SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found that South Dakota is violating federal law by unnecessarily relying on nursing facilities to serve people with disabilities.

The agency said Monday that the investigation discovered that thousands of people who rely on the state for services have to live in nursing facilities that isolate them from their communities.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta says people with disabilities deserve privacy, autonomy and dignity. Gupta says South Dakota's long-term care system doesn't give them the choice to live in their own homes or communities.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard's administration says officials are reviewing the results of the investigation. Daugaard says he recognizes the state has areas to improve upon, but he says South Dakota is making headway.

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