Naming Your California Chiropractic Corporation: What the Chiropractic Board Requires

Chiropractors forming a professional corporation in California must comply with both corporate law and the regulatory framework governing chiropractic practice. Choosing a corporate name may seem like a branding decision, but in reality it is a regulated professional representation to the public. Because the corporate name appears on signage, marketing materials, and patient records, it must accurately reflect the profession's scope of practice and avoid misleading implications.

Chiropractic corporations are formed under the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (California Corporations Code §§13400–13410). The naming rule that applies to all professional corporations is Corporations Code §13409, which requires that the name include an appropriate corporate designator and comply with the rules of the licensing agency regulating the profession.

For chiropractors, that agency is the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Corporate Name Requirements

A chiropractic corporation should include a corporate identifier such as:

• Chiropractic Corporation

• Professional Corporation

• A Professional Corporation

• P.C.

Examples of compliant structures include:

• David Lee Chiropractic Corporation

• Lee Spine Chiropractic, A Professional Corporation

Using “Chiropractic Corporation” is often the clearest approach because it directly identifies the profession providing services.

No Surname Requirement for Chiropractors, but Clarity Still Required

In California, a chiropractic professional corporation is NOT required to include the chiropractor's last name in the corporate name, although many practices choose to do so.  

Unlike medical corporations, which are subject to specificMedical Board fictitious name permit rules under Business and Professions Code §2415, chiropractic law does not similarly impose a statutory requirement for the corporation to include the chiropractor's surname. 

That being said, the name must still comply with Business and Professions Code §651, which prohibits professional communications—including corporate names—from being false, misleading, or deceptive.

As a result, many chiropractic corporations voluntarily include the chiropractor's name (for example, “Smith Chiropractic Corporation”) because it clearly reflects the licensed professional providing services and reduces the risk that the name could imply services or credentials beyond the scope of chiropractic licensure.

Avoid Misleading “Medical” Terminology

Chiropractors must be cautious when incorporating the word “medical” or similar terminology into a corporate name.

Under Business and Professions Code §651, professional communications—including the corporate name—must not be false, misleading, or deceptive. Names suggesting physician-level services, such as Valley Medical Spine Center, may imply services outside the chiropractic scope of practice.

Additionally, California's prohibition on the corporate practice of medicine under Business & Professions Code §2400 reinforces that non-physicians may not represent themselves as providing medical practice services.

Multidisciplinary Implications

Chiropractic corporations should also avoid names implying physician or hospital ownership unless such professionals are lawfully involved in the entity.

A chiropractic corporation must accurately reflect the licensure of those controlling the practice.

Fictitious Business Names for Chiropractors

Chiropractic corporations may operate under a fictitious business name (DBA) under the Fictitious Business Name Act (Business & Professions Code §§17900–17930).

The DBA must be filed with the county clerk where the business operates pursuant to §17913.

However, a DBA does not override compliance obligations. The trade name must still avoid misleading language about:

• medical authority

• hospital affiliations

• specialty credentials

Key Takeaway

A chiropractic corporation name should clearly identify chiropractic services, include a corporate designator, and avoid language implying physician authority. A conservative naming structure significantly reduces regulatory risk.

Need Help Structuring Your Healthcare Practice?

Starting or restructuring a healthcare practice in California involves more than choosing a name. Professional corporations must comply with licensing board regulations, corporate statutes, and advertising rules that vary by profession.

If you are forming a medical, dental, chiropractic, physical therapy, pharmacy, or other healthcare corporation in California, West Coast Health Law Group provides guidance on entity formation, compliance planning, and practice structuring.  We offer a FREE consultation with West Coast Health Law Group which you may schedule by clicking the button on our website..

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article or using this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with West Coast Health Law Group. Because laws and regulations change and each situation is unique, you should consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific circumstances before taking action.