BC massage therapist fined for using phone, vaping during treatment

A BC massage therapist, who used his cell phone and vaped during a treatment session, has been fined $1,000 and lost his licence for three days after he was caught in a sting operation.

According to a Sept. 24 BC College of Complementary Health Professionals, registered massage therapist Shaminder Sangha provided a treatment to an undercover investigator who caught him using his cell phone in his right hand, while massaging with his left hand on multiple occasions.

“Mr. Sangha’s use of a cell phone during hands-on treatment diverted his attention from his patients and raised concerns about patient privacy and trust in the clinical environment,” the regulator said in the decision. “Additionally, using a vaping product within the clinical setting is both unprofessional and poses a potential health risk to patients and staff.”

The BC College of Complementary Health Professionals said the Surrey-based massage therapist’s conduct was a serious failure to uphold professional standards.

“Mr. Sangha admitted that he has used his cell phone during treatment with patients other than the Investigator on more than one occasion, without their consent and for a purpose that did not involve therapeutic care,” the decision read. “Mr. Sangha also admitted that he failed to address his personal stress in a manner which impacted his ability to meet his professional obligations.”

The decision said the College began an investigation in November 2024, and the massage therapist treated the undercover investigator a month later. The College didn’t say why it began an investigation.

Sangha signed a consent agreement admitting to his behaviour and accepted a $1,000 fine, plus $750 in costs.

He had his licence suspended for three days and is permanently prohibited from having a cell phone present in any treatment room.