The loss of beloved actor Matthew Perry in October 2023 was immense. Entire generations have been captivated by Perry, particularly in his role as Chandler Bing on the wildly popular series Friends,which is still religiously streamed by fans and aired on mainstream TV. Shortly after his death, authorities announced to the public that Perry's death was the result of a ketamine overdose, and law enforcement began its investigation into who was responsible for Perry's tragic death. Perry was prescribed a ketamine infusion therapy treatment to address his ongoing depression. In September 2024, five people, including two of Perry's physicians, are facing criminal charges in connection with the death.

However, the ongoing Medical Board of California investigation threatening these physicians' California medical licenses hasn't been plastered all over the news. If you are a physician whose patient accidentally overdosed on a medication you prescribed and are facing a medical board investigation, you need the Lento Law Firm. Our Professional License Defense Team understands how much you care for your patients, and when accidents happen, you shouldn't lose your license, reputation, and livelihood. For the best defense of your license, call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.

Perry's Physicians Medical Board Investigation

The California Medical Board's investigation into Perry's case continues. Dr. Mark Chavez and Dr. Salvador Plasencia. It has declined to take any disciplinary action on the physicians' medical licenses during the investigation, meaning they can practice. Plasencia has surrendered his DEA registration, which authorized him to prescribe controlled substances, such as ketamine.

Plasencia's attorney insists that there is no basis for the California Board of Medicine to take action against his client's medical license. The attorney stated, "At the end of the day, Dr. Plasencia provided medical treatment to Mr. Perry. He was operating in good faith under what he believed was his duty, and whether or not there was a lapse in judgment in retrospect, it doesn't negate the fact that he was pursuing this with the best of medical intentions.”

Chavez has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. This admission to guilt in criminal court could impact the California Medical Board's decision on whether or what disciplinary action is appropriate to take against his license.

Consequences of Accidental Patient Overdoses

We could see a few different outcomes as a result of this California Board of Medicine investigation. Both physicians could be subject to any of the following disciplinary actions against their medical licensure:

• Revocation, which would permanently prohibit their practice of medicine in the state of California
• Suspension, which would temporarily prohibit their practice of medicine in the state of California
• Probation, which would permit the physicians to continue practicing medicine in California but with specific terms and limitations
• Fines, which the physicians would owe to the California Board of Medicine
• Reprimand, which publicly announces the physician's misconduct but has no official impact on their California medical license

Any disciplinary action by the California Board of Medicine can impact their ability to obtain medical licensure in other jurisdictions, both nationally and internationally.

Retain the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team Today

If you are a physician who has tragically lost a patient to a prescription drug overdose, you are grieving. It is always painful to do what you think is best for your patient yet see a devastating outcome. You need someone to fight for you as vigorously as you fought for your patients. Retain the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.