SIOUX FALLS - The U.S. Department of Justice says it has reached a settlement with a chiropractor association in South Dakota over fixed prices.

The department's Antitrust Division filed a civil lawsuit against Chiropractic Associates Ltd. of South Dakota. The association comprises approximately 80 percent of all practicing chiropractors in the state.

The Department of Justice says the association negotiated at least seven contracts with insurers that set prices for chiropractic services, which caused consumers to pay higher fees.

The proposed settlement will prevent the association from establishing prices or terms and from negotiating with insurers on behalf of competing chiropractors. It must still be approved by the court.

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