West Kelowna acupuncturist banned from treating female patients

An acupuncturist adjusts one-inch seirin acupuncture needles in the muscles around the spine of a patient to relieve lower back pain in this 2007 file photo. (AP / M. Spencer Green)

An acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in West Kelowna has been banned from treating female patients due to allegations of misconduct, according to the professional regulator.

Dong Lin has had limits placed on his practise while the College of Complementary Health Professionals investigates a complaint from a female patient, a public notice posted online last week says.

“In relation to this complaint, the inquiry committee panel found that there was a prima facie case of the allegations that, during the provision of treatment to the patient, the registrant conducted himself in a manner that demonstrated a lack of professional judgement and respect for patient boundaries,” the notice from the college said.

“The inquiry committee panel considered the allegations serious and found that there are

some factors that render the alleged conduct likely to recur. Therefore, the panel determined that the public must be protected by an interim order during the investigation.”

Details of the allegations have not been provided and the college notes that they remain unproven.

In addition to the prohibition on treating female patients, Lin is required to post notices of the ban online and at any clinic where he practises. He will also be subject to random audits, and will be required to provide the college with details of all his bookings, including patient contact information.