DOH suspends license of Thurston County massage therapist accused of sexually assaulting two female patients - Centralia Chronicle

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By Emily Fitzgerald / emily@chronline.com

The Washington state Department of Health (DOH) has suspended the massage therapy license of a Thurston County masseur accused of sexually assaulting two patients between March 2023 and March 2024.

Joel Allan Maislin, 35, was charged Nov. 19, 2024, in Thurston County Superior Court with one count of second-degree rape of a client or patient after he allegedly sexually assaulted a female patient at Massage Envy in Olympia on March 1, 2023, according to DOH records and court documents.
The victim reported the sexual assault to the Olympia Police Department, according to DOH.

His trial for that case is scheduled to begin May 27.

Maislin is also accused of giving a different female patient “sensual massages … without her permission” on March 19, 2024, while he was employed at Derrick Family Chiropractic and Massage in Lacey.

Maislin and that victim reportedly began a dating relationship after the alleged sexual assault. He is not currently facing criminal charges related to that incident.

The state Massage Therapy Program filed a statement of charges against Maislin with the DOH on Feb. 6, 2025, accusing him of unprofessional conduct, sexual misconduct and violation of standards of practice.

A health law judge with the DOH found that there is probable cause for the allegations and that there is “an immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare if (Maislin) holds an unrestricted credential,” according to a Feb. 13 summary action order suspending Maislin’s license.

“The suspension prohibits Maislin from practicing as a massage therapist in Washington to protect patient safety and public health. He has 20 days to request a hearing to contest the charges,” the DOH stated in a news release on Feb. 19.

Maislin first obtained his massage therapist license in September 2022, according to the DOH.

The legal documents on this case can be seen online by clicking the link on provider credential search on the DOH’s 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 DOH said in a news release.

“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,” the DOH said in a news release. “Rules, policies, and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to people in Washington.”