In order to provide greater security for osteopathic patients, the Ministry of Health established legal and regulatory procedures for the recognition and regulation of the osteopathic profession. It is a requirement that all osteopaths have followed rigorous official training, since in the absence of such a regulation, anyone could claim to practise the treatment.
Since the framework entered into law a year ago on 1 October 2018, 138 practitioners have received licences to practise osteopathy and have been included on the list of regulated health professions by law, amended on 26 March 1992 for the exercise and revaluation of certain health professions.
The regulation decrees that the practice of the osteopathic profession is subject to the acquisition of a masters degree in osteopathy, or a higher education qualification equivalent.
The regulation also comprises the techniques used (manipulations remedying functional disorders of the human body, in particular manipulations of a musculoskeletal and myofascial nature) as well as acts of intervention which require a prior medical diagnosis (manipulations of the skull, face and spine in infants less than six months of age, or manipulations of the cervical spine).
Osteopaths are obliged to refer the patient to a doctor when the symptoms require a diagnosis or medical treatment, when symptoms persist or worsen, or when the disorders presented exceed his or her area of expertise.
Thanks to the new arrangements, the quality and safety criteria for osteopathic services have been strengthened, since access to an osteopath who has undergone rigorous and serious training can now be guaranteed. The well-being and safety of the patient is the overriding goal of the recognition and regulation of the osteopathic profession.
