What penalties are imposed for practicing medical technology without a valid license, as outlined in RA 5527?

The penalties imposed for practicing medical technology without a valid license, as outlined in Republic Act (RA) 5527, specifically include fines or imprisonment. This is significant because such penalties are designed to uphold the standards of the profession and ensure that only qualified individuals provide medical technology services. The law emphasizes the importance of proper licensing as a means of protecting public health and safety, as unlicensed practice can lead to serious consequences for both practitioners and patients.

In contrast, mandatory community service, suspension from practice, and reprimands do not reflect the severity of the offense associated with unlicensed practice in the medical technology field. The structured penalties of fines or imprisonment serve to deter individuals from engaging in unlawful practices that could jeopardize patient care and undermine the integrity of the healthcare system.