Is Osteopathy safe/regulated?
Osteopathy is safe and regulated. Osteopaths undertake either a four or five year honours degree program, which is underpinned by extensive clinical training. Upon graduation from an Osteopathic college, Osteopaths are required to register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopaths that comply with the high standards of safety, competency and ethics are eligible to join the register. Maintenance on the register requires continuing compliance with strict guidelines of ethics, competency and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) laid down by the GOsC. In 1993, Osteopathy became the first major complementary healthcare profession to be regulated. The title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by statute law. This means that it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution to describe oneself as an Osteopath in the UK unless you are registered with the GOsC. The British Medical Association (BMA) recognises Osteopathy as a distinct clinical discipline and established system of diagnosis
