Sedat Ozdemir: Alleged Sex Offender Not a Registered Massage Therapist
Confirms the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario

TORONTO , Jan. 12 /CNW/ - The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, the organization entrusted by government and the public of Ontario to regulate the nearly 10,000 massage therapists in the province, was distressed to hear of the alleged abuse of a 15 year old female by an individual claiming to provide massage therapy. The College clarifies for the public that Sedat Ozdemir is not a registered massage therapist in Ontario. In Ontario, registered massage therapists must meet standards of competence including successful completion of certification examinations prior to registration. As health care professionals, massage therapists provide safe, ethical and quality care. In accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, all regulated health professions must comply with a zero tolerance standard against sexual abuse of any nature.

An individual who is not a member of the profession is not permitted to use the term "massage therapy" to describe services they may provide as an unregulated practitioner. The College is able to take action against any individual who portrays himself or herself as a massage therapist when they are not or who purports to provide massage therapy.

The care and well being of patients and health care clients is foremost in the delivery of health care in Ontario. Should opportunity to partner in further action in this case exist, the College will be an eager participant.

The College encourages the Ontario public to ensure they are receiving care from qualified personnel. Checking the College website and asking care providers about their qualifications will help to ensure good outcomes. Registered massage therapists may be searched on the College website at https://www.cmto.com/imis_eseries/source/Members/publicregister.cfm.

About the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario

The College exists to protect the public interest and to regulate the profession of massage therapy. The College has been regulating the profession of massage therapy for the past ninety years, initially under the Drugless Practitioners Act and then under the Regulated Health Professions Act 1991 and the Massage Therapy Act 1991. The College's primary role is to protect the public interest with respect to the practice of massage therapy in Ontario and ensure that massage therapy is provided by competent and accountable massage therapists in an effective, safe and ethical manner. The College is accountable to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and to the public in carrying out its statutory objects as set out in the RHPA.

Under the provisions of the Massage Therapy Act, 1991, only those who are registered with the College are permitted to use the title "massage therapist" or "registered massage therapist."

For further information: Tami Hynes, Associate Registrar, Member & Corporate Services, Tel: [phone] or 1-800-465-1933, Ext. 122, Email: [email protected]