There are presently no statutes or regulations defining the scope of practise of osteopathy. Osteopathy has recently been recognized by the national Ministry of Health (129). “The regulation of the profession is presently adequate through the existing medical societies for physicians and the Heilpraktiker organizations”(129).
“There is a difference in the osteopathic education between non-physician osteopaths,
physiotherapists, and medical physicians. Physiotherapists are a recognized health
profession, but they have to meet a lower educational standard and can achieve a degree of “Diploma in Osteopathic Therapy (D.O.T.)”, whereas physicians achieve a degree of “D.O.- DAAO” or “D.O.M.”, from the DAAO and DGOM respectively.
Osteopathic physicians in Germany are fully licensed with at least 6,500 hours in 6-years medical school, at least 7,000 hours in specialty training, which is 3 to 6 years, plus at least 680 hours of training in manual medicine and osteopathy before attaining their degree”(129).
“Non-physician osteopaths are not medically licensed. They have an average total of 1200 hours of training, roughly half being in manual therapy and osteopathy, with no medical specialization before they attain their degree. Non-physician osteopaths in Germany officially work under the “Heilpraktiker” law” (129).
There are many schools of osteopathy in Germany. There is presently no official national recognition.
129. O.I.A. Osteopathic International Allicance. Osteopathy in Germany. Clearinghouse; 2012 [cited 2012 March 7]; Available from: http://www.oialliance.org/pdf/germany_osteopathy.pdf.
