Naming requirements

Required components of a name

Under section 7-6 of CPSBC Bylaws, the name of a corporation must:

• include the surname and a sequential combination of given names or initials of every eligible licensee who owns voting shares and provides health services through the corporation
• include the required corporation designation (for example, Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc., ULC)
• include prescribed terms, if any, under section 25(3)(c) of the HPOA (no terms currently prescribed)
• not be identical to, or confusingly similar to, the name of another active health profession corporation
• not contravene section 7-24 of CPSBC Bylaws

Use of degree initials and specialty names and titles

When including degree initials or specialty names and titles in a corporation name:

• degree initials (for example, MD, MBBS, DPM) may only be included if the voting shareholder holds that degree as recorded in the CPSBC directory
• specialty names or specialty titles may only be included if the voting shareholder is a medical practitioner licensee registered for specialty practice, as recorded in the CPSBC directory
• If a name includes degree initials or a specialty reference, all voting shareholders listed in the name must hold the identical degree or specialty

Accuracy of names

The name of a corporation must accurately represent:

• the legal names or initials of all voting shareholders who will provide health services through or on behalf of the corporation
• any degree initials included in the name
• any specialty names or specialty titles included in the name

CPSBC will not approve a name that:

• implies that a licensee holds a specialty or degree they do not hold
• implies that all voting shareholders hold the same specialty or degree when they do not
• could reasonably mislead the public regarding the nature of health services provided

Approval decisions are based on the information recorded in the CPSBC directory and the documentation submitted by the eligible licensee or legal counsel.

Alternate form of name for more than two voting shareholders

If a corporation has more than two eligible licensees who own voting shares and provide health services, the corporation may apply to use an alternate name (for example, a simplified or generic name) instead of listing each voting shareholder.

An alternate name must still comply with all other naming requirements in section 7-6 of CPSBC Bylaws, including accuracy, non-misleading content, and the requirements relating to degree initials and specialty names or specialty titles.

Approval of an alternate name is at the discretion of the Permit Committee or registrar.

Name approval

Name approval alone does not authorize a licensee to provide health services through a corporation. A health profession corporation permit must be issued before the corporation may carry on the business of providing health services through an eligible licensee.

Request name approval

1. Complete the Name Approval Request Form
2. Email it to pmcapp@cpsbc.ca
3. CPSBC will confirm whether the name complies with the HPOA, CPSBC Bylaws

Once approved, CPSBC will send an email with the name approval letter, corporation account number, and instructions for paying applicable fees under schedule D of CPSBC Bylaws.

After paying fees and completing the required filing with the Registrar of Companies, submit the permit application.

Apply for a corporation permit

Use of approved name

Once CPSBC approves a name:

• the corporation must use the name exactly as approved by CPSBC when completing the required filing with the Registrar of Companies
• any variation will require a new name approval request
• the corporation must notify CPSBC if any change in voting shareholders causes the name to become non-compliant with section 7-6 of the CPSBC Bylaws