The Forum for Osteopathic Regulation in Europe (FORE) seeks to bring together national Registers and Competent Authorities for osteopathy across Europe.

FORE's mission is to protect patients, promote confidence in osteopathic professionals and be at the forefront of healthcare regulation.

As different countries are currently at various stages of recognition / regulation, the work of FORE is fundamental if the osteopathic professon is to successfully face increasing challenges in Europe.  One such challenge is increasing mobility of professionals and patients across Europe.  FORE welcomes increased freedom of movement, but this should not be at the expense of patient safety and quality of care.

Good health and healthcare policy also depends on the competence and performance of healthcare professionals.  The potential for osteopaths to contribute to the European Community's Health Strategy cannot be underestimated, particularly with regard to promoting health and preventing disease in an ageing Europe.  This contribution is not viable, however, without effective regulatory mechanisms in place across Europe.

For these reasons FORE is working to improve information exchange and develop a consensus on standards of osteopathic education, training and practice across Europe.  In this way we hope to encourage the regulation of osteopathy as an autonomous healthcare profession where this does not currently exist.