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Common Reasons for Rejection of Fictitious Name Permits

The Medical Board of California receives approximately 1,225 Fictitious Name Permit (FNP) applications per year. In the past, the review of the FNP applications was done by Board members. This process was cumbersome because members met and approved permits at quarterly meetings. Over the years, in an effort to streamline the process, FNP review has been delegated to staff of the Medical Board. However, the process can still be time-consuming because of the volume and because applicants frequently may not read or follow instructions provided on the application.

The Medical Board staff continues to work to streamline the process further, and to assure timely service we are asking physicians and their attorneys to take the time to carefully review and complete the application. Some of the common errors that applicants make on the application are:

  1. An illegible photocopy of the application is submitted. Photocopies are hard to read. Only original applications and original downloaded Internet versions will be accepted.
  2. Applicants are using the fictitious names they are applying for prior to the name being approved. Many times the name is already taken or is too similar to existing names. To check for name availability, click on the Fictitious Name Permit Search link below. Reservations for names will not be accepted.
  3. The fictitious name does not comply with the statutory requirements. The name cannot be deceptive, misleading, confusing (B & P Code section 2415(b)(3)) or similar to a name previously issued. (CCR 1350.3)
  4. If applying as an individual (Sole Proprietor), the Social Security Number is not listed. If applying as a partnership, the Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) is not listed.
  5. The complete name and original number of the California Corporation are not listed.
  6. Copies of the Articles of Incorporation are not submitted with the application indicating the status of the entity as a California professional corporation. The Medical Board needs to insure the corporation is active and is a professional medical corporation.
  7. If one or more of the shareholders is not a licensed physician and surgeon, the applicant fails to list all shareholders and their percentage of shares.
  8. The $50.00 application fee is not submitted with the application, made payable to the Medical Board of California.

Information to assist in the completion of the application is provided on the back of the application. Please refer to this information or the instruction pamphlet if needed. If you have any additional questions, please call (916) 263-2382.