Wyoming Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) Overview
- Does Wyoming have a Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) Doctrine?: No.
- Summary of Current Law: Wyoming's approach to the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine is characterized by a permissive and accommodating framework for licensed healthcare professionals. State regulations concerning the licensure and practice of healthcare providers do not impose specific restrictions or guidelines on the practice of healthcare through business entities. Instead, Wyoming's business organization statutes offer several options for licensed professionals to structure their practices while ensuring accountability and compliance with professional standards. Healthcare professionals in Wyoming can establish professional corporations (PCs) under the Wyoming Business Corporation Act or the Wyoming Statutory Close Corporation Supplement. These entities must be exclusively owned by individuals who hold licenses in the respective healthcare profession. Importantly, licensed individuals within PCs retain full responsibility for their professional activities and are subject to all applicable regulations and standards. Additionally, the corporate name must include "A Professional Corporation" or "P.C.," and specific language regarding shareholder licensure and supervision of professional services must be included in the articles of incorporation. Furthermore, the state allows licensed professionals to form registered limited liability partnerships (LLPs) if such formation is not prohibited by the licensing statutes and regulatory requirements. In LLPs, licensed professionals retain their professional licenses and continue to be subject to the relevant licensing regulations and standards.
- Sources: Wyoming Stat. § 33-26-101; Wyoming Stat. §§ 17-3-101 through 104; Wyoming Stat. § 17-21-1105
What are Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) Laws?
CPOM laws are regulations that prohibit standard corporations (or other non-physician entities) from practicing medicine or employing practicing physicians. The primary goal of these laws is to ensure that medical decisions are made solely based on patient care and not influenced by corporate interests. These laws vary by state, but they generally aim to protect the physician-patient relationship from commercial influence.
While the focus is often on physicians and medical care, the CPOM family of laws typically apply to a wide range of licensed healthcare providers, including psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, mid-level providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants), dentists, dietitians, podiatrists, chiropractors, pharmacists, optometrists, and many others. The goal of CPOM laws is shared across these professions: ensure clinical decisions aren’t influenced by corporate pressures.
Who Do These CPOM Laws Apply To?
A state’s CPOM restrictions typically apply to any standard corporate entity that seeks to provide medical or licensed healthcare services. This includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other business entities. For an entity to comply with CPOM laws and practice medicine, it typically must be:
- 100% owned by a physician (or physicians) licensed to practice medicine in that state, and
- Formed as a special type of physician-owned legal entity: a Professional Corporation (“PC” for short). In some states, a Professional Limited Liability Company (“PLLC”) is also permitted.
Most states with CPOM laws only permit the corporate practice of medicine through these physician-owned PCs or PLLCs.
Complying with Wyoming CPOM laws
If you're looking to start a healthcare business in Wyoming and need to comply with Wyoming CPOM laws by setting up a MSO-friendly PC structure, Permit can help—affordably and fast. Feel free to reach out.
