Naming Your California Physical Therapy Corporation: What PT Practices Must Know

Physical therapists forming professional corporations in California must ensure their corporate name complies with both corporate law and the professional licensing statutes governing physical therapy.

Physical therapy practice is regulated by the Physical Therapy Board of California under the Physical Therapy Practice Act (Business & Professions Code §§2600–2696). Like other professional entities, physical therapy corporations are formed under the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act.

The core naming rule appears in Corporations Code §13409, which requires compliance with both corporate law and the rules of the profession's regulatory agency.

Acceptable Corporate Naming Structure

A physical therapy corporation name should include a corporate designator such as:

• Physical Therapy Corporation

• Professional Corporation

• A Professional Corporation

Examples include:

• Summit Physical Therapy Corporation

• Maria Gomez, P.T., A Professional Corporation

Including the designation “P.T.” is not legally required but can enhance transparency.

Avoid Names Suggesting Physician Authority

Physical therapists must avoid names suggesting medical authority beyond their professional scope.

Under Business & Professions Code §651, names implying physician-level authority—such as Advanced Sports Medical Center—could be considered misleading.

Even when PT practices collaborate with physicians, the corporate name must clearly reflect the licensed profession actually providing services.

Avoid Institutional or Surgical Terminology

Names suggesting hospital or surgical capacity should be used cautiously.

Examples that may raise compliance concerns include:

• Medical Rehabilitation Institute

• Surgical Sports Center

Unless the entity is actually licensed as a medical facility, these names may mislead the public.

Physical Therapists are not required to use their Surname  

In California, a physical therapy professional corporation is not required to include the physical therapist's last name in the corporate name, although many practices choose to do so for clarity.

For physical therapists, the Physical Therapy Board of California regulates the profession under the Physical Therapy Practice Act (Business and Professions Code §§2600–2696). Neither the Moscone-Knox Act nor the Physical Therapy Practice Act requires that the corporate name contain the physical therapist's surname.

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

As a result, many physical therapy corporations voluntarily include the therapist's name (for example, “Garcia Physical Therapy Corporation”) because it clearly identifies the licensed professional providing services and helps avoid any implication that the practice offers medical services or is operated by a different type of healthcare provider.

Fictitious Business Names for Physical Therapy Practices

Physical therapy corporations may also use DBAs under the Fictitious Business Name Act (B&P Code §§17900–17930).

The DBA must be filed at the county level under §17913.

The trade name must still comply with professional advertising standards and must not misrepresent:

• scope of services

• specialty credentials

• institutional affiliations

Key Takeaway

Physical therapy corporate names should clearly identify the profession and avoid language suggesting physician authority or hospital-level care.

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.