B.C. RMT banned from treating female patients who are not 'fully clothed' from waist down

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

A massage therapist in Surrey, B.C., is not allowed to treat female patients unless they are "fully clothed" from the waist down, according to the professional regulator.

These limits on Arthur DeLuis' practice have been imposed by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC in light of a patient complaint.

"The inquiry committee panel found that there was a prima facie case of the allegations that, during the provision of treatment to the patient, the registrant engaged in sexual misconduct," a notice dated Dec. 30, 2024 and posted online this week says.

"The inquiry committee panel considered the allegations serious and found that there are some factors that render the alleged conduct likely to recur. Therefore, the panel determined that the public must be protected by an interim order during the investigation."

Details of the complaint have not been published, and the allegations have not been proven.

DeLuis is required by the college to prominently post a notice online and in any clinic where he practises saying that female patients must be clothed from the "iliac crest to the ankles" while being treated.

While the conditions are in place, DeLuis will also be required to provide the college with access to information about all of his weekly appointments, including patient names and contact information. He will also be subject to on-site audits by the college.