Administrative Order No. 4 s. 1996

13 February 1996

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

No. 4 series 1996

STANDARDS FOR BLOOD BANKS AND BLOOD CENTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Pursuant to Section 9 of R.A. 7719, otherwise known as the “National Blood Services Act of 1994,” and Section 26 and 38 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (DOH A.O. No. 9 series of 1995) the attached First Edition 1996 of the “Standards for Blood Banks and Blood Centers in the Philippines” is hereby incorporated as an integral part of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7719.

Section 1

Title

This shall be known as the “Standards for Blood Banks and Blood Centers in the Philippines.”

Section 2

Purpose

These standards are issued to define the level of desirable services in Blood Banks and Blood Centers in the country. It is envisioned that adherence to these will lead to quality service and the safety of blood and blood products for all patients.

These standards describe the mandatory and recommended practices for blood banks and blood centers.

Specific Licensing Requirements and Procedures shall be issued as subsequent Bureau Orders or Memorandum Circulars from the Bureau of Research and Laboratories, Department of Health.

Section 3

Scope

These Standards shall apply to all Blood Banks and Blood Centers whether hospital or non–hospital based, within the geographical boundaries of the Philippines

Section 4

Dissemination

To ensure that relevant key persons are informed of these Standards and subsequent revisions, all Regional Health Directors, Chiefs of Hospitals and all heads of licensed blood banks/blood centers shall signify knowledge of these Standards through appropriate acknowledgement receipts and memos. The heads of the blood banks/centers are responsible for making sure that these Standards are read and understood by all concerned blood bank/blood center staff.

Section 5

Violations

Non–compliance of these Standards shall be regarded as a violation under R.A. 7719 and thus is subject to the penalties defined by R.A. 7719 and Department of Health A.O. No. 9 s. 1995.

Section 6

Repealing Clause

These Standards supersede all previous Department and Bureau Orders, Circulars and Memoranda (A.O. No. 57, s. 1989; B.O. No. 5, s. 1990, A.O. No. 122, s. 1992; Bureau Circular No. 2, s. 1990, No. 2, s. 1991 and No. 4, s. 1994 of the BRL). The provisions of any Department or Bureau issuances inconsistent with these Standards are hereby nullified.

Section 7

Effectivity Clause

These standards shall take effect immediately.

Full enforcement shall commence on January 1, 1997. Year 1996 will considered a transition period for all concerned to upgrade their capabilities for meeting the Standards.

There shall be reviewed and if necessary, revised, by the Bureau of Research and Laboratories (BRL), every two (2) years. Revised editions shall have clearly stated effectivity dates and shall be signed by the BRL Director. All previous editions shall be recalled by the BRL.

HILARION J. RAMIRO, JR., M.D., MHA

Secretary of Health