Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has gained popularity for its subanesthetic off-label use in treating depression and other mental health disorders. However, the popularity of ketamine clinics has raised significant concerns about patient safety, especially when untrained clinicians staff these clinics. This showcases the need for a mandate for CE & CME-approved ketamine training that ensures ketamine clinicians are adequately trained. Unlike in the past, there are now many ketamine training programs available, and the lack of proper training is no longer acceptable.
Risks of Untrained Staff in Ketamine Clinics
The rapid expansion of ketamine clinics has sometimes led to compromised patient care. Untrained staff administering ketamine can result in improper protocols and a lack of appropriate monitoring, which can have severe consequences. For example, Dr. David Mahjoubi, president of the American Board of Ketamine Physicians, noted that some clinics employ untrained registered nurses and paramedics who administer ketamine without proper oversight, leading to distressing and potentially dangerous situations for patients. One notable incident involved a patient who experienced a terrifying experience from hallucinations resulting from improper dosing and a lack of adequate preparation and monitoring by the clinic staff. The patient described the experience as traumatic and likened it to a near-death experience, highlighting the importance of proper training and patient care.
Malpractice and Legal Implications
The lack of proper training among staff in ketamine clinics has also led to malpractice claims and other legal repercussions.
Notable Legal Cases Involving Ketamine Providers
Ricard Valdes v. Glen Z. Brooks, M.D. et al.: This case involved Dr. Kloda, a physician who sought ketamine treatment for depression from Dr. Brooks. Despite Dr. Kloda's history of suicidal ideation, Dr. Brooks proceeded with the treatment without adequate communication with Dr. Kloda's psychiatrist. Tragically, Dr. Kloda took his own life, leading to a lawsuit alleging negligence and failure to obtain informed consent. Although the court ultimately found Dr. Brooks not liable, the case underscores the critical need for thorough patient evaluation and inter-provider communication in ketamine therapy.
Dr. Asim Muhammad Ali and Dr. Mohd Azfar Malik, two St. Louis area doctors, were indicted on 22 felony counts for illegally administering ketamine to patients and fraudulently billing Medicare for services related to a psychiatric clinic. Dr. Ali, who lacked DEA registration, allegedly used Dr. Malik's DEA credentials to administer ketamine without proper supervision and billed Medicare using Dr. Malik's name. The indictment also claims that they unlawfully stored ketamine and esketamine at the COPE Ketamine Clinic, which Dr. Malik owned. Both doctors face significant prison time and fines if convicted.
CRPS Ketamine Treatment Lawsuits: Lawsuits have been filed by patients who received ketamine treatments for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and experienced severe side effects due to improper administration by untrained staff. These cases often involve allegations of negligence and failure to provide adequate care, leading to significant pain and suffering for the patients involved.
This situation underscores the critical need for us to maintain high standards of care and ensure that our staff are adequately trained. It's a call to action for all ketamine clinicians to do better.
The Role of Ketamine Training Programs
To address these concerns, reputable training programs like Ketamine Academy created comprehensive online training for licensed healthcare clinicians. These programs are nationally approved for continuing education and are designed to equip clinicians with the necessary skills to administer ketamine therapy safely. The Ketamine Academy provides detailed course information covering essential topics such as patient selection, dosing protocols, and monitoring techniques. This ensures that clinicians are well-prepared to provide safe and effective treatments.
Conclusion
The rise of ketamine clinics has brought new treatment options for patients with depression and other mental health disorders. However, the presence of untrained clinicians in these clinics poses significant risks. It's our responsibility to ensure patient safety.
Proper training, like the one provided by the Ketamine Academy, is crucial in this commitment, ensuring the effective use of ketamine therapy. By prioritizing education and adherence to best practices, the medical community can help mitigate the dangers associated with untrained staff and improve outcomes for patients seeking ketamine treatments.