Osteopath Regulation 

Patients visiting an Osteopath have the same rights as any patient visiting a doctor or dentist. In the UK the General Osteopathic Council regulates, promotes and develops the profession of Osteopathy, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practise Osteopathy. Only practitioners meeting the high standards of safety and competency are eligible to join this register. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement. Of course, the Osteopath Appointment Line only refers patients to Osteopaths in good standing with the General Osteopathic Council - regular checks are made to ensure no complaints are currently under investigation by the Council.

The Osteopaths Act 1993

Ostepoaths are regulated under The Osteopaths Act 1993. 

The Act requires that the General Osteopathic Council:

'to provide the regulation of the profession of osteopathy, including making provision as to the registration of osteopaths and as to their professional education and conduct; to make provision in connection with the development and promotion of the profession; and for connected purposes.'

The Act establish a basic framework for the regulatory scheme to operate, defining:

• The duties, responsibilities and membership of the General Osteopathic Council and its statutory Committees
• The circumstances entitling a person to be registered and the levels of registration that are to exist
• The "trigger points" and sanctions of the "fitness to practise machinery"

Complaints Procedure

An important roole of the General Osteopathic Council to speak with patients who have concerns and complaints about osteopaths. Patients with a concern or complaint about the professional conduct or competence of an osteopath should first try to resolve the matter with the osteopath involved. If this approach fails, then they should contact the General Osteopathic Council who will be able to advise them how to proceed.

The telephone number of the General Osteopathic Council Regulation Department is 0207 357 6655.

The content of this page is informed by feedback from practices in Essex and also a practitioner in Leeds. Further input was received from osteopaths in the Sheffield area and osteopathic practitioners in Fulham. Finally a contribution was made by clinics in Cambridge