Dr. Hyatt, 51, was released on $15,000 bond, according to an Oct. 19 news release from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. Mr. Griffin said he plans to file formal felony charges against Dr. Hyatt.
An affidavit filed with the arrest warrant alleged that Dr. Hyatt, who previously served as medical director of the behavioral health unit at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, Ark., billed Medicaid for the most expensive billing codes while running the unit despite rarely being onsite at the facility. Dr. Hyatt was arrested on Oct. 9.
More than 40 patients also accused Dr. Hyatt in civil lawsuits of imprisoning them against their will while running the behavioral health unit between February 2018 and May 2022.
The hospital terminated Dr. Hyatt’s contract in May 2022. He also resigned from the state medical board the same month.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.