Constitutional law attorney Katie Cherkasky and former DEA special operations director Derek Maltz have emphasized the need to hold doctors to a higher standard as they face charges related to the provision of ketamine to the late actor Matthew Perry. One such doctor, Dr. Mark Chavez, appeared in a Los Angeles court on Friday following a plea agreement reached earlier this month.

During the court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jean P. Rosenbluth permitted Dr. Chavez to remain free on bond under certain restrictions, including surrendering his passport and refraining from practicing medicine. The plea agreement will be finalized at a future date as Chavez did not enter a guilty plea or discuss the case during the hearing. If convicted, Chavez may face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Outside the courthouse, Dr. Mark Chavez's attorney, Matthew Binninger, acknowledged his client's remorse for his actions. Binninger stated that Chavez feels profound regret for the repercussions of his actions on both Matthew Perry and other patients. He assured the public that Chavez intends to take responsibility for his involvement in the case during a change of plea hearing in the weeks to come.

Matthew Perry's tragic death on October 28 has been attributed to the "acute effects of ketamine," as determined by an autopsy conducted on October 29. The autopsy report also highlighted drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors in Perry's demise.

As part of his plea agreement, Dr. Chavez confessed to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He admitted to selling the surgical anesthetic to another doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, including ketamine that he diverted from his former clinic. Plasencia allegedly instructed Perry's assistant on how to administer the drug. It was revealed that Perry had been seeking an additional source of ketamine in the month leading up to his death, as his previous doctor refused to provide him with more of the substance.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who texted Chavez about Perry's case, has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. Furthermore, three other individuals have been charged in connection to Perry's death. Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, causing death. Jasveen Sangha, also known as "The Ketamine Queen," faces charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, as well as distribution of ketamine. Erik Fleming, who acted as a middleman between Sangha and Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death.

As the legal proceedings progress, the case surrounding Matthew Perry's untimely passing highlights the importance of accountability within the medical community. The calls for justice and a higher standard for doctors involved in illicit distribution continue to grow stronger, especially in cases where lives are tragically lost.