BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A Whatcom County chiropractor has been charged for not enforcing COVID-19 policies at his office.

The Washington State Health Department announced the unprofessional conduct charges against Michael Motel in a press release on Wednesday, October 5th.

A health inspector visited Ascend Chiropractic last September after receiving complaints about staff not wearing masks.

Both an employee and Motel were seen without masks during that visit.

Investigators added that there were no posted signs within the building warning patients about the dangers of COVID-19.

Prior to the inspector’s visit, Motel and an employee had submitted paperwork that stated they would not get the COVID vaccine due to religious exemptions.

Motel has the opportunity to defend himself before he faces disciplinary action.