Federal officials conducted a raid on an Arkansas psychiatrist's office on Tuesday after receiving information that he was allegedly holding patients against their will in an inpatient facility. Additionally, the psychiatrist had previously been under investigation by the state authorities for Medicaid fraud. The issue of patient detainment, combined with the alleged fraudulent activity, highlights the need for better regulation and oversight in the mental health sector.
According to an insider, executing search warrants is a crucial step in prolonged investigations. In a statement, a representative mentioned that due to the ongoing nature of the case, further comments couldn't be provided.
According to an insider, executing search warrants is a crucial step in prolonged investigations. In a statement, a representative mentioned that due to the ongoing nature of the case, further comments couldn't be provided.
Dr. Brian Hyatt, who oversaw the behavioral-health services unit at Northwest Medical Centre in Springdale, Arkansas, has been sued by 15 former patients, alleging false imprisonment, medical negligence, and assorted other complaints.
According to some of the patients who have spoken with Insider, they were illegally imprisoned in the Hyatt institution for days, and even weeks, without any charge or justification. It was only when sheriff's officers arrived with court orders that some patients were finally released. These prisoners assert that Hyatt holds them captive in order to prolong their stay at the institution and falsely overcharge their health insurers.
According to some of the patients who have spoken with Insider, they were illegally imprisoned in the Hyatt institution for days, and even weeks, without any charge or justification. It was only when sheriff's officers arrived with court orders that some patients were finally released. These prisoners assert that Hyatt holds them captive in order to prolong their stay at the institution and falsely overcharge their health insurers.
The situation has grown so concerning that the Arkansas State Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has launched an investigation, as evidenced by the release of a search warrant document.
State investigators had requested a search warrant for Hyatt's cellphone records between 2019 and 2022, citing evidence of false claims submitted to Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance providers. The hotel had no contact with patients.
State investigators had requested a search warrant for Hyatt's cellphone records between 2019 and 2022, citing evidence of false claims submitted to Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance providers. The hotel had no contact with patients.
Insider made numerous attempts to contact Hyatt's lawyers and private practice between late March and Thursday, but received no response.
