Formal Charges Filed Against Former Massage Therapist for Cooperation Deficiencies

The Washington State Department of Health has formally charged Heidi Melosa Eberle, a now-expired massage therapy license holder, with unprofessional conduct stemming from her lack of engagement during a state investigation.

The Massage Therapy Program issued the statement of charges on May 4, 2026. While the initial complaint that triggered oversight dated back to December 2024—alleging Eberle had participated in sexual conduct with clients—the latest formal action centers on her response—or lack thereof—to the department’s follow-up inquiries.

Investigators first reached out to Eberle in April 2025 with a request for written information related to the allegations. That communication included a deadline for submission, but no response arrived by the specified date.

Approximately five months later, in early October 2025, the state formally notified Eberle of her alleged noncooperation through a Statement of Allegations. Around a week after that notice went out, she contacted officials, explaining that she had spent an extended period out of state.

Based on that exchange, the department resent its cooperation letters twice: once in late October 2025 and again in January 2026. Despite these reminders and adjusted timelines, the department maintains it has yet to receive the requested documentation.

State law stipulates that a licensee’s failure to provide a comprehensive written account in response to a complaint constitutes unprofessional conduct. Specifically, RCW 18.130.180 outlines such noncooperation as grounds for disciplinary action.

Eberle’s massage therapy credential, first granted in December 2022, lapsed while the investigation progressed. The program’s executive director has directed that a formal notice be served on her, affording her the chance to respond and defend against the current allegations.

Should Eberle remain unresponsive, the department may proceed with formal sanctions as authorized under state law. Officials also indicated that if and when the requested materials are eventually submitted, they will assess them for possible additional violations tied to the original 2024 complaint—and determine whether further disciplinary measures are appropriate.

📄 *Heidi Melosa Eberle Statement Of Charges* (268KB ∙ PDF file)

A statement of charges serves as the Department of Health’s formal listing of alleged violations, distinct from final determinations of fact.

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