Policies and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Training Institutions, Programs and Providers for Massage Therapy ( DOH Administrative Order No. 2008-0031 )

October 8, 2008

DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2008-0031

 

I. RATIONALE

Traditional medicine throughout the world recognizes the significance of therapeutic massage in managing stress, illnesses or chronic ailments. Massage therapy is considered the oldest method of healing that applies various techniques like fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands and other areas of the body such as the forearms, elbows or feet to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body.

Massage therapy can lead to significant biochemical, physical, behavioral and clinical changes in massage as well as the person giving the massage. It contributes to a higher sense of general well-being. Recognizing this, many healthcare professionals have begun to incorporate massage therapy as a complement to their routine clinical care. 1 Efficacy of massage therapy in patient ranges from preterm neonates to senior citizens. Although the country has the training standards and regulations through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), it lacks control/regulations over the training institutions, thus, anyone who calls him/herself a massage therapist is one, regardless of training or experience. aDSHCc

The Department of Health created the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) to regulate the practice of massage therapy in accordance to the provisions of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines (PD 856) and Executive Order No. 102 s. 1999, Reorganization and Streamlining of the Department of Health. It provides the CEMT the function to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the regulated profession and that the care and services which the massage therapists provide are within the standards of practice.

To effectively carry out the provisions of Section XIII of PD 856 — "Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments", the need to regulate potential training providers and training institutions for massage therapy is necessary for the enhancement and maintenance of its professional standards.

The formulation of guidelines on accreditation of training institutions and training providers conducting training programs and other related activities for massage therapy in the Philippines is in consonance with the objective to regulate and monitor existing and would-be-training providers and training institutions and to enhance and maintain high standards in the practice of the profession. This comprises the conduct of learning and development activities.

II. OBJECTIVES

A. General:

1. To set the standards for the accreditation of training institutions and training providers for massage therapists in the Philippines; and

2. To institutionalize the continuing education program for massage therapists in the country. cITaCS

B. Specific:

1. To formulate standards that are locally doable and globally competitive;

2. To ensure the adherence of training institutions and training providers to the standards;

3. To identify areas of improvement in the line of work; and

4. To encourage participation of all stakeholders.

III. SCOPE

This Order shall cover all training institutions and training providers duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducting training programs/reviews/seminars/courses and other related activities for massage therapists. CASaEc

IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS

To provide the implementers/stakeholders a common frame of reference in the interpretation of the guidelines, the following terms are herein defined as used in the Order.

A. Accreditation — This refers to the act of recognition or a method of determining that an eligible organization, institution, individual or program complies with approved standards.

B. Allied Medical Professions — This refers to health professions other than Doctor of Medicine, but not limited to the following: Nurses, Midwives, Physical Therapists, Medical Technologists, Occupational Therapists, Radiologic Technologists, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and Sanitary Engineers.

C. Assessment — This refers to the process of gathering data or information from the client. CHaDIT

D. Certificate of Registration— This refers to a certification in writing issued by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Masseurs (Massage Therapists) who have been authorized to perform massage (massage therapy) procedures and to supervise massage attendants/masseurs.

E. Certified Training Provider (CTP) — This refers to a person who meet the standards established by the National Accredited Training Center of the DOH, and is in-charge of providing knowledge and skills necessary in updating the massage therapist's competence. The certified training provider is a holder of a certificate of training from the National Accredited Training Center and is entitled to use CTP (Certified Training Provider) after his/her name.

F. Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) — This refers to a Committee created through a DOH Department Personnel Order with the prime responsibility of ensuring adequate, competent and globally competitive massage therapists.

G. Continuing Massage Therapy Education (CMTE) — This refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, ethical and moral values after the initial registration of a massage therapist, which improves and enhances his/her technical competence in the massage therapy profession. SIAEHC

H. Continuing Massage Therapy Education (CMTE) Council — This refers to a group of experts in massage therapy and in training regulations. It is created to accredit training institutions, training providers and programs in accordance to the provisions of this Order.

I. Convention/Seminar — This refers to the gathering of massage therapists which shall include, among others, conferences, symposia, workshops, technical lectures/subject matter meetings, assemblies or round table discussions.

J. Evaluation— This refers to the observation and interpretation of the client's condition based on the assessment.

K. Fellowship — This refers to the completion of a post doctoral training program in a specific field pre-approved by a duly recognized institution, scientific meeting and the like.

L. In-Service Training — This refers to training or specialization for a minimum period of one (1) week. STIcEA

M. Massage — This refers to the method wherein the superficial soft parts of the body are rubbed, stroked or knead for remedial or aesthetic or hygienic purposes. It also includes the practice of reflexology, synchrotherapy, and other similar techniques that use instruments and other parts of the body.

N. Massage Therapist (Masseur/Massagist) — This refers to a trained person who has passed the massage therapist' (masseur'/massagist') licensure examination and is a holder of a valid certificate of registration for masseur (massage therapist) issued by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapists (masseurs/massagists).

O. Massage Therapy — This refers to a system of assessment, evaluation and manual application techniques used in a scientific manner taking into account the muscle locations, stress points and other anatomical considerations of the human body. It includes adjunctive external application of water, heat and cold, stretching, passive and active joint movement within the normal physiologic range of motion as a means of promoting pain relief, injury rehabilitation or health improvement in a safe, non-sexual environment that respects the clients self-determined outcome for the session. acHDTE

P. National Accredited Training Center (Service Provider) — This refers to the institution offering training courses. The said institution has been certified by the Department of Health (DOH) as the accrediting agency to have met the established standards and received a certificate of recognition from DOH. The national accredited training center shall be named service provider. Likewise, the national accredited training center shall have a full time national accredited trainer.

Q. National Accredited Training Provider (or national accredited trainer) — This refers to a person after meeting the established standards of accreditation certified by the Department of Health (DOH), is in-charge in providing knowledge and skills necessary in developing and/or updating the massage therapist's competence.

R. Resource Speaker/Person — This refers to a licensed massage therapist or an expert in a specific field who acts as a discussion leader or lecturer in a convention, seminar or similar gathering.

S. Self-Directed Learning Package — This refers to learning methodology using accredited course manuals/modules, self-instructional materials/programs such as but not limited to printed manual, audio and video tapes, films, computer-assisted learning study kits and the like.

T. Training Institution — This refers to a facility/establishment that renders training services relative to the practice of massage therapy.

V. ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES

1. Training Institution

No training institution shall open or operate without a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer. Application, renewal, noting validity posting, and recording of sanitary permit shall follow the provisions of Section 3 — Sanitary Permit (pp. 3-4), IRR of Chapter XIII "Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments" of PD 856. HTCDcS

1.1 Criteria

A. Physical

1.1.1 The facility shall have provision of continuous supply of potable water for the facility;

1.1.2 Vermin abatement control program shall be provided for the facility;

1.1.3 The facility shall provide adequate toilet facilities to potential attendees;

1.1.4 The facility shall have the following to facilitate learning and development: (Section 61, Sanitary Requirements p. 22 of PD 856 and Section 5 — Structural Requirements pp. 6-10 of the IRR of Chapter XIII of PD 856;

• Floor area that can accommodate at least 20 persons and shall cater to the following:

— Reception/Receiving area

— Conference room

— Laboratory/Practical room

• Massage table shall be 1.80 meters in length, 0.80 meter in width and 0.70 meter in height

• Towels, linens, robe/gown, pillow

• Oil, alcohol, BP apparatus

— Classroom that can accommodate at least 15 students at a time

• Chairs and tables HAICTD

• Adequate lighting

• Well ventilated

• Teaching paraphernalia (audio visual equipment, computer, LCD, television set with VCD/DVD player, board)

— Library with the following amenities:

• At least 10 massage related books (legal/original copies)

• Reference book per subject matter/course arranged in shelves

• Tables and chairs ECaScD

• Lockers for faculty/students and storage for supplies

B. Human Resource

1.1.5 The facility shall have full-time DOH accredited training provider;

1.1.6 The facility shall be complemented with a full-time staff that attends to day-to-day activity (as per IV. Implementing Mechanism, AO # 147 s. 2002, "Revised Guidelines Governing the Management of Health Human Resource Training and Development Programs in the Department of Health");

1.1.7 The facility shall ensure that the full-time accredited training provider/s and the full-time staff are enrolled in PHILHEALTH and that they enjoy the full benefits for full-time employees;

1.1.8 The facility shall have instructors, lecturers and resource speakers with good moral character and technical competence and are preferably, holders of valid and updated DOH Massage Therapist's license. IDaEHC

C. Compliance to Requirements

1.1.9 The facility shall have an established mechanism for measuring the quality of the training being offered or administered;

1.1.10 Must be a duly registered institution of good standing by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for corporations and partnerships, or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for single proprietorships, and has never been convicted of a crime, by the law enforcement agencies;

1.1.11 The facility shall practice waste management program;

1.2 Procedure

1.2.1 Any training institution seeking accreditation shall accomplish and submit to the CEMT an appropriated, filled up application form (annex A); HDIATS

1.2.2 The application shall include, but not limited to, the following information and documents:

• License to Operate

• Business Permit

• Sanitary Permit

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

• Floor plan lay out including location/vicinity map of training institution signed by the owner

• Creation Design of the institution that includes:

• Rationale — the reason/justification for the conduct of the training course CHDAEc

• Objectives (general, specific) highlighting the products of learning that establish direction

• Contents — topics/subject matters that complement the achievement of the objectives and session plans with short description of each topic

• Methodologies — the procedures used in imparting the message to receivers

• Operating details

— target participants

— venue and date

— amenities

• list of personnel and resource persons/lecturers and accredited training providers including their updated curriculum vitae and relevant certificates

1.2.3 If the Committee finds the program, activity or source to be relevant to the profession and in accordance with the set guidelines, the Committee shall issue a certification within thirty (30) days after inspection; DHSCTI

1.2.4 There shall be a non-refundable filing fee payable only to the Department of Health;

1.2.5 A non-refundable fee shall be paid upon approval of the application for accreditation of the facility.

1.3 Inspection and Monitoring

1.3.1 All new applications for accreditation of training institution shall be subject to ocular and facility inspection at the least one month after application has been filed. No accreditation shall be issued unless inspection has been conducted by the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT); HAICcD

1.3.2 Annual inspection shall be conducted by the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT), for the first two years after approval of accreditation and every other year thereafter;

1.3.3 Records shall be made available to determine compliance with accreditation requirements.

1.4 Terms and Conditions

1.4.1 There shall be a separate accreditation fee for each branch of training institution;

1.4.2 The certificate of accreditation is non-transferable;

1.4.3 Accreditation is temporarily cancelled upon change of location of the facility or change of ownership/business name. An ocular inspection with the approval of the CEMT in the case of such change will suffice re-accreditation;

1.4.4 The certificate of accreditation of the training institution shall be displayed in a conspicuous place readily seen by the public for the purpose of information and guidance;

1.4.5 The effectivity of the certificate of accreditation shall be for three (3) years and renewable thereafter; HCSEcI

1.4.6 There shall be sufficient number of passers in the examination given by the Committee or equivalent to 50% of enrollees who took the licensure examination in the training institution to facilitate renewal of accreditation;

2. Training Provider

2.1 Qualification

2.1.1 Duly licensed Massage Therapist;

2.1.2 College graduate on health allied or equivalent or has earned at least 80 units in teaching-learning principles and methodologies from a respectable school or institution and has attended the Training of Trainers Course conducted by the DOH accredited training institution;

2.1.3 Shall submit the following documents:

• Certificate of recent physical and medical examination conducted by a physician from a government health facility; HIaSDc

• Certified true copy of Transcript of Records or diploma or scholastic records; or certificate of the 80 units of teaching-learning principles and methodologies earned from the DOH accredited training institution;

• Certified True Copy of Trainer's Course by the DOH accredited training institution;

2.2 Accreditation Fee

2.2.1 There shall be a non-refundable fee payable to the DOH upon filing of application for accreditation of training provider;

2.2.2 A non-refundable fee shall be paid to the DOH upon approval of application; STaAcC

2.3 Quality Assurance

2.3.1 The applicant for training provider shall pass the proficiency test (oral and practical) administered and covered by the DOH CEMT rules and regulations with at least 75% overall final rating;

2.3.2 Shall file the corresponding requirements under oath or notarized.

VI. Renewal, Suspension and Cancellation of Certificate of Accreditation

1. Renewal of Certificate of Accreditation

The training institutions and training providers shall renew its accreditation every three (3) years.

1.1 A notarized request signed by the President of the training institution or the training provider for the renewal of the certificate of accreditation stating, among others, (a) that the training institution/training provider continues to maintain the purpose for which it was established, i.e., for the upliftment of the standards of training institutions including training provider; (b) that the membership (licensed massage therapists) to the accredited training institution does not fall below 50% of those who have been issued their cards for the current year; and (c) that the trainees of the accredited training provider does not fall below 50% of those who have successfully passed the licensure examination for the current year. CcSEIH

1.2 Copy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for corporations and partnerships, or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for single proprietorships (for training institution only).

1.3 List of current officers of the training institution including the complete list of members indicating their DOH registration numbers and dates of registration (for training institution only).

1.4 Updated list of trainees indicating numbers and dates of their registration, who have been under the accredited training provider (for training provider only).

1.5 Report on significant achievements, changes, advancements as a training institution/training provider in attaining the objectives of the program. TEIHDa

1.6 Official receipt of payment of the prescribed renewal fee from the DOH Cashier.

2. Suspension of Accreditation

A certificate of accreditation of an accredited training institution/training provider shall be suspended by the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) under any of the following grounds/causes:

2.1 The accredited training institution/training provider has ceased to possess any of the qualifications for accreditation;

2.2 The accredited training institution/training provider no longer serve the best interest of the massage therapists for which it was accredited;

2.3 The three (3)-year enrollment in the accredited training institution/training provider falls 50% or below of those who have been issued their annual registration cards; aCHDST

2.4 The accredited training institution/training provider has committed acts detrimental to its members/co-massage therapists and to the profession;

2.5 The accredited training institution/training provider has not renewed its certificate of accreditation for two (2) renewable periods; and

2.6 The accredited training institution/training provider continued providing training without complying with standards.

3. Cancellation of Accreditation

3.1 The accredited training institution's/trainer's continue violation of any of #s 1-6 of "2. Suspension of Accreditation", after two (2) times suspension for the same cause;

3.2 The accredited training institution's/trainer's violation of three (3) or more grounds/causes all at the same time;

However, due process shall be observed before accreditation of training institution/provider is suspended/cancelled.

• The training institution/provider shall:

a. receive a formal letter informing of the offense

b. be given a chance to explain their reason for non-suspension/cancellation

• The CEMT shall:

a. review and evaluate the offense vis-à-vis the reasons and supporting documents submitted

b. conduct forum with the training institution/provider for further questions (if necessary) ETHIDa

c. provide copy of the decision personally to the training institution/provider

4. Effect of Non-Renewal, Suspension or Cancellation of Accreditation

An accredited training institution/training provider whose certificate of accreditation has been suspended or not renewed or whose accreditation has been cancelled, cannot represent the massage therapists for which such training institution/training provider has been established during the suspension, cancellation or non-renewal of certificate.

Training programs/activities conducted by the training institution/training provider which accreditation has been suspended, not renewed or cancelled shall not be honored during renewal of license by the massage therapists.

VII. Continuing Massage Therapy Education (CMTE)

One of the powers of the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (Masseur) is to monitor the conditions affecting the practice of the massage therapy profession or occupation whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement of the profession or occupation and/or maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical standards, hence, the creation of the Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC). DcCITS

All registered massage therapists are required to upgrade their competencies through attendance in continuing education programs and likewise, submit 30 credit units before the renewal of their Massage Therapist's card (Please see annex for Matrix for CMTE Programs, Activities or Sources).

The CMTEC shall provide from the list of accredited trainers/resource speakers from different training facilities to create a range of continuing massage therapy education topics which will be approved by the CMTEC.

A. Creation/Composition

The CEMT shall create a council upon effectivity of this Order. This shall be known as the Continuing Massage Therapy Education (CMTE) Council who shall assist the CEMT in implementing the CMTE program. Likewise, The Committee coordinates directly to the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) through the Human Resource Development Units (HRDUs). cASEDC

The CMTE Council shall be composed of a chairperson and two (2) members and will be assisted by the CEMT Secretariat. The chairperson shall be chosen from among the members of the CEMT by the members themselves. The first member shall be chosen from among the members of the DOH Accredited Training Institutions for Massage Therapy by the members themselves. The second member shall be chosen from among the DOH licensed massage therapists who are in active with valid and updated certificate of registration.

The term of office of the chairperson and members shall be for three (3) years and renewable thereafter. However, they shall continue to function as such in the CMTE Council until their respective successors have been appointed by the CEMT. EATcHD

B. Powers and Functions

The CMTE Council shall exercise powers and functions which shall include but shall not be limited to the following:

1. Accept, evaluate and approve applications for accreditation;

2. Accept, evaluate and approve applications for accreditation of CMTE programs, activities or sources as to their relevance to the profession and determine the number of CMTE credit units to be earned on the basis of the contents of the program, activity or source submitted by the CMTE providers;

3. Determine the appropriateness of the training fee vis-à-vis the training course/programs, activities and sources to be offered;

4. Monitor the implementation of CMTE programs, activities or sources;

5. Assess periodically and upgrade criteria for CMTE programs, activities or sources; HICEca

6. Perform such other related functions that may be incidental to the implementation of the CMTE programs, activities or sources.

The HRDU shall exercise powers and functions which shall include but shall not be limited to the following:

1. Establish credibility and strong partnership between CHD and the Committee;

2. Create productive and efficient work environment within CHD and the massage therapists;

3. Responsible in assessing/evaluating authenticity and completeness of all documents required for application for the renewal of accreditation;

4. Facilitate approval of renewal of accreditation for accredited training institutions, providers and programs;

5. Conduct technical updates for accredited training institutions and providers; CSTHca

6. Attend to queries regarding the Massage Therapy Program and accreditation;

7. Receive complaints/charges filed against a training institution/provider; and

8. Coordinate/Facilitate investigation of cases/complaints filed against a training institution/provider.

The Local Health Authority shall issue sanitary permit to accredited training institutions/providers

C. Accreditation of Programs, Activities or Sources; Equivalent Credit Units; Credit Requirements

1. Accreditation of Programs, Activities or Sources

The accredited training institutions/trainers are considered CMTE Providers. CMTE providers may submit to the CMTEC programs, activities or sources to be approved and accredited for CMTE units such as seminars, conventions, fellowship, self-directed learning package, in-service training and resource speaker/person.

2. CMTE Credit Units

The total CMTE credit units for registered massage therapists shall be thirty (30) CU for three (3) years. Any excess credit units earned shall not be carried over to the next three — year period except for post-graduate degrees.

VIII. VIOLATION AND PENALTY

Any violation of this Administrative Order governing accreditation of training centers/institutions and training providers for Massage Therapists and/or PD 856 and its implementing laws shall be a ground for denial or revocation of issued accreditation.

IX. INVESTIGATION OF CHARGES OR COMPLAINTS

The Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) or the Center for Health Development (CHD) CEMT coordinator shall investigate the complaint or charges and verify whether the training center/institution, trainer is liable thereof. If proven liable, the corresponding penalty shall be imposed.

X. REPEALING CLAUSE

This Order supercedes other Orders inconsistent with the above-mentioned policies and guidelines for the accreditation of training institutions, training programs and training providers for massage therapists. SDECAI

XI. EFFECTIVITY

This accreditation guidelines shall take effect upon approval and publication in UP Gazette.

 

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health

Footnotes

1.Footnote text not supplied in the official copy.