Osteopaths Act 1993
There shall be a body corporate to be known as the General Osteopathic Council (referred to in this Act as “the General Council”).
It shall be the duty of the General Council to develop ... and regulate the profession of osteopathy.
The General Council shall have such other functions as are conferred on it by this Act.
The General Council shall be constituted as provided for by order of the Privy Council, subject to Part 1 of the Schedule (which relates to orders under this subsection and powers of the General Council), which shall have effect.
The over-arching objective of the General Council in exercising its functions is the protection of the public.
There shall be four committees of the General Council, to be known as—
the Education Committee;
the Investigating Committee;
the Professional Conduct Committee; and
the Health Committee.
The pursuit by the General Council of its over-arching objective involves the pursuit of the following objectives—
to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and well-being of the public;
to promote and maintain public confidence in the profession of osteopathy; and
to promote and maintain proper professional standards and conduct for members of that profession.
The four committees are referred to in this Act as “the statutory committees”.
Each of the statutory committees shall have the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
The General Council may establish such other committees as it considers appropriate in connection with the discharge of its functions.
Part II of the Schedule shall have effect with respect to the statutory committees.
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The General Council shall appoint a person to be the registrar for the purposes of this Act.
The person appointed shall be known as the Registrar of Osteopaths (referred to in this Act as “the Registrar”) and shall hold office for such period and on such terms as the General Council may determine.
It shall be the duty of the Registrar to establish and maintain a register of osteopaths in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
The Registrar shall have such other functions as the General Council may direct.
Where the terms on which the Registrar holds office include provision for the payment to him of any allowances or expenses, the rate at which those allowances or expenses are paid shall be determined by the General Council.
The terms on which the Registrar holds office may, in addition to providing for his remuneration, include provision for the payment of such pensions, allowances or gratuities to or in respect of him, or such contributions or payments towards provision for such pensions, allowances or gratuities, as may be determined by the General Council.
Subject to the provisions of this Act, any person who satisfies the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) shall be entitled to be registered as a fully registered osteopath.
The conditions are that the application is made in the prescribed form and manner and that the applicant—
has paid the prescribed fee;
satisfies the Registrar that he is of good character;
satisfies the Registrar that he is in good health, both physically and mentally; and
is a person who—
has a recognised qualification, or
has a specified state qualification which is not a recognised qualification and has met the requirement specified in relation to the person under section 14A.
Where an application for registration is made during the transitional period by a person who was in practice as an osteopath at any time before the opening of the register, he shall be treated as having a recognised qualification if he satisfies the Registrar that for a period of at least five years (which need not be continuous) he has spent a substantial part of his working time in the lawful, safe and competent practice of osteopathy.
The General Council may require a specified state professional who wishes to be registered under this section to demonstrate that the person possesses the language skills necessary to the practice of a registered osteopath.
For the purposes of subsection (3), no account shall be taken of any work done by the applicant before the beginning of the period of seven years ending with the opening of the register.
A language test required by the General Council under subsection (2A) must be proportionate to the level of language skills referred to in that subsection.
For the purposes of subsection (3), the question whether the applicant has spent any part of his working time in the lawful, safe and competent practice of osteopathy shall be determined in accordance with such rules (if any) as may be made by the General Council.
The General Council may by rules provide for treating a person who— as holding a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act.
has obtained a qualification in osteopathy outside the United Kingdom,
does not hold a recognised qualification, but
satisfies the Registrar that he has reached the required standard of proficiency,
In this section “transitional period” means the period of two years beginning with the opening of the register.
The General Council may by rules provide for treating a person who does not hold a recognised qualification but who, on an application made to the Registrar before 1 January 2011, satisfies the Registrar that the person— as holding a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act.
obtained a qualification in osteopathy in the United Kingdom before 9 May 2000,
practised as an osteopath before 9 May 2000,
has not practised as an osteopath in the United Kingdom on or after 9 May 2000,
has a good reason for not having made a successful application for registration during the transitional period, and
is capable of the competent and safe practice of osteopathy,
Subject to the provisions of this Act, any person who satisfies the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) shall be entitled to be registered as a conditionally registered osteopath.
The conditions are that the application is made in the prescribed form and manner during the transitional period and that the applicant—
has paid the prescribed fee;
satisfies the Registrar that he is of good character;
satisfies the Registrar that he is in good health, both physically and mentally;
satisfies the Registrar that for a period of at least four years (which need not be continuous) he has spent a substantial part of his working time in the lawful, safe and competent practice of osteopathy;
if required to do so by the Registrar in accordance with rules made by the General Council, passes—
the prescribed test of competence; or
such part of that test as the Registrar may specify; and
gives the required undertaking.
In the application of subsection (2)(d), in relation to any person, no account shall be taken of any work done by him before the beginning of the period of six years ending with the opening of the register.
The General Council may by rules provide for the conversion, in prescribed circumstances and subject to the osteopath concerned complying with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed, of conditional registration into full registration.
Unless it is converted into full registration in accordance with the rules, any conditional registration shall cease to have effect—
at the end of the period of five years beginning with the opening of the register; or
where a shorter period has been specified by the Registrar in accordance with subsection (10) in relation to the osteopath in question, at the end of that shorter period.
In dealing with an application for registration made during the transitional period by a person who— the Registrar shall refer the matter to the Education Committee.
cannot meet the requirement of subsection (2)(d), but
has a qualification in osteopathy which, while not being a recognised qualification, has not been refused recognition by the General Council,
Where a reference is made to the Education Committee under subsection (6), it shall be the duty of the Committee to advise the General Council.
If, after considering the advice of the Education Committee, the General Council is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, it shall direct the Registrar to disregard subsection (2)(d) in relation to the application in question.
For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), the question whether the applicant has spent any part of his working time in the lawful, safe and competent practice of osteopathy shall be determined in accordance with such rules (if any) as may be made by the General Council.
In this section—
“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the General Council;
complete such additional training and acquire such experience as may be specified by the Registrar in accordance with rules made by the General Council; and
in relation to registration under section 3 in reliance on a specified state qualification granted in Switzerland, a period of supervised practice, subject to an assessment and, where necessary, accompanied by further training or education or both, under the responsibility of a fully registered osteopath;
comply with such other conditions (if any) as may be imposed on him by the Registrar in accordance with such rules; and
“required undertaking” means an undertaking that the person giving it will, before the end of the period of five years beginning with the opening of the register or such shorter period as the Registrar may specify in relation to the applicant—
comply with such other conditions (if any) as may be imposed on him by the Registrar in accordance with such rules; and
Rules made by virtue of paragraph (b) in the definition of “required undertaking” in subsection (10) may, in particular, provide for the Registrar to be able to impose, as a condition, the passing of a test of competence specified by the Registrar.
The General Council may make rules providing for all applicants for registration who are entitled to be registered with full registration, or all such applicants falling within a prescribed class, to be registered initially with provisional registration.
No such rules shall be made before the end of the period of two years beginning with the opening of the register.
Before making any rules under subsection (1), the General Council shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to consult those who are registered osteopaths.
The General Council may by rules provide for the conversion, in prescribed circumstances and subject to the osteopath concerned complying with such conditions (if any) as may be prescribed, of provisional registration into full registration.
Unless it is converted into full registration in accordance with the rules, any provisional registration shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of one year beginning with the date on which it is entered in the register.
A provisionally registered osteopath shall not practise osteopathy except under the supervision of a fully registered osteopath who is approved by the General Council for the purposes of this subsection.
The General Council shall maintain a list of those fully registered osteopaths who are for the time being approved by the Council for the purposes of subsection (6).
The register shall show, in relation to each registered osteopath—
whether he is registered with full, conditional or provisional registration ; and
the address at which he has his practice or principal practice or, if he is not practising, such address as may be prescribed.
The General Council may make rules in connection with registration and the register and as to the payment of fees.
The rules may, in particular, make provision as to—
the form and keeping of the register;
the form and manner in which applications for registration are to be made;
the documentary and other evidence which is to accompany applications for registration;
the manner in which the Registrar is to satisfy himself as to the good character and competence of any person applying for registration and the procedure for so doing;
the manner in which the Registrar is to satisfy himself as to the physical and mental health of any person applying for registration and the procedure for so doing;
the description of persons from whom references are to be provided for persons applying for registration;
in the case of an application for conditional registration, the conditions or kinds of condition which may be imposed on the osteopath concerned;
the making, periodic renewal and removal of entries in the register;
the giving of reasons for any removal of, or refusal to renew, an entry in the register;
any failure on the part of a registered osteopath to comply with any conditions subject to which his registration has effect, including provision for the Registrar to refuse to renew his registration or for the removal of his name from the register;
the issue and form of certificates;
the content, assessment and conduct of any test of competence imposed under section 4;
the meaning of “principal practice” for the purposes of subsection (1).
The rules may, in particular, also make provision—
prescribing the fee to be charged for making an entry in the register or restoring such an entry;
prescribing the fee to be charged in respect of the retention in the register of any entry in any year following the year in which the entry was first made;
providing for the entry in the register of qualifications (whether or not they are recognised qualifications) possessed by registered osteopaths and the removal of such an entry;
prescribing the fee to be charged in respect of the making or removal of any entry of a kind mentioned in paragraph (c);
authorising the Registrar—
to refuse to make an entry in the register, or restore such an entry, until the prescribed fee has been paid;
to remove from the register any entry relating to a person who, after the prescribed notice has been given, fails to pay the fee prescribed in respect of the retention of the entry.
A person who has failed to renew his registration as an osteopath shall be entitled to have his entry restored to the register on payment ... of the prescribed fee.
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Subsections (2) to (4) are subject to subsection (4C) and section 6A.
Any fee prescribed in connection with the making of an entry in the register relating to a specified state professional must be—
reasonable and proportionate to the cost of dealing with such a person’s application;
transparent, and made public in advance; and
payable by electronic means through the General Council’s website.
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Where the Registrar suspends the registration of an osteopath in accordance with any provision of this Act, the Registrar shall enter in the register a note of—
the suspension;
the period of the suspension; and
the provision under which the suspension was made.
Where the period of the suspension is extended, the Registrar shall note the extension in the register.
Any osteopath whose registration has been suspended shall, for the period of his suspension, cease to be a registered osteopath for the purposes of section 32(1).
Where a person who has had his entry as a fully registered osteopath removed from the register as the result of an order under section 22(4)(d) wishes to have his entry restored to the register he shall make an application for registration to the Registrar.
No such application may be made before the end of the period of ten months beginning with the date on which the order under section 22(4)(d) was made.
Any application for registration in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) (an “application for restoration”) shall be referred by the Registrar to the Professional Conduct Committee for determination by that Committee.
For the purposes of determining an application for restoration—
the Committee shall exercise the Registrar’s functions under section 3; and
subsection (2) of that section shall have effect as if paragraph (d) were omitted.
The Committee shall not grant an application for restoration unless it is satisfied that the applicant not only satisfies the requirements of section 3 (as modified) but, having regard in particular to the circumstances which led to the making of the order under section 22(4)(d), is also a fit and proper person to practise the profession of osteopathy.
On granting an application for restoration, the Committee—
shall direct the Registrar to register the applicant as a fully registered osteopath; and
may make a conditions of practice order with respect to him.
The provisions of section 22 shall have effect in relation to a conditions of practice order made by virtue of subsection (6) as they have effect in relation to one made by virtue of subsection (4)(b) of that section.
The General Council may by rules make provision in relation to the restoration to the register of conditionally registered osteopaths or provisionally registered osteopaths, and any such rules may provide for restoration, in prescribed circumstances, as a fully registered osteopath.
Where a specified state professional makes an application for full registration, the Registrar must—
within the period of one month beginning with the date of receipt of the person’s application—
acknowledge receipt of the application; and
inform the person of any missing document required for the purposes of the application;
give the person adequate time to complete the requirements and procedures of the application process;
ensure that the documentary and other evidence which is to accompany applications for registration is no more than is necessary to demonstrate to the Registrar that the person satisfies the conditions in section 3(2);
accept certified copies of documents in place of original documents, unless it requires original documents to protect the integrity of the application process; and
deal promptly with the person’s application and notify the person of the result of the application within the period of four months beginning with the relevant date.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(d), a certified copy of a document is one which is certified to be a true copy of the original by a solicitor practising in any part of the United Kingdom.
In subsection (1)(e), “the relevant date”, in relation to an application, is—
the date when the Registrar receives the application; or
if any document required for the purposes of the application is missing when the Registrar receives the application, the date on which the Registrar first has all the documents required for those purposes.
If the Registrar makes a request for further evidence, information or documents from such a specified state professional, the period beginning with the date on which the Registrar makes that request and ending with the date on which the person complies with that request is to be disregarded in determining whether the period of four months referred to in subsection (1)(e) has expired.
The General Council shall—
make the register available for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable times; . . .
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Any person who asks the General Council for a copy of the most recently published register shall be entitled to have one on payment of such reasonable fee as the Council may determine.
The General Council shall— publish a list (referred to in this section as the “published register”), giving the names and registered addresses of those who, at the date of publication, are registered osteopaths.
before the end of the period of twelve months which begins on the date on which the register is opened, and
at least once in every subsequent period of twelve months which begins on the anniversary of that date,
Subsection (2) shall not be taken as preventing the General Council from providing copies of the published register free of charge whenever it considers it appropriate.
The published register shall also contain, in respect of each registered osteopath, such other information, derived from the register, as may, by rules made by the General Council, be determined to be appropriate for publication.
Any copy of, or extract from, the published register shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the matters mentioned in it.
Any osteopath whose registration has been suspended shall, for the period of his suspension, cease to be a registered osteopath for the purposes of subsections (1A) and (1B).
A certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar, certifying that a person— shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the matters certified.
is registered in a specified category,
is not registered,
was registered in a specified category at a specified date or during a specified period,
was not registered in a specified category, or in any category, at a specified date or during a specified period, or
has never been registered,
The Registrar shall investigate any allegation that an entry in the register has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made and report on the result of his investigation to the General Council.
An entry which has been restored to the register under section 6(5) or section 8, or under rules made by virtue of section 8(8), may be treated for the purposes of this section as having been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made if any previous entry from which the restored entry is derived was fraudulently procured or incorrectly made.
The Registrar may, at any time during his investigation, suspend the registration in question if he is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to protect members of the public.
The General Council shall by rules make provision, in relation to any case where the Registrar proposes to suspend an osteopath’s registration under subsection (3)—
giving the osteopath concerned an opportunity to appear before the Investigating Committee and argue his case against suspension;
allowing him to be legally represented; and
for the Registrar to be made a party to the proceedings.
If, having considered any report of the Registrar, the General Council is satisfied that the entry in question has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made it may order the Registrar to remove the entry.
Where such an order is made, the Registrar shall without delay notify the person whose entry is to be removed—
of the order; and
of the right of appeal given by subsection (7).
Where such an order is made, the person whose entry is to be removed may appeal in England and Wales to the county court or in Northern Ireland to a county court or, in the case of a person whose address in the register is in Scotland, to the sheriff in whose sheriffdom the address is situated .
Any such appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notification of the order was served under subsection (6).
must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the order is made; and
shall be dealt with in accordance with rules made by Her Majesty by Order in Council for the purposes of this section.
On an appeal under this section, the General Council shall be the respondent.
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On an appeal under this section, the court (or the sheriff) may— and may make such order as to costs (or, in Scotland, expenses) as it (or he) thinks fit.
dismiss the appeal,
allow the appeal and quash the order appealed against, or
remit the case to the General Council to dispose of the case in accordance with the directions of the court (or the sheriff),
The General Council may by rules make such further provision as it considers appropriate with respect to suspensions under subsection (3), including in particular provision as to their duration.
The Education Committee shall have the general duty of promoting high standards of education and training in osteopathy and keeping the provision made for that education and training under review.
Where it considers it to be necessary in connection with the discharge of its general duty, the Education Committee may itself provide, or arrange for the provision of, education or training.
The General Council shall consult the Education Committee on matters relating to education, training, examinations or tests of competence.
It shall be the duty of the Education Committee to give advice to the General Council on the matters mentioned in subsection (3), either on being consulted by the Council or where it considers it appropriate to do so.
The Education Committee may appoint persons to visit any place at which or institution by which or under whose direction—
any relevant course of study is, or is proposed to be, given;
any examination is, or is proposed to be, held in connection with any such course;
any test of competence is, or is proposed to be, conducted in connection with any such course or for any other purpose connected with this Act.
In subsection (1) “relevant course of study” means any course of study which forms, or is intended to form, part of—
the complete course of study required in order to obtain a recognised qualification or a qualification for which recognition is being sought; or
any training which a registered osteopath may be required to undergo after registration.
No person appointed as a visitor may exercise his functions under this section in relation to—
any place at which he regularly gives instruction in any subject; or
any institution with which he has a significant connection.
A person shall not be prevented from being appointed as a visitor merely because he is a member of—
the General Council; or
any of its committees.
Where a visitor visits any place or institution, in the exercise of his functions under this section, he shall report to the Education Committee—
on the nature and quality of the instruction given, or to be given, and the facilities provided or to be provided, at that place or by that institution; and
on such other matters (if any) as he was required to report on by the Committee.
Requirements of the kind mentioned in subsection (5)(b) may be imposed by the Education Committee—
generally in relation to all visits;
generally in relation to all visits made to a specified kind of place or institution; or
specifically in relation to a particular visit.
Where a visitor reports to the Education Committee under subsection (5), the Committee shall on receipt of the report—
send a copy of it to the institution concerned; and
notify that institution of the period within which it may make observations on, or raise objections to, the report.
The period specified by the Committee in a notice given under subsection (7)(b) shall not be less than one month beginning with the date on which a copy of the report is sent to the institution under subsection (7)(a).
The Education Committee shall not take any steps in the light of any report made under subsection (5) before the end of the specified period.
The General Council may—
pay fees, allowances and expenses to persons appointed as visitors; or
treat any such person, for the purposes of paragraph 15(2)(c) to (e) of the Schedule, as a member of its staff.
In the case of a visitor who is also such a member as is mentioned in subsection (4), any payment made to him in his capacity as a visitor shall be in addition to any to which he is entitled as such a member.
The General Council shall from time to time determine the standard of proficiency which, in its opinion, is required for the competent and safe practice of osteopathy.
The Council shall publish a statement of the standard of proficiency determined by it under this section.
If the Council at any time varies the standard so determined it shall publish . . . a statement of the revised standard, accompanied by a statement of the differences between that standard and the standard as it was immediately before the revision.
a statement of the revised standard; and
a statement of the differences between that standard and the standard as it was immediately before the revision.
No variation of the standard shall have effect before the end of the period of one year beginning with the date on which the Council publishes the statements required by subsection (3) in connection with that variation.
For the purposes of this Act, a qualification is a “recognised qualification” if it is recognised by the General Council under this section.
Where the General Council is satisfied that— it may, with the approval of the Privy Council, recognise that qualification for the purposes of this Act.
a qualification granted by an institution in the United Kingdom is evidence of having reached the required standard of proficiency, or
a qualification which such an institution proposes to grant will be evidence of having reached that standard,
Where the General Council is satisfied that a qualification (not being one to which subsection (2A) applies) granted by an institution outside the United Kingdom is evidence of having reached the required standard of proficiency, or of reaching a comparable standard, it may, with the approval of the Privy Council, recognise that qualification for the purposes of this Act.
A qualification that— is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as if it were so recognised.
was granted by an institution in a relevant European State, and
is, in the opinion of the General Council, evidence of having reached a standard of proficiency comparable to that evidenced by a qualification recognised under subsection (2),
The General Council may by rules— in the case of any application for registration based on a person’s holding a qualification which is recognised under subsection (3).
impose additional conditions for registration, or
provide for any provision made by this Act in relation to conditions for registration to have effect subject to prescribed modifications,
The General Council may determine that a specified state qualification is not evidence of having reached a standard of proficiency comparable to that evidenced by a qualification recognised under subsection (2) only where one or more of Conditions 1 to 3 are met.
The General Council shall maintain and publish a list of the qualifications which are for the time being recognised under this section.
Condition 1 is met where there exists a substantial difference between the standard of proficiency evidenced by the specified state qualification and the required standard of proficiency.
Before deciding whether or not to recognise a qualification under this section, the General Council shall consult the Education Committee.
Condition 2 is met where the professional activities to which a recognised qualification relates include one or more professional activities that cover substantially different matters from those covered by the specified state qualification.
When requesting the approval of the Privy Council for the purposes of subsection (2) or (3), the General Council shall make available to the Privy Council—
the information provided to it by the Education Committee; or
where the Privy Council considers it appropriate, a summary of that information.
Condition 3 is met where requiring a person who holds the specified state qualification to pass an aptitude test or successfully to complete an adaptation period, or to do both, would amount to requiring the person to acquire a recognised qualification.
The Privy Council shall have regard to the information made available to it under subsection (7) before deciding whether or not to give its approval.
The General Council may by rules make provision requiring the Education Committee to publish a statement indicating—
matters on which the Committee will wish to be satisfied before advising the General Council to recognise a qualification under subsection (2); and
matters which may cause the Committee to advise the General Council not to recognise a qualification under subsection (2).
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the osteopath shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as having a recognised qualification; but
the General Council may, subject to Community law, require him to satisfy specified additional conditions before being registered.
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A qualification may be recognised by the General Council under section 14—
only in respect of awards of that qualification made after a specified date;
only in respect of awards made before a specified date; or
only in respect of awards made after a specified date but before a specified date.
Any date specified under subsection (1) may be earlier than the date on which this Act is passed.
Where the General Council recognises a qualification in one or other of the limited ways allowed for by subsection (1), the limitation shall be specified in the list issued by the Council under section 14(5).
The General Council may, in recognising a qualification under section 14, direct that the qualification is to remain a recognised qualification only so long as such conditions as the General Council sees fit to impose are complied with in relation to the qualification.
Any such condition may at any time be removed by the General Council.
The General Council shall not exercise any of its functions under subsection (4) or (5) without the approval of the Privy Council.
Any institution which is, or is likely to be, affected by a direction given by the General Council under subsection (4) shall be notified by the Council of the direction as soon as is reasonably practicable.
Where an application is made by any institution for the recognition of a qualification under section 14, the General Council shall notify the institution of the result of its application as soon as is reasonably practicable after the Council determines the application.
Where the General Council refuses such an application it shall, when notifying the institution concerned, give reasons for its refusal.
This section applies where a person who holds a specified state qualification applies to be registered under section 3 and the person’s qualification is not a recognised qualification.
This section does not apply if the person’s specified state qualification is not a recognised qualification because Condition 3 is met in relation to it (see section 14(2E)).
Where this section applies, the General Council must specify what aptitude test or adaptation period, or aptitude test and adaptation period, must be passed or successfully completed by the person.
An aptitude test or adaptation period specified under this section, or aptitude test and adaptation period together specified under this section, must be proportionate to the difference sought to be addressed.
The General Council must give a person its reasons for specifying an aptitude test or an adaptation period, or both, in relation to the person under this section, if the person makes a written request for them.
If the General Council specifies aptitude tests under this section, the General Council must ensure that such aptitude tests are scheduled with reasonable frequency and at least once a year.
Where, as a result of any visitor’s report or other information acquired by the Education Committee, the Committee is of the opinion— it shall refer the matter to the General Council.
that a recognised qualification is no longer, or will no longer be, evidence of having reached the required standard of proficiency,
that a proposed qualification which has yet to be granted, but which was recognised by virtue of section 14(2)(b), will not be evidence of having reached that standard, or
that a condition for the continued recognition of a qualification (imposed under section 15(4)) has not been complied with,
If the General Council is satisfied that the circumstances of the case are as mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) it may, with the approval of the Privy Council, direct that the qualification is no longer to be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act.
A direction under subsection (2) shall have effect from the date of the direction or from such later date as may be specified in the direction.
In considering any matter referred to it under subsection (1), the General Council shall have regard to the information on which the Education Committee formed its opinion together with any other relevant information which the Council may have.
When requesting the approval of the Privy Council for the purposes of subsection (2), the General Council shall make available to the Privy Council the information to which it had regard under subsection (4).
The Privy Council shall have regard to the information made available to it under subsection (5) before deciding whether or not to give its approval.
Where the recognition of any qualification is withdrawn under this section, the General Council shall use its best endeavours to secure that any person who is studying for that qualification at any place, at the time when recognition is withdrawn, is given the opportunity to study at that or any other place for a qualification which is recognised.
The withdrawal under this section of recognition from any qualification shall not affect the entitlement of any person to be registered by reference to an award of that qualification made to him before the date on which the direction withdrawing recognition had effect.
The General Council may make rules requiring registered osteopaths to undertake continuing professional development.
The rules may, in particular, make provision with respect to registered osteopaths who fail to comply with any requirements of the rules, including provision for their registration to cease to have effect.
Before making, or varying, any rules under this section the General Council shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable to consult those who are registered osteopaths and such other persons as the Council considers appropriate.
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This section applies to any institution by which, or under whose direction—
any relevant course of study is, or is proposed to be, given;
any examination is, or is proposed to be, held in connection with any such course; or
any test of competence is, or is proposed to be, conducted in connection with any such course or for any other purpose connected with this Act.
In subsection (1) “relevant course of study” has the same meaning as in section 12.
Whenever required to do so by the Education Committee, any such institution shall give to the Committee such information as the Committee may reasonably require in connection with the exercise of its functions under this Act.
The matters with respect to which the Education Committeemay require information under subsection (3) include—
the requirements which must be met by any person pursuing the course of study, undergoing the course of training or taking the examination or test in question;
the financial position of the institution;
the efficiency of the institution’s management.
Where an institution refuses any reasonable request for information made by the Education Committee under this section, the Committee may recommend to the General Council that recognition of the qualification in question be either—
refused, or
withdrawn.
Where a recommendation is made to the General Council under subsection (5), the Council may—
in a case to which subsection (5)(a) applies, refuse to recognise the qualification under section 14; or
in a case to which subsection (5)(b) applies, give a direction under section 16(2) (with the required approval of the Privy Council) in respect of the qualification.
The General Council shall prepare and from time to time publish a Code of Practice—
laying down standards of conduct and practice expected of registered osteopaths; and
giving advice in relation to the practice of osteopathy.
It shall be the duty of the General Council to keep the Code under review and to vary its provisions whenever the Council considers it appropriate to do so.
Before issuing the Code or varying it, the General Council shall consult such representatives of practising osteopaths as it considers appropriate.
Where any person is alleged to have failed to comply with any provision of the Code, that failure—
shall not be taken, of itself, to constitute unacceptable professional conduct on his part; but
shall be taken into account in any proceedings against him under this Act.
Any person who asks the General Council for a copy of the Code shall be entitled to have one on payment of such reasonable fee as the Council may determine.
Subsection (5) is not to be taken as preventing the General Council from providing copies of the Code free of charge whenever it considers it appropriate.
This section applies where any allegation is made against a registered osteopath to the effect that—
he has been guilty of conduct which falls short of the standard required of a registered osteopath;
he has been guilty of professional incompetence;
he has been convicted (at any time) in the United Kingdom of a criminal offence; or
his ability to practise as an osteopath is seriously impaired because of his physical or mental condition.
In this Act conduct which falls short of the standard required of a registered osteopath is referred to as “unacceptable professional conduct”.
Where an allegation is made to the General Council, or to any of its committees (other than the Investigating Committee), it shall be the duty of the Council or committee to refer the allegation to the Investigating Committee.
The General Council may make rules requiring any allegation which is made or referred to the Investigating Committee to be referred for preliminary consideration to a person appointed by the Council in accordance with the rules.
Any rules made under subsection (4)—
may allow for the appointment of persons who are members of the General Council; but
may not allow for the appointment of the Registrar.
Any person to whom an allegation is referred by the Investigating Committee in accordance with rules made under subsection (4) shall—
consider the allegation with a view to establishing whether, in his opinion, power is given by this Act to deal with it if it proves to be well founded; and
if he considers that such power is given, give the Investigating Committee a report of the result of his consideration.
Where there are rules in force under subsection (4), the Investigating Committee shall investigate any allegation with respect to which it is given a report by a person appointed under the rules.
Where there are no such rules in force, the Investigating Committee shall investigate any allegation which is made or referred to it.
Where the Investigating Committee is required to investigate any allegation, it shall—
notify the registered osteopath concerned of the allegation and invite him to give it his observations before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which notice of the allegation is sent to him;
take such steps as are reasonably practicable to obtain as much information as possible about the case; and
consider, in the light of the information which it has been able to obtain and any observations duly made to it by the registered osteopath concerned, whether in its opinion there is a case to answer.
The General Council shall by rules make provision as to the procedure to be followed by the Investigating Committee in any investigation carried out by it under this section.
In the case of an allegation of a kind mentioned in subsection (1)(c), the Investigating Committee may conclude that there is no case to answer if it considers that the criminal offence in question has no material relevance to the fitness of the osteopath concerned to practise osteopathy.
Where the Investigating Committee concludes that there is a case to answer, it shall—
notify both the osteopath concerned and the person making the allegation of its conclusion; and
refer the allegation, as formulated by the Investigating Committee—
to the Health Committee, in the case of an allegation of a kind mentioned in subsection (1)(d); or
to the Professional Conduct Committee, in the case of an allegation of any other kind.
Where the Investigating Committee concludes that there is no case to answer, it shall notify both the osteopath concerned and the person making the allegation.
In this section “allegation” means an allegation of a kind mentioned in subsection (1).
The General Council must make information about the following matters available to specified state professionals—
the relevant laws to be applied regarding disciplinary action, financial responsibility or liability and other relevant matters;
the principles of discipline and enforcement of professional standards, including disciplinary jurisdiction and consequential effects on practising professional activities;
the processes and procedures for the ongoing verification of competence;
the criteria for, and procedures relating to, removal of an entry in the register;
the documentation required of specified state professionals and the form in which it should be presented; and
the documents and certificates issued in relation to professional qualifications or other conditions that apply to the practice of a registered osteopath that are acceptable to the General Council.
The General Council must deal promptly with enquiries from specified state professionals about conditions that apply to the practice of registered osteopaths.
This section applies where, under section 20, the Investigating Committee is investigating an allegation against a registered osteopath.
If the Committee is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to protect members of the public, it may order the Registrar to suspend the osteopath’s registration.
The order shall specify the period of the suspension, which shall not exceed two months beginning with the date on which the order is made.
The Committee shall not—
make an order in any case after it has referred the allegation in question to the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee; or
make more than one order in respect of the same allegation.
Before making an order, the Investigating Committee shall give the osteopath concerned an opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case against the making of the proposed order.
At any such hearing the osteopath shall be entitled to be legally represented.
Where an allegation has been referred to the Professional Conduct Committee under section 20 or by virtue of any rule made under section 26(2)(a), it shall be the duty of the Committee to consider the allegation.
If, having considered it, the Committee is satisfied that the allegation is well founded it shall proceed as follows.
If the allegation is of a kind mentioned in section 20(1)(c), the Committee may take no further action if it considers that the criminal offence in question has no material relevance to the fitness of the osteopath concerned to practise osteopathy.
Otherwise, the Committee shall take one of the following steps—
admonish the osteopath;
make an order imposing conditions with which he must comply while practising as an osteopath (a “conditions of practice order”);
order the Registrar to suspend the osteopath’s registration for such period as may be specified in the order (a “suspension order”); or
order the Registrar to remove the osteopath’s name from the register.
A conditions of practice order shall cease to have effect—
if a period is specified in the order . . ., when that period ends;
if no such period is specified but a test of competence is so specified, when the osteopath concerned passes the test; or
if both a period and a test are so specified, when the period ends or when the osteopath concerned passes the test, whichever is the later to occur.
A conditions of practice order must specify one or both of the following—
the period for which the order is to have effect;
a test of competence which must be taken by the osteopath.
At any time while a conditions of practice order is in force under this section or by virtue of a decision of a court on an appeal under section 31 , the Committee may (whether or not of its own motion)—
extend, or further extend, the period for which the order has effect;
revoke or vary any of the conditions;
require the osteopath concerned to pass a test of competence specified by the Committee;
reduce the period for which the order has effect; or
revoke the order.
Where the period for which a conditions of practice order has effect is extended or reduced under subsection (6), or a test of competence is specified under that subsection, subsection (5) shall have effect as if—
the period specified in the conditions of practice order was the extended or reduced period; and
the test of competence was specified in that order.
At any time while a suspension order is in force with respect to an osteopath under this section or by virtue of a decision of a court on an appeal under section 31 , the Committee may (whether or not of its own motion)—
extend, or further extend, the period of suspension; and
make a conditions of practice order with which the osteopath must comply if he resumes the practice of osteopathy after the end of his period of suspension.
The period specified in a conditions of practice order or in a suspension order under this section, and any extension of a specified period under subsection (6) or (8), shall not in each case exceed three years.
Before exercising its powers under subsection (4), (6) or (8), the Committee shall give the osteopath concerned an opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case.
At any such hearing the osteopath shall be entitled to be legally represented.
In exercising its powers under subsection (6) or (8), the Committee shall ensure that the conditions imposed on the osteopath concerned are, or the period of suspension imposed on him is, the minimum which it considers necessary for the protection of members of the public.
The Committee shall, before the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the commencement of this section, and at least once in every succeeding period of twelve months, publish a report setting out—
the names of those osteopaths in respect of whom it has investigated allegations under this section and found the allegations to be well founded;
the nature of those allegations; and
the steps (if any) taken by the Committee in respect of the osteopaths so named.
Where the Committee has investigated any allegation against an osteopath under this section and has not been satisfied that the allegation was well founded, it shall include in its report for the year in question a statement of that fact if the osteopath so requests.
Where an allegation has been referred to the Health Committee under section 20 or by virtue of any rule made under section 26(2)(a), it shall be the duty of the Committee to consider the allegation.
If, having considered it, the Committee is satisfied that the allegation is well founded, it shall—
make an order imposing conditions with which the osteopath concerned must comply while practising as an osteopath (a “conditions of practice order”); or
order the Registrar to suspend the osteopath’s registration for such period as may be specified in the order (a “suspension order”).
Any condition in a conditions of practice order under this section shall be imposed so as to have effect for a period specified in the order.
At any time while a conditions of practice order is in force under this section or under section 30 or by virtue of a decision of a court on an appeal under section 31 , the Committee may (whether or not of its own motion)—
extend, or further extend, the period for which the order has effect; or
make a suspension order with respect to the osteopath concerned.
At any time while a suspension order is in force with respect to an osteopath under this section or under section 30 or by virtue of a decision of a court on an appeal under section 31 , the Committee may (whether or not of its own motion)—
extend, or further extend, the period of suspension;
replace the order with a conditions of practice order having effect for the remainder of the period of suspension; or
make a conditions of practice order with which the osteopath must comply if he resumes the practice of osteopathy after the end of his period of suspension.
On the application of the osteopath with respect to whom a conditions of practice order or a suspension order is in force under this section or under section 30 or by virtue of a decision of a court on an appeal under section 31 , the Committee may—
revoke the order;
vary the order by reducing the period for which it has effect; or
in the case of a conditions of practice order, vary the order by removing or altering any of the conditions.
Where an osteopath has made an application under subsection (6) which has been refused (“the previous application”), the Committee shall not entertain a further such application unless it is made after the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the date on which the previous application was received by the Committee.
The period specified in a conditions of practice order or in a suspension order under this section, and any extension of a specified period under subsection (4) or (5), shall not in each case exceed three years.
Before exercising its powers under subsection (2), (4), (5) or (6), the Committee shall give the osteopath concerned an opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case.
At any such hearing the osteopath shall be entitled to be legally represented.
In exercising any of its powers under this section, the Committee shall ensure that any conditions imposed on the osteopath concerned are, or any period of suspension imposed on him is, the minimum which it considers necessary for the protection of members of the public.
This section applies where—
an allegation against a registered osteopath has been referred under section 20, or by virtue of any rule made under section 26(2)(a), to the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee and the Committee has not reached a decision on the matter; or
the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee reaches a relevant decision on any such allegation.
The Committee concerned may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order to protect members of the public, order the Registrar to suspend the registration of the osteopath concerned.
An order under subsection (2) (an “interim suspension order”) shall cease to have effect—
in a case falling within subsection (1)(a), when the Committee reaches a decision in respect of the allegation in question; and
in a case falling within subsection (1)(b)—
if there is no appeal against the decision, when the period for appealing expires; or
if there is an appeal against the decision, when the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.
Before making an interim suspension order, the Committee shall give the osteopath in question an opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case against the making of the proposed order.
At any such hearing the osteopath shall be entitled to be legally represented.
Where an interim suspension order has been made, the osteopath concerned may appeal against it to the appropriate court.
Any such appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the order appealed against is made.
On an appeal under subsection (6) the court may terminate the suspension.
On such an appeal the decision of the court shall be final.
In this section—
“the appropriate court” means—
in the case of an osteopath whose registered address is in Scotland, the Court of Session;
“recognised qualification” has the meaning given by section 14(1);
On an application made by the osteopath concerned, in a case falling within section 24(1)(a), an interim suspension order may be revoked by the Committee which made it on the ground that a change in the circumstances of the case has made the order unnecessary.
Where an osteopath has made an application under subsection (1) which has been refused, he may appeal to the appropriate court against the refusal.
Where, in relation to an interim suspension order— leave of the appropriate court shall be required for any appeal under subsection (2) in relation to that order.
an appeal has been made under section 24(6) against the making of the order, or
a further application for the order to be revoked has been made after an unsuccessful appeal under this section against the refusal of an earlier application,
Except in a case falling within subsection (5), no application under subsection (1) shall be entertained by the Committee concerned if it is made before the end of the period of six months beginning—
with the date on which the order was imposed; or
where an unsuccessful appeal against the order has been made under section 24(6), the date on which the appeal was dismissed.
Where a previous application has been made under subsection (1) in relation to an interim suspension order, no further such application shall be entertained by the Committee concerned if it is made before the end of the period of six months beginning with the date on which the previous application was finally disposed of.
Any appeal under subsection (2) must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the refusal is sent to the osteopath.
On an appeal under subsection (2) the court may terminate the suspension.
On such an appeal the decision of the court shall be final.
In this section “the appropriate court” has the same meaning as in section 24.
The General Council shall make rules as to the procedure to be followed by the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee in considering any allegation under section 22 or 23.
The rules shall, in particular, include provision—
empowering each Committee to refer to the other any allegation which it considers would be better dealt with by that other Committee;
requiring the osteopath to whom the allegation relates to be given notice of the allegation;
giving the osteopath an opportunity to put his case at a hearing if—
before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the allegation is sent to him, he asks for a hearing; or
the Committee considers that a hearing is desirable;
entitling the osteopath to be legally represented at any hearing in respect of the allegation;
securing that—
any hearing before the Professional Conduct Committee is held in public unless the Committee decides that it is in the interests of the person making the allegation, or of any person giving evidence or of any patient, to hold the hearing or any part of it in private; and
any hearing before the Health Committee is held in private unless the Committee considers that it is appropriate to hold the hearing or any part of it in public;
requiring the osteopath to be notified by the Committee of its decision, its reasons for reaching that decision and of his right of appeal;
requiring the person by whom the allegation was made to be notified by the Committee of its decision and of its reasons for reaching that decision;
empowering the Committee to require persons to attend and give evidence or to produce documents;
about the admissibility of evidence;
enabling the Committee to administer oaths.
No person shall be required by any rules made under this section to give any evidence or produce any document or other material at a hearing held by either Committee which he could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings in any court in that part of the United Kingdom in which the hearing takes place.
The General Council shall appoint persons to be legal assessors.
They shall have the general function of giving advice to— on questions of law arising in connection with any matter which he or (as the case may be) the committee is considering.
any person appointed in accordance with rules made under section 20(4),
the Investigating Committee,
the Professional Conduct Committee, . . .
the Health Committee, or
the Registrar,
They shall also have such other functions as may be conferred on them by rules made by the General Council.
To be qualified for appointment as a legal assessor under this section, a person must—
have a 10 year general qualification (within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990);
be an advocate or solicitor in Scotland of at least 10 years’ standing; or
be a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland of at least 10 years’ standing.
The General Council may pay such fees, allowances and expenses to persons appointed as legal assessors as it may determine.
In the case of a legal assessor who is also a member of the General Council or of any of its committees, any such payment made to him in his capacity as a legal assessor shall be in addition to any to which he is entitled as such a member.
The General Council may appoint registered medical practitioners to be medical assessors.
They shall have the general function of giving advice to— on matters within their professional competence arising in connection with any matter which he or (as the case may be) the committee is considering.
any person appointed in accordance with rules made under section 20(4),
the Investigating Committee,
the Professional Conduct Committee, . . .
the Health Committee, or
the Registrar,
They shall also have such other functions as may be conferred on them by rules made by the General Council.
The General Council may pay such fees, allowances and expenses to persons appointed as medical assessors as it may determine.
In the case of a medical assessor who is also a member of the General Council or of any of its committees, any such payment made to him in his capacity as a medical assessor shall be in addition to any to which he is entitled as such a member.
Where the Registrar— the person aggrieved may appeal to the General Council.
refuses to register an applicant for registration under this Act,
registers such an applicant with provisional or conditional registration,
fails to notify an applicant for full registration who is a specified state professional of the result of the application in accordance with section 6A(1)(e),
refuses to renew any registration,
removes the name of a registered osteopath from the register on the ground that he has breached one or more of the conditions subject to which his registration had effect (otherwise than under an order of the Professional Conduct Committee), or
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refuses to grant an application for the conversion of a conditional, or provisional, registration into full registration,
Any such appeal shall be subject to such rules as the General Council may make for the purpose of regulating appeals under this section.
An appeal to the General Council under subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) must be made before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the Registrar’s decision is sent to the person concerned.
A person aggrieved by the decision of the General Council on an appeal under this section may appeal in England and Wales to the county court or in Northern Ireland to a county court or, in the case of a person whose address in the register is (or if he were registered would be) in Scotland, to the sheriff in whose sheriffdom the address is situated.
An appeal to the General Council under subsection (1)(aa) must be made before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the period for notifying the specified state professional of the result of the application expires (see section 6A(1)(e)).
Any right of appeal given by this section shall be in addition to any right which the person concerned may otherwise have to appeal to a county court or, in Scotland, to the sheriff; but only one such right of appeal may be exercised in relation to the same decision.
In this section “the appropriate court” means—
in the case of a person whose registered address is (or if he were registered would be) in Scotland, the Court of Session;
in the case of a person whose registered address is (or if he were registered would be) in Northern Ireland, the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland; and
in any other case, the High Court of Justice in England and Wales.
On an appeal under subsection (4) above, the court (or the sheriff) may— and may make such order as to costs (or, in Scotland, expenses) as it (or he) thinks fit.
dismiss the appeal,
allow the appeal and quash the decision appealed against,
substitute for the decision appealed against any other decision which could have been made by the Registrar, or
remit the case to the General Council to dispose of the case in accordance with the directions of the court (or the sheriff),
Any person with respect to whom a decision of the Health Committee is made under section 23 may, before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notification of the decision is sent to him, appeal against it in accordance with the provisions of this section.
An appeal under subsection (1) shall lie to an appeal tribunal, consisting of a chairman and two other members, established for the purposes of the appeal in accordance with rules made by the General Council for the purposes of this section.
The General Council shall make rules as to the procedure to be followed by an appeal tribunal hearing an appeal under this section.
The rules may, in particular, make similar provision to that made by virtue of section 26(2)(d), (f), (g), (h), (i) or (j).
No decision against which an appeal may be made under this section shall have effect before—
the expiry of the period within which such an appeal may be made; or
the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.
The chairman of an appeal tribunal—
shall be selected in accordance with rules made by the General Council; and
shall be qualified as mentioned in section 27(4).
Each of the other two members of an appeal tribunal shall be selected in accordance with rules made by the General Council—
one of them being a fully registered osteopath, and
the other being a registered medical practitioner.
The rules may not provide for the selection of any member of an appeal tribunal to be by the General Council.
The chairman of an appeal tribunal shall appoint a person approved by the members of the tribunal to act as clerk of the tribunal.
Subject to any provision made by the rules, an appeal tribunal shall sit in public and shall sit—
in Northern Ireland, in the case of an osteopath whose registered address is in Northern Ireland;
in Scotland, in the case of an osteopath whose registered address is in Scotland; and
in England and Wales, in any other case.
On any appeal under this section—
the appeal shall be by way of a rehearing of the case;
the General Council shall be the respondent; and
the tribunal hearing the appeal shall have power to make any decision which the Health Committee had power to make under section 23.
An appeal tribunal shall have the same powers of interim suspension as the Health Committee has by virtue of section 24(1)(b) and that section shall have effect in relation to suspension orders made by appeal tribunals with the necessary modifications.
No person shall be required by any rules made under this section to give any evidence or produce any document or other material at a hearing held by an appeal tribunal which he could not be compelled to give or produce in civil proceedings in any court in that part of the United Kingdom in which the hearing takes place.
An appeal tribunal shall have power to award costs.
Any expenses reasonably incurred by a tribunal, including any incurred in connection with the appointment of a clerk, shall be met by the General Council.
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Any person with respect to whom— may, before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notification of the decision is served on him, appeal against it to the relevant court.
a decision of the Professional Conduct Committee is made under section 8 or22, or
a decision is made by an appeal tribunal hearing an appeal under section 30,
No such decision shall have effect—
before the expiry of the period within which an appeal against the decision may be made; or
where an appeal against the decision has been duly made, before the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of.
In subsection (1), “the relevant court”—
in the case of a person whose address in the register is (or if he were registered would be) in Scotland, means the Court of Session,
in the case of a person whose address in the register is (or if he were registered would be) in Northern Ireland, means the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland, and
in the case of any other person, means the High Court of Justice in England and Wales.
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On an appeal under this section, the General Council shall be the respondent.
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On an appeal under this section, the court may— and may make such order as to costs (or, in Scotland, expenses) as it thinks fit.
dismiss the appeal,
allow the appeal and quash the decision appealed against,
substitute for the decision appealed against any other decision which could have been made by the Professional Conduct Committee or (as the case may be) Health Committee, or
remit the case to the Committee or appeal tribunal concerned to dispose of the case in accordance with the directions of the court,
A person who (whether expressly or by implication) describes himself as an osteopath, osteopathic practitioner, osteopathic physician, osteopathist, osteotherapist, or any other kind of osteopath, is guilty of an offence unless he is a registered osteopath.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any requirement imposed by— under rules made by virtue of section 26(2)(h) or under any corresponding rules made by virtue of section 30(4) is guilty of an offence.
the Professional Conduct Committee,
the Health Committee, or
an appeal tribunal hearing an appeal under section 30,
A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level five on the standard scale.
In this section “regulatory provision” means—
any rule made by the General Council;
any provision of the Code of Practice issued by the Council under section 19; and
any other advice or guidance given by the Council, any of its committees or any sub-committee of such a committee.
Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 (provision that may be contained in enforcement orders) shall, for the purposes of an enforcement order, have effect in relation to a regulatory provision as it has effect in relation to an agreement, but with the necessary modifications.
An enforcement order may be made so as to have effect in relation to a regulatory provision even though that provision was properly made in exercise of functions conferred by this Act.
The references to anything permitted by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 in sections 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a) and 164(1) of that Act shall be construed accordingly.
In this section “an enforcement order” means an order under—
section 160 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (orders following failure to fulfil final undertakings); or
section 161 of that Act (final orders following market investigation reports).
For the purposes of an enforcement order section 86(3) of the Enterprise Act 2002 as applied by section 164(2)(a) of that Act (power to apply orders to existing agreements) shall have effect in relation to a regulatory provision as it has effect in relation to an agreement.
If it appears to the Privy Council that the General Council has failed to perform any functions which, in the opinion of the Privy Council, should have been performed, the Privy Council may give the General Council such direction as the Privy Council considers appropriate.
If the General Council fails to comply with any direction given under this section, the Privy Council may itself give effect to the direction.
For the purpose of enabling it to give effect to a direction under subsection (1), the Privy Council may—
exercise any power of the General Council or do any act or other thing authorised to be done by the General Council; and
do, of its own motion, any act or other thing which it is otherwise authorised to do under this Act on the instigation of the General Council.
The approval of the Privy Council shall be required for any exercise by the General Council of a power to make rules under this Act.
Any rules made by the General Council ... under this Act may make different provision with respect to different cases, or classes of case and, in particular, different provision with respect to different categories of osteopath or registered osteopath.
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Nothing in any rules made under this Act shall be taken to oblige or entitle any person to act in breach of the law relating to confidentiality.
Where the approval of the Privy Council is required by this Act in respect of the making of any rules by the General Council, it shall be given by an order made by the Privy Council.
Any power of the Privy Council under this Act to make an order shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
Any order under section 1(4) or any order approving rules made under section 5, 8(8), 17 or 30 shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
For the purposes of exercising any powers conferred by this Act (other than the power of hearing appeals) the quorum of the Privy Council shall be two.
Any act of the Privy Council under this Act shall be sufficiently signified by an instrument signed by the Clerk of the Council.
Any document purporting to be— shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the fact that the instrument was so made and of its terms.
an instrument made by the Privy Council under this Act, and
signed by the Clerk of the Privy Council,
A registered osteopath who practises as such must have in force in relation to him an indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover for practising as such.
registered osteopaths who are practising as osteopaths, or
prescribed categories of registered osteopaths who are practising as osteopaths,
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prescribe risks, or descriptions of risk, with respect to which insurance is required;
prescribe the amount of insurance that is required either generally or with respect to prescribed risks;
make such provision as the General Council considers appropriate for the purpose of securing, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the requirements of the rules are complied with;
make provision with respect to failure to comply with their requirements (including provision for treating any failure as constituting unacceptable professional conduct).
For the purposes of this section, an “indemnity arrangement” may comprise—
a policy of insurance;
an arrangement made for the purposes of indemnifying a person;
a combination of the two.
For the purposes of this section, “appropriate cover”, in relation to practice as a registered osteopath, means cover against liabilities that may be incurred in practising as such which is appropriate, having regard to the nature and extent of the risks of practising as such.
The General Council may by rules make provision in connection with the types of indemnity arrangement required and the information to be provided to the Registrar—
by or in respect of any person seeking to be entered in the register as a registered osteopath (including on an application for restoration) for the purposes of determining whether, if that person is so entered, there will be in force in relation to him by the time he begins to practise an indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover;
by or in respect of a registered osteopath for the purposes of determining whether at any time, there is in force in relation to him an indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover.
Rules under subsection (5)(b) may require information to be provided—
at the request of the Registrar; or
on such dates or at such intervals as the Registrar may determine, either generally or in relation to individual registered osteopaths or registered osteopaths of a particular description.
The General Council may also make rules requiring a registered osteopath to inform the Registrar if there ceases to be in force in relation to him an indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover.
The General Council may also make rules requiring a registered osteopath to inform the Registrar if there is in force in relation to him appropriate cover provided under an indemnity arrangement by an employer.
Where there is a failure to comply with the rules under subsection (5) by or in respect of a person who is entered or is seeking to be entered in the register, the Registrar may refuse to enter the person in, or to restore the person's entry to, the register.
If a registered osteopath is in breach of subsection (1), or fails to comply with rules under subsection (5)(b), (7) or (8), or there is a failure to comply with rules under subsection (5)(b) in respect of a registered osteopath—
the Registrar may remove that person's entry from the register; or
the breach or failure may be treated as unacceptable professional conduct and the Registrar may notify the Council .
In section 2(1) of the Access to Health Records Act 1990 (definition of health professionals), after paragraph (f) there shall be inserted—.
The following instruments shall be amended as mentioned in subsection (3)—
the Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Health) Order 1987;
the Access to Personal Files (Social Services) Regulations 1989;
the Access to Personal Files (Social Work) (Scotland) Regulations 1989;
the Access to Personal Files (Housing) Regulations 1989; and
the Access to Personal Files (Housing) (Scotland) Regulations 1992.
Registered osteopath Osteopaths Act 1993, section 41.
The reference in section 2(1) of the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 to the order mentioned in subsection (2)(a) shall be read as a reference to that order as amended by this section.
The amendments made by this section shall not be taken to prejudice the power to make further orders or (as the case may be) regulations varying or revoking the amended provisions.
In this section—
“specified state qualification” means a qualification in osteopathy granted in one of the states specified in Schedule 1 to the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) Regulations 2023;
“the 1975 Order” means the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (professions etc. with respect to which provisions of the Act of 1974 are excluded); and
In Part I of Schedule 1 to the 1975 Order, there shall be inserted at the end—
In Part I of Schedule 1 to the 1979 Order, there shall be inserted at the end—
“registered osteopath” has the meaning given by section 41 of the Osteopaths Act 1993.
The amendment of the 1975 Order and the 1979 Order by this section shall not be taken to prejudice the power to make further orders varying or revoking the amended provisions.
The General Council shall keep proper accounts of all sums received or paid by it and proper records in relation to those accounts.
The accounts for each financial year of the General Council shall be audited by persons appointed by the Council.
No person may be appointed as an auditor under subsection (2) unless he is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006.
As soon as is reasonably practicable after the accounts of the General Council have been audited, the Council shall—
cause them to be published, together with any report on them made by the auditors; and
send a copy of the accounts and of any such report to the Privy Council.
The Privy Council shall lay any copy sent to them under subsection (4) before each House of Parliament.
The General Council shall publish, by such date in each year as the Privy Council shall specify—
a report on the exercise of its functions which includes a description of the arrangements that the General Council has put in place to ensure that it adheres to good practice in relation to equality and diversity (and for these purposes “equality” and “diversity” have the meanings given in section 8(2) of the Equality Act 2006);
a statistical report which indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of, and which includes a description of, the arrangements which the General Council has put in place to protect members of the public from registered osteopaths whose fitness to practise is impaired, together with the General Council’s observations on the report; and
a strategic plan for the General Council in respect of such number of years as the General Council shall determine.
The General Council shall submit copies of the reports and the plan published under subsection (1) to the Privy Council and the Privy Council shall lay copies of the reports and the plan before each House of Parliament.
In this Act—
“registered” means registered in the register;
“registered address” means the address which is entered in the register, in relation to the osteopath in question, in accordance with the requirements of section 6(1) and does not include any other address which may be entered in the register, in relation to him, by virtue of rules made under section 6(2);
“aptitude test” means an assessment with the aim of determining whether the person has reached the required standard of proficiency;
“registered osteopath” means a person who is registered as a fully registered osteopath, as a conditionally registered osteopath or as a provisionally registered osteopath;
This Act may be cited as the Osteopaths Act 1993.
This Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint.
The power conferred by subsection (2) shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
Different days may be appointed by an order under subsection (2) for different purposes and different provisions.
Any order under subsection (2) may make such transitional provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
The transitional provisions of Part III of the Schedule shall have effect.
This Act extends to the United Kingdom except that—
section 38(1) and section 39(2) extend only to Great Britain;
section 38(2)(c) and (e) extends only to Scotland;
section 39(3) extends only to Northern Ireland; and
section 38(2)(b) and (d) extends only to England and Wales.
Sections 1 and 42(3).
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12 members elected by fully registered osteopaths;
8 members appointed by the Privy Council;
3 members appointed by the Education Committee; and
1 member appointed by the Secretary of State.
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The General Council shall consist of— The members of the General Council shall be appointed by the Privy Council. The Privy Council shall ensure that, at any time, at least one member of the General Council lives or works wholly or mainly in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An order under section 1(4) shall include provision with regard to— But an order under section 1(4) must not include any provision which would have the effect that a majority of the members of the General Council would be lay members. An order under section 1(4) may include provision with regard to— An order under section 1(4) may make different provision for different cases or different classes of case and may contain such incidental, consequential, transitional, transitory, saving or supplementary provisions as appear to the Privy Council to be necessary or expedient.
The General Council must establish and maintain a system for the declaration and registration of private interests of its members. The General Council must publish in such manner as it sees fit entries recorded in the register of members’ private interests.
In exercising its functions, the General Council shall— In carrying out its duty to co-operate under sub-paragraph (1)(b), the General Council shall have regard to any differing considerations relating to practising as an osteopath which apply in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. In sub-paragraph (1), “other health care professionals” means persons regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002, other than the General Council.
Subject to any provision made by or under this Act, the General Council shall have power to do anything which is calculated to facilitate the discharge of its functions or which is incidental or conducive to the discharge of its functions. The General Council shall, in particular, have power— Standing orders of the General Council may make provision with regard to the provisional suspension of a member of the General Council from office, pending the taking of a decision about the suspension or removal from office of the member in accordance with the provisions of an order under section 1(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subject to any provision made by or under this Act, the General Council may regulate its own procedure.
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The co-option of any person to any of the statutory committees shall be subject to the approval of the General Council. A co-opted member of any of the statutory committees may also be a member of the General Council. The term of office of a co-opted member shall not exceed the period of 3 years beginning with the date of his co-option. The General Council shall make further provision by rules in relation to co-option, including provision as to the procedure involved.
A person shall not be prevented from being a member of a statutory committee merely because he has previously been a member of that committee.
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The General Council may by rules make provision with respect to any sub-committee of a statutory committee including, in particular, provision as to the functions and powers to be conferred on the sub-committee, its composition and its relationship with the statutory committee.
The General Council may make rules regulating the procedure of the statutory committees and their sub-committees (if any) including, in particular, provision as to rules of evidence to be observed in proceedings before any such committee or sub-committee. Subject to any provision made by or under this Act, including provision made by standing orders of the General Council by virtue of paragraph 15(2)(g), each statutory committee and any sub-committee of such a committee may regulate its own procedure.
If it appears to the General Council that any statutory committee is failing to perform its functions adequately, the General Council may give a direction as to the proper performance of those functions. Where the General Council, having given a direction under sub-paragraph (1), is satisfied that the committee has failed to comply with the direction, it may exercise any power of that committee or do any act or other thing authorised to be done by that committee.
The powers of any statutory committee may be exercised even though there is a vacancy among its members. No proceedings of a statutory committee shall be invalidated by any defect in the appointment of a member.
A person may be a member of more than one statutory committee. No member of the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee shall take part in dealing with an allegation referred to either committee by another committee if he is also a member of the committee which referred the allegation.
The General Council shall by rules make provision with regard to the constitution of the Education Committee, and those rules shall include provision with regard to—
its size and membership;
its chair, including the deputising arrangements for its chair; and
the quorum at its meetings.
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The General Council shall by rules make provision with regard to the constitution of the Investigating Committee, and those rules shall include provision with regard to—
its size and membership;
its chair, including the deputising arrangements for its chair; and
the quorum at its meetings.
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Where rules under paragraph 30 provide for one or more panels of members of the Investigating Committee to perform functions of the Committee, the provision required by paragraph 30(c) includes provision with regard to the quorum at meetings of those panels.
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The General Council shall by rules make provision with regard to the constitution of the Professional Conduct Committee, and those rules shall include provision with regard to—
its size and membership;
its chair, including the deputising arrangements for its chair; and
the quorum at its meetings.
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Where rules under paragraph 34 provide for one or more panels of members of the Professional Conduct Committee to perform functions of the Committee, the provision required by paragraph 34(c) includes provision with regard to the quorum at meetings of those panels.
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In exercising a function under section 8 or 22, the Professional Conduct Committee (or any panel by which the function is exercisable as mentioned in paragraph 34A) must have regard to the over-arching objective of the General Council under section 1(3A) (read with section 1(3B)).
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The General Council shall by rules make provision with regard to the constitution of the Health Committee, and those rules shall include provision with regard to—
at least 2 shall be members of the General Council appointed by the Privy Council; and
its size and membership;
at least one shall be a registered medical practitioner at the time of his appointment.
its chair, including the deputising arrangements for its chair; and
the quorum at its meetings.
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Where rules under paragraph 38 provide for one or more panels of members of the Health Committee to perform functions of the Committee, the provision required by paragraph 38(c) includes provision with regard to the quorum at meetings of those panels.
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In exercising a function under section 23, the Health Committee (or any panel by which the function is exercisable as mentioned in paragraph 38A) must have regard to the over-arching objective of the General Council under section 1(3A) (read with section 1(3B)).
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When first constituted, the membership of the General Council shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule as modified by this Part.
In this Part—
“the appropriate court” means—
in any other case, the High Court of Justice in England and Wales;
“the three year transitional period” means the period beginning with the passing of this Act and ending with the third anniversary of the opening of the register;
“the four year transitional period” means the period beginning with the passing of this Act and ending with the fourth anniversary of the opening of the register; and
“the four year transitional period” means the period beginning with the passing of this Act and ending with the fourth anniversary of the opening of the register; and
During the three year transitional period, paragraph 1(a) shall have effect as if it provided for the appointment of 12 members by the Privy Council. Each of those members shall be appointed by the Privy Council after consultation with bodies in the United Kingdom appearing to the Privy Council to represent practising osteopaths. When appointing any such member the Privy Council shall designate him as a person appointed as one of the 12 members provided for by paragraph 1(a) (as modified by this paragraph). In this paragraph “osteopathic member” means a member designated under this paragraph. Each of the osteopathic members shall, at the time of his appointment, be a person appearing to the Privy Council to be a practising osteopath. One of the osteopathic members shall be expressly appointed as a member who is also a registered medical practitioner at the time of his appointment. Paragraph 6 shall not apply to any of the osteopathic members. Subject to paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, the term of office of each of the osteopathic members shall end at the end of the three year transitional period.
The members appointed by the Privy Council under paragraph 1(b) during the five year transitional period shall each be designated by the Privy Council as a person appointed under paragraph 1(b). In this Part “lay member” means a member designated under this paragraph. Paragraph 11 shall have effect during the five year transitional period as if “registered osteopaths” and “registered osteopath” read, respectively, “persons appearing to the Privy Council to be practising osteopaths” and “a person appearing to the Privy Council to be a practising osteopath”. Subject to paragraphs 4 to 7, the term of office of each of the lay members shall end at the end of the five year transitional period.
During the four year transitional period, paragraph 1(c) shall have effect as if it provided for the appointment of 3 members by the Privy Council. Each of those members shall be appointed by the Privy Council after consultation with the Secretary of State. When appointing any such member the Privy Council shall designate him as a person appointed as one of the 3 members provided for by paragraph 1(c) (as modified by this paragraph). The 3 education members shall be persons appearing to the Privy Council to be qualified to advise the General Council on matters relating to education and training in osteopathy. In this paragraph “education member” means a member designated under this paragraph. Paragraph 6 shall not apply to any of the education members. Subject to paragraphs 4 to 7, the term of office of each of the education members shall end at the end of the four year transitional period.
Subject to paragraphs 4, 5 and 7, the term of office of any person appointed by the Secretary of State under paragraph 1(d) during the four year transitional period shall come to an end at the end of that period.
The first Chairman of the General Council shall be appointed by the Privy Council from among the lay members to serve as such until the end of the first meeting of the Council to be held after the first election of members under paragraph 1(a). If a person appointed as Chairman of the Council during the three year transitional period fails to serve his full term of office as Chairman, his successor as Chairman shall be appointed by the Privy Council from among the lay members for the residue of the unexpired term. Paragraph 14(3) shall have effect in relation to any Chairman appointed by the Privy Council under this paragraph as if for paragraph (c) there were substituted—. Paragraph 14(3)(d) shall not apply in relation to any person serving as the Chairman appointed by the Privy Council under this paragraph.