Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The professional code of ethics for Filipino nurses strongly emphasizes the four-
fold responsibility of the nurse, the universality of nursing practice, the scope of their
responsibilities to the people they serve, to their co-workers, to society and
environment, and to their profession.
The Code of Ethics used by Filipino nurses prior to 1984, was the code
promulgated by the International Council for Nurses. In 1982, the PNA Special
Committee developed a Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses, but was not implemented.
In 1984, the Board of Nursing adopted the Code of Ethics of the ICN, adding
“promotion of spiritual environment” as the fifth-fold responsibility of the nurse.
In 1989, the Code of Ethics promulgated by the PNA was approved by the
Professional Regulation Commission and was recommended for use. This was
approved In October 25, 1990 by the general assembly of the PNA .
In July 14, 2004, a new Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurse was adopted under R.A.
9173 and was promulgated by the BON.
The Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses embodies ethical principles and guidelines
to be observed, stipulated under seven (7) articles. The ethical principles are stated
below.
Article I – Preamble
1. Health is a fundamental right. The Filipino RN, believing in the worth and
dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to
preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of
health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health.
However, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful
death shall be his/her obligation.
2. To assume this responsibility, RNs have to gain knowledge and
understanding of man’s cultural, social, spiritual, psychological, and
ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural
diversity and political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to
effective nursing care.
3. The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-
workers, and the members of the community provides the incentive to attain
and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct.
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Article IV – Registered Nurses and Co-workers
1. The RN is in solidarity with other members of the health care team in working for
the patient’s best interest.
2. The RN maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues
and other health care providers.
Provided, however, That the suspension of the certificate of registration/professional license shall
be for a period not to exceed four (4) years.
** Rule III of Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations
o Same as rule III of Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR except: (f) For
violation of RA No. 9173 and this IRR, Code of Ethics for nurses and Code of
Technical Standards for nursing practice, policies of the Board and the
Commission, or the conditions and limitations for the issuance of the
special/temporary permit; or
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