Call for views on the Osteopathic Practice Standards opens

A sector-wide call for feedback on the Osteopathic Practice Standards (OPS) has been launched, marking the first step in a planned update to the profession’s core regulatory framework.

The feedback gathered will inform proposed revisions ahead of a full public consultation in summer 2026. The aim is to ensure that the updated standards remain clear, practical and aligned with contemporary osteopathic practice, while continuing to support high‑quality patient care.

Background to the review

The OPS define the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required of osteopaths, underpinning education, clinical practice, ethics and patient safety. As autonomous healthcare professionals, osteopaths rely on these standards to guide independent clinical decision‑making in partnership with patients.

The current version came into force in 2019. Routine review is considered good regulatory practice, ensuring that standards reflect developments in law, healthcare policy, public expectations and professional practice.

Why the update matters

Since the last review, the healthcare landscape has shifted significantly. Key developments include:

• National guidance emphasising shared decision‑making
• Greater focus on community‑based care, prevention and digital literacy
• Rapid expansion of artificial intelligence in clinical and administrative settings
• Rising concerns across health professions about maintaining appropriate professional boundaries

At the same time, core elements of osteopathic care—human interaction, therapeutic touch and a holistic approach—remain central to patient experience. Recent YouGov research from 2023 showed that 94–99% of patients rated their osteopath as good, reinforcing the profession’s strong reputation for patient‑centred care.

What the call for feedback seeks to understand

Osteopaths, students, patients and others with an interest in osteopathic practice are invited to share their views on:

• The clarity and relevance of the current standards
• How useful the OPS are in day‑to‑day practice
• What works well and what could be improved
• Whether any important areas or contemporary issues are missing
• Which changes would have the greatest impact and why

Sector voices

Fiona Browne, Director of Education, Standards and Development, emphasised the importance of broad engagement:

“The Osteopathic Practice Standards set the core standards that osteopaths hold themselves to and that patients and society expect. The standards form the foundation for osteopathic education, training, continuing professional development and practice and are fundamental to patient safety and high‑quality care. We want to hear from as many people as possible to help inform our initial updates. Whether you’re an osteopath dealing with these standards daily, a patient who has received osteopathic care, or you are involved in osteopathic education – your perspective matters.”

How to take part

The deadline for responses is 1 March 2026.

Participants can read more about the call for feedback or share their views directly through the consultation channels provided.

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