Author: Alissa Allen

Business legal services in Silicon Valley

Legal Structures for Veterinarians in California

For so many people, their pets are cherished family members. Their local veterinary practice helps to keep dogs, cats, and other animals safe and healthy. It is a competitive and highly regulated industry. Every veterinary practice in the Bay Area needs the right legal structure to thrive. Here, our veterinary business lawyer provides an overview of the key things to know about legal structures for veterinary practices in California.

California Veterinary Practices: You Should Form a Professional Veterinary Corporation

In California, a veterinary practice cannot operate as a limited liability company (LLC), partnership, or general stock corporation. Under the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, a veterinary practice should be formed as a professional veterinary corporation. It is a unique type of legal entity that offers several advantages, including compliance with state regulations, limited liability, and tax advantages. A business formation attorney can help you set up your practice. Notably, a professional veterinary corporation may qualify to be taxed as S-corporations (S-corps) in California.

Key Steps to Form a Professional Veterinary Corporation in the Bay Area

Forming a professional veterinary corporation in California requires several key steps to ensure compliance with both state law and the regulations of the veterinary profession. Here are five key things that you should do when forming a veterinary practice in the Bay Area:

File the articles of incorporation: The first step to establish your professional veterinary corporation is to file the articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State.
Appoint directors and draft bylaws: After filing the articles, you must then appoint your corporation’s board of directors and draft bylaws. The bylaws lay the groundwork for how your corporation will operate, including details of meetings, roles, and responsibilities of directors and officers.
Notify the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB): The next step involves notifying the California Veterinary Medical Board about your new corporation. The board requires a Notice of Veterinary Corporation and a fee to register your practice.
File form 2553 for S-corporation taxation: As part of managing your corporation’s financials, you should consider filing IRS form 2553 for S-corporation status. It is a type of business taxation that allows income, losses, deductions, and credits to pass through to U.S. resident shareholders for federal tax purposes, thereby avoiding double taxation.
Pay the California Franchise Tax Board: Finally, the professional veterinary corporation must register with the California Franchise Tax Board and pay the required minimum franchise tax annually.

Veterinarians do not have to navigate the business formation process alone. An experienced attorney can help you ensure that your professional practice has the right legal structure in place.

Contact Our Bay Area Business Lawyer for Veterinarians in California

Attorney Lynnette Ariathurai has the professional skills and legal expertise to help veterinarians and their partners set up successful professional practices. If you have any specific questions about the legal structure for a California veterinary practice, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Lynnette Ariathurai today. With a legal office in Fremont, we serve veterinary businesses throughout the Bay Area.

California veterinarian practice regulations, professional veterinary corporation, veterinary practice legal advice, veterinary S-corporation

Apply for your Home Health Care License before Purchasing a Home Health Care Company

Home health care is a rapidly expanding industry in California. The Employment Development Department (EDD) notes that the home health care industry already generates more than $10 billion in annual revenue in our state. You may be thinking about purchasing a home health care company—either to add to your existing business or to get into the industry.

When buying or acquiring a home health care agency in California, it is imperative you understand the licensing requirements. You should apply for your license before you purchase the company. Our Bay Area home health care agency attorney explains what you need to know about home health organization licenses and purchasing these businesses in California.

Understanding the Licensing Requirement: Home Health Care Agencies in California

As of January of 2016, all home health care agencies that operate in California must comply with the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act. Among other things, the law requires that all home health care organizations in the state must be properly licensed. If you do not have the appropriate home health care license, it is unlawful for you to operate the business. Licensing is a major consideration when you buy/acquire a home health care business.

You Cannot “Buy” a Home Health Care License in California

In California, obtaining a license to operate a home health care service is not as simple as purchasing an existing business. Buying a home health care business in California does not mean that you automatically get access to its license to operate.

All individuals interested in entering this industry must be prepared to apply for their own license or be prepared to complete a required waiting period. Licensing is an issue that you should address before you finalize the purchase of a home health care business.

You do not want to end up in a situation whereby you effectively buy the debt of a home health care business and a few relatively low value assets, without getting access to the license that you need to operate the company.

Protect Yourself: Consult with a Business Lawyer who has Home Health Care Experience

Buying a business is complicated—especially so in California’s highly regulated home health care industry. It is imperative that any deal that you enter is structured properly—with licensing sorted out before the transaction is finalized. Do not go it alone. When venturing into the home health care industry in California, it is crucial to engage a knowledgeable business lawyer with industry-specific experience. Your attorney will understand the complexities of licensure, issues of regulatory compliance, and the ins and outs of the business transfer processes.

Contact Our Bay Area Home Health Care Business Law Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a commercial lawyer with the unique skills and experience to handle the issues facing home health care agencies. If you have any questions about health care licenses and the purchase of a home health care company, please contact us today for a fully private consultation. From our Fremont office, our firm serves home health care agencies across the Bay Area.

California home health care licensing, home health care agency, home health care licensing

Securing your Medi-Cal License before you Purchase a Medical Practice

Are you preparing to purchase or acquire a medical practice in California? It can be a fruitful business decision—but it is crucial that all aspects of the transaction are handled properly. Health care is a highly regulated industry. You need to obtain a Medi-Cal license—and there are certain steps that you should take to help ensure your application is approved in a timely manner. Our Bay Area business law attorney explains why it is so important to secure your Medi-Cal license before you purchase a medical practice in California.

Background: The Importance of a Medi-Cal License

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. The public health insurance program provides coverage for health care services for low-income individuals and other qualifying people with significant financial or medical needs. As explained by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), a medical practice must apply to enroll in the Medi-Cal program to be an eligible provider. It is a big market and medical providers that are not enrolled cannot be reimbursed by Medi-Cal.

A Premature Medi-Cal Application Will Result in Denial

The Medi-Cal application enrollment process you must undertake when buying a medical practice in California is complicated. Timing is a key issue. Submitting your application too early—prior to fully establishing the business—can result in denial. Medi-Cal stipulates that before applying, practices must meet several requirements, including securing a lease and fulfilling other preconditions, defined as “establishing the business” under CCR Title 22, Section 51000.60. The proper sequence of steps is crucial when applying for a Medi-Cal license. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this procedure and with other matters related to the purchase or acquisition of a medical practice.

You May Qualify as a Transferee Applicant if You Buy a Medi-Cal Enrolled Medical Practice

If you are planning to purchase or acquire Medi-Cal enrolled medical practice, you could potentially qualify as a “transferee applicant”. It is a classification that is applicable to individuals or entities acquiring a business already enrolled with Medi-Cal. Notably, the transferee application is a distinct process that can help streamline the transition and speed up Medi-Cal enrollment. However, not all purchasers will qualify. It depends on your specific situation. There are several different requirements that must be met. Among other things, you will need a valid Successor Liability with Joint and Several Liability Agreement. A Bay Area business lawyer with experience handling medical practice transitions in California can help you understand all your options and ensure that your purchase is structured in the manner designed to best protect your interests.

Contact Our California Business Lawyer for a Confidential Consultation

Lynnette Ariathurai is a business lawyer with experience helping clients purchase medical practices. If you have any questions about Medi-Cal licenses and the purchase or acquisition of a medical practice, we can help. Call us now or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation. With an office in Fremont, our firm serves communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

California Medicaid, Medi-Cal licensing

Considerations When Buying an In-Home Health Care Company

Home health care is one of the fastest growing industries in California. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are nearly 12,000 home health agencies nationwide. If you are considering purchasing a home health agency, it is crucial that you know how to protect your legal rights and financial interests. Here, our Fremont lawyer for buying a business highlights key considerations to know when buying an in-home health care company in California

Important Issues to Review When Buying an In-Home Health Care Agency in California

Health care is a large, highly regulated industry. There are many unique considerations that you need to be aware of if you are purchasing a home health care business. Here are some key things to keep in mind when assessing an in-home health care company in California:

Accreditation: Review the agency’s current accreditation status and verify whether it’s up to date. Accreditation is essential for reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, and it’s a key factor in the agency’s overall credibility. The most common accreditation organizations for home health agencies are The Joint Commission, CHAP, and ACHC.
Employees: In-home health care companies are only as strong as their human capital. Staff matters. Evaluate the current employees and their qualifications. Verify that all staff members are licensed and certified, and, if applicable, review any employment contracts.
Medicare eligibility: Under federal law (42 CFR § 424.550), a home health care agency that has enrolled in Medicare within the last 36 months generally cannot be transferred/sold. If it is sold, the company may be barred from Medicare. This could effectively destroy the business, but there are some exceptions to the federal rule. A business lawyer can help you evaluate any specific situation.
Franchise relationship: Many home health care companies in California are franchise businesses. If you are considering purchasing a home health company and becoming a franchisee, you need to understand the benefits and drawbacks that come from the franchise relationship. The franchise agreement should be reviewed by a lawyer.
Buy-Sale Agreements: A well drafted agreement to purchase or sell the business is critical, to minimize the risks of liability. It should be drafted or reviewed by an attorney.

Of course, all the other issues that you would need to consider when buying a business still apply. For example, it is imperative that you take a careful look at a home health care company’s balances—all assets and all liabilities—before finalizing any purchase agreement.

Comprehensive Due Diligence is a Must When Buying a Bay Area Business

When buying a business in the Bay Area, it is imperative that you conduct thorough due diligence to avoid potential pitfalls. Among other things, due diligence should include a review of legal, financial, and operational aspects of the business. An in-home health agency is no exception to the rule. As this is a complex industry, comprehensive due diligence is especially important. You do not have to figure everything out alone. Buyers should be prepared to work with an experienced business lawyer.

Get Help from a California Business Lawyer for In-Home Health Care Companies

Lynnette Ariathurai is a top business lawyer with deep experience working with home health companies. If you have questions about buying an in-home health business in California, we can help. Contact us now for a confidential consultation. Our firm works with home health companies in Fremont, Newark, Hayward, East Bay, Milpitas, Union City, San Leandro, San Jose, Santa Clara, and throughout the region.

health care company, home health care, home health care agency, in-home health care agency

CA Assembly Bill 890 – What it Means to Nurses and Questions that Remain

Nursing is one of the most important occupations in our region. According to data from the California Board of Registered Nursing, there are nearly 500,000 actively registered nurses (RNs) in the state. In September of 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law—California Assembly Bill 890—which has important implications for Nurse Practitioners and their employers. Here, our Bay Area business attorney for nurses explains the key things that you need to know about AB 890.

An Overview of California Assembly Bill 890 (AB 890)

AB 890 is a California state law that is designed to grant Nurse Practitioners additional autonomy to provide services to patients. The law creates two new categories of nursing professionals:

103 NP (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2837.103): A Nurse Practitioner who can work in a group setting with at least one physician present.
104 NP (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2837.104): A Nurse Practitioner who can work independently in certain circumstances.

In other words, Bill AB 890 gives Nurse Practitioners in California who meet pre-established professional requirements more authority to practice independently.

Bill AB 890 Imposes Peer Review Reporting Requirements on Many Nurses

Beyond granting additional autonomy to qualified Nurse Practitioners, AB 890 includes a provision that requires these professionals to adhere to the peer review reporting requirements outlined in Section 805 of California law. The bill amends the definition of the statutory term “licentiate” to include nurses. In effect, this means that some mandatory reporting requirements are triggered when a nurse faces professional disciplinary action.

Many Nurses Have Questions About AB 890—Our Legal Team Can Help

If you are a nurse who has questions about the implications of CA Assembly Bill 890, you are certainly not alone. It is a complex piece of legislation. Despite being signed into law more than two years ago, many questions surrounding its interpretation remain, because AB 890 only took full effect on January 1st, 2023. Our law firm provides legal guidance to nurses. Some common questions that you may have include:

What types of training are required for Nurse Practitioners to gain additional autonomy to practice independently under AB 890?
What additional types of practice are available to Nurse Practitioners since AB 890 has taken effect?
How can Nurse Practitioners who have opened their own practice take advantage of new opportunities to provide care while ensuring full AB 890 compliance?
What are some business strategies that NP 104 entrepreneurs can implement to develop and grow their professional practice in the new regulatory environment?
How can Nurse Practitioners in California effectively start the business?

Contact Our California Business Lawyer for Nurses Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is an experienced business law attorney for nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals. If you have any specific questions or concerns about CA Assembly Bill 890, please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide legal services throughout the Bay Area.

California nursing categories, Nursing practitioners, registered nurses

Forming a Professional Nursing Corporation in CA

Nursing is one of the most important occupations and the workplace environment is changing rapidly. According to data from the California Board of Registered Nursing, there are more than 487,000 active registered nurses (RNs) in the state. If you are considering starting a nursing company in California, it is crucial that your business has the right legal structure. A nursing corporation is a specialized type of business entity designed for firms offering services within the nursing profession. Here, our Fremont business formation lawyer highlights the key things to know about professional nursing corporations in California.

Know the Law: Professional Nursing Corporations in California

In California, a professional corporation (PC) is a specialized type of legal entity through which certain licensed professionals can conduct their business operations. Under California law (Cal. Corporation Code § 13401(b)), PCs are required to register with the state agency that is responsible for regulating the specific profession in question. A professional nursing corporation is required to register with the Board of Registered Nursing. Notably, not just anyone can form a professional nursing corporation in California. There are strict ownership requirements. At least 51 percent of the corporation must be owned by registered nurses in California. The remaining 49 percent can be owned by other specific licensed professionals in the health care field.

What are the Benefits of Forming a Nursing Corporation?

A PC is generally the most efficient and effective way to operate a nursing business in California. Some key advantages of operating a nursing services business as a professional nursing corporation include:

Tax savings—a professional corporation can reduce a nurse’s self-employment taxes
Liability protection—PCs are designed to provide additional legal liability protection

Important Considerations When Forming a Professional Nursing Corporation

Are you a registered nurse who is considering forming a business in California? It is imperative that your business is set up properly. Mistakes could cause you serious problems. Here are some of the most important considerations when setting up a professional nursing corporation in California.

Name: You need to select a name for your professional nursing practice. California law requires you to include the term “nursing” or “registered nursing” in the official name.
Tax implications: Taxes matter. In California, a professional nursing corporation can be taxed as a standard corporation (C Corporation), or it can be taxed as a pass-through business entity (S Corporation).
Ownership structure: The ownership structure of your professional nursing corporation must be set up properly. Make sure you have the right documents in place. You must file articles of incorporation with the state. You can also benefit from a comprehensive bylaws. There are several other documents needed to be a professional nursing corporation.

Forming a new business is complicated—especially when you are in a highly regulated industry such as health care. You do not have to have to navigate the business formation process alone. An experienced California business formation lawyer for nurses can help.

Call Our California Business Formation Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a business formation lawyer with the skills, knowledge, and legal expertise to help you form a professional nursing corporation in CA. If you have any questions about your rights, responsibilities, or options, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential consultation. From our offices in Fremont, near Newark, we serve clients in Hayward, East Bay, Milpitas, Union City, San Leandro, Gilroy, San Jose, Santa Clara, and throughout the entire Bay Area.

Can a Business Steal Your Employee?

Employers invest a tremendous amount of time, money, and other resources into recruiting and training their employees. A competitor targeting your qualified employees could cause harm to your business. This raises an important question: Can another business poach your employees? In California, the answer is “it depends”—poaching employees is generally lawful, but there are limits on what another employer can do. In this article, our Fremont business lawyer highlights the key things to know about another company’s ability to steal your employees in California.

Background: California is an At-Will Employment State

As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that California is an at-will employment jurisdiction. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) explains that at-will employment is a doctrine whereby either—employer or employee—has the right to end the relationship at any time and for any reason, except for an illegal reason. In other words, in the absence of an employment contract, an individual employee is free to leave your company.

Employee Non-Compete Agreements are Unenforceable in California

Some states allow employees to get their employees to sign non-compete agreements that, at least temporarily, prevent them from working for a direct competitor. Employee non-compete agreements are not enforceable in California. However, non-solicitation agreements may be upheld.

Businesses in California Have Rights and Options for Protecting their Interests

Simply put, California law protects an employee’s right to leave their employer for a competitor. It also protects the right of a business to try to recruit qualified employees—including those actively employed at competing businesses. Poaching of employees is generally lawful in California. However, there are some limitations that prevent competitors from “stealing” your employees. Here are some of the key things that employers in California should understand about their rights and options for keeping competing businesses from poaching their employees:

Employees Owe a Basic Duty of Loyalty: A worker who is actively employed at your company owes it a basic duty of loyalty. An employee could announce that they are leaving to join a competing company, but they generally cannot actively solicit their co-workers to join them while still in your employ.
Employment Agreements May Offer Protection: One strategy that businesses can use to protect their staff from poaching is an employment agreement. An employee who signs a valid and well-tailored employment agreement could face a breach of contract claim if they do not abide by the terms—such as if they leave for a competitor before the contract ends. Though, it is important to emphasize that non-compete clauses cannot be included in an employment agreement in California. However, the competitor may be liable for interfering with that employment contract.
California Law Prohibits “Workforce Raids”: While general “poaching” of employees is not barred in California, there are some restrictions on “raids.” In effect, the law prohibits competitors from using bad faith practices to intentionally solicit a large number of your employees to damage your business. If your employees are “raided” by a competitor, you could have a tortious interference claim under California law. Generally, an employment contract is required to successfully pursue this type of claim.

How Businesses Can Protect Confidential Information When Employees Leave

While businesses in California have limited options to prevent their employees from leaving to take a position at a competing company, employers do have options for protecting their confidential information. A properly drafted and well-tailored non-disclosure agreement that protects proprietary business information, including trade secrets, may be enforceable in California.

Contact Our Fremont, CA Business Law Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is an experienced, solutions-driven business lawyer. If you have any questions about another company stealing your employees, we are here to help. Contact us today for a strictly confidential consultation. We provide business law representation throughout the Bay Area.

business contracts, Business Formation & Planning, Contracts

Importance of Having an Attorney Advise During the Formation of an LLC

Making the decision to start up a new business is exciting. You can build something of real value to support yourself, your family, and your community. A limited liability company (LLC) is a flexible, cost effective legal structure for many different types of businesses. As forming any type of new business can be complicated, it is best to seek guidance from an experienced attorney who can help you put the right foundation in place. Here, our Fremont business formation lawyer highlights five considerations that should be addressed during the formation of a limited liability company (LLC).

1. Whether an LLC is the proper form (eligibility, needs, etc.)

A limited liability company is a popular way to set up a business. As explained by the California Secretary of State, an LLC “offers liability protection similar to that of a corporation, but is taxed differently.” It combines some of the core advantages of a corporation and a partnership. That being said, an LLC is not the right form for every type of business. Some companies are better served by a different legal structure. Further, certain types of businesses in California—such as a medical, dental, or nursing practice—cannot be set up as an LLC. An attorney will help you determine whether an LLC is the right form.

2. Selection of State for your limited liability company

When forming an LLC, you also need to decide where you are going to set it up. You may or may not want to make California the home state of your LLC. In some circumstances, setting up an LLC in a different jurisdiction—such as Delaware or Nevada—offers real advantages. In other cases, setting up an LLC outside of California adds complexity with no tangible benefit. A business formation lawyer can help you choose the right state.

3. The applicability of liability protection

One of the central advantages of an LLC is that it offers liability protection. Simply described, an LLC helps to ensure that the members will not be held personally liable for the debts incurred by the business. Of course, the liability protection associated with an LLC is situation-dependent. It may not, by itself, offer adequate liability protection. Additional precautions may be required.

4. Drafting and negotiating an operating agreement

Every LLC should have a written operating agreement. While LLCs doing business in California are regulated by California law, the reality is that many of your personal rights and responsibilities related to the business will be derived from your operating agreement. An operating agreement for an LLC should always be negotiated, drafted, and reviewed by an experienced business formation attorney.

5. Compliance with ongoing requirements for LLCs

Finally, it is important to remember that LLCs must comply with certain ongoing legal requirements in California. In setting up an LLC, an experienced California business attorney can help you understand the ongoing and future requirements so that you are in the best position to comply.

Get Help from Our California Business Formation Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is an experienced business formation attorney. If you have any specific questions about setting up a limited liability company (LLC), we are here to help. Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation. We provide business law services throughout the Bay Area.

business formation, business formation attorney, business structure, limited liability company, LLC formation

Negotiating Managed Care Contracts

The health care industry is one of the largest and most complex in the United States. According to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), total public and private U.S. health spending exceeds $4.1 trillion. Insurance providers play a huge role in health financing. Here, our Fremont business contract attorney highlights some of the key things to consider when negotiating managed care agreements.

What is a Managed Care Contract?

As a starting point, it is important to understand what a managed care contract is and how it works. A managed care contract is effectively an agreement between a medical provider (doctor, specialist, etc.) and a third-party entity. Through a managed care plan, health plan providers will enter agreements with medical facilities to provide care for members at reduced costs. There are a number of different specific types of managed care arrangements, including:

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs);
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs); and
Point of Service providers.

A Managed Care Agreement is Not Cast in Stone: You Can Negotiate Key Terms

For doctors and other medical providers, there can be advantages to entering a management care agreement. However, similar to any other type of important commercial contract, the specific terms and conditions always matter. A proposed managed care contract is not set in stone. The terms are subject to negotiation. Negotiating an effective agreement requires understanding your needs and your risks. Some key provisions that are subject to negotiate include:

Rates: Rates matter. As noted previously, managed care agreements generally provided lower cost services to members. When doctors and other medical practices enter these agreements, they need to be sure that the reimbursement rate is in their best interest.
Claims Process: The language surrounding all aspects of the claim process should be carefully reviewed. Some key issues to look for include day-of cutoff, downcoding, no take backs, and withholding,
Dispute Resolution (Arbitration Provisions): Disputes can happen within the context of a managed care agreement. A well-drafted agreement will generally have some sort of dispute resolution clause. For example, it may call for arbitration.
Exit Options (Termination, Expiration): In a managed care agreement, it is also important to look at the exit options of each party. Does either party have the right to terminate the agreement? When will the contract expire? What happens after the date of expiration?
Other Unfavorable Provisions: Finally, medical providers should also carefully look for other provisions that may be unfavorable. As an example, some managed care agreements contain language that gives the payor broad (or even unilateral) authority to amend the terms of the contract. This type of language generally needs to be removed.

If you are preparing to negotiate a managed care agreement, there are major advantages to consulting with an experienced attorney. A business lawyer who works closely with medical practices and health care facilities can negotiate, draft, and review your managed care contract to ensure that it is in your best legal and financial interests.

Contact Our California Business Lawyer for Medical Practices Today

A business law attorney with extensive experience, Lynnette Ariathurai works with companies and medical practices in the health care industry. If you have questions about negotiating a managed care contract, please contact our Fremont law office for a strictly confidential initial consultation.

agreements, Contracts, healthcare, managed care

Who Owns a Patients’ Medical Records When a Physician Leaves a Practice?

Physicians have an ethical and professional duty to manage medical records properly. To start, the HIPAA Privacy Rule requires doctors, health care providers, and other parties to protect the confidentiality of sensitive patient medical records. When a doctor moves on from a practice group, it is crucial that all patient medical records are handled in an appropriate manner.

This raises an important question: How should patient medical records be handled when a physician leaves a group medical practice? The Medical Board of California and the American Medical Association (AMA) provide some important guidance. In this article, our Fremont business lawyer explains the key things to know about who owns a patient’s medical records in California.

Background Ownership of Medical Records in California

Medical record ownership varies by state. In California, medical records belong to a hospital or a doctor. With this ownership comes certain ethical and professional obligations to patients. Patients have the right to access their medical records in certain circumstances. Under California Health & Safety Code 123100, patients have a general right to access their medical records and/or summaries. Further, the AMA Code of Ethics 1.1.3(f) states that patients should have the right “to obtain copies or summaries of their medical records.” To comply with statutory and regulatory obligations, group practices must handle medical records properly.

A Note on Professional Courtesy: California law does not require group practice to transfer records between providers. However, the Medical Board of California considers this a “professional courtesy.” The possible cost of copy and/or clerical fees depend on the specific situation.

Medical Board of California: Patient Records When a Doctor Leaves a Practice

The California Medical Board advises practitioners that patients should be notified regarding certain fundamental changes to the structure of a group medical practice. When a doctor leaves a medical practice in California, their patients should be notified and given a chance to make provisions for their medical records.

The AMA has also issued ethical guidance on this matter. Under AMA Code of Ethics Opinion 7.03, patients should be notified when their doctor is leaving a practice group. Further, they should be given the chance to have their medical records retained or forwarded to the doctor’s new practice group based on their preferences.

Medical Practice Agreements Should Address Patient Medical Records

Medical records should be addressed in agreements between doctors. You are always better off discussing and handling this matter at the beginning of a commercial relationship rather than the end of a commercial relationship. Any contracts that your medical practice relies on should have provisions for who owns patient medical records when a doctor leaves the practice. Agreements should include clear instructions for patient notification, including who is responsible for:

Sending out notices to patients
Bearing the cost of sending out notices to patients

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a California Business Lawyer

Lynnette Ariathurai is a business lawyer with extensive experience working with doctors and other medical professionals. Contact us today to set up a confidential initial consultation. From our Fremont law office, we work with medical practices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

health care providers, medical practice law, medical record ownership, Medical records law