Registration

FAQs about Incorporating a Medical Practice

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• How do the new Health Professions Act and the Professional Corporations Statutes Amendment Act affect my existing Professional Corporation?

  • Articles of Amendment for existing professional corporations no longer need to be endorsed by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. Articles of Amendment for name changes still need to be submitted to the College for endorsement.
  • Non-voting shareholders are now permitted, but must meet certain criteria. See information sheet.
  • The wording has changed on both the Form D and the Form E.

• How do I set up a Professional Corporation?

  • Articles of incorporation must be submitted to the College for endorsement before submitting to Alberta Corporate Registry.
  • Contact the Alberta Corporate Registry, your Lawyer or accounting office.
  • For more information, please refer to:
    • Professional Corporation Guidelines 
    • Restrictions and Other Provisions (these must form part of the Articles of Incorporation)
    • CPSA Bylaws 

• Who may sign the Articles of Incorporation?

  •  Only the incorporator(s), who must be actively licensed physicians in Alberta.
  • Voting shareholders of a Professional Corporation must be actively licensed physicians in Alberta.
  • Note: All incorporating documents must have original signatures of each incorporating physician.

• Are there any guidelines for how to name my Professional Corporation?

  • Yes, please refer to the Names section of the CPSA Bylaws.

• Who is entitled to be a shareholder of my Professional Corporation?

  •  The spouses, common-law partners, and children of regulated members may be non-voting shareholders. See information sheet.
  • Only Regulated members of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta can be voting shareholders.  

• What does it cost to initiate a Professional Corporation (initial application)?

  • A $525 incorporation fee (per physician shareholder) is required for the calendar year of January 1 through December 31, 2012.  
  • Notes:
    • All Professional Corporation permits expire December 31st of the year they are initiated
    • Pro-rating of fees is not available
    • Fees are subject to change 

• What does it cost to maintain a Professional Corporation?

  • An annual renewal fee of $157.50 is required per physician shareholder for the calendar year of January 1 through December 31, 2012.
  • Notes:
    • A statement of particulars must also be submitted
    • Professional Corporation renewals are processed online only
    • Fees are subject to change

• Do I need to be actively registered with the College in order to obtain (or maintain) a Professional Corporation?

  • Yes.
  • Note: Physicians on the Provisional Postgraduate Trainee and Physician Extender registers, retired physicians and those physicians involved in a supervised integration period or practice assessment are not eligible to hold a Professional Corporation with the College. 

• Can I obtain a Professional Corporation if I am actively registered with the College and here on a work permit (non-citizen)?

  • Yes. However, physicians (or their representative) should clarify the specifics regarding citizenship before proceeding.
  • For more information, please refer to:
    • Alberta’s Business Corporations Act (Sec 105 (3) and Part 21)

• Can a Professional Corporation from another province continue to operate in Alberta?

  • Yes, but they must meet the College’s requirements and the name must be current.
  • Articles of Continuance with original signature of the incorporating physician(s) must be submitted to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta for endorsement before they are submitted to Corporate Registry for registration. 
  • For more information, please refer to:
    • Restrictions and Other Provisions 
    • CPSA Bylaws

• Can I add another shareholder to my Professional Corporation?

  • Yes, a voting shareholder must be an actively licensed physician with the College, non-voting shareholders must meet the criteria specified (see information sheet).
  • There is a fee to add a voting shareholder of $157.50 per voting (physician) shareholder.
  • The original Articles of Incorporation must have a provision allowing for more voting or non-voting shareholders.
  • If the original Articles of Incorporation do not have a provision allowing for more voting or non-voting shareholders Articles of Amendment must be submitted to Corporate Registry.
  • Complete, sign and submit an original copy of the revised Form E to the College:
    2700-10020 100 ST  NW
    Edmonton AB  T5J 0N3 

• Can I maintain my Alberta Professional Corporation if I move out of province?

  • Yes, provided you maintain an active Alberta practice permit and have a registered office address (i.e. lawyer, accountant) in Alberta where your incorporating documentation is held and submit an address change using the Professional Corporation Address Change Form
  • For further information regarding guidelines please go to Alberta’s Business Corporations Act.  

• Do I need to contact Alberta Health and Wellness when my Professional Corporation is established?

  • Yes. Contact their office at 780-422-1522. 

• How do I change the name of my Professional Corporation?

  • Submit a copy of the Articles of Amendment with original signature of the incorporating physician(s) to the College for endorsement, prior to sending to Alberta Corporate Registry.
  • Please refer to the Names section of the CPSA Bylaws.