In this transcript from a video by Gale & Vallance, Andy Gale explains why chiropractic corporations must match legal names in California and how chiropractors can avoid corporate naming violations under state law. This summary breaks down the key rules, including how the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners enforces naming standards and why mismatched or non-compliant names can lead to delays, fines, or rejected filings.

To learn more about why chiropractic corporations must match legal names in California and avoid compliance issues, check out our detailed article on California chiropractic naming rules.

Please note that this video does not constitute legal advice, and we strongly recommend contacting a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation and ensure your chiropractic corporation is properly formed and compliant.

00:00:00 — Opening Question

So, you’re a chiropractor in California and you’re ready to open your own practice. That’s the dream, right? But what if I told you that one of your very first decisions, something as simple as the name you put on your sign, could put your entire professional license at risk? It’s a hidden trap, and we’re about to show you exactly how to avoid it.

00:00:21 — What This Video Will Cover

All right, here’s how we’re going to break this all down. First, we’ll talk about a common dilemma pretty much every chiropractor runs into. Then we’ll dive into the surprisingly strict California law that you absolutely have to know. After that, we’ll look at the seriously high stakes involved. And finally, we’ll map out a clear path through this compliance maze.

00:00:46 — The Common Naming Dilemma

Okay, so let’s set the scene. Picture this. Dr. Michael Reyes, a newly licensed chiropractor, super excited to open his own practice in Los Angeles. But right out of the gate, he hits a roadblock on one of the most basic things, what to name his practice.
You know, Dr. Reyes sees all these other practices out there with really catchy marketable names. So, he asks the question that makes a ton of sense. Hey, can I have my official legal corporate name for all the paperwork, but then use a more friendly DBA for my signs and marketing?
I mean, on the surface, that sounds like a smart business move. And right there, that’s the trap. It’s a super common question, but acting on that assumption is one of the most dangerous compliance mistakes you can make. It’s not just a simple paperwork mix-up. It can put you on a direct path to serious professional trouble.

00:01:42 — Why Naming Is a Huge Legal Issue

Okay, so why is this such a huge deal? To really get it, we have to look at California’s naming law for chiropractors. And let me tell you, it is incredibly strict and it leaves zero room for creativity when it comes to naming your corporation.
So to answer Dr. Reyes’s question directly, can a chiropractic corporation use a DBA for marketing? The answer is a clear, absolute, unambiguous no. Not for your signs, not for your website, not for your business cards. Nope.
Here’s the thing you got to remember. Basically, anything you do that faces the public is considered rendering professional services. That means the name you use on your social media is legally just as important as the name on your official filings. They have to match. Period.

00:02:34 — The Required Naming Formula (B&P Code §154)

The law actually gives you a super specific recipe for your corporate name. It’s in the Business and Professions Code section 154.
You need three things, no exceptions:
the last name of a shareholder,
the word chiropractic,
and a corporate designation like incorporated or corporation.
That’s it.
Let’s make this crystal clear. A compliant name would be something like Reyes Chiropractic Incorporated.
See, it’s got the name, the word chiropractic, and the corporate ending. Checks all the boxes.
But a name like LA Wellness Chiropractic, while it might sound way better for marketing, is completely illegal for a professional corporation in California.

00:03:24 — The High Stakes of Violating Naming Rules

And this brings us to the most critical part of this whole thing, the stakes.
Why does this matter so much? Well, because the Board of Chiropractic Examiners doesn’t see this as a simple branding choice. They see it as a serious breach of professional conduct.
Yeah, let that sink in for a second.
Using the wrong name isn’t like getting a fix-it ticket. It is officially classified as unapproved conduct, which puts it in the same category as much more serious offenses.
You see, the board’s main job is consumer protection, and they see a compliant name as a key part of transparency and accountability.
And this isn’t just my opinion. This comes straight from the board’s own rulebook. Their disciplinary guidelines classify a naming violation under category three.
Now, look closely at that minimum penalty.
Not only are you looking at 5 years of probation and a 30-day suspension, but you also face a state revocation of your license. And remember, that is the absolute best-case scenario for this violation.
So, just to recap, the consequences here can range from years of probation and a mandatory suspension, which means, you know, you’re not working, all the way up to the maximum penalty, the outright permanent revocation of your license to practice chiropractic in California.

00:04:58 — Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Professional Corporation

So, how in the world do you avoid this devastating outcome? Well, the key is to realize that this whole naming rule, it’s really just the tip of a giant complex regulatory iceberg. And trying to navigate all of this by yourself is a huge, huge risk.
I mean, to form a compliant corporation, you have to correctly follow a whole web of rules from four different legal sources: the business and professions code, the corporations code, the code of regulations, and the board’s own specific rules. A misstep in any one of these areas can put your license in serious jeopardy.
Think about it like this, and it’s a perfect analogy. You would never advise a patient to perform their own adjustments, right? Of course not. The risk of them doing serious harm is just way too high.
Well, the exact same logic applies here. Trying to DIY the legal structure of your professional corporation carries the same kind of risk at the end of the day. It really just comes down to this. Getting the legal structure right from day one isn’t just another expense. It’s an investment in protecting your new practice. And more importantly, that professional license you worked so incredibly hard to earn.

00:05:57 — Final Takeaway and Contact Information

So, the takeaway here is clear. When you’re ready to incorporate in California, don’t gamble with your license. Getting expert legal guidance ensures every step is handled correctly from the initial naming to the final registration.
For those of you who need that specialized guidance, you can contact the law offices of Galen Valance. The number is right there on your screen.

Conclusion — How to Avoid Naming Violations as a California Chiropractor

Ensuring your chiropractic corporation name matches California’s legal and regulatory requirements is essential to avoiding compliance issues, delays, or disciplinary action. If you want to understand the full rules and protect your practice, it’s always best to seek guidance tailored to your circumstances. For professional help forming or correcting a chiropractic corporation, consult a California lawyer who specializes in professional entities.