Latest news with #NorthwestMedicalCenter
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Brian Hyatt trial date delayed in Medicaid fraud case
Related Video: First hearing held for Dr. Brian Hyatt's civil lawsuit in August 2024. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A request to delay Dr. Brian Hyatt's Medicaid fraud trial in Pulaski County has been approved. This marks the second delay in Hyatt's trial, which was originally set for Sept. 17, 2024. The omnibus hearing is now scheduled for Sept. 12, with the jury trial on Oct. 20. Hyatt, 52, the former director of Northwest Medical Center's Behavioral Health unit and a former Arkansas State Medical Board member, faces two counts of violating the Medicaid Fraud Act. He was arrested in October 2023 and has pleaded not guilty. An affidavit filed in Pulaski County states that on April 1, 2022, the Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit received a complaint from a confidential informant who worked at the Behavioral Health Unit in Springdale. University of Arkansas among 60 universities under federal investigation over DEI practices Hyatt, who served as director of the unit from February 2018 to May 2022, was accused of being present for only brief periods during scheduled workdays and having little to no contact with patients. Court records initially scheduled an omnibus hearing for March 14, with the trial set for April 9-18. However, Hyatt's attorney filed a motion on Feb. 21 requesting a postponement, citing the complexity of the case and ongoing related matters. The filing noted that both legal teams agreed a delay was appropriate. Beyond his criminal case, Hyatt faces more than 200 civil lawsuits from former patients who claim they were falsely imprisoned under his care. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Brian Hyatt's attorney asks judge for new trial date in Medicaid fraud case
Related Video: First hearing held for Dr. Brian Hyatt's civil lawsuit in August 2024. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The attorney for Dr. Brian Hyatt is asking for the judge to issue a new trial date in his Medicaid fraud case in Pulaski County, according to court documents. Hyatt, 52, is the former director of the Northwest Medical Center's Behavioral Health unit and a former member of the Arkansas State Medical Board. He faces two counts of violating the Medicaid Fraud Act. He was arrested in October 2023 and has pleaded not guilty to those charges. An affidavit filed in Pulaski County says that on April 1, 2022, the Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit received a complaint from a confidential informant who worked in the Behavioral Health Unit at the Northwest Medical Center in Springdale. Hyatt was the director of the unit from February 2018 to May 2022. First hearing held for Dr. Brian Hyatt's civil lawsuit The informant advised that Hyatt was only present at the unit a short time on the days that he was scheduled to work and that he had little to no contact with patients. Court records show an omnibus hearing is scheduled for March 14, with the trial set to begin on April 9 and end on April 18. Hyatt's attorney filed a motion to continue on Feb. 21, asking for the judge to push back the hearing and trial date. The filing said legal counsels on both sides have agreed a continuance of the court dates would be appropriate. 'Ongoing related matters may have a bearing on the trial in this case. It is in the interest of judicial efficiency to continue this case so that the issues to be litigated at trial are as narrowed, and the duration as limited, as is reasonable and appropriate to properly litigate the case,' the filing said. Court ruling could lead to more lawsuits against former medical board chair Hyatt's attorney also said the case is 'complex' and requires more than average investigation and preparation. The filing said Assistant Attorney General Leigh Patterson agreed the continuance is necessary. If the delay is approved, it would be the second in the case. Hyatt's trial was delayed after originally being set for Sept. 17, 2024. In addition to his criminal case, Hyatt faces more than 200 civil lawsuits from former patients alleging they were falsely imprisoned by him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
