Professions cannot insulate themselves with a corporate shield to guard against malpractice. So those individuals must have unique professional entities that provide some of the liability protection of a corporate entity. The primary purpose why professions choose to form a professional association is that, unlike a general partnership, an owner is not personally liable for the negligence or malpractice of other owners.
The professional association is the most popular entity choice for physicians in Texas. But this is primarily due to inertia. Other entity choices exist that should be examined because they may provide benefits unavailable in a professional association. A professional association or “PA” is the most limiting kind of entity. Only certain healthcare professionals may operate a PA. The exclusive list includes medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, podiatrists, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, and therapeutic optometrists, veterinarians, and licensed mental health professionals. Only individuals authorized by the State of Texas may operate in a PA. Only physicians licensed by the Texas Medical Board can own a PA that engages in medical practice.
Its members own a professional association. The members hold shares, but they are not referred to as “shareholders.” This somewhat confusing terminology reveals the exceptional care required when creating a professional association. Like a corporation, the members adopt bylaws for governing the internal affairs of the PA. A board of directors or executive committee PA governs the PA by the election of the members. The board or executive committee elects officers, which must include a president and secretary. All officers and all members of the board or executive committee must also be members of the PA, and the president of a PA must also be a member of the board or executive committee.
Creating a Professional Association in Waco Texas
You should contact a business lawyer who understands the complications of a PA if you are interested in forming a professional association. Dunnam & Dunnam has the experience to advise healthcare professionals in the operation and creation of professional associations in Waco, Texas. Call us at 254-753-6437 to schedule a consultation with a business lawyer in Waco.
Vance Dunnam
Vance has 60 years of experience as a lawyer in Waco, Texas handling all types of cases in both the office and the courtroom.
Read MoreVance Dunnam, Jr.
Vance has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 1977 and has practiced law in Waco, Texas since 1978.
Read MoreMerrilee L. Harmon
Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985.
Read MoreAndrea Michelle Mehta
Andrea's practice focuses primarily in Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Family Law, and General Law.
Read MoreJim Dunnam
Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law.
Read MoreEleeza Johnson
Eleeza's practice areas include: Personal Injury Law, Civil Trial Law, Commercial Law, Family Law and Pharmaceutical Law.
Read MoreGerald R. Villarrial
Gerald R. Villarrial has practiced family law, criminal law and civil litigation for over 20 years.
Read MoreMason Dunnam
Mason Dunnam is the fourth generation of Dunnam attorneys at the firm since 1925
Read MoreCarolina Truesdale
Carolina G. Truesdale graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, Cum Laude.
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