Howard Shears

The registrant, a massage therapist, admitted to professional misconduct for failing to obtain informed consent, discuss draping options, and keep accurate records.

The Tribunal found the registrant committed professional misconduct and accepted a joint submission on penalty.

The registrant was reprimanded, ordered to complete further education and reflection, and required to pay costs of $5,110.

The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario alleged that the registrant committed professional misconduct by sexually abusing a patient, falsifying an academic record, and breaching professional boundaries.

The registrant, who was also the patient's massage therapy instructor, admitted to the allegations in an Agreed Statement of Facts.

The Discipline Tribunal found the registrant committed professional misconduct.

Accepting a joint submission on penalty, the Tribunal ordered the mandatory revocation of the registrant's certificate of registration, a public reprimand, reimbursement of up to $17,940 for patient therapy funding, and $5,110 in costs.