A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) has been renewed to establish the framework for the practice of Filipino registered medical technologists (RMT) in the state.
The partnership established through the MOU on June 6 aimed to remove some regulatory barriers that currently apply to Filipino RMTs seeking employment in Hawaii through the recognition of their training and experience by the State of Hawaii.
Before the agreement has been signed, under Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) Chapter 11-110.1, "a license to practice as a medical technologist (clinical laboratory scientist) may be issued only to an applicant who is accredited by a certifying agency acceptable to HDOH."
Furthermore, as per HAR 11-110.1-26, "an applicant for a medical technologist license who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology needs to complete one (1) year of full-time experience as a medical laboratory technician in a clinical laboratory acceptable to HDOH."
Through the newly established agreement, the aforementioned rules will be waived if the applicant fulfills the following requirements: Holder of a bachelor's degree in medical technology from an academic institution in the Philippines that is recognized and accepted by HDOH; completed an internship program from a laboratory in the Philippines that is accredited as a training laboratory by the Philippine Government and affiliated with an academic institution recognized and accepted by HDOH; Licensed Medical Technologist in the Philippines; and obtained at least two years of full-time work experience in a tertiary-level hospital-based clinical laboratory licensed by the Philippine Government.
PRC noted that only applicants who graduated within the last five to 10 years from the educational institution recognized and accepted by HDOH are qualified to apply.
These academic institutions include the Adventist University of the Philippines (Silang, Cavite); Angeles University Foundation (Angeles City, Pampanga); Cagayan State University (Tuguegarao, Cagayan); Centro Escolar University-Makati (Gil Puyat, Makati City), Centro Escolar University-Manila (Mendiola, San Miguel, Manila); Far Eastern University-Manila (Nicanor Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila); and Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (West Fairview, Quezon City).
Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas, Inc. (Capitol Site, Batangas City); Our Lady of Fatima University-Quezon City (North Fairview, Quezon City); Our Lady of Fatima University-Antipolo (Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City, Rizal); Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela (Marulas, Valenzuela City); Saint Louis University (Bonifacio St., Baguio City); Trinity University of Asia-Quezon City (E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., New Manila, Quezon City); and University of Santo Tomas (Sampaloc, Manila) are also accepted by the HDOH.
PRC underscored that the recently signed MOU "shall remain in effect for five years from the date fully executed unless extended by both parties in writing or earlier terminated."
Moreover, interested Filipino RMT applicants who are qualified may submit to the Records Section of the PRC Regional Office's Financial and Administrative Division. (Sonny Daanoy)