Can doctors continue to practice after being charged or arrested?

The Medical Board of California is actively investigating the doctors connected to the death of Matthew Perry and assures the public that appropriate actions will be taken based on the facts and available evidence.

Five individuals, including Perry’s assistant and two doctors—Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia—were charged in connection with the actor’s death from a ketamine overdose last year. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat his depression when the overdose occurred.

The Board emphasized its commitment to protecting the public and stated that it is actively investigating the matter. Dr. Plasencia, whose clinic in Calabasas reopened recently, has not treated any patients as confirmed by his attorneys. However, a sign on the clinic’s door identifies him as a defendant in a pending case and states that he is unable to prescribe controlled substances, although he retains his medical license.

Plasencia is accused of selling ketamine to Perry, which resulted in his death. While his attorneys maintain that he acted in good faith and did not break any laws, they acknowledged a potential lapse in judgment. Nonetheless, the legal and medical consequences of such actions are complex and evolving.

Currently, a court order mandates that a disclaimer regarding the case is posted on the clinic’s door and that patients must sign a form acknowledging their awareness of the pending case. Both documents must state that Plasencia has surrendered his DEA registration, prohibiting him from prescribing controlled substances. Despite the criminal charges, the medical board has not yet imposed any disciplinary actions against Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia.

This situation recalls the case of Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson’s death. In Murray’s case, his medical license was suspended almost two years after he was charged, following court-imposed restrictions and a subsequent order to stop practicing medicine in California. This precedent suggests that similar restrictions could be imposed on Dr. Chavez and Dr. Plasencia during the ongoing investigation and criminal proceedings.

One of Dr. Plasencia’s patients expressed disappointment but not surprise at the allegations, underscoring a sentiment shared by many about the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims that Plasencia and the other defendants took advantage of Perry’s addiction. A text message attributed to Plasencia further complicates his defense, suggesting a clear intent to exploit Perry.

Plasencia faces several serious charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and falsifying documents related to the federal investigation. He pleaded not guilty but was released on a $100,000 bond. His attorney contends that Plasencia was providing medical treatment with the best of intentions, despite what might appear to be a lapse in professional judgment.

Another central figure in this case is Dr. Mark Chavez, a San Diego-based doctor who agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Chavez facilitated the ketamine sale to Perry’s assistant through fraudulent prescriptions and falsified documents. Having graduated from UCLA in 2004, Chavez now faces significant legal repercussions, although he hasn’t faced any disciplinary actions on his medical record to date.

The investigation also revealed that Perry turned to Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “ketamine queen,” who provided substantial amounts of the drug for a high price. Sangha pleaded not guilty and remains in jail with her next court hearing scheduled in two months.

Federal prosecutors stated that Perry’s relapse and ultimate death occurred within a short timeframe of about two months. They are actively pursuing the prosecution of all individuals involved, with court dates and potential plea deals on the horizon. The exact sentencing dates remain under seal, but the U.S. Attorney hopes to have them unsealed soon to provide clear timelines for the cases’ progression.

The repercussions of these criminal proceedings on the professionals’ medical careers will likely be influenced by both the court’s decisions and the ongoing investigations by the Medical Board of California.

Source: ABC News, The Associated Press