Former California doctor confesses to unlawfully prescribing narcotics via telehealth.
Former Antelope Valley Physician Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics Charges
In a shocking case, a former Antelope Valley physician, Raphael Tomas Malikian, has pleaded guilty to federal narcotics charges. Malikian, who operated Happy Family Medicine, illegally dispensed prescriptions for highly addictive controlled substances, including opioid-based medications, during telemedicine sessions with patients from all over the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reported that Malikian pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud and one count of distribution of oxycodone. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 5th, where he could face up to 20 years in federal prison for the distribution of oxycodone and up to four years for aiding and abetting the acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud.
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The Medical Board of California had already suspended Malikian’s medical license in November 2021, and it expired the following month. According to his plea agreement, Malikian, who was a licensed physician, prescribed medication without proper medical evaluations or verifying the identities of his customers. He also allowed customers to obtain prescriptions in the names of others.
Working with two co-conspirators, Malikian issued controlled substance prescriptions to fictitious patients, which were then filled and sold on the black market. Shockingly, many of these fraudulent prescriptions contained false notes urging pharmacies not to verify them due to the life-threatening nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the most alarming aspects of Malikian’s illegal activities is the sheer volume of false prescriptions he issued. He prescribed over 82 liters of liquid promethazine with codeine, directing them to various pharmacies across the nation for his co-conspirators to obtain.
In a particularly damning incident, Malikian unknowingly prescribed controlled substances to an undercover law enforcement officer. Without conducting proper medical evaluations or verifying the officer’s identity, he issued prescriptions for oxycodone, promethazine with codeine, Norco, and alprazolam (Xanax). These actions were performed outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal prescription drug distribution and the need for stricter regulations in the telemedicine industry.
What led to the investigation into Malikian’s illegal prescribing practices?
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10/8/2023 The investigation into Malikian began in 2021 after authorities received reports of his illegal prescribing practices. According to court documents, Malikian would conduct telemedicine consultations with patients, during which he would write prescriptions for highly addictive drugs, including oxycodone and other opioid-based medications, without proper medical justification. These consultations were conducted without any physical examination or comprehensive medical evaluation of the patients. Malikian’s illegal activities were not limited to patients located in the Antelope Valley area. He provided his services to patients from all over the United States through his telemedicine practice, Happy Family Medicine. This allowed him to distribute controlled substances to individuals across state lines, exacerbating the potential harm caused by his actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the seriousness of Malikian’s crimes, highlighting the devastating impact of opioid addiction on individuals, families, and communities. These highly addictive drugs can ruin lives and lead to overdose deaths, making the illegal distribution of opioids an extremely dangerous offense. Malikian’s guilty plea marks a crucial step in holding him accountable for his actions and ensuring justice for the victims affected by his illegal practices. He will face a sentencing hearing on February 5th, during which the court will determine his punishment. The case against Malikian is a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and regulating telemedicine practices. While telemedicine can provide convenient access to healthcare services, it also presents challenges in terms of verifying the legitimacy of medical professionals and ensuring the appropriate prescription of medication. Efforts must be made to establish robust guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent the abuse of telemedicine platforms for illegal activities. Furthermore, this case underscores the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. The illegal distribution of opioids and the subsequent rise in addiction and overdose deaths is a national public health emergency. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations on prescribing practices, increased access to addiction treatment and rehabilitation services, and public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about the dangers of opioid abuse. In conclusion, the guilty plea of former Antelope Valley physician Raphael Tomas Malikian for federal narcotics charges sheds light on the serious repercussions of illegal prescribing practices. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of opioid addiction and the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the field of telemedicine. Efforts to address the opioid crisis must be intensified to protect vulnerable individuals and communities from the harmful effects of these dangerous drugs.
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