B.C. massage therapist banned from treating underaged, female patients amid sexual misconduct probe

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A massage therapist from Maple Ridge, B.C., has been banned from treating female patients and patients under 18 due to an allegation of sexual misconduct, according to the professional regulator.

A notification of an order placing limits on the practise of Christian Aquilizan was posted online this week by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C.

“The order was made following a complaint from a member of the public which alleged that the registrant engaged in sexual misconduct regarding a female patient who is under 18 years old,” the notice said.

“The panel considered the allegations serious and recognized the presence of factors that render the alleged sexual misconduct likely to recur. The allegation is a serious breach of boundaries that constitutes sexual misconduct.”

The allegations have not been proven, but the college put the order in place while an investigation is underway and pending the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings.

Aquilizan will also be required to post a notice informing the public of the interim order in treatment rooms and waiting rooms at any clinic where he practises as well as on any online booking pages.

“Having weighed the different options and the circumstances of this case, the panel concluded that the above-described limits and conditions are proportionate and sufficient to protect the public,” the notice from the college concluded.