Tas top psychiatrist suspended over woman

Tasmania's award-winning chief psychiatrist had his registration suspended over a personal relationship with a "vulnerable" woman he organised treatment for.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) last month confirmed Aaron Groves' licence had been suspended by the Medical Board of Australia on October 3, leaving him unable to practice.

Dr Groves applied to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a stay on his immediate suspension, but was denied.

The tribunal's recently published decision revealed Dr Groves' registration was suspended over an alleged relationship beginning in December. 

The medical board claims Dr Groves "exploited the inherent power imbalance that exists between registered medical practitioners and people under their care". 

The board alleges Dr Groves was aware the woman was vulnerable and suffering from mental health issues, which he was professionally involved in clinically reviewing and organising treatment for. 

Dr Groves and the woman have claimed they never had a doctor/patient relationship.

Dr Groves said his role did not involve assessing or treating patients, while the woman said Dr Groves had never assessed, treated or provided care to her and there had not been a power imbalance.

Dr Groves contacted the woman on a request from Tasmania's then-health minister in early 2021 after she made a complaint against another doctor.

He allegedly arranged for her to be seen the next day for treatment by a practitioner under the auspices of the department's mental health Hospital in the Home program.

The pair allegedly maintained sporadic contact during the year.

In June, AHPRA received a notification from a pharmacist in relation to Dr Groves prescribing a Schedule 8 controlled drug.

Tasmania's health department subsequently commenced a code-of-conduct investigation, leading to notifications to regulators which culminated in the medical board licence suspension.

The chief psychiatrist role is described as statutory and one that does not involve treatment of individual patients within the state health system.

Dr Groves, who was appointed to the position in September 2017, has previously held the role in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

He received the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Margaret Tobin Award in 2021.

Dr Groves, who is currently stood down without pay, argued he would suffer adverse financial impacts if a stay on the suspension was not granted.

The tribunal ruled against him, noting he would still be suspended as chief psychiatrist as part of a departmental investigation.

The tribunal said the role would "no doubt, be performed by another, appropriately qualified, person" in the meantime.

The tribunal will review the suspension at a later date.