B.C. acupuncturist issued 30-year ban after sex assault convictions

Warning: This story contains details of sexual assault and may be distressing to some readers.

A former B.C. acupuncturist has been banned from practicing for 30 years after being convicted of two sexual assaults.

The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) said Mario Luis Ibarra of Surrey was charged June 22, 2023 in connection with incidents involving two women.

Ibarra received a conditional sentence of two years less one day Feb. 13, 2025.

The sentence included that he not practice acupuncture or any other health care or other occupation requiring him to touch another person.

In a newly released June 26 decision, the college said Ibarra hugged A.A. and sexually assaulted her by massaging the front of her breasts for several minutes. The college said he was also lying on top of the woman for two minutes while she was draped with a sheet as Ibarra moved his hips inappropriately and developed an erection.

Those incidents took place Oct. 1-17, 2016, the college said.

The decision said that, while providing acupuncture services to B.B., Ibarra entered the treatment room before she had an opportunity to undress and establish herself under the draping. It said he sexually assaulted her by massaging her breasts in a manner that was not consistent with therapeutic intent and penetrating her with a finger.

Those incidents took place between Nov. 20, 2015, and Oct. 15, 2016.

The college said the incidents are professional misconduct.

“Due to Mr. Ibarra’s professional misconduct, he is not eligible to apply for reinstatement of registration with CCHPBC until July 1, 2055,” the college said.

“Mr. Ibarra’s registration had already been terminated at the time of this order, following his failure to renew his registration on March 31, 2024.”