European osteopathy forum meets to consider future challenges

Members of the Forum for Osteopathic Regulation in Europe (FORE) met for the ninth time in February, bringing together 25 representatives of osteopathic organisations from across Europe.

Established nearly five years ago to promote the wider recognition and regulation of osteopathy across Europe, FORE is now looking to formalise its structure and consider even closer working relations with the European Federation of Osteopaths (EFO) so it is best placed to face the future challenges facing the osteopathic profession. Historically, the EFO has represented osteopaths at the European political level and FORE has focused on regulatory matters. A potential merger with FORE could create a more unified voice for osteopaths on the European political stage, particularly when both bodies are working to promote the wider recognition and regulation of osteopaths and high standards of osteopathic treatment.

The idea of a merger was considered in detail by FORE members in February, and similar discussions are being held within the EFO. To take this forward, the strengths and weaknesses of this proposal, together with different options for a merger, are being drawn up for further consideration. Other topics on the agenda for FORE included the:

• Development of a European Scope of Osteopathic Practice

This potentially valuable piece of work, being developed by EFO and FORE member organisations, is reaching its final stages before wider dissemination / consultation amongst the osteopathic profession and wider public in 2010. A purpose of this document, once finalised, will be to assist Member States in their consideration of osteopathic regulation. More details will follow.

• Formalisation of European osteopathic standards

Further consideration was given to the formalisation of European osteopathic standards through adoption by national standardisation agencies. The mechanism for this would be through working with the European Committee of Standardisation (CEN: www.cen.eu) with which a meeting is scheduled in April to explore potential next steps.

• Update on regulatory developments in Spain

Currently the Spanish Government is proposing a law project on natural therapies, including osteopathy. Concerns have been raised about the definition and classification of osteopathy the Government is proposing and the accuracy of the research it has compiled on the status of osteopathy in different countries. Representations from FORE and EFO members to the Spanish Government are being drafted, before submission as soon as possible.

• Update on regulatory developments in Norway

The Norwegian Government is in the process of considering the future authorisation of osteopathy in Norway. It was agreed that FORE would make a collective submission in support of authorisation. Authorisation is required in Norway to practise as a regulated profession and benefit from VAT exemption, for example.