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
| Licence | 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 passive 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.