Julia Spivack convicted of falsely claiming to be an osteopath

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Julia Spivack convicted of falsely claiming to be an osteopath

Bedford County Court has found that a woman describing herself as an osteopath has broken the law. Ms Julia Spivack of Steppingley, Bedfordshire pleaded not guilty to two charges of describing herself as an osteopath when not registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Today she was fined a total of £310.00, ordered to pay costs of £300.00 and a victim surcharge of £15.00.

The charges related to a false description contained on Ms Spivack’s website. Ms Spivack was made aware in June 2011 that she was not entitled to describe herself as an osteopath. Despite receiving warnings from the GOsC that she should cease describing herself as an osteopath, Ms Spivack continued to do so.

Since the passing of the Osteopaths Act 1993, the title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law. Under Section 32(1) of the Act, it is a criminal offence for anyone to claim, expressly or by implication, to be any kind of osteopath, unless registered with the GOsC. The GOsC is the only statutory regulator in the UK that registers qualified osteopaths and sets standards of osteopathic practice and conduct.

Patient safety is the primary purpose of restricting the use of the osteopathic title to those registered with the GOsC. The GOsC ensures that the practitioners on its register are safe and competent osteopaths who follow a strict code of conduct.

For details of a registered osteopath in your area contact the General Osteopathic Council on 0207 357 6655 or use the online Register at: www.osteopathy.org.uk/register-search

ENDS
For further information, contact:
The GOsC Press Office
Tel: 020 7357 6655 x245
Email: pressoffice@osteopathy.org.uk 

Notes to editors:
1. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the practice of osteopathy in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK.

2. Visit our website at: www.osteopathy.org.uk for more details.