Professional Corporations & Practice Structure

Nurses who operate independent practices may choose from different business structures. CNO also permits nurses to establish a Health Profession Corporation and obtain a Certificate of Authorization where the applicable requirements are satisfied. CNO notes that Health Profession Corporations are subject to specific ownership, naming, and business activity requirements.
 

Legal considerations may include:

• Nursing professional corporation incorporations

• Certificates of Authorization

• Corporate organization and governance

• Shareholder agreements

• Partnership arrangements

• Business ownership structures

• Corporate reorganizations

• Succession planning
   

Practitioner, Employment & Contractor Relationships

Nursing and NP practices may involve other nurses, physicians, therapists, administrative staff, allied health professionals, and independent contractors.
 

Clear agreements can address:

• Compensation arrangements

• Roles and responsibilities

• Scope of services

• Scheduling expectations

• Confidentiality obligations

• Insurance requirements

• Restrictive covenants

• Termination provisions

• Use of clinic space, systems, and resources
   

Patient Documentation & Privacy

Independent nursing practices routinely collect, use, and store sensitive personal health information. Practice owners should have documentation and policies that reflect how information is collected, used, disclosed, retained, and protected.
 

Legal documentation may include:

• Informed consent documentation

• Client intake forms

• Privacy policies

• Virtual care documentation

• Fee and cancellation policies

• Website privacy policies

• Website terms and conditions

• Internal clinic policies

• Record retention policies

• Patient communication policies
   

Independent Practice & Clinic Operations

Operating an independent nursing or NP practice involves legal considerations beyond clinical care.
 

Legal support may include:

• Clinic service agreements

• Independent contractor agreements

• Employment agreements

• Commercial leases

• Equipment purchase agreements

• Supplier and vendor agreements

• Software and technology agreements

• Management agreements

• Administrative service agreements

• Commercial contract review and negotiation
   

Multidisciplinary Practice Arrangements

Nurses and Nurse Practitioners may work alongside physicians, psychotherapists, social workers, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other regulated or unregulated professionals.
 

Clear agreements can help define:

• Practitioner relationships

• Administrative responsibilities

• Compensation arrangements

• Use of clinic facilities and systems

• Responsibility for patient documentation

• Confidentiality and privacy obligations

• Ownership of business assets and intellectual property

• Departure and termination processes
   

Practice Growth & Long Term Planning

Whether you are opening your first independent practice, expanding an NP clinic, adding practitioners, opening another location, introducing new services, or restructuring your business, proactive legal planning can help support sustainable growth.