Justin Boyd — Addressed by name during opening remarks.
Justin Boyd — Senator Boyd was referenced in connection with the ABA fraud toolkit and implementation discussion.
Justin Boyd — Acknowledged the testimony and noted he had a question, then said he had to leave due to a conflict.
Justin Brasher — Justin Brasher, a senior assistant attorney general, introduced himself and provided an overview of the Attorney General’s office’s work on Medicaid and medical fraud investigations, including ABA services. He explained that the office coordinates with federal partners, referenced the Attorney General’s participation in a White House Task Force roundtable, and noted ongoing communication with Scott Brady, who runs the task force. He also described how investigations begin with credible allegations of fraud and mentioned the office’s fraud hotline as a reporting mechanism.
Dr. Brian Hyatt — The speaker gives an ongoing update on Dr. Brian Hyatt as a high-profile case. Hyatt is identified as the former chair of the Arkansas Medical Board and is described as allegedly entrapping patients, preventing them from leaving, and billing Medicaid for services not provided. The speaker notes that he faces concurrent state and federal cases, with the federal case involving kidnapping and the state case involving Medicaid fraud, and that the matter has been delayed by multiple attorney changes.
Dr. Brian Hyatt / Ryan Hyatt (questionable) — Likely refers to Dr. Brian Hyatt; the transcript says 'Ryan Hyatt,' which appears questionable.
Dr. Hyatt — Referenced as a headline case.
Dr. Schwartz — Referenced as another headline case.
Joseph Schwartz — Joseph Schwartz was described as having pled guilty in 2025 to Medicaid fraud and attempting to evade or defeat tax, and his 12-month state sentence was set to run concurrently with his federal sentence.
Ms. Dodson — The next agenda item was the testimony of Ms. Dodson.
Rachel Dodson — Rachel Dodson testified about her daughter Ella’s autism diagnosis and the role ABA therapy has played in helping her thrive. She explained that ABA helped Ella succeed in pre-K, supported her transition to kindergarten and later private school, and enabled her to participate more fully in class, follow directions, communicate needs, and gain independence in daily activities like eating, hygiene, and self-advocacy. Dodson emphasized that ABA providers and parent trainings help translate Ella’s needs and improve health and medication management, while also describing ongoing challenges such as pain, elopement, and unsafe behaviors that make classroom and in-home support necessary. She argued that insurance should cover an RBT in the classroom because one-on-one ABA support is essential for Ella’s education, safety, dignity, and continued progress.
Jessica Linnehan — Jessica Linnehan was identified as a clinical director at Every Little Step ABA.
Ella Grace — Dodson described her daughter Ella Grace as the reason she was testifying, noting that Ella is nine years old and has level 3 autism, was diagnosed nonverbal in 2022, and requires extensive daily medical care, including 18 pills or liquid doses to keep multiple conditions in remission. She explained that Ella needs constant one-on-one supervision for safety, gave examples of her impulsive behavior, and said ABA services are essential because Ella’s BCBA and RBTs help translate her needs. Dodson also discussed school supports, including requesting an RBT in Ella’s classroom as part of her IEP, and added that Ella was later diagnosed with EOE after a scope, with symptoms improving after medication, while continuing to receive ABA across multiple settings for several years.
Ella Grace — Used as the example child whose progress and needs were described.
Ella — The witness describes Ella’s developmental and medical needs and how ABA therapy has helped her progress. Ella initially required constant supervision, insurance-covered medication, and ABA support to participate in preschool, learn the alphabet, and function safely. Over time, she improved significantly—thriving in school, attending class longer, using utensils, joining family and church activities, and gaining independence in hygiene and communication. The witness also explains ongoing safety and medical concerns, including pain, elopement, undressing due to discomfort, self-injury, and difficulty identifying body parts or expressing where she hurts. The discussion then shifts to insurance and treatment authorization: Ella’s therapy hours were reduced to 25 per week after review, despite the family requesting more hours, and the BCBA’s plan includes transitioning services and fading ABA over time. The witness emphasizes that Ella has not yet met the measurable criteria needed for that reduction and that continued therapy remains medically necessary.
Rachel — Continues describing how ABA data helps identify Ella's pain and behavior patterns so doctors will listen and parents can advocate effectively.
Rachel — Explains how ABA data and consultation with RBTs and the BCBA helped identify the cause of Ella's chest pinching.
Rachel — Describes insurance denial of a pill-swallowing goal and says insurance communication is the biggest barrier to helping Ella.
Rachel — Explains that insurance process changes have made it harder to obtain needed ABA services.
Rachel — Says she was excluded from the physician review call and later learned Ella's therapy hours were reduced.
Rachel — Challenges the BCBA's reasoning that reduced behavior frequency means less intensive therapy is needed.
Rachel — Emphasizes that Ella still needs constant support because the severity of her behaviors remains a safety concern.
Rachel — Continues criticizing the insurance decision and introduces the next speakers.
Rachel — Referenced as the prior speaker who introduced the witness.
Rachel — Said Rachel and the speaker found the letter difficult to interpret.
Rachel — Described her daughter's age, school placement, denial of ABA services, appeal, and out-of-pocket payments while waiting for coverage.
BCBA — Created a goal to help Ella tolerate swallowing pills by practicing with candy of the same size and shape.
Jessica Lennahan — Introduced as the previous BCBA who will provide more context about the insurance process.
Clinical director / BCBA (former RBT for Ella) — Explained her background in ABA, including prior work with Ella, and introduced testimony about insurance approval processes.
ABA clinic clinical director / BCBA witness — Explained that the goal of ABA is to help clients graduate from services, and warned that insurance-driven changes can cause regression and safety concerns.
Ella's parent / Rachel — Argued that Ella still needs ABA and that insurance decisions directly affect her care.
Denise Ennett — Asked to allow Senator Boyd to leave due to his conflict.
Ms. Breeze-Hay — A state employee was asked for guidance on Medicaid and billing-related issues.
Courtney Slack — Courtney Slack of Empower Healthcare Solutions introduced herself as the Associate Vice President of Clinical Services, describing her oversight of pharmacy services, care coordination, and utilization management, and then offered to answer questions about ABA authorizations.
Courtney Slack — Praised as a great partner with DHS and noted for helping with secondary payment issues when Blue Cross Blue Shield denies coverage.
Ms. Washington — The discussion centers on Ms. Washington guiding the process for the proposals and report: participants note that proposals will be received before submission so concerns can be addressed, that this is the normal procedure, that the materials have not yet been emailed but will be sent and can still be revised, and that the report is due by the 31st, requiring another meeting before then. The exchange ends with appreciation for Ms. Washington’s help in walking everyone through the process.
Ms. Weatherton — Ms. Weatherton is referenced in a procedural discussion about whether it is acceptable to receive the proposals before submission and, more broadly, as someone who would prefer to wait until the recommendation is seen before going on record or participating.
Ms. Burnett — Referenced as someone who has been on the task force since it was enacted.
Karen — Mentioned as someone who might remember how the process was handled in the past.
Mr. Adams — Says he refrained from approving because he was unsure what was being voted on.