Video Summary:
In this video, Andy Gale of Gale & Vallance in Orange County explains how to name a physical therapy corporation in California in compliance with the state’s naming laws. He breaks down the specific requirements outlined by the California Corporations Code, the Business and Professions Code, and the Physical Therapy Board of California. This overview is essential for anyone forming a physical therapy professional corporation and unsure about what words or structures are legally allowed.
To learn more about how to properly name your physical therapy corporation and avoid compliance issues, check out our detailed article on California corporation naming laws for physical therapists.
Please note, this video does not constitute legal advice, and we highly recommend speaking with a licensed attorney about your particular situation.
Introduction
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In this video we will talk about the name style rule you must follow when forming a physical therapy Corporation.
Understanding Name Style Rules
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The name style rules are specific to the particular kind of license that you hold and for each kind of professional Corporation.
Keep in mind that these rules also affect all of the other corporate formation paperwork that you need to put together while creating your corporation.
Governing Laws and Regulations
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These corporate name requirements are regulated by the California Corporations Code, Business and Professions Code, and the California Code of Regulations.
When we are specifically considering Physical Therapy corporations, the name is also regulated by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
Required Naming Conventions
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So what are the specific name style rules for a physical therapy Corporation?
The name of a physical therapy Corporation and any name or names under which it may render professional services shall contain the words “physical therapy” or “physical therapist” and wording or abbreviations denoting corporate existence.
Using a DBA (Doing Business As)
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What if you want to have a DBA that is different than your corporate name?
Can you do that?
The answer is yes, so long as:
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The name is not misleading, and
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The name contains the words “physical therapy” or “physical therapist”.
Final Thoughts
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I hope this helps you better understand one of the many specific rules which you must follow when forming your professional Physical Therapy Corporation.
Closing
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Thank you.
Conclusion: How to Name a Physical Therapy Corporation in California
Understanding how to name a physical therapy corporation in California is a critical step in forming your professional practice. Failing to follow the state’s naming laws can delay your filing or result in rejection by the licensing board. Always ensure your corporation name includes the required language and aligns with California’s legal standards. For questions specific to your situation, consult a qualified business attorney.


