Introduction

The Osteopathic Council operates under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).  The Act was passed on 18 September 2003.  Most of the provisions of the Act came into effect on 18 September 2004. The HPCA Act replaces the profession-specific legislation that was in force before this date.

The purpose of the Act is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by providing for mechanisms to ensure that health practitioners are competent and fit to practise their professions.