Welcome to Arrest Stories. A former Arkansas behavioral health unit director faces felony Medicaid fraud charges after allegedly billing for high-level patient care while having minimal contact with those under his supervision. Here's what may have happened.
Dr. Brian Hyatt, former medical director of Northwest Medical Center's Behavioral Health Unit in Springdale, was arrested in Pulaski County this October following an extensive investigation into his billing practices and patient treatment protocols.
According to official reports, the investigation began when a confidential informant who worked alongside Hyatt contacted the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with disturbing allegations. The informant revealed that despite being the unit's director, Hyatt was only present on the behavioral health floor for brief periods each day and maintained virtually no meaningful contact with patients under his care.
The charges stem from a specific timeframe between January first, twenty twenty-two, and April twenty-ninth, twenty twenty-two. During this period, investigators allege that "Dr. Brian Hyatt and the staff that he trained and supervised submitted false Medicaid claims on Dr. Hyatt's behalf" totaling approximately fifteen thousand dollars.
Perhaps most concerning were Hyatt's alleged efforts to remain anonymous to patients. Officials report that "Dr. Hyatt did not want the patients to know his name" and actively directed staff to mark out his name on patient armbands. When he did appear on the unit, witnesses described him simply "walking up and down halls pushing a computer on wheels" rather than providing actual medical care.
The investigation revealed "significant growth in the unit and likewise in the claims and billings submitted to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance" during Hyatt's tenure, which began in January twenty eighteen. However, investigators determined these billings "did not justify or support the medical necessity requirement for hospitalizations."
Most troubling, authorities allege Hyatt unlawfully coerced and held patients against their will to maximize insurance reimbursements, directing staff to bill for the highest-paying service levels regardless of actual care provided.
The FBI continues seeking information about potential victims during Hyatt's tenure from January twenty eighteen through June twenty twenty-two.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.