Closing a Medical Practice inCalifornia
Estimated timeline: 90-120 days. This guide covers the key regulatory requirements for closing a medical practice in California.
Key Requirements for California
Patient Notification Requirements
California Business and Professions Code Section 2266 requires written notice to active patients at least 30 days before closure. Notices must be sent by first-class mail and published in a newspaper of general circulation. A notice must also be posted at the practice.
Required Notification Methods
Medical Records Retention
California requires medical records to be retained for at least 7 years from the date of last treatment for adults. Minor records must be retained until age 18 plus 7 years. Some records (e.g., mental health) may have longer requirements.
Medical Board of California
The Medical Board of California must be notified per Business and Professions Code Section 2266. The Board has detailed requirements and can impose penalties for non-compliance.
DEA Requirements
Surrender DEA registration and California Board of Pharmacy controlled substance registration. California has strict requirements for the destruction of controlled substances, requiring a licensed reverse distributor or law enforcement surrender.
Entity Dissolution
File Certificate of Dissolution with the California Secretary of State. File final tax returns with the Franchise Tax Board and the Employment Development Department. Cancel the Statement of Information filing.
Estimated Timeline: 90-120 days
This timeline is an estimate based on California's regulatory requirements. Your actual timeline may vary based on practice size, number of insurance panels, outstanding AR, and whether bankruptcy proceedings are involved. Brad can provide a precise estimate for your specific situation.
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