HOBART – The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) has removed conditions previously imposed on the medical registration of Dr. Aaron Groves, the state’s former chief psychiatrist. The decision follows Dr. Groves’ admission of professional misconduct related to prescribing medication to his partner.
As reported by ABC News, Dr. Groves had faced allegations from the Medical Board of Australia concerning both an improper relationship with a former patient and the inappropriate prescribing of medication. In its recent ruling, TASCAT dismissed the allegation regarding the relationship, finding nothing improper in the connection itself, noting that Dr. Groves and the woman are now married.
However, the tribunal upheld the finding of professional misconduct concerning the prescribing of Schedule 8 medications, including oxycodone, to his partner. Dr. Groves admitted to this misconduct, which occurred on six occasions between May 27 and July 4, 2022.
The matter came to light after a pharmacist at Chemist Warehouse Sandy Bay reported Dr. Groves over an oxycodone prescription. Despite warnings from both the pharmacist and Tasmania’s chief pharmacist, Dr. Groves prescribed medication again on July 4, 2022. TASCAT described this action as “contemptuous” of his professional obligations. Dr. Groves initially claimed the prescriptions were due to an emergency, but later withdrew this argument, with the tribunal concluding his partner could have sought care from another medical professional.
Following these events, Dr. Groves lost his role as chief psychiatrist in August 2022. His medical registration was suspended in October 2022 and subsequently restored the following year with 17 conditions attached.
During the recent tribunal proceedings, Dr. Groves’ lawyer, Ben Ihle, argued that these conditions had effectively “rendered him unemployable” and were “tantamount to a suspension.” The Medical Board of Australia had sought an additional six-month suspension, along with further education and mentoring requirements.
TASCAT ultimately refused the request for further suspension, stating that Dr. Groves’ “catastrophic fall from grace” served as a sufficient warning for him and other medical practitioners. The tribunal instead issued a reprimand and mandated that Dr. Groves complete at least six hours of education focused on appropriate medication prescribing and providing medical care to close contacts. A previous mentoring condition was also removed, as Dr. Groves is already receiving mentorship from Western Australia’s chief psychiatrist.
In a further development, TASCAT ordered the medical regulator to pay Dr. Groves $185,000 in legal costs. The tribunal found that while Dr. Groves “lost a battle” regarding the prescribing misconduct, he “won the war” concerning the more serious boundary allegation, which accounted for a significant portion of his legal expenses.
Dr. Groves had served as Tasmania’s chief psychiatrist since November 2017, having previously held similar senior roles in other Australian states. The removal of these conditions marks a significant step in his ability to return to practice.
Readers seeking more information can refer to the original reporting by ABC News (Tasmania).