The District writes into its statute the two things most states leave to structuring lawyers: who must be licensed, and whether a shareholder has to actually work there.
DC Code § 29-508(b) provides that a person shall not be a shareholder, director or officer of a professional corporation, or render professional services on its behalf, unless the person is an individual licensed to render a professional service for which the corporation is organized — with one exception: where a professional corporation has only one shareholder, the secretary need not be licensed, and shall not perform professional services if unlicensed. “Officer” is defined in § 29-508(a) as the chair of the board, president, vice-president, treasurer or secretary.
What the District of Columbia actually requires
- A professional corporation (or PLLC) whose shareholders, directors and officers are all licensed in the profession the corporation is organized for.
- A named medical director who is a DC-licensed physician for the medical services delivered.
- Awareness of the single-shareholder secretary exception, which is the only unlicensed officer role the statute permits — and which carries an express bar on performing services.
- Non-licensee capital and management through a separate entity, not through shares.
- Written protocols, delegation and good faith examinations, because the entity rule says nothing about how the care is supervised.
Who may do what in the District of Columbia
| License | What they may do |
|---|---|
| MD or DO | Independent; medical director; shareholder, director or officer of the professional corporation |
| Nurse practitioner | Within NP scope; a nursing entity is organized for a different professional service |
| Physician assistant | Within scope, under the applicable arrangement |
| Registered nurse | Within RN scope, under a valid order |
| Unlicensed person | Only as secretary of a single-shareholder professional corporation, and may not perform professional services |
The provision worth reading twice is § 29-508(c): nothing in the chapter requires a shareholder or incorporator to have a present or future employment relationship with the corporation, or to actively participate in producing its income. The District has written the non-practicing licensed shareholder into its code.
What MDside provides in the District of Columbia
- A District of Columbia-licensed MD or DO as medical director, doing the work rather than lending a name.
- A DC-licensed physician who can hold the medical director role — and, where the structure calls for it, a licensed shareholder position that § 29-508(c) expressly contemplates.
- The professional entity and management agreement built to the District of Columbia rather than to a national template.
- Licensed physicians for the good faith exams behind prescriptions and injectables.
- 503A and 503B pharmacy relationships and lab draws.
See what is included, or book a call and tell us which states you operate in.
Read the detail on the District of Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Who may be a shareholder of a DC professional corporation?
Only an individual licensed to render a professional service for which the corporation is organized, per DC Code § 29-508(b).
Is there any unlicensed officer role?
Yes, one: the secretary of a single-shareholder professional corporation. That person may not perform professional services.
Must a shareholder work at the practice?
No. DC Code § 29-508(c) states that nothing requires a shareholder or incorporator to have an employment relationship or actively participate in producing income.
Does that permit non-physician investment?
No. The shareholder must still be licensed; § 29-508(c) relaxes participation, not licensure.
General information about the District of Columbia practice structure and med spa regulation, not legal advice. Statutes, board rules and scope-of-practice requirements change. Confirm your obligations with healthcare counsel licensed in the District of Columbia.