A North Okanagan registered massage therapist has surrendered his license to practice after admitting to professional misconduct involving seven patients.
Dennis Desrochers of Enderby, B.C. has agreed to cancel his registration with the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. for five years, according to a consent order published by the regulator.
Desrochers admitted to incidents spanning 2011 to 2018 involving female clients, who he disrobed improperly and and in some cases massaged their chests and breasts unnecessarily.
He also engaged in “unprofessional” communication with clients. In 2011 and 2018, he used his hands to examine a patient’s breasts for cancer — well outside the scope of massage therapy in B.C.
Desrochers will also be required to pay the costs of the investigation into him. By making the admissions and surrendering his registration, he avoids a disciplinary hearing.
If he applies for reinstatement in five years, it will be considered by the regulator’s registration committee.
"The Inquiry Committee considered Mr. Desrochers’ admitted conduct to be serious," said the College of Massage Therapists of B.C.
"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 BC."
