The regulation was discussed by parliament’s health committee on Tuesday and would place the profession of osteopath on an equal footing with other, traditional health professions.

According to health minister Lydia Mutsch, under the proposed law osteopaths must obtain permission from the health ministry to practise. For this, a university degree (Master in Osteopathy) is required.

Special provisions are, however, provided for osteopaths who have been practising their profession for 10 years without a university degree. Compulsory professional insurance is foreseen in the law.

Osteopaths should be able to apply techniques according to the holistic philosophy of the complementary medicine. Furthermore, patients would not need a prescription to receive treatment. Restrictions are, however, provided for manipulations of the cervical spine or skull as well as for infants.

The proposed law deals with recognising the profession only. In a second stage, the question of reimbursing the treatment costs of patients covered by the CNS would be discussed with health representatives.