Osteopathy: who does what in Australia

An overview of the roles and responsibilities of the different regulators and stakeholders in the osteopathy profession in Australia. This serves as a good reminder for registered osteopaths and students to know what each organisation does, and where to get appropriate help and support throughout their careers.

Find out more at www.osteopathyboard.gov.au/About/Osteopathy-stakeholders-Roles-and-responsibilities.aspx.

Osteopathy Board of Australia (OBA) (National Board)

Regulates the osteopathy profession in order to protect the public:

• Registers osteopaths and students
• Develops registration standards, codes and guidelines for osteopaths
• Considers and makes decisions on notifications (complaints) about osteopaths
• Approves accreditation standards for osteopathy courses
• Approves osteopathy programs of study for registration purposes

www.osteopathyboard.gov.au

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

Supports the National Board and 14 other National Boards in administering the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme:

• Is the first point of contact for all enquiries including those about registration and notifications (complaints)
• Manages the registration and renewal processes for health practitioners
• Publishes and maintains the national register of health practitioners
• On behalf of National Boards, manages investigations into the professional conduct, performance or health of registered health practitioners

www.ahpra.gov.au

Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council

Is assigned the accreditation functions for the osteopathy profession by the National Board:

• Develops accreditation standards for osteopathy courses
• Accredits and monitors osteopathy programs of study and education providers (universities)
• Provides the National Board with accreditation reports on programs of study and education providers
• Assesses internationally qualified osteopaths who want to practise in Australia

www.osteopathiccouncil.org.au

Osteopathy Australia

Is the peak body representing osteopathy:

• Supports and represents the interests of Osteopathy Australia members
• Advocates for osteopaths
• Provides Continuing Professional Development courses/programs for osteopaths, webinars and conferences
• Provides consumer information about osteopathy
• Provides career, practice and employment information for osteopaths

www.osteopathy.org.au