For immediate release: June 6, 2024 (24-064)
Contact: DOH Communications
OLYMPIA – State health officials suspended the license of Pierce County massage therapist Lukela Los Banos (MA60756509) pending further legal action.
Charges state that during the course of providing massage therapy treatment to a patient, Los Banos placed suction cups on the back of the patient’s legs and left the cups on their skin for approximately 40 minutes, tightening the cups approximately three times, which resulted in injuries to the patient’s skin. A Department of Health investigator mailed Los Banos a letter of cooperation which required Los Banos to respond. To date, Los Banos has not responded.
The suspension prohibits Los Banos from practicing as a massage therapist in Washington to protect patient safety and public health. Los Banos has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the charges.
The legal documents on this case can be seen online by clicking the link on Provider Credential Search on the Department of Health website; copies can be requested by calling 360-236-4700. Anyone who believes a health care provider acted unprofessionally is encouraged to call this number and report their complaint.
The Department of Health and Board of Massage protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of health care providers. The agency establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies, and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to people in Washington.
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