The Regulation and Future of Osteopathy
At present, osteopathy is not regulated in Canada. In 2003, the World Osteopathic Health Organization (WOHO) was formed. It is developing worldwide educational standards for osteopathic practitioners. The aim of this organization is to promote, develop, protect and establish throughout the world the study, philosophy, science, and practice of osteopathy in both its application and research for the benefit of the peoples of all nations. In addition WOHO seeks to ensure the worldwide availability of the practice of traditional manipulative (manual) osteopathy of the highest standard and its integration into existing health services in different countries. The WOHO recognizes the two types of osteopathic practitioners: osteopathic physicians and manual osteopaths.

WOHO website: http://www.woho.org

In Canada today there are both American trained osteopathic physicians and European, Canadian, and other Commonwealth trained manual osteopathic practitioners (who are not medical doctors) who treat patients using manual techniques only. Increased numbers of Canadians are benefiting from osteopathic care and as this continues to happen, allopathic physicians, other health care practitioners, and the government will also see the benefits.

The Ontario Association Of Osteopaths (OAO) is an association of manual osteopaths in Ontario. It is currently working on a submission to the Ontario government requesting the government create regulations for osteopathy in Ontario. The rest of the provinces in Canada will likely follow.

OAO website:www.osteopathyontario.com

The Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy
(SPMPO) is a member of the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA). The SPMPO is in the process of talking to government officials from the Ministry of Health in order to gain recognition and pave the way for future government regulation of Manual Osteopathic Practitioners in this province. The SPMPO is also in the process of speaking with insurance companies to educate them about what we do and why they should cover our services.

SPMPO website: www.osteopathybc.ca