SEC. 6. Functions of the Commission. The Commission shall have the following functions and powers:
To formulate policies, administer and implement the Philippine Medical Care Plan, consistent with the National Health Plan.
To ensure that medical care is provided to members covered by the Philippine Medical Care Plan.
To organize its offices, fix the compensation of and appoint its Secretary and such other personnel as may be deemed necessary, subject to pertinent budget and compensation laws, rules and regulations.
To establish when deemed necessary provincial, city and municipal medical care councils.
To accredit medical and dental practitioners, government and private hospitals and other facilities for participation in the Medical Care Plan under such terms and conditions as the Commission may set.
To promulgate or prescribe rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Decree.
To recommend to the President from time to time according to sound actuarial procedures the contributions as well as benefits under the Philippine Medical Care Plan as resources allow in order to insure adequate financing and effective delivery of medical care to all beneficiaries of the Plan.
To fix and provide from its funds the necessary amount for the operation of Provincial Medical Care Councils, City Medical Care Councils and the Municipal Medical Care Councils so that they could carry out their respective functions under the Medical Care Plan. Council members shall be entitled to per diems for every meeting actually attended by them as well as actual and necessary travel expenses as the Commission may provide, subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations on compensation honoraria and allowances. Ex-officio council members shall be provided with an honorarium in such amount as the Commission may approve subject to pertinent rules and regulations on honoraria.
To ensure a homogenous distribution of adequate hospital accommodations for in-patient care through a national network of government and private medical care facilities; and to coordinate with the Department of Health in the implementation of the Hospital Licensure Act.
To acquire in behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, real or personal property which may be necessary or expedient for the attainment of the purposes of the Commission.
To enter into agreement or contracts in the manner and under such terms and conditions as the Commission may deem proper for the efficient and effective administration of the Commission.
To adopt control measures to prevent abuses of the Philippine Medical Care Plan.
To investigate upon its own initiative or upon complaint in writing, any violation of this Decree or of the implementing rules and regulations and to suspend or revoke, after notice and hearing, the accreditation extended to any government or private hospital, drug store, medical and dental practitioner, who commits such violation: Provided, That any order or decision rendered by the Commission under this paragraph shall be appealable to the Office of the President in accordance with the procedure established under Executive Order No. 19, Series of 1966.
To submit to the President of the Philippines annually within the first ten days of each year, a report covering its activities in the administration and enforcement of this Decree during the preceding fiscal year.
To coordinate with other appropriate government agencies in the development of medical and allied manpower based on the needs of the health care delivery system.
Generally to exercise all powers necessary to attain the purposes and objectives of this Decree.
