POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — A hospital in Powell has agreed to pay $3 million to settle complaints from people who say they got poor medical care from a former surgeon.

The tentative deal with the 19 patients is part of a plan Powell Valley Healthcare has proposed to resolve a bankruptcy case.

A federal bankruptcy judge will decide whether to approve the plan.

Powell Valley Healthcare declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year to handle malpractice lawsuits filed by 20 former patients of Dr. Jeff Hansen.

The suits sought more than $70 million and allege Hansen botched surgeries, tried procedures outside his expertise and did others that were unnecessary.

The lawsuits allege Powell Valley Healthcare leaders were too slow to act against Hansen. Hansen and the hospital deny the allegations.

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