Section 16Sec./Art. 16

Powers and Functions. - the Corporation shall have the following powers and functions:

a. to administer the National Health Insurance Program;

b. to formulate and promulgate policies for the sound administration of the Program;

c. to set standards, rules, and regulations necessary to ensure quality of care, appropriate utilization of services, fund viability, member satisfaction, and overall accomplishment of Program objectives;

d. to formulate and implement guidelines on contributions and benefits; portability of benefits, cost containment and quality assurance; and health care provider arrangements, payment methods, and referral systems;

e. to establish branch offices as mandated in Article V of this Act;

f. to receive and manage grants, donations, and other forms of assistance;

g. to sue and be sued in court;

h. to acquire property, real and personal, which may be necessary or expedient for the attainment of the purposes of this Act;

i. to collect, deposit, invest, administer, and disburse the National Health Insurance Fund in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

j. to negotiate and enter into contracts with health care institutions, professionals, and other persons, juridical or natural, regarding the pricing, payment mechanisms, design and implementation of administrative and operating systems and procedures, financing, and delivery of health services;

k. to authorize Local Health Insurance Offices to negotiate and enter into contracts in the name and on behalf of the Corporation with any accredited government or private sector health provider organization, including but not limited to health maintenance organizations, cooperatives and medical foundations, for the provision of at least the minimum package of personal health services prescribed by the Corporation;

l. to determine requirements and issue guidelines for the accreditation of health care providers for the Program in accordance with this Act;

m. to supervise the provision of health benefits with the power to inspect medical and financial records of health care providers and patients who are participants in or members of the Program, and the power to enter and inspect accredited health care institutions, subject to the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Corporation;

n. to organize its office, fix the compensation of and appoint personnel as may be deemed necessary and upon the recommendation of the president of the Corporation;

o. to submit to the President of the Philippines and to both Houses of Congress its Annual Report which shall contain the status of the National Health Insurance Fund, its total disbursements, reserves, average costings to beneficiaries, any request for additional appropriation, and other data pertinent to the implementation of the Program and publish a synopsis of such report in two (2) newspapers of general circulation;

p. to keep records of the operations of the Corporation and investments of the National Health Insurance Fund; and

q. to perform such other acts as it may deem appropriate for the attainment of the objectives of the Corporation and for the proper enforcement of the provisions of this Act.