B.C. massage therapist admits to exposing, massaging patients' chests without consent
A B.C. massage therapist's registration is being cancelled for at least five years after he admitted to professional misconduct against multiple patients, which included exposing their chests without consent.
According to a consent agreement posted by the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. earlier this month, Dennis Desrochers won't be permitted to reapply for registration in the profession until May 2027.
Desrochers admitted to several acts of misconduct against seven patients between 2011 and 2018.
In many of the instances, Desrochers undraped patients to their waist, exposing their breasts without consent and when it wasn't necessary. For some patients, that happened on "five or more occasions," the consent agreement said.
Desrochers also admitted to massaging some patients' chests "without ensuring that the patient was fully informed regarding treatment, which is a requirement for obtaining the patient’s full informed consent to treatment."
He also talked to some patients about their breast size and his experiences receiving a massage, which the college called "unprofessional communication."
On two other occasions in that seven-year timeframe, Desrochers used "his hands to examine a patient’s breasts for indications of cancer when doing so was outside the scope of practice of massage therapy in British Columbia."
Even if Desrochers applies to have his registration reinstated, the college said it won't be automatic, but will need to be reviewed by the registration committee.
"The inquiry committee considered Mr. Desrochers' admitted conduct to be serious," the agreement said.
"The inquiry committee is satisfied that the consent order in this matter appropriately reflects the seriousness of the admitted conduct and will protect patient safety through cancellation of Mr. Desrochers’ registration, meaning that Mr. Desrochers will no longer be authorized to practice as a registered massage therapist in B.C."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.