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 limits/conditions on Gudbjartur (Bodhi) Haraldsson’s registration with CMTBC in order to protect the public.

The limits/conditions on Mr. Haraldsson’s practice of massage therapy are that he is:

• prohibited from treating female patients;
• prohibited from providing members of the public the option to book his massage therapy services online at any clinic where he provides massage therapy services;
• required to post in the waiting room of any clinic where he provides massage therapy treatment a notice stating that he is prohibited from treating female patients by order of the Inquiry Committee of CMTBC and containing a link to this public notice; and
• required to post a notice in any treatment room where he provides massage therapy treatment stating that he is prohibited from treating female patients by order of the Inquiry Committee of CMTBC.

Reasons: On  December 14, 2022, CMTBC received a complaint from a female patient of the registrant (the “Patient”). In relation to this complaint, the Inquiry Committee panel found that there was a prima facie case of allegations that, during the provision of massage therapy to the Patient, Mr. Haraldsson engaged in sexual misconduct by engaging in non-therapeutic touching of sensitive areas of the Patient’s body.

The Inquiry Committee panel considered the allegations serious and found that there is a risk of recurrence if an interim order was 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 limits/conditions are 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.