WICHITA, Kan. (AP) _ Government prosecutors are seeking confidential malpractice settlements in their efforts to prosecute a Kansas physician.

Attorneys for Dr. Stephen Schneider and his wife filed a motion Friday saying the government has essentially deputized attorneys. They argue the government is abusing its subpoena powers in an effort to cover up what it claims was malpractice attorney Larry Wall's ``blatant disregard'' for confidential clauses.

The defense wants to quash the subpoenas seeking confidential settlement agreements.