The FBI is investigating whether patients were unlawfully held at the behavioral health unit of Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, Ark., between Jan. 1, 2018, and June 1, 2022, according to a Sept. 17 report from CBS affiliate KFSM.
The investigation centers on Brian Hyatt, MD, former director of the unit and former chair of the Arkansas State Medical Board. Dr. Hyatt is facing more than 200 lawsuits that allege he coerced, abused and detained patients to increase Medicare payments.
Dr. Hyatt is also facing Medicaid fraud charges. A confidential informant who worked with Dr. Hyatt told investigators he had no contact with patients and directed staff to remove his name from patient armbands, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by the news outlet.
His medical license expired Sept. 30. His jury trial is set for Oct. 20.
