California Outlaws Unauthorized Use of Osteopathic Titles

Authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart and championed by the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California, the legislation creates a legal barrier against individuals who lack formal medical training yet market themselves as osteopaths. These practitioners, often trained through unaccredited online programs, have previously operated under titles like "DO (CAN)," creating potential health risks for patients undergoing spinal manipulations.

Licensed DOs undergo four years of medical school, specialized training in OMT, and years of residency, followed by rigorous board examinations. By closing a loophole in 2001 legislation that was originally intended to cover alternative health practitioners, the state now mandates that only those vetted by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California may perform these procedures. American Osteopathic Association President Richard R. Thacker emphasized that the law restores public trust by ensuring that any provider using the DO designation meets the stringent educational standards required for patient safety.