Florida Dept. of Health Charges Psychiatrist Iftikhar Rasul with Sexual Misconduct

August 9, 2021

On January 8, 2021, the Florida Department of Health (DoH) issued and Administrative Complaint against psychiatrist Iftikhar Rasul, 55, charging him with engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual misconduct.

The DoH’s document provides the details of the information it received:

On November 27, 2017, patient “EL,” a then 19-year-old female, presented to Rasul at Serene Behavioral Health Psychiatry, in Orlando, Florida, to establish psychiatric care.

EL reported a history of anxiety with manic episodes since the age of 14.

Rasul diagnosed EL with bipolar disorder and prescribed her Wellbutrin and lithium.

From November 27, 2017, to June 25, 2019, EL saw Rasul regularly for management of her bipolar disorder and medications.

During the treatment period, EL tolerated the prescribed medications well, without any side effects.

On June 25, 2019, EL presented to Rasul for a follow-up visit. During the visit, he advised her that he wanted to take her blood pressure. Rasul had never taken EL's blood pressure during any of her previous appointments.

After taking EL's blood pressure, Rasul then moved his hand into EL's bra and touched EL's left breast and nipple.

Source: Administrative Complaint, Florida Department of Health v. Iftikhar Rasul, M.D., Case Number 2020-04497, January 8, 2021.