Officials opened a disciplinary hearing Thursday to examine complaints against Dominican psychiatrist Dr. Griffin Benjamin.

The hearing focuses on his role as Director of the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital. Authorities want to determine if he violated any rules.

The Ministry of Health placed Dr. Benjamin on leave after receiving a formal complaint, reported Antigua.News. He continues to receive full salary during the investigation.

Officials formally served documents to Dr. Benjamin. Attorney Radford Hill and two other lawyers represent him. His daughter also joins the defense team.

The case stems from the August 2025 admission of an American student at the American University of Antigua. A magistrate ordered her confinement for up to 14 days due to mental health concerns.

She stayed at Clarevue for 12 days before her discharge.

Health Minister Molwyn Joseph confirmed the investigation has entered the legal arena. Therefore, the Ministry will not release its internal report yet.

“It’s now a legal matter,” he said. “The Ministry takes all conduct issues seriously.”

The Permanent Secretary outlined strict restrictions in the letter placing Dr. Benjamin on leave. He must avoid official duties and government health facilities.

He must also stay away from institutional systems and return all property. Officials require him to remain in Antigua and Barbuda unless granted written permission to travel.

Central to the allegations is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic. The Ministry claims it did not appear on the government formulary and did not follow procurement rules.

Officials also allege patients paid $150 for the drug outside standard channels.

However, sources say the drug has long been used in Antigua and across the OECS. They confirm it appears on regional formularies.

The Ministry emphasizes that its measures remain precautionary. Officials stress the process only seeks facts and does not imply wrongdoing.