Former B.C. acupuncturist cannot renew registration for 10 years, college says

FILE: A massage table is seen in this undated photo. (Shutterstock)

A Surrey acupuncturist who let his registration lapse while under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct is not allowed to apply for renewal until 2035, according to the provincial regulator.

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C. banned Sung Hyun La from treating female patients on Feb. 10, 2025, after a patient alleged he “engaged in sexual misconduct and conducted himself in a matter that demonstrated a lack of professional judgement and respect for boundaries.”

The college imposed limits on La’s practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an interim order to protect the public during its investigation and discipline hearing.

However, La did not renew his registration and it expired less than two months after the “extraordinary action,” on March 31, 2025.

To “dispose of the matter,” the college entered a consent agreement with La that went into effect on Jan. 28, 2026.

Under the terms of that agreement, La will be ineligible to reinstate his registration until Oct. 29, 2035. He also received a formal reprimand from the college, a $1,000 fine and must pay an additional $350 to cover a portion of the investigation costs.

La must also “agree to not repeat any form of sexual misconduct” and take courses on professional ethics and boundaries, if he chooses to apply for reinstatement.

“The inquiry committee is satisfied that this resolution is consistent with the college’s mandate to protect the public,” a public notice reads.