Statutory and voluntary regulations - Essay Example

STA Y AND VOLUNTARY REGULATIONS al Affiliation) Introduction The provision of therapeutic services, just like any other medication service are guided by certain rules and regulations (Darity, 2008). These rules vary from one place to another depending on the type of therapeutic service provided as well as the location. In most cases, therapeutic services are perceived as minor medical procedures, thus people do not make efforts to determine the specific rules and regulations that govern their provision.

Additionally, authorities responsible for formulation and implementation of such regulations do not take proper initiatives of creating awareness concerning the existence of such laws and how they affect the therapeutic services. This research will focus on two imperative issues: The first issue will involve a comparative analysis of the rules and regulations guiding osteopathy as a therapeutic service in the United Kingdom and those that rules guiding sports therapy. The second issue will entail a critique of these regulations in relation to public perspectives and their understanding on what therapists should offer.

Regulations that guide the provision of Osteopathic and Sport Therapy Services in the United KingdomIn the United Kingdom, the provision of Osteopathic services is guided by Osteopaths Act of 1993. In order for an osteopath to provide osteopathic services, one has to be registered by the General Osteopathic Council (Osteopathic Act, 1993). In order to be registered by the General Osteopathic Council, one has to be a qualified osteopath under the benchmarks set by the General Osteopathic Council.

In addition, the General Osteopathic Council sets standards that are supposed to be met by osteopaths, and has a provision that allows clients to file complaints in case these standards are not met. This act also specifies the services that should be provided by osteopaths and to specific patients for instance: The provision stipulates that osteopaths can offer their services to; the young, the older, expectant women, office employees, manual workders and sports person (Osteopathic Act, 1993).

The services offered are inclusive of; treatment of problems that may be caused by changes in pregnancy postures, general postural problems caused by physical strain and driving, pains caused by arthritis as well as back pains. However, in the case of Sports Therapy, there is no clear act of parliament that has been implemented to ensure that this dimension of medical service provision is statutorily regulated and observed (Hudson, 2008). Currently, the UK Society of Sports Therapy is making unlimited efforts to ensure that the objective of statutory recognition of Sports Therapy is achieved.

Owing to the fact that sports therapy is not statutorily recognized, the SST has and recommendations that any person with a degree in sports therapy, is technically a qualified sports therapist. The SST also recommends that non-graduates i.e. diploma holders can also provide sports therapy services (Minigh, 2013). Critique of the Regulations from the Public PerspectiveFrom the perspective of the public, the provisions stipulated to regulate the services of osteopaths are quite clear and comprehensive.

A significant number of people appreciate the fact that this provision stipulated some benchmarks that need to be met by osteopaths. In addition, a significant number of people are impressed by the fact that the Osteopath Act of 1993, sets provisions that allow patient to raise complains through the General Osteopathic Council of the United Kingdom. In this regard, the provisions of the Osteopathic act can be regarded as its strength. On the other hand, instances of low quality osteopathic service provision is another issue that seems to have been properly managed according to the perspective and understanding of the general public on these provisions.

According to the General Osteopathic Council of the United Kingdom, a qualified Osteopath must be registered by the council; however, this can only occur after meeting certain standards such as: Education standards and the specific services that should be provided by the osteopaths Osteopathic (Act, 1993). Many UK citizens believe that this action could be attributed to the high quality of osteopathic services provided in various health facilities. However, a major concern that has been evident among many citizens is the fact that there is low level of awareness of these statutory regulations, specifically in osteopathic service provision.

That is, many people believe that osteopathic services are usually considered minor medical services, thus issues associated with them are not given a high sense of consideration. There is the idea that government and other concerned stakeholders should improve their efforts towards ensuring awareness concerning the existence and application of these regulations is improved among the general public. In relation to the statutory regulations governing the services provided by sports therapists, a significant number of people are not aware that currently there is no statutory regulation applied to maintain its standards.

However, some people believe that sports therapists in the United Kingdom have maintained a high level of professionalism in their services due to the existing voluntary regulations that are currently used (Lee-Treweek, 2014). Moreover, a good number of UK citizens are of the idea that there is distinct difference between sports therapy and osteopathic therapy: These differences are believed to emerge due to the differences of regulatory structures governing both fields. Additionally, some people are of the perception that osteopathy has a high sense of relationship with healthcare services as compared to sports therapy, which can be offered by any individual, with a certificate in sports therapy.

Owing to the fact that currently there is no statutory regulations guiding the provision of sports therapy in the United Kingdom, many people believe and appreciate the fact these services are guided by voluntary regulations that have been implemented by the UK Society of Sports Therapy (SST) (Lee-Treweek, 2014). BibliographyDarity, W. (2008). Sports Therapy Regulation (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan. Top of FormBottom of FormOsteopaths Act 1993: Chapter 21. (1993). London: H.M.S.O. Top of FormBottom of FormMinigh, J. (2013). Significance of Society of Sports Therapy in the UK.

Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. Lee-Treweek, G. (2014). Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. London: Routledge.Hudson, M. (2008). Sports Therapy. Cheltenham [England]: Stanley Thornes (Publishers).