel and training staff with their respective bio-data and designation.
   
   
3. A copy of the 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center to PITAHC. 10.2 An application fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology 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 the cancellation of accreditation of a training center:

1. Falsification of documents
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 three (3) 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 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 regulations and may be changed anytime upon review of PITAHC Committee.

1. For Homeopathy/Homotoxicology 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 fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected.

2. For Community-Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Centers

 

2.1	An accreditation fee of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) and an additional certificate fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be collected from newly accredited applicants.
2.2	An accreditation fee of one thousand five hundred pesos (P1,500.00) 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Training Center.

Rule IV
Accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics

Section 1. Requirements for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics

A.    The following requirements for the accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics shall be submitted to PITAHC.

1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1	A well-ventilated and lighted Homeopathy/Homotoxicology treatment room with:
	a.	Practice/medical equipment (such as electro-acupuncture by Voll machine, etc.)
	b.	Clinic supplies
	c.	Beds appropriately designed for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology treatment
	d.	Communications equipment
	e.	Homeopathy/Homotoxicology references
	f.	Homeopathy/Homotoxicology posters
	g.	Patient ™s clinical records based on the Homeopathy/Homotoxicology competency standards
	h.	Logbook of Patient Visits
	i.	Administrative equipment and materials (such as clinic furniture)
1.2	One well ventilated and lighted prototype assessment/examination room with chairs and tables equipped with the following instruments (like stethoscope, sphygmomanometer [non-mercurial], thermometer [non-mercurial], weighing scale, 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	Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists in Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic must be:
	a.	PITAHC Certified Homeopaths (CH)
	b.	PITAHC Certified Medical Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists (CMH)
2.2	Clinic Receptionist

B.    The following are the requirements for Community-Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics

1. Facilities and equipment

1.1	Well-ventilated and lighted Homeopathy/Homotoxicology treatment room with:
	a.	Practice/medical equipment (such as electro-acupuncture by Voll machine, etc.)
	b.	Clinic supplies
	c.	Beds appropriately designed for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology treatment
	d.	Communications equipment
	e.	Homeopathy/Homotoxicology references
	f.	Homeopathy/Homotoxicology meridian charts
	g.	Patient ™s clinical records based on the Homeopathy/Homotoxicology competency standards
	h.	Logbook of Patient Visits
	i.	Administrative equipment and materials (such as clinic furniture)
1.2	Well ventilated and lighted auxiliary rooms such as:
	a.	Comfort room/dressing room
	b.	Waiting room

2. Personnel

2.1 Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists in a Community Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic should at least be a PITAHC - Certified Homeopath or PITAHC-Certified Medical Homeopath/Homotoxicologist

Section 2. Accreditation of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic. A Certificate of Accreditation of a Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology clinic to PITAHC 5.2 An application fee of three hundred pesos (P300.00) shall be paid by the Community Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic to PITAHC

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

Section 3. Inspection and Approval of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics. Upon receipt of the applicant ™s notice, a duly authorized PITAHC quality assessment team shall conduct inspection of the Homeopathy/Homotoxicology clinic 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology clinic:

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 three (3) 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinic shall be non-transferable.

Section 8. Accreditation Fees. An accreditation fee shall be collected based on on the national accounting rules and regulations 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics

 

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

2. For Community-Based Homeopathy/Homotoxicology Clinics

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

Rule V
The National Certification of Homeopaths/Medical Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists

Section 1. The National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology. For the purpose of certifying Homeopaths, Medical Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists, the PITAHC Director General shall invite active practitioners in the field of Homeopathy/ Homotoxicology, hereinafter referred to as National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology (NCCH). The 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 Homeopathy and/or Homotoxicology practitioners
	One (1) Homeopathy practitioner
	One (1) Representative from an Accredited Homeopathy and/or Homotoxicology Training Center/School
	One (1) representative from a 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. Succeeding sectoral representatives shall serve a term of two (2) years. 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology (NCCH) should be by a majority vote of the five (5) representatives from the identified sectors above, in a meeting duly called for the purposes, attended by a majority of members (3 of 5 representatives), and are subject to PITAHC approval. The PITAHC Director General shall cast his vote in the event of a tie among the sectoral representatives-members in a meeting duly called for said purposes, there being a quorum.

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

Section 2. Duties and Functions of the Committee

1. Develop and maintain the assessments based on the competency standards and code of ethics for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology.
   
2. Issuance of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology training policies
   
3. Accredit training programs, centers, schools and clinics for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology
   
4. Administer the national certification assessments for competency standards for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology
   
5. Certify practitioners
   
6. Revoke certification/accreditation of practitioners, training centers, schools, and clinics for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology
   
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 Homeopaths and Homotoxicologists
   
10. Develop and monitor databank of practitioners, training centers/schools and clinics
    
11. Represent the interests of both Medical Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists and Homeopaths in the country.
    
12. Recommend commissioning of researches related to Homeopathy/Homotoxicology services and their effects and impact to public health.

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

A. Certified Homeopath (CH)

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 Homeopath can determine when to refer to a biomedical practitioner without having to make a biomedical diagnosis)
   
3. Assess patient according to the Homeopathic framework
   
4. Assist in Homeopathy clinic administration
   
5. Determine patient ™s Homeopathic diagnosis
   
6. Perform Homeopathic treatment
   
7. Manage the Homeopathic clinic service
   
8. Continue professional development

B. Certified Medical Homeopath/Homotoxicologist (CMH)

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 Homeopathic/Homotoxicologic environment
   
3. Assess patient according to the Homeopathic/Homotoxocologic framework
   
4. Determine patient ™s Homeopathic diagnosis
   
5. Perform Homeopathic/Homotoxicologic treatment
   
6. Perform Homeopathic/Homotoxicologic-related modalities
   
7. Manage Homeopathic/Homotoxicologic clinic services
   
8. Continue professional development

Section 4. Candidates for National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology (NCCH) must possess the following qualifications and submit the following requirements:

1. Candidates for Certified Homeopath must:
    
   

   1.1	Have completed the prescribed homeopathy course in a learning institution accredited by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology, satisfactorily passed the corresponding homeopathic certification examination, and is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology.
   1.2	The homeopathy course referred to in the preceding paragraph refers to no less than 3600-4800 student/teacher contact hours or equivalent in a three to four year, full time bachelor ™s degree in science, majoring in homeopathy, completed at accredited learning institutions. The said homeopathy course shall include the items stipulated in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Homeopathy and or Homotoxicology.
   1.3	For Filipino homeopaths 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 Homeopath/Homotoxicologist must be:
    
   

   2.1	A licensed physician of good moral character
   2.2	A graduate of not less than 2330-3100 hours of student/teacher contact and home study time or equivalent in a 1-2 year full-time or 3-4 year part-time course in Homeopathy and or Homotoxicology for Physicians as a technique for clinical work with:
   		* 500 hours (450-600 hours) of Basic Principles and Theories
   		* 1050-1200 hours of Home Study
   		* 500 hours (415-550 hours) of Clinical Preceptorship Practice
   		* At least 415-550 hours Individual Clinical Practice covering 140 homeopathy clients/patients visits properly managed, by no fewer than 30 different clients/ patients
   		* 50 CME units (by authorized college on integrative, complementary, alternative, and homeopathy and or homotoxicology)
   2.3	A certificate awarded for attendance in classroom and clinic settings from accredited PITAHC training center or school of homeopathy and or homotoxicology.

   
   
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 European Council for Classical Homeopathy (ECCH) International Guidelines

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 Homeopaths/ Homotoxicologists 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 œpass  or œfail . 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 certification 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 Homeopath/Homotoxicologist. A penalty of seventy-five pesos (P75.00) shall be charged per year for non-renewal by the Community-Based Homeopath/Homotoxicologist. The penalty fee may be changed anytime upon review of PITAHC.

Section 11. National Certified Homeopath/Homotoxicologist Service Provision.

A. Homeopath/Homotoxicologist may offer his/her services in a wide variety of settings that includes:

a. Private practice clinics and offices
b. Salons, spas, resort, and cruise ships
c. Health clubs and fitness centers
d. Nursing homes and hospitals
e. On-site in the workplace
f.  In client ™s homes
g. Holistic health centers
h. Mobile clinics

B. Certified Practitioners that do not have a permanent clinic 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 Homeopathy/Homotoxicology to a resident Filipino applicant, who is already practicing Homeopathy/Homotoxicology, residing in the Philippines at the time of passage of the Guidelines, who presents evidence satisfactory to the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology no later than 3 years upon effectivity of the Guidelines of successful completion of a PITAHC approved Homeopathy/Homotoxicology training program.

Section 13. Certification of Non-Filipino Homeopath/Homotoxicologist

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

 

1.1	Have completed the prescribed homeopathy course in a learning institution accredited/recognized by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Homeopathy/Homotoxicology, satisfactorily passed the corresponding homeopathic licensure examination, and is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued to him by the PITAHC National Certification Committee.
1.2	The homeopathy course referred to in the preceding paragraph refers to no less than 3600-4800 student/teacher contact hours or equivalent in a three to four year, full-time bachelor ™s degree in science, majoring in homeopathy, completed at accredited learning institutions. The said homeopathy course shall include the items stipulated in the PITAHC Competency Standards for Homeopathy and or Homotoxicology.
1.3	Have passed the registration/certification examination by an authorized component body for this purpose.
1.4	Provide the following:
	a.	Documentation of licensed/certified practice of Homeopathy/Homotoxicology with a minimum of 100 different patients.
	b.	A letter of good standing from the state of prior licensure or certification specifying the number of years of licensure/certification in his/her country or state;
	c.	Documentation of current active certification in Homeopathy/Homotoxicology in his/her country or state; and
1.5	Every Homeopath/Homotoxicologist who is issued a Certification to practice in the Philippines shall pay an application fee of five hundred dollars (US$500.00), an annual Homeopathy/Homotoxicology certification fee of three hundred dollars (US$300.00) 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.
1.6	A renewal accreditation fee of three hundred dollars (US$300.00) and an additional accreditation fee of three hundred dollar (US$300.00) shall be collected.
1.7	A penalty of one hundred dollars (US$100.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Homeopath/Homotoxicologist.

2. Visiting Teachers/Lecturers

1. A Homeopath/Homotoxicologist who has received a teaching position in a PITAHC accredited Homeopathy/Homotoxicology training center who has at least five (5) years experience as a Homeopath/Homotoxicologist, and who has established to the satisfaction of the National Certification Committee that the applicant has the skills and training equivalent to the PITAHC competency standard in Homeopathy/Homotoxicology may be issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor. This Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor shall allow the Homeopath/Homotoxicologist to practice Homeopathy/Homotoxicology 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) one-year extensions upon annual review upon written request by the Homeopathy/Homotoxicology training center.
   
3. Every Homeopath/Homotoxicologist who is issued a Limited Certificate, Visiting Professor to practice in the Philippines shall pay an application fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00), an annual Homeopath/Homotoxicologist certification fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00) prior to beginning practice and an additional accreditation certificate fee of two hundred dollars (US$200.00), and 30 days before the end of the year must submit a renewal form and fee for the next year.
   
4. A penalty of one hundred dollars (US$100.00) shall be charged per month of non-renewal by the Homeopath/Homotoxicologist.

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

1. Violation of the PITAHC Code of Ethics and Standard Practice for Homeopaths/Homotoxicologists

Section 15. Effectivity. These Guidelines shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 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.


Date Filed: 21 March 2012


(SGD.) JUVENCIO F. ORDO A, MD
PITAHC Director-General