The legislative position of the Osteopath in Italy after the Decree of the Ministry of Universities and Research of 29 November 2023, in agreement with the Minister of Health: implications in terms of professional responsibility and current shortcomings.

Abstract

Background: At the end of a long definition and legislative process (Law No.3 of 11 January 2018 and DPR No 131 of 2021), started under the thrust of the European directives, with the Decree of the Ministry of Universities and Research of 29 November 2023, in agreement with the Minister of Health, osteopathy in Italy has become a healthcare profession in all respects.

Materials and methods: In order to understand the current legislative and professional position of the Osteopath, research of the original definitions and the history of the profession has been carried out, assessing an overview of the current situations among EU countries. Therefore, an analysis of the current Italian legislation has been carried out in a medical-legal key, with a critical eye aimed above all at assessing the current shortcomings.

Conclusions: The inclusion of osteopathy as a healthcare profession in Italy is a significant step towards the regulation and recognition of this practice, implying considerable innovations both in terms of access to the profession, both in the field of the professional health responsibility. Even if with the Decree of 29 November 2023, a significant step forward has been made, further regulatory and control measures are needed to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of osteopathic treatments, as well as the protection of patients and the professionalism of operators.