GOSC, personal choice, to be or not to be?

I've been practicing in Cyprus (EU) for nearly a year now. We have our newly founded COA (Cyprus OSteopathic Association). I've been a member of the BOA and registered with the GOSC since qualified. I'm now thinking of coming out of the GOSC register and finishing my membership with the BOA, because francky, it doesn't anything for me, except than taking my money ;-). So I would only be a member of the COA.

For PI insurance this does not cause a problem.
But still, would I be better off keeping this UK link? Even-though, I am not intending to go back any time soon (years! if ever...).

Would I need to retake exams if I need to register with GOSC again?

Tags: regulation

Treatments: 180

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Quatermass on September 16, 2009 at 6:02pm
Caution Clement!

What is the legal situation in Cyprus?

GOsC membership has been very useful to me in Spain when dealing with officialdom.
Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on September 17, 2009 at 7:26pm
The legal situation is that there are no regulatory body in Cyprus, the Butcher from down the road can call himself an osteopath :-)
There is only the association (COA) that was founded January this year.

What benefits have you found Robert?
Permalink Reply by Quatermass on September 19, 2009 at 4:21pm
Basically, practising in countries where osteopathy is unregulated (I practise in Spain and Italy) but in which the legal style leans to the Napoleonic code (you can't do it unless a specific law says you can) can bring you up against the official view that since you don't practice within the framework of the legally recognised professions, you might be illegal. Being legally registered in a EU country can be protective under EU law in some instances when you practice in another.
Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on September 19, 2009 at 10:56pm
In my opinion it would be a bad move to come out of the GOSC.....as you say you work in a country where osteopathy is unregulated.
As Robert said in a previous post having membership in the UK where osteopathy is highly regulated will give you a leg to stand on if and when the Napoleonic chaps dig their teeth in and try to wipe you out!
I also suggest that you or someone from the COA contact FORE (Forum for Osteopathic Regulation in Europe) and sign on....(no fee)
...and if you leave the GOSC it will be difficult but not impossible to get back in
Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on September 20, 2009 at 2:49pm
Are you saying that is somebody calls themselves a healer, a bonesetter, a body helper even, he can be taken to court due to not belonging to a government recognized group/association/body?
Permalink Reply by Jody Jakob on September 20, 2009 at 3:48pm
Probably not....as most of the people who call themselves healer, a bonesetter, or body helper fly under the official radar......but if pushed came to shove and a witch doctor became successful or notorious the authorities would probably initiate a case....of practing medicine without a licence or something like that or if they could not get him on that one that might harress them with tax inspectors.......
Permalink Reply by Quatermass on September 20, 2009 at 6:05pm
Paradoxically, if practising in an organised, professional manner yes, as then they are a visible and relevant blob (threat even) on the radar.
Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on September 21, 2009 at 8:15pm
Agrrr, its one of them decisions where i'm going back and forth with. I'll e-mail the GOsC to see what they say. But at the moment i'm thinking of renewing my registration (due to me being paranoid now of getting sued by the next person i meet! :-)) and next year will be another story.

I'm still interested Robert as to how "GOsC membership has been very useful to me in Spain when dealing with officialdom."
Permalink Reply by Quatermass on September 22, 2009 at 6:08am
See comments on the Spain group.
Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on December 10, 2009 at 12:01pm
Well, I have resigned today... I'm free!!! (for now anyway...)
Thanks for the thoughtful advice from all though.

Here is what needs to be done for re-entering the register, if anybody is interested:

The process for re-entering the register after having resigned, is as
follows:

* Completion of the restoration application forms
* Satisfactory Health Reference
* Satisfactory Character Reference
* Criminal records check from country of work/residence
* Letter of good standing from country of work/residence and the
clinic where you have been practicing.
* Proof of CPD whilst you have been away
* Updated contact and practice address details
* Proof of a valid indemnity insurance policy
* Payment of the appropriate fee

If you have been off the register for more than two years, as well as
the above you will also be required to complete the below:

* Completion of self-assessment form
* Attend a short interview to gage if you need assistance back to
practice, if we feel it is necessary.

If you have kept up to date with your CPD, the self-assessment should
not be a problem and you chances of being required to attend an
interview are reduced.

I hope this information is helpful. If you wish to proceed with
resigning from the register, please advise me by responding to this
email, and I can action it for you.
Permalink Reply by Clement Rhein on February 11, 2012 at 4:53pm

Well, After 2 years or so, I have since reregistered with the GOsC. If I would have left it longer than 2 years, then one may face a possible retake of the FCCA so... lets not shoot oneself in the foot.

The proces was rather tedious, especially from abroad and particularly the "Proof of CPD whilst you have been away" bit, and would advise anyone in my position to stay with the GOsC. The savings are not worth the headache! :-) It feels almost exciting to be belonging back to the herd, weird :-)

Permalink Reply by Hume O'Rous on February 11, 2012 at 5:40pm

Welcome back home to the prodigal son, Clem!

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2012   Created by Ronan O'Brien.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service