Can dentists bar competition over teeth-whitening?
(AP)—The Supreme Court is weighing what to do about a state regulatory board made up mostly of dentists that is trying to prevent lower-cost competitors who aren't dentists from offering teeth-whitening services.
The outcome in the antitrust case argued at the high court Tuesday could turn on how the justices' decision affects brain surgeons, lawyers and others whose practices often are regulated by other members of their profession.
Several justices worried aloud about dissuading people from serving on these state boards by opening their decisions to second-guessing by the courts. Justice Stephen Breyer was among members of the court who wanted to be sure that, whatever the court decides, brain surgeons and not bureaucrats will make decisions about the practice of neurology.
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