Midwife Licensure Exam Midwifery Law, Scope & Community Role (RA 7392) — RA 7392 & Midwifery JurisprudenceExam Answer Templates

Marks

1

Topic

Legislative History of RA 7392

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T1

Examiner Tip

This is a pure recall question worth only 1 mark. Write the full RA number and name in one sentence and move on. Do not waste time elaborating.

Model Answer

Republic Act No. 7392, known as the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992, governs the practice of midwifery in the Philippines.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State the RA number, its popular name, and year of enactment [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Writing 'RA 7932' or another transposed number — the exact number must be correct
• Confusing with RA 9173 (the Philippine Nursing Act) — these are two different laws
• Saying 'Midwifery Act of 1960' — that is the old RA 2644, which RA 7392 replaced

Key Phrases To Include

• Republic Act No. 7392
• Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992

Marks

1

Topic

Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T2

Examiner Tip

Memorise the magic number '1 Chairman + 2 members = 3 total' and the appointing authority (the President). These two facts together earn the mark.

Model Answer

The Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery is composed of a Chairman and two (2) members, all appointed by the President of the Philippines.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State the total composition (Chairman + 2 members) and who appoints them [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Stating three or five members without specifying the Chairman-plus-two structure
• Omitting who makes the appointment (the President)
• Saying the PRC appoints the members — it is the President, not the PRC

Key Phrases To Include

• Chairman and two (2) members
• appointed by the President of the Philippines

Marks

2

Topic

Licensure and Registration

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T3

Examiner Tip

The question asks for exactly two requirements. Name two distinct, specific requirements (citizenship and educational background are the safest choices). You may add the others as supporting detail, but two clear points earn the full 2 marks.

Model Answer

A candidate for the Midwife Licensure Examination must: (1) be a citizen of the Philippines (or a citizen of a country granting reciprocity to Filipinos), and (2) be a graduate of a midwifery programme from a school or university recognised/accredited by the government. Additional requirements include good moral character and not having been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Point 1: Citizenship requirement — Filipino citizen or reciprocity [1 mark]
• Point 2: Educational requirement — graduate of a recognised/accredited midwifery programme [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing only one requirement when the question asks for two
• Giving vague answers like 'must have studied midwifery' without mentioning government recognition of the school
• Confusing admission requirements with passing requirements

Key Phrases To Include

• citizen of the Philippines
• reciprocity
• graduate of midwifery
• recognised by the government
• good moral character
• moral turpitude

Marks

2

Topic

Renewal and Continuing Professional Development

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T4

Examiner Tip

Examiners frequently test whether students know that CPD comes from RA 10912, not from RA 7392. This distinction is a favourite trap in the MLE. Nail both facts for 2/2.

Model Answer

The Professional Identification Card (PIC) of a Registered Midwife must be renewed every three (3) years. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandated by Republic Act No. 10912, the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, not by RA 7392 itself. A midwife must earn the required CPD units as a condition for licence renewal.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Point 1: PIC is renewed every 3 years [1 mark]
• Point 2: CPD is required under RA 10912 (CPD Act of 2016) [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying the PIC is renewed every year or every five years
• Attributing CPD to RA 7392 — CPD is governed by a separate law, RA 10912
• Omitting the RA number for CPD and writing only 'CPD law'

Key Phrases To Include

• every three (3) years
• Republic Act No. 10912
• Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016
• CPD units
• condition for renewal

Marks

2

Topic

Licensure and Registration

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T5

Examiner Tip

Always distinguish the COR (permanent proof of registration) from the PIC (the renewed ID card). A midwife holds both, but they serve different functions.

Model Answer

A Certificate of Registration (COR) is the official document issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery to a qualified applicant who has passed the Midwife Licensure Examination (or has been registered through other lawful means) and has taken the professional oath. Its significance is that it legally authorises the holder to practise midwifery in the Philippines and to use the title 'Registered Midwife (RM).' Without a valid COR, a person may not lawfully practise midwifery under RA 7392.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Part 1: Define COR — what it is and how it is earned [1 mark]
• Part 2: State its significance — lawful authority to practise and use the title RM [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the COR with the Professional Identification Card (PIC) — they are two separate documents
• Failing to mention that the oath must be taken before the COR is issued
• Not linking the COR to the right to use the title 'RM'

Key Phrases To Include

• Certificate of Registration
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery
• passed the licensure examination
• professional oath
• lawfully practise midwifery
• Registered Midwife (RM)

Marks

3

Topic

Penal and Administrative Provisions

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T6

Examiner Tip

There are at least six recognised grounds for revocation. Know all six so you can choose the three you can explain most clearly. Using the exact legal language (e.g., 'moral turpitude,' 'gross negligence') signals legal literacy and earns full marks.

Model Answer

Under RA 7392, the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery may revoke or suspend a Certificate of Registration on the following grounds: (1) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude — e.g., a midwife convicted of fraud or a grave criminal offence loses the moral standing required for professional practice. (2) Gross negligence or malpractice in the practice of midwifery — e.g., a midwife who attends a delivery and through serious negligence causes harm to the mother or newborn. (3) Fraud or deceit in obtaining the Certificate of Registration or in the licensure examination — e.g., cheating during the board exam. Other valid grounds include immoral or dishonourable conduct, practising beyond the legal scope of midwifery, and being declared mentally incompetent.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Ground 1: Name the ground + brief explanation or example [1 mark]
• Ground 2: Name the ground + brief explanation or example [1 mark]
• Ground 3: Name the ground + brief explanation or example [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing fewer than three grounds when the question explicitly asks for three
• Using vague language like 'being bad' instead of the legal term (e.g., 'immoral or dishonourable conduct')
• Repeating the same ground in different words to fill the list

Key Phrases To Include

• moral turpitude
• gross negligence or malpractice
• fraud or deceit
• immoral or dishonourable conduct
• practising beyond the legal scope
• mental incompetence

Marks

3

Topic

Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T7

Examiner Tip

Think of the Board's role in three categories: (1) examination, (2) registration and discipline, and (3) ethics and education standards. One function from each category gives a well-rounded 3-mark answer.

Model Answer

Under RA 7392, the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery has the following powers and functions: (1) Administer and conduct the Midwife Licensure Examination — the Board prepares the examination, sets the passing standards, and rates the results. (2) Issue, suspend, or revoke Certificates of Registration — the Board has the authority to grant a licence to a qualified midwife and to take disciplinary action, including licence suspension or revocation, against a midwife who violates the law or its code of ethics. (3) Investigate violations and hear administrative cases — the Board hears complaints against registered midwives and can impose administrative sanctions for misconduct, negligence, or unprofessional behaviour. (Note: Other valid functions include prescribing the Code of Ethics and monitoring midwifery education standards.)

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Function 1: Conducting the licensure examination [1 mark]
• Function 2: Issuing, suspending, or revoking Certificates of Registration [1 mark]
• Function 3: Investigating violations and hearing administrative cases [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Confusing the Board's functions with the PRC's general functions — give functions specific to the Board of Midwifery
• Listing only one or two functions when three are required
• Saying the Board 'manages' midwifery schools — it monitors/sets standards, not manages

Key Phrases To Include

• prepare, conduct, and rate the licensure examination
• issue, suspend or revoke
• Certificates of Registration
• investigate violations
• hear administrative cases
• Code of Ethics
• standards of midwifery education

Marks

3

Topic

Penal and Administrative Provisions

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T8

Examiner Tip

Case-study questions test whether you can apply the law to a real situation. Always (1) name the legal issue, (2) state the law and its penalty, and (3) describe the legally correct action. In this case, the midwife's role is to detect and report — not to investigate or prosecute.

Model Answer

Under RA 7392, the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992, it is unlawful to practise midwifery or to represent oneself as a Registered Midwife without a valid Certificate of Registration issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery. The woman described is engaged in illegal practice of midwifery. RA 7392 penalises such illegal practice with a fine and/or imprisonment upon conviction in court. The appropriate action for the midwife is to: (1) Document the report from the Barangay Health Worker carefully; (2) Refer or report the matter to the appropriate authorities — the PRC, the Board of Midwifery, and/or local law enforcement — since investigating and prosecuting illegal practice is beyond the scope of the midwife's role; and (3) Continue to ensure that community members are informed about seeking care only from licensed health professionals.

Question Type

case_study

Answer Structure

• Part 1: Identify the legal issue — illegal practice under RA 7392 [1 mark]
• Part 2: State the penalty under the Act — fine and/or imprisonment [1 mark]
• Part 3: Describe the correct action — document, report to proper authorities, refer upward [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying the midwife should 'arrest' or 'confront' the illegal practitioner — this is beyond the midwife's legal authority
• Omitting the penalty (fine and/or imprisonment) entirely
• Not citing RA 7392 as the legal basis for the answer

Key Phrases To Include

• illegal practice of midwifery
• Certificate of Registration
• fine and/or imprisonment
• RA 7392
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery
• report to proper authorities

Marks

2

Topic

Licensure and Registration

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T9

Examiner Tip

'Reciprocity' literally means 'give and take.' If Country X lets Filipino midwives practise, the Philippines lets Country X's midwives practise here. Both sides must benefit — that is the key idea the examiner is testing.

Model Answer

Registration by reciprocity under RA 7392 refers to the process by which a foreign national (a citizen of another country) may be registered as a midwife in the Philippines without taking the Midwife Licensure Examination, provided that the foreign national's home country grants the same privilege to Filipino midwives. This means the Philippines will only extend this courtesy to countries that likewise allow Filipinos to practise midwifery without examination. The Board of Midwifery may impose additional conditions before granting such registration.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Part 1: Define reciprocity — registration without exam for foreign nationals whose country grants the same to Filipinos [1 mark]
• Part 2: State the condition — the foreign applicant's home country must grant the same privilege to Filipino midwives [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying any foreigner can register without an exam — the reciprocity condition must be mentioned
• Confusing reciprocity with an exemption from all requirements — the Board still imposes conditions
• Not explaining what 'reciprocity' means in a mutual/bilateral sense

Key Phrases To Include

• registration by reciprocity
• foreign national
• without taking the licensure examination
• home country grants the same privilege to Filipino midwives
• Board of Midwifery

Marks

2

Topic

Professional Oath and Code of Ethics

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T10

Examiner Tip

Think of the oath as the 'activation step' between passing the exam and receiving the licence. No oath = no COR. The sequence is: PASS → OATH → COR + PIC → PRACTISE.

Model Answer

The professional oath is a solemn public commitment taken by every newly registered midwife before assuming practice. Its purpose is to bind the midwife to uphold the law (RA 7392), serve the public honestly, practise only within the legal limits of midwifery competence, and maintain the dignity and standards of the profession. It is administered by the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery after the candidate has passed the Midwife Licensure Examination and before the Certificate of Registration (COR) and Professional Identification Card (PIC) are issued.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Part 1: State the purpose of the oath — commitment to the law, public service, and scope of practice [1 mark]
• Part 2: State when it is administered — after passing the exam, before issuance of COR and PIC [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying the oath is taken before the exam — it is taken after passing
• Describing the oath as merely ceremonial without explaining its legal-ethical significance
• Omitting that the Board administers the oath

Key Phrases To Include

• professional oath
• solemn commitment
• uphold the law
• public service
• within the legal scope
• Certificate of Registration
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery

Marks

3

Topic

Penal and Administrative Provisions

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T11

Examiner Tip

The three-track liability (administrative, criminal, civil) is a favourite MLE theme. Even when a question only asks about two tracks, mentioning all three in passing shows depth of understanding and may earn bonus recognition from the examiner.

Model Answer

Under RA 7392, a midwife may face two distinct types of liability for a single act of misconduct, and these run independently of each other. Administrative liability arises before the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery (or PRC) and may result in the suspension or revocation of the midwife's Certificate of Registration, reprimand, or other disciplinary sanctions. Example: A midwife who practises beyond the legal scope of midwifery (e.g., performing a procedure reserved for doctors) may have her licence suspended by the Board. Criminal liability arises before the regular courts under the penal provisions of RA 7392 and may result in a fine and/or imprisonment upon conviction. Example: A person who practises midwifery without any licence (Certificate of Registration) may be charged in court and, if convicted, faces a fine and/or imprisonment. Importantly, these two types of liability are SEPARATE — a midwife can be found administratively liable and have her licence revoked even if she is acquitted in the criminal case, and vice versa.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Part 1: Define administrative liability and state the forum (Board/PRC) and sanction (suspension/revocation) + example [1 mark]
• Part 2: Define criminal liability and state the forum (courts) and sanction (fine/imprisonment) + example [1 mark]
• Part 3: Emphasise that the two are separate and can run concurrently [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Treating administrative and criminal liability as the same thing or saying one prevents the other
• Omitting examples when the question explicitly asks for one of each
• Failing to mention civil liability as a third track (losing the extra-detail opportunity)

Key Phrases To Include

• administrative liability
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery
• suspension or revocation
• criminal liability
• regular courts
• fine and/or imprisonment
• separate and independent
• concurrent

Marks

5

Topic

Midwifery vs. Nursing Law

Difficulty

hard

Template Id

T12

Examiner Tip

For a 5-mark comparison question, the examiner is looking for BOTH breadth (all four comparison points addressed) and depth (each point explained, not just listed). Use the (a), (b), (c), (d) labels from the question to organise your answer — this makes marking easier and ensures you do not skip a sub-point. The 'why not interchangeable' conclusion is where many students leave marks on the table.

Model Answer

COMPARISON OF RA 7392 AND RA 9173 (a) Year of Enactment: RA 7392 (Philippine Midwifery Act) was enacted in 1992. RA 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act) was enacted in 2002. Both are in force today and both are administered under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). (b) Regulatory Board: RA 7392 created the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery, composed of a Chairman and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines. RA 9173 created the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, which has a different composition and separate mandate. Each board administers its own licensure examination, issues its own Certificates of Registration, and handles discipline of its own registrants. (c) Professional Title: A person who passes the Midwife Licensure Examination under RA 7392 earns the title Registered Midwife (RM). A person who passes the Nurse Licensure Examination under RA 9173 earns the title Registered Nurse (RN). These are distinct credentials — holding one does not confer the other. (d) Core Scope of Practice: The midwife's scope (RA 7392) is centred on NORMAL maternal and child health care in the community: prenatal and postnatal care, conducting normal spontaneous deliveries, newborn care, family planning, and primary community health. The midwife is an independent primary care provider for normal cases and is legally required to recognise complications and refer them to a higher level of care. The nurse's scope (RA 9173) is broader and general: comprehensive nursing assessment and care across all age groups, conditions, and health-care settings. Nurses also perform certain delegated medical functions that are outside the midwife's legal authority. WHY THEY ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE: Despite some overlapping duties in a maternity ward, a midwife is not a nurse and vice versa because: (1) They are licensed under different laws and by different boards; (2) A midwife practising nursing functions without a nursing licence violates RA 9173, and a nurse conducting deliveries independently without a midwifery licence may exceed her scope if not covered by delegated authority; (3) Their educational background and scope are different — midwifery is focused on normal MCH and community care, while nursing is a broad, general-care profession. Both professions share the recognise-and-refer discipline, are PRC-regulated, require CPD (RA 10912), and uphold a Code of Ethics — but these similarities do not make their licences transferable.

Question Type

long_answer

Answer Structure

• Introduction: Brief statement that both are PRC-regulated professions under separate laws [0.5 mark — sets up context]
• Point (a): Year — RA 7392 (1992) vs. RA 9173 (2002) [1 mark]
• Point (b): Board — PRB of Midwifery (Chairman + 2 members) vs. PRB of Nursing [1 mark]
• Point (c): Title — Registered Midwife (RM) vs. Registered Nurse (RN) [0.5 mark]
• Point (d): Scope — midwife = normal MCH/community; nurse = broad general care [1 mark]
• Conclusion: Why not interchangeable — different laws, boards, licences, and scope [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Swapping the years — putting RA 9173 in 1992 or RA 7392 in 2002
• Describing the nursing scope as the same as midwifery scope — must clearly show the broader scope of nursing
• Failing to answer the 'why not interchangeable' portion — this is worth a full mark
• Writing a wall of text with no structure — a question with four sub-parts (a, b, c, d) should be answered in labelled sections
• Stating that a midwife 'is also a nurse' or 'can perform nursing functions' without qualification

Key Phrases To Include

• RA 7392 (1992)
• RA 9173 (2002)
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery
• Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing
• Registered Midwife (RM)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• normal maternal and child health care
• independent primary care provider
• recognise and refer
• PRC-regulated
• RA 10912 (CPD)
• different laws and different boards

Marks

1

Topic

Legislative History of RA 7392

Difficulty

easy

Template Id

T13

Examiner Tip

Know the predecessor law: RA 2644 (1960) was replaced by RA 7392 (1992). The 32-year gap and the jump in RA numbers both reflect how much the profession evolved. This is a 30-second question — state the number and year, nothing more.

Model Answer

RA 7392 (Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992) repealed Republic Act No. 2644, the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1960.

Question Type

very_short_answer

Answer Structure

• Line 1: State RA 2644 and its year (1960) [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying RA 7392 replaced RA 9173 — these are two different professions' laws entirely
• Getting the year wrong (e.g., 1962 or 1956)
• Omitting the RA number and writing only 'the old midwifery law'

Key Phrases To Include

• Republic Act No. 2644
• Philippine Midwifery Act of 1960

Marks

3

Topic

Professional Oath and Code of Ethics

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T14

Examiner Tip

The Code of Ethics question often appears in the MLE as a test of whether you know that ethics is legally enforced, not just a suggestion. Violations can lead to administrative sanctions. Always mention the referral duty, informed consent, and confidentiality — these three are the most frequently tested.

Model Answer

Under the Code of Ethics prescribed by the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery, a Registered Midwife has the following ethical duties: (1) Practise only within the legal scope of midwifery and refer promptly when a case exceeds that scope — for example, a midwife who detects signs of obstructed labour at a lying-in clinic must immediately refer the mother to the nearest BEmONC or hospital, not attempt to manage the complication independently. (2) Maintain confidentiality of client information — all information shared by the client during prenatal, intrapartum, or postnatal care must be kept private and disclosed only to authorised persons (e.g., the receiving physician on referral). (3) Obtain informed consent before any procedure — the midwife must explain the procedure, its purpose, risks, and alternatives to the client in understandable language before proceeding.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Duty 1: Practise within scope and refer when necessary + brief example [1 mark]
• Duty 2: Maintain confidentiality + brief explanation [1 mark]
• Duty 3: Obtain informed consent + brief explanation [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Listing only clinical duties (e.g., 'take blood pressure') rather than ethical duties
• Vague statements like 'be a good midwife' without identifying a specific ethical principle
• Omitting the referral duty — this is central to midwifery ethics under RA 7392

Key Phrases To Include

• legal scope of midwifery
• refer promptly
• confidentiality
• informed consent
• accurate records
• dignity of the profession
• public safety

Marks

3

Topic

Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery

Difficulty

medium

Template Id

T15

Examiner Tip

Think of the PRC as the 'parent office' and the Board of Midwifery as a 'department' within it. The Board does the professional work (exams, discipline), while the PRC handles the administrative and appellate functions. This hierarchy is a common MLE question angle.

Model Answer

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the national government agency that oversees all licensed professions in the Philippines. The Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery operates under the PRC — it is a body created by RA 7392 that functions within the PRC's administrative umbrella. The PRC's role in relation to midwifery includes: (1) Housing and supporting the Board of Midwifery — the PRC provides the administrative, logistical, and financial support for the Board's operations, including the conduct of the Midwife Licensure Examination nationwide. (2) Issuance of the Professional Identification Card — the PIC is a PRC document, renewed every three years; the PRC maintains the national registry of all licensed midwives. (3) Appellate function — decisions of the Board of Midwifery in administrative cases (e.g., licence revocation) may be appealed to the PRC before further appeal to the courts. This structure ensures that midwifery — like all other licensed professions — is regulated uniformly across all regions of the Philippines under one national authority.

Question Type

short_answer

Answer Structure

• Part 1: Describe the PRC and its supervisory relationship over the Board of Midwifery [1 mark]
• Part 2: State at least one specific PRC function for midwifery (e.g., issuance of PIC, national registry, exam logistics) [1 mark]
• Part 3: Describe the PRC as appellate authority for Board decisions [1 mark]

Scoring Breakdown

Common Mark Deductions

• Saying the PRC and the Board of Midwifery are the same body — they are distinct but related
• Omitting the appellate role of the PRC
• Failing to state that midwifery is a nationally regulated profession (licence valid throughout the Philippines)

Key Phrases To Include

• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
• national government agency
• under the PRC
• Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery
• Professional Identification Card
• national registry
• appellate authority
• nationally regulated profession