Former Kelowna massage therapist faces disciplinary hearing for allegedly touching breasts

A former Kelowna massage therapist is facing a disciplinary hearing next month for allegedly touching two patients in a sexual manner.

In a notice sent out this week, the College of Massage Therapists announced its discipline committee will conduct a hearing to inquire into Robert Morgan’s interactions with two patients.

In the first circumstance, the college said on or about Sept. 18, 2015, in the course of providing massage therapy services to a person referred to as “patient one.” Morgan allegedly massaged or otherwise touched her breasts for a non-therapeutic and/or sexual purpose.

Morgan allegedly did this without obtaining the patient's informed consent and failed to provide appropriate draping to conceal her breasts as she turned from a prone to an upward-facing position.

The second incident is from April 20, 2017. In that case, the college said it will be looking into Morgan’s alleged communications with “patient two” before treatment.

In that circumstance, Morgan allegedly failed to describe appropriate disrobing and/or draping options, and told the patient to remove her clothing.

Then he allegedly massaged her buttocks and breasts “for a non-therapeutic and/or sexual purpose” without obtaining her informed consent.

If Morgan is found guilty of these charges, it will mean he has not complied with the Health Professions Act or a bylaw; and fallen short of the college’s Code of Ethics. It also means he has committed professional misconduct.

The hearing will be Dec. 9 in Vancouver.

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