Nature of Action: Pursuant to section 35(1)(a) of the Health Professions Act (the “Act”), a panel of the Inquiry Committee made an order to impose a limit on Clifford Dickson’s registration with CMTBC in order to protect the public.

The limit on Mr. Dickson’s practice of massage therapy is that he is prohibited from treating patients who identify as female.

Reasons: On January 3, 2023, CMTBC received a complaint from a female patient of the registrant (the “Patient”) which included multiple allegations. Specifically, the Patient alleged that while providing massage therapy to the Patient, Mr. Dickson: initiated hugs with the Patient; engaged in unprofessional verbal and non-verbal communications with the Patient; and engaged in non-therapeutic touching of sensitive areas of the Patient’s body. The Inquiry Committee panel found that there was a prima facie case in relation to the allegations outlined above.

The Inquiry Committee panel considered the allegations to be serious and found that there would be a risk of recurrence if an interim order were not made. Therefore, the panel determined that the public must be protected by an interim order during the investigation and pending any discipline hearing.

The panel considered what interim measures would be sufficient and proportionate in this case. Having weighed the different options and the circumstances of this case, and having considered the impact on the registrant, the Inquiry Committee panel concluded that the above-described limit is proportionate and sufficient to protect the public during the investigation or pending a discipline hearing.

Important Note: Limits, conditions and suspensions ordered by the Inquiry Committee under section 35(1) of the Act are made to protect the public during an investigation or pending a hearing of the Discipline Committee. Measures taken under section 35(1) of the Act pertain to allegations which are and remain unproven unless admitted by a registrant or determined by the Discipline Committee.