Fictitious Name Permit | Medical Board of California

Fictitious Name Permit

The purpose of a fictitious name permit (FNP) is to allow a licensed physician and
surgeon or podiatrist to practice under a name other than their own. Business and
Professions Code section 2285 states: “The use of any fictitious, false, or assumed
name, or any name other than their own by a licensee either alone, in conjunction
with a partnership or group, or as the name of a professional corporation, in any
public communication, advertisement, sign, or announcement of their practice without
a fictitious-name permit obtained pursuant to Section 2415 constitutes unprofessional
conduct.”

Applications for fictitious name permits are reviewed in date-received order, with
an approximate processing time of four to six weeks. After review, the permit is
approved, or a letter of deficiency is mailed to the applicant explaining the specific
problems. The Medical Board closely monitors fictitious names to ensure that similar
names are not issued. If there is a name discrepancy, the FNP coordinators will
work directly with the applicant, either by phone, fax, or email, to agree upon
an alternative name. If an application is received without payment of the $70 processing
fee made out to the Medical Board of California, it will immediately be returned
to the applicant.

For further questions, call the Licensing Program at (916) 263-2382 or (800) 633-2322.

Fictitious Name Permit Applications

Common Reasons for Rejection of Fictitious Name Permits

The Medical Board of California receives approximately 1,225 Fictitious Name Permit
(FNP) applications per year. The process can be time-consuming because of the volume
and because applicants frequently may not read or follow instructions provided on
the application.

To assure timely service, the Medical Board is asking physicians and their attorneys
to take the time to carefully review and complete the application. Some of the common
errors that applicants make on the application are:

1. The signature block on the application is not complete. Every portion of the signature
   block must be completed and include an original signature. Be sure to fill in the
   entire date upon which the application is being signed. Only original and complete
   applications will be accepted.
2. The desired name is already taken or is too similar to existing names. To check
   for name availability, click on the Fictitious Name Permit Search link below. Reservations
   for names will not be accepted.
3. The fictitious name does not comply with the statutory requirements. The name cannot
   be deceptive, misleading, confusing (B & P Code section 2415(b)(3)) or similar
   to a name previously issued. (CCR 1350.3)
4. If applying as an individual (sole proprietor), the Social Security Number or Individual
   Taxpayer Identification Number is not listed. If applying as a partnership, the
   Federal Employee Identification Number is not listed.
5. The complete name and original number of the California
   Corporation are not listed.
6. Copies of the Articles of Incorporation are not submitted with the application indicating
   the status of the entity as a California professional corporation. The Medical Board
   needs to insure the corporation is active and is a professional medical corporation.
7. The applicant fails to list all shareholders and (in cases where there are non-physician
   shareholders) the percentage of shares owned by each shareholder.
8. The $70.00 application fee made payable to the Medical Board of California is not
   submitted with the application.

Statutory information is provided with the application. Please refer to this information
and follow the instructions on the application. If you have any additional questions,
please call (916) 263-2382.

Fictitious Name Permit Renewal

In California, Fictitious Name Permits must be renewed every two years. It’s a violation
of the Medical Practice Act to practice under a fictitious name with an expired
permit. The permit expires at midnight on the expiration date.

When renewing by mail, the renewal must be on the Board’s renewal form, and must
include the current renewal fee and any delinquent fees. Please allow 6-8 weeks
for processing. If a renewal notice is not received, the permit must still be renewed
before the expiration date on the permit.

Forms, information about current renewal fees, and requirements may be obtained by
contacting:

Medical Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200

Sacramento, CA 95815

(916) 263-2382 or (800) 633-2322

General Information

Disciplinary Action Disclosure:

When renewing, each licensee must disclose whether they have had any license disciplined
by a government agency or other disciplinary body, or, have been convicted of any
crime in any state, the USA and its territories, military court or a foreign country.
License includes permits, registrations, and certificates.

Conviction includes a plea of no contest and any conviction that has been set aside
or deferred pursuant to sections 1000 or 1203.4 of the Penal Code, including infractions,
misdemeanors, and felonies. You do not need to report a conviction for an infraction
with a fine of less than $300 unless the infraction involved alcohol or controlled
substances.

Discipline includes, but is not limited to, suspension, revocation, voluntary surrender,
probation, or any other restriction.

For additional information, please contact the Medical Board’s Consumer Information
Unit:

• Toll-Free: 1-800-633-2322
• Phone: (916) 263-2382
• Fax: (916) 263-2435

Failure to Renew:

Any physician and surgeon or doctor of podiatric medicine practicing under a fictitious
name without a valid permit may lead to disciplinary action against the individual
licensees.

There is no grace period; if a permit has not been renewed within 30 days following
the expiration date, the Licensing Program will notify the permit holder by mail.
The date a permit expires, the status is changed to “delinquent” if the renewal
application and fees due are not received.

If a permit is renewed more than 30 days following the expiration date, the permit
holder is required to pay additional fees.

After a permit has been in “delinquent” status for five years, the permit is automatically
canceled. A canceled permit may not be reactivated. The permit holder must apply
for a new permit and meet the current permit requirements.

Fees Requirement