SCOPE OF PRACTICE

It is important you understand the consequence of acting outside your scope of practice. Generally, scope is based on what you have been trained to do in university; or the additional skills and training you can demonstrate that are aligned with what you learnt in university. The further a topic is away from that area of scope, the more likely you are to be acting ‘outside of scope’. Just because you can undertake some training does not mean the regulator will accept you can practice within that area.

Potential complications associated with ‘scope of practice’ • What is considered appropriate levels of training and how you keep that current? • Whether your insurance covers you to practice in a new area or with a specific technique? • The regulator does not specifically define scope; therefore, you have to judge if the regulator would consider something outside osteopathic scope. The OBA does give some guidance (for example, any vaccination advice is considered outside of osteopathic scope). • The multitude of rules associated with any third-party funder, such as Medicare, private health insurance or other schemes and what they consider they are paying for via rebates. Failure to follow these rules can result in rulings to reimburse significant funds. • The recent specific government exclusion of a range of treatments from private health insurance rebates such as Alexander technique, aromatherapy, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, herbalism, homeopathy, iridology, kinesiology, naturopathy, Pilates, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, tai chi and yoga. If you are going to work in other areas of practice, under the name (or billing) of osteopathy, Osteopathy Australia strongly advises you should seek additional advice before proceeding. The Osteopathy Australia Statement of Scope of Practice can be viewed on the Osteopathy Australia website at www.

osteopathy.org.au/article/osteopathy-scope-of-practice