General Osteopathic Council

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is a regulatory body in the United Kingdom responsible for the regulation of osteopathy. It was established by the Osteopaths Act 1993 and began its work in 1998. The council maintains a Register of Osteopaths in the UK, ensuring that all practitioners meet the required standards of safety and competence. The GOsC also sets the standards for osteopathic education and practice, conducts professional conduct hearings, and promotes the development of the profession.

History

The establishment of the General Osteopathic Council was a landmark event in the history of osteopathy in the UK. Prior to the enactment of the Osteopaths Act 1993, osteopathy was not a regulated profession, which meant that anyone could claim to be an osteopath regardless of their training or competence. The act provided statutory recognition to the profession and laid down the foundation for the regulation of osteopathic practice in the UK.

Functions

The primary functions of the General Osteopathic Council include:

• Maintaining the Register of Osteopaths: The GOsC keeps a public register of all those qualified to practice osteopathy in the UK. To be eligible for registration, practitioners must meet the council's standards of education, training, and conduct.

• Setting Standards: The council sets standards for osteopathic education, practice, and conduct. These standards ensure that osteopaths provide high-quality care to their patients.

• Assuring Quality of Education: The GOsC accredits osteopathic education providers and courses, ensuring that they meet the required educational standards.

• Professional Conduct: The council investigates complaints against osteopaths and can take disciplinary action if necessary. This includes suspending or removing practitioners from the register.

• Promoting Osteopathy: The GOsC also works to promote the osteopathic profession and increase public awareness of osteopathy as a form of healthcare.

Registration

To be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, practitioners must have completed a recognized qualification in osteopathy, which typically involves four years of full-time study. They must also demonstrate good health and good character, and commit to ongoing professional development.

Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework established by the Osteopaths Act 1993 and overseen by the General Osteopathic Council ensures that osteopathy is practiced safely and effectively in the UK. The act defines illegal practice and sets penalties for those who practice osteopathy without registration.

Challenges and Developments

The General Osteopathic Council faces ongoing challenges in adapting to changes in healthcare, ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness of osteopathic practice. It also works to enhance the integration of osteopathy within the wider healthcare system in the UK.

See Also

• Osteopathy
• Regulatory body
• Professional conduct
• Osteopaths Act 1993