30/01/2026
Following the landmark Law No. 3 of 2018 (the Lorenzin Law), osteopathy has moved from an unregulated field to a fully recognised healthcare profession. This journey marks a significant step in enhancing the National Health System and ensuring the highest quality of care for citizens.
Here are the key milestones:
✅ A Shift to University Education: From 2024, osteopathic training has structurally moved into the university system, with nine universities currently offering the degree. By September 2026, all new enrolments must be within the university framework.
✅ A Specialist in Prevention: Osteopathy is now officially classified within the "prevention area" of healthcare. This means osteopaths are regulated to intervene across all four levels of prevention—from assessing healthy individuals to managing chronic conditions and comorbidities.
✅ The Equivalence Pathway: For those trained in private institutions, a clear transition process is now in place. To regularise their status, professionals must:
• Certify at least three years and 2,400 hours of education.
• Address any educational gaps and enter temporary special registers for up to six years.
• Pass professional licensing examination at a university.
Why does this matter? 🛡️ The establishment of a formal Professional Register within the Federation of Orders of Healthcare Professions ensures patient safety. It allows the public to identify appropriately trained professionals and effectively counters illegal practice.
Ultimately, only those with a qualifying degree or a legally recognised equivalent will be entitled to practice, safeguarding both the practitioner and the patient.
Are you an osteopath or a patient interested in these changes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 👇
ROI Registro degli Osteopati d'Italia
