Washington State Department of Health suspended a Whatcom County massage therapist’s license after a stalking conviction
BLAINE, Wash. — Washington state regulators have suspended the license of a Whatcom County massage therapist, citing a prior stalking conviction and new allegations that officials say pose an immediate threat to public safety.
The Washington State Department of Health issued the emergency suspension on December 24, 2025, after determining that the conduct described in criminal filings and court records warranted immediate intervention. The action prevents the therapist from practicing while disciplinary proceedings continue.
January is Stalking Awareness Month
In this case, the Department of Health said the Whatcom County massage therapist previously pleaded guilty to a domestic violence–related stalking charge earlier in 2025. Since then, prosecutors have filed new criminal allegations, including felony stalking and offenses tied to online harassment and the dissemination of intimate images.
Regulators said those developments raised immediate concerns about public safety, prompting the rare use of a summary suspension.
Advocates say January’s designation as Stalking Awareness Month is meant to highlight how stalking often does not end with a single incident or conviction. Instead, it can persist, escalate, and increasingly involve technology-facilitated abuse.
Emergency suspension and public safety
A summary suspension is an extraordinary regulatory tool. The Department of Health uses it only when officials believe a credential holder presents an ongoing risk to the public.
State officials emphasized that the action is protective, not punitive. The suspension does not determine guilt in the pending criminal cases. Instead, it temporarily removes a professional credential while the legal and administrative processes move forward.
The therapist has the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
The Department of Health identified the therapist as Collin Noah Ruginski, who pleaded guilty in April 2025 to a domestic violence–related stalking charge and now faces additional felony allegations filed by prosecutors, according to the agency.
Stalking and online abuse beyond a single case
While this case involves a licensed massage therapist, experts say the underlying behavior reflects a broader statewide problem.
Stalking today often includes persistent digital harassment, impersonation, and threats involving private or intimate images. These behaviors can continue even after court involvement, making early intervention and victim support critical.
State agencies and advocates increasingly frame stalking as a public safety issue, particularly when patterns of behavior repeat or intensify.
Where victims can find help
Victims of stalking, cyber harassment, or threats involving intimate images can access confidential help and local support throughout Washington.
| Resource | Services offered | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline | 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, referrals | 1-800-562-6025 |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | Help with stalking, digital abuse, and relationship violence | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) |
| 211 Washington | Local referrals for advocacy, counseling, and legal aid | Dial 211 |
| Local courts and victim advocates | Assistance with protection orders and court processes | County clerk or prosecutor’s office |
Advocates encourage victims to document incidents, preserve digital evidence, and seek help early, especially when conduct escalates or becomes threatening.
What comes next for Whatcom County massage therapist
The Department of Health will determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted after reviewing the administrative record and the outcome of the criminal cases. Possible outcomes include extended suspension or license revocation.
For regulators and advocates alike, the case serves as a reminder of the risks stalking can pose and why awareness, intervention, and access to support remain critical during Stalking Awareness Month.
About the Author
