New Capabilities for osteopathic practice published

19 Jun 2019

The Osteopathy Board of Australia (the Board) is urging registered osteopaths to familiarise themselves with the newly released Capabilities for osteopathic practice (2019) which will come into effect on 1 December 2019.

The Capabilities for osteopathic practice (2019) (the capabilities) set out the attributes, knowledge and skills required for osteopathic practice and describe the threshold competence for initial and continuing registration as an osteopath in Australia.

Board Chair, Dr Nikole Grbin, says that the capabilities can be used to help with the design and modification of curricula and continuing professional development (CPD) modules, the evaluation of overseas qualifications and to review the competence of practising osteopaths.

‘We have decided to publish the capabilities before they come into effect to allow time for osteopaths and other stakeholders to prepare for their introduction and easily transition from the existing Capabilities for osteopathic practice 2009,’ Dr Grbin said.

‘During the transition period (19 June 2019 to 30 November 2019), we encourage you to reflect on your practice using the new capabilities, and complete continuing professional development activities that will help you identify and address areas of learning,’ she said.

‘A significant change in the capabilities are that they now include cultural competence and cultural safety, ensuring osteopaths in Australia can work effectively with people from various cultures that may differ from their own.’

The osteopathy profession is rapidly evolving. The role and scope of practice, the model of education and training and the regulatory framework in which registration of osteopathy occurs, has developed substantially since the Capabilities for osteopathic practice 2009 were published.

The publication of the new capabilities was achieved through an extensive review, preliminary and wide-ranging public consultations, informed feedback and a collaborative input from the Board, stakeholders and the Australasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC).

Until 30 November 2019, the existing 2009 capabilities will remain in force. The Board has published FAQ resources on their website to assist with any enquiries osteopaths and stakeholders may have about the transition and implementation of the new capabilities.

The capabilities can be viewed on the Board’s website.

For further information 

• Go to the Board’s website, see www.osteopathyboard.gov.au. 
• Lodge an online enquiry form. 
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers). 
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200.