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MSAs for Medical Practices in California: Uncover Hidden Costs and Minimize Risk

Do you own and/or operate a medical practice in California? If so, you may be considering entering into a medical services agreement (MSA). Broadly explained, these are contracts between a professional practice and a third party company that offers administrative/business services. An MSA can be a useful tool for a medical practice in California, but it needs to be properly structured. Here, our Fremont business lawyer for medical practices provides a guide to MSAs in California.

What is a Medical Services Agreement (MSA)?

An MSA is a contract between a licensed medical practice and a third party management and/or administrative services company. The agreement allows the non-medical entity to handle business functions such as billing, human resources, accounting, marketing, facilities management, and technology systems. At the same time, the professional medical corporation (PC) retains control over all clinical decisions.

In California, these arrangements must be carefully structured to comply with the state’s Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine. The law prohibits non-physicians or unlicensed entities from owning, managing, or influencing medical decision-making. The Medical Board of California enforces strict boundaries to ensure that only physicians direct patient care.

Why Medical Practices in California Enter into MSA

Many professional medical practices in California enter into MSAs. At their best, these agreements can help to make business operations more efficient and reduce administrative burdens. Running a compliant and profitable practice in California requires substantial time and resources unrelated to patient care. A management company can provide economies of scale by handling functions such as insurance credentialing, revenue cycle management, and payroll. MSAs also allow smaller practices to access advanced systems (such as electronic health records (EHR) management) that they may not be able to reasonably afford independently.

Be Prepared: Know the Hidden Costs and Risks of MSAs

Despite their benefits, MSAs carry significant legal and financial risks. The most common problem arises when an agreement crosses the line into impermissible control over medical decision-making. If an MSO sets physician compensation, directs clinical staffing, or influences patient scheduling, regulators may find a CPOM violation. Here are key points to know:

Hidden financial risks: In many cases, MSAs can conceal substantial costs. Flat fees, revenue-sharing provisions, and performance bonuses tied to patient volume may violate federal and state anti-kickback or fee-splitting rules.
Data privacy and HIPAA liability: Because MSAs often manage patient billing and records, they may become business associates under HIPAA (45 C.F.R. §160.103). A proper business associate agreement (BAA) must accompany the MSA.
Unfavorable contract: Some MSAs include restrictive termination clauses or automatic renewal terms that leave the physician practice trapped in a long-term agreement. It is imperative that any MSA is drafted and/or reviewed by an attorney.

Speak to Our Fremont Employment Lawyer for Employers today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business attorney who has considerable experience representing medical practices. If you have any questions or concerns about MSAs, we can help. Contact us today for your completely confidential consultation. From our Fremont office, our team provides business law services to medical practices throughout the Bay Area.

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Medical Practices – Protection

Building, growing, and operating a successful medical practice in California is complicated. It is imperative that your professional practice has the right legal structure in place. Lynnette Ariathurai is a top-rated business law attorney for medical practices. If you have any questions about legal protections for medical practices in California, we can help. Contact us at our Fremont law office for a fully confidential, no commitment initial case evaluation.

Our Business Lawyer Helps California Medical Practices Protect their Interests

Structuring a New Group Medical Practice

All group medical practices in California need the right legal foundation. Otherwise, they could face serious issues. Setting up a group medical practice requires more than clinical expertise: It demands careful legal planning to protect your investment and define roles. Our Fremont business lawyer for medical practices helps practitioners choose an appropriate business entity, determine ownership shares, and establish compensation and control rights. We also guide clients on exit mechanisms and dispute resolution processes so transitions happen smoothly.

Incorporating a Medical Practice

In California, doctors and medical professionals face unique rules for structuring a practice under the state’s professional entity laws. Incorporation as a professional corporation often provides liability protection for business obligations and may offer tax advantages when qualified for S corporation status. There are strict rules and regulations under state law for professional corporations (PCs), especially related to ownership of the entity.

Buying or Selling a California Medical Practice

If you are considering buying or selling a group medical practice in the Bay Area, it is imperative that you have strong, experienced legal representation. Buying or selling a medical practice is a high-stakes transaction that blends business strategy with legal compliance. Our business law attorney assists clients from initial due diligence to closing, negotiating terms, drafting or reviewing letters of intent, and evaluating whether an asset sale or a stock sale best suits your objectives. We can examine liability exposure, contract terms, continuity of care obligations, and transition requirements such as patient notices and license transfers.

Restructuring a Medical Practice When Adding New Partners

If you are preparing to add another partner to your medical practice in California, you may need to do some restructuring of the business. Adding partners to a medical practice changes the business’s legal and operational dynamics. We help practices clearly define ownership interests, including voting and non-voting classes. That is key so that the equity and control rights align with partners’ contributions. Careful negotiations and documented agreements prevent later conflicts among owners.

Professional Contract Review for Medical Practices

Contracts are essential for the legal protection of medical practices in California. Medical practices rely on a range of contracts that shape daily operations and long-term stability. Our Fremont, CA business law attorney reviews and negotiates business formation agreements, commercial leases, supplier and vendor contracts, employment agreements, and independent contractor arrangements to protect your legal and financial interests. Customized, professionally-drafted contracts give medical practice owners the clarity and legal protection that they need.

Get Help From Our California Business Lawyer for Medical Practices Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business attorney with extensive experience working with medical practices. If you have any questions about protecting a medical practice, we are here to help. Contact us to arrange your completely confidential consultation. From our Fremont office, we provide business law services to medical practices throughout the Bay Area.

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Attorney for Closing a Medical Practice in California

There are more than 75,000 actively licensed physicians in California who work across thousands of different medical practices (California Health Care Foundation). Of course, medical practices do not always last forever. New practices are being formed every month and many existing practices are being sold or even being closed down.

If you are a doctor in the Bay Area who is preparing to close your medical practice, it is imperative that you have a comprehensive understanding of your responsibilities. Within this article, our Fremont business lawyer for medical practices highlights the key things to know about closing down a medical practice in California.

Know Your Responsibilities When Closing Down Your Medical Practice

You Must Provide Adequate Written Notice to All Current Patients

There are strict rules regarding “patient abandonment” in California. Your practice does not want to be in violation as it closes down. The California Medical Board emphasizes that physicians must give sufficient advance notice—usually defined as somewhere between 30 and 60 days—so patients have time to secure alternate care and obtain their records. Written notices should be sent in writing either or both mail and email, and they should include the closure date and instructions for obtaining records.

You Must Maintain, Transfer, and Retain Medical Records

One of your big responsibilities when closing a medical practice in California is ensuring that medical records are properly handled. California requires physicians to keep medical records at least seven years from the last date of service for adults and, for minors, until age 25. You must either retain the charts yourself or designate a licensed custodian and disclose that custodian’s contact information in the patient‑notification letter.

You Must Safely Dispose of or Transfer Controlled Substances and Return DEA Forms

There are also strict rules for managing controlled substances. You should conduct a final inventory of Schedule II‑V drugs, cancel unused DEA 222 order forms by writing “VOID,” and mail them—along with your registration certificate—to the local Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) office. Destruction of controlled substances must meet the federal “non‑retrievable” standard.

You Must Coordinate Continuing/Emergency Care as Appropriate

As a best practice, all medical practices in California should set up a proper system for coordinating continuing care and emergency care through their closure date. To do right by your patients, it is crucial that you take a proactive approach—especially if your practice has vulnerable patients.

You Must Notify Licensing Boards, Payers, and Credentialing Entities

Another requirement is to file a change‑of‑status form with the Medical Board, relinquish hospital privileges, and update your NPI profile. Medicare, Medi‑Cal, TriCare, and private plans generally require 30‑90 day’s notice to terminate provider agreements and to redirect electronic funds or capitation payments. Failure to cancel contracts in the proper manner can cause big problems.

You Must Properly Wind Down Business Operations

Finally, you need to develop a plan for the orderly wind down of your business operations. What this entails will depend, in part, on the specific nature of your medical practice. With that being said, there are many employment requirements. You should ensure that you give all employees written notice that meets California Labor Code requirements, pay final wages (including unused PTO) on the last day, and issue COBRA or Cal‑COBRA election forms.

Our California Business Lawyer Can Help You Close Down a Medical Practice

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business attorney with the skills and experience to help physicians wind down their medical practice. If you have any questions about your responsibilities, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With an office in Fremont, we work with medical practices throughout the Bay Area.

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Legal Services for Medical Practices from Formation through Sale

For physicians, owning and operating their own professional practice can be a great opportunity. At the same time, it is complicated. California physicians face unique challenges throughout the lifecycle of a medical practice. As a small business owner and a California business attorney, Lynnette Ariathurai provides solutions-driven representation to medical practices. Here, our Bay Area business lawyer provides an overview of key things medical practices need to know about business law—from open to close.

Forming a Medical Practice

Starting a medical practice in California requires strict compliance with the state’s professional corporation rules. Physicians must form a Medical Corporation under the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act. A key element of the law is that it only allows licensed professionals to own shares and serve as officers or directors. You will also need to obtain a federal employee identification number (EIN) and provide the registration to the California Medical Board.

Buying a Medical Practice

You may be considering buying a medical practice in California. There are options for structuring the purchase agreement. You could buy the entire medical practice—which means acquiring all assets, liabilities, and operational responsibilities. Alternatively, you could complete an asset purchase. That involves selecting specific assets to acquire—and it can allow you to avoid taking on most of the practice’s liabilities. However, the downside of an asset purchase is that you may lose access to contracts/licenses that could otherwise be transferable through purchasing the whole business.

Structuring a Medical Practice (Compensation for Physicians)

When you set up a medical practice, one of the biggest questions about structure is how the physicians will be compensated. Notably, the fee-splitting laws for physicians in California are strictly enforced. Our state prohibits physicians from engaging in fee-splitting arrangements with non-licensed individuals or entities, particularly when compensation is tied to patient referrals. A violation of the law can result in severe penalties, including fines and even potential suspension or revocation of the professional corporation’s registration. Medical practices must ensure that compensation structures are based on legitimate services rendered, not on the volume of referrals.

Selling a Medical Practice

Selling a medical practice in California is complicated. When doing so, it is crucial that you ensure transparency by accurately disclosing the practice’s financial status to potential buyers, informing active patients about the sale in advance, and properly transferring patient records, which requires explicit consent to comply with HIPAA regulations. A California business lawyer can help you draft a comprehensive sale agreement and notify the California Medical Board of changes in ownership.

Closing a Medical Practice

Preparing to wind down your medical practice? Shutting down a medical practice involves more than simply ending operations—it is a highly regulated process and physicians have clear legal duties. To start, you must give patients adequate written notice, provide them access to their medical records, and ensure continuity of care during the transition. California law also requires retaining patient records for a set period—usually at least seven years. Physicians must also be prepared to notify all relevant agencies and properly dispose of any controlled substances.

Contact Our California Business Lawyer for Medical Practices to Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business attorney with extensive experience working with medical practices. We advise physicians on the full range of business matters related to their medical practice—from open to close. Contact us today for your fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Fremont, we serve clients throughout the Bay Area.

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Forming a Medical Corporation

Are you considering forming a medical corporation in the Bay Area? It is crucial that you have the knowledge and resources to put the best structure in place for your business. There are special rules and regulations for the formation of professional medical corporations in California. Here, our Fremont attorney for starting a business highlights the dos and the don’ts for forming a medical corporation in California.

The Dos and Don’ts for Forming a Medical Corporation in California

DO Ensure Full Compliance With California Ownership Regulations

There are special requirements for the ownership of medical corporations in California. The Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act mandates that medical corporations in California must be owned by licensed professionals. Further, licensed physicians must hold at least 51 percent of shares. The remaining (minority) ownership may be limited to certain allied health professionals. Unauthorized ownership can lead to serious regulatory sanctions.

DO Follow California Naming Conventions for Medical Corporations

California imposes strict naming requirements for medical corporations to prevent misleading or deceptive business identities. The corporation’s name must include “Medical Corporation” or a similar professional designation. It should reasonably align with the physician’s licensed name.

DO Clearly Separate the Clinical Practice from Administrative Matters

A well-structured medical corporation should maintain a clear distinction between clinical decision-making and business operations. Physicians must retain full control over medical judgments and patient care. Administrative staff and even third party companies can handle other matters, such as finances, billing, marketing, and human resources (HR).

DO File a Statement of Information Within 90 Days of Incorporation

When you form a medical corporation in California, you should file a Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State within 90 days of incorporation. Be proactive: Make sure all the required business formation paperwork is filed in a timely manner. You can use Form SI-550.

DON’T Violate California Licensing Requirements

Physicians who form a medical corporation should always be in full compliance with our state’s licensing requirements. Every shareholder, director, and officer of a medical corporation must hold a valid license in their respective field as per the California Business and Professions Code.

DON’T Neglect Corporate Record-Keeping Requirements

Medical corporations in California are subject to strict record-keeping requirements. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date corporate records is a legal requirement under California corporate law. A medical corporation must document meeting minutes, bylaws, stock issuance, tax filings, and financial records.

DON’T Mishandle Sensitive Patient Medical Records

A patient’s medical records are protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). Mishandling medical data—whether through improper storage, unauthorized access, or insecure disposal—can lead to serious penalties.

Contact Our California Medical Corporation Formation Attorney Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business formation lawyer with extensive experience helping clients navigate the dos and don’ts of forming medical corporations. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Fremont, we help entrepreneurs form medical corporations throughout the region, including in Newark, Hayward, East Bay, and Milpitas.

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Selling a Medical Practice (How Sellers can Minimize their Liability)

Do you own and operate a medical practice in California? If you are considering selling your professional practice, it is imperative that you know how to effectively navigate the transaction. Minimizing your liability risk—both before and after the sale of the medical practice—is crucial. In this article, our Fremont lawyer for selling a medical practice provides an overview of strategies sellers can use to minimize their risk of liability with selling a medical practice in California.

How to Minimize Your Liability Risk When Selling a Medical Practice in California

1. Clearly and Accurately Disclose the Financials of the Medical Practice

It is crucial that sellers clearly and accurately disclose the financial position of the medical practice to prospective buyers. If material misrepresentations are made regarding key financial matters, a seller could potentially face liability. Financial transparency is important.

2. Send Timely Notice of the Sale to Active Patients

Active patients should be informed about the sale well in advance to ensure continuity of care. As the seller, you should provide clear communication about how the transition will affect their treatment and how they can access their medical records. Failure to notify patients in a timely manner could result in a liability risk.

3. Obtain Patient Consent Before Transferring Any Records

TheHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the sensitive medical records of patients. You cannot lawfully transfer medical records to another party—even a buyer of your medical practice—without patient consent. Get clear, explicit consent from patients.

4. Disclose Any Known Legal or Regulatory Issues

Sellers need to be prepared to disclose known issues. Indeed, full disclosure of any ongoing or past legal or regulatory issues is crucial to protect yourself against future claims. Buyers have a right to know about malpractice lawsuits, compliance violations, or outstanding investigations.

5. Use a Comprehensive, Professionally Reviewed Purchase Agreement

A detailed and legally sound purchase agreement protects both parties and minimizes misunderstandings. You should ensure the agreement outlines the terms of the sale, responsibilities for liabilities, and any contingencies. The contract should be drafted by a lawyer who has the experience needed to represent the seller of a medical practice in California.

6. Notify the California Medical Board of the Change in Ownership

The California Medical Board must be notified of the sale to comply with state regulations. As the seller, you should be sure to submit all necessary documentation to avoid penalties or delays in the ownership transfer.

7. Review Medical Malpractice Insurance to Confirm Adequate Coverage

Finally, sellers should review their medical malpractice insurance policy to confirm that it provides adequate coverage through and after the sale. You may want to consider purchasing tail coverage to protect against claims arising from events that occurred before the transfer of ownership.

Get Help From a California Business Lawyer for Selling a Medical Practice

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business lawyer with the skills, knowledge, and experience to help business owners minimize liability in the sale of a medical practice. Contact us today for a completely confidential, no obligation consultation. We represent clients throughout the region, including in Fremont, Newark, Hayward, East Bay, Milpitas, Union City, San Leandro, San Jose, and Santa Clara.

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Fee Splitting Laws for Physicians in California

If you are the owner and operator of a medical practice in California and you are preparing to bring on another physician or a management company, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of our state’s fee-splitting laws. A key point is that California law prohibits doctors from splitting fees with non-licensed individuals and non-licensed entities. Here, our Fremont business attorney provides a more comprehensive guide to the fee splitting laws for physicians in California.

An Overview of Fee Splitting Laws for Physicians in California

California’s fee splitting laws prohibit physicians from receiving or giving compensation solely for referrals. State law bars arrangements where a physician’s primary financial gain stems from directing patients to a particular provider (California Code, BPC 650).

To be clear, a violation of the law is a big deal. It can lead to a medical practice facing fines. Further, under California law Cal. Corp. Code § 13408.5, the violation of fee-splitting laws or anti-kickback regulations “shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the certificate of registration of the professional corporation.”

Note: The California Physician Ownership Referral Act (PORA) restricts physician self-referrals within the state. It prohibits physicians from referring patients for certain designated health services to entities in which they or their immediate family members have a financial interest—unless a specific exception applies. All referrals should be based on medical need.

The Dos and Don’ts When Hiring Another Physician

DO Ensure the Compensation Structure is Lawful

Medical practice owners should confirm that any salary, bonus, or other compensation is based on legitimate work performed—not simply on referrals. Compliance with fee-shifting is a must.

DO Use Written Contracts for Physicians

Documentation is key. Medical practices should use clear, professionally drafted contracts outlining responsibilities, compensation terms, and the services provided.

DO Be Ready to Seek Professional Guidance

Physician compensation is complicated. It is also highly regulated. Medical practices should not hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced California business lawyer.

DON’T Tie Payment to Patient Referrals

Medical practices must strictly avoid incentives or percentage-based payments exclusively linked to patient volume or referrals. That could violate California fee-splitting laws.

DON’T Assume Federal Compliance is Sufficient in California

California law for fee-splitting and physical referrals is more strict than federal requirements. Meeting federal Anti-Kickback or Stark Law standards does not automatically satisfy our state law.

Know the Difference: Employees and Independent Contractors

A physician may be classified by a medical practice as either an employee or an independent contractor in California. The proper classification depends on case-specific factors, including their workplace responsibilities. Doctor-employees typically work under direct supervision, while independent contractors maintain substantial autonomy over their schedules and practice methods. Independent contractors must also have a written contract, a business license, and also provide their services to other medical practices.

Contact Our Fremont Business Lawyer for Medical Practices today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business lawyer with extensive experience working with medical practices. If you have any questions about fee splitting laws for physicians, we can help. Call us now or connect with us online for a fully confidential consultation. Our firm provides business law services across the region, including in Fremont, Union City, San Jose, Santa Clara, Newark, and Hayward.

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Buying a Medical Practice in California? Know the Difference Between Purchasing the Business and Purchasing the Assets

The California Health Care Foundation reports that approximately 75,000 physicians are in active practice in our state. Are you a doctor who is considering buying a group medical practice? It is crucial that you ensure the transaction is structured properly. You could buy the entire business or, potentially, you could purchase its assets. Here, our California business law attorney explains the key points to understand about the differences between purchasing the company and purchasing the company’s assets.

What Does it Mean to Purchase a Business?

Purchasing a business means acquiring the entire company, including all its assets, liabilities, and operational responsibilities. As the buyer, you effectively step into the shoes of the previous owner. You get the medical practice and its existing contracts, but you also take on its debts, and legal obligations. Comprehensive due diligence is especially important when buying an entire medical practice.

What Does it Mean to Purchase the Assets of a Business?

Purchasing the assets of a business involves buying specific assets without acquiring the company itself. In an asset purchase, you select which assets to acquire—such as medical equipment, patient relationships, and intellectual property—while generally avoiding the company’s liabilities. However, you cannot assume the company’s contracts or the goodwill it has built.

Choosing the Best Option for Buying a Medical Practice in California

Pros of Buying a Business

Seamless transition: Acquiring the entire business allows for uninterrupted operations, minimizing disruptions for patients and staff.
Retention of contracts: Existing agreements—such as insurance provider contracts and leases—run with the business itself.
Established reputation: Goodwill matters. You inherit the practice’s brand identity and patient goodwill.

Cons of Buying a Business

Assumption of liabilities: You take on all the business’s debts and legal obligations, including any undisclosed or contingent liabilities.
Complex due diligence: Thorough investigation is required to uncover financial, legal, and regulatory issues, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Regulatory compliance challenges: Navigating California’s healthcare regulations for ownership transfer can be complex.

Pros of Buying the Assets of a Business

Selective acquisition: You can choose specific assets to purchase, allowing you to exclude unwanted equipment or obligations.
Reduce liability risk: As a rule, you can avoid assuming the seller’s liabilities, reducing your exposure to potential legal and financial risks.

Cons of Buying the Assets of a Business

Operational disruption: Transferring assets may necessitate re-establishing contracts, obtaining new licenses, and renegotiating insurance provider agreements.
Patient continuity concerns: You may face major challenges in retaining patients, as transferring medical records requires patient consent under privacy laws.

Speak to Our California Business Lawyer Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a business attorney with extensive experience working with owners of medical practices. If you are considering buying a medical practice, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your confidential, no obligation consultation. From our Fremont office, our firm works with medical practices throughout the Bay Area.

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Stealing Employees from a Nursing Practice in California

A nursing practice is about its people. It is the type of business that requires skilled, experienced nurses on staff to operate competitively. A great nurse is one that has had a lot of training—and many businesses make big investments into their nurses. This raises an important question: Is it legal to take the nurses from a competing business? The answer is generally “yes”—California law provides limited protections. Here, our Fremont business lawyer highlights the key things to know about our state’s regulations regarding stealing employees from a nursing practice.

California Law Largely Does Not Prohibit “Stealing” of Employees from Nursing Practices

California is an at-will employment state that, for the most part, protects an employee’s ability to move from one job to another. Indeed, there is strong public policy in favor of employee mobility and competition and the medical field, including nursing, is no exception. Indeed, non-compete agreements are largely unenforceable in our state. Further, there is no law that stops the stealing of employees from another medical practice in California.

The exception (workplace raids): There is an exception in California for so-called “workplace raids.” If a competitor engages in unfair practices—such as intentionally targeting another business’s employees with the intent to disrupt or interfere with that business—it may be unlawful. It could give rise to a claim under California Business and Professions Code § 17200.

Nursing Practices Have a General Right to Recruit from Competing Businesses

Like other businesses, nursing practices have a general right to compete in the marketplace. Among other things, this means that they have the right to recruit or “steal” employees from competing firms by offering them better opportunities. It could be higher pay, better benefits, or more favorable working conditions. As long as the recruitment is done without violating the law it is legally permissible in California.

How Nursing Practices Can Protect their Investment in Human Capital

Although a nursing practice cannot stop a competing business from trying to recruit their employees, there are steps that employers in the health care industry in California can take to protect their investment in human capital. Options include:

Employment contracts: To protect their investment in human capital, nursing practices can use employment contracts. A California employment lawyer can help you structure nursing contracts in a manner that helps prevent workers from leaving to take an offer at a competing business.
Non-solicitation agreements: While non-compete clauses are unenforceable in California, non-solicitation agreements that prevent former employees from soliciting the company’s clients or employees may be enforceable if they are reasonable in scope
Trade secret protections: Nursing practices should also safeguard their trade secrets and confidential information. Under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act, businesses can take legal action against anyone who misappropriated their trade secrets.

Contact Our California Business Lawyer for Nursing Practice Today

Lynnette Ariathurai is a California business attorney with the skills and experience to represent nursing practices. If you have any questions about nursing practice employee stealing/poaching, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential initial consultation. With a law office in Fremont, we represent nursing practices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including San Jose, San Mateo, Hayward, and Newark.

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How the New California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) Compliance Law Impacts Businesses

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) is a state statute that went into effect on January 1st, 2023 and is now officially being enforced. It is imperative that all companies in California understand their responsibilities under the CPRA and its parent law, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). In this article, our Fremont business attorney provides an overview of the key things that companies should know about compliance with the CPRA.

Background: The CPRA Clarifies a 2018 California Privacy Law

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state law that was passed to provide consumers with control of the personal information that businesses collect. The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) is a law that significantly amends the CCPA. Notably, the CPRA was passed through a ballot initiative in 2020. At that time, it was known as Proposition 24. As noted above, enforcement of the CCPA/CPRA officially started on July 1st, 2023.

Which Businesses are Required to Comply With the CPRA?

It is important to emphasize that not every business is required to comply with the CPRA. It applies to all companies that are either based in California or sell products/services in California and meet one of the following three criteria:

The business has gross annual revenue of $25 million or more
The business generates at least 50 percent of its annual revenue from selling or sharing the personal information of consumers
The business buys, sells, or shares the personal information of residents of at least 100,000 households in California during the year

While the first criterion is relatively straightforward—larger businesses ($25 million in annual revenue) must comply—it is the third that could affect many smaller or mid-sized businesses under the scope of the CPRA.

Note: The CPRA does not apply to non-profit organizations or government agencies.

How to Comply with the New California Privacy Rights Act

Is your company covered by the scope of California’s revised consumer privacy law? It is crucial that you are in full compliance with the regulations. Here is the key thing to know about compliance: California businesses that are covered by the new CPRA need to have a comprehensive written privacy policy in place. That policy must meet all the requirements of the law. Among other things, a written privacy compliance policy should address:

The process for disclosing that your business collects personal information about a consumer at or before the point of data collection.
A clear statement that consumers have the right to request that information that you collected about them as well as your CPRA privacy policy.
An acknowledgment of and process for addressing the fact that consumers have the “right to be forgotten” under California’s privacy law—meaning they can request that you delete personal data.
A process for allowing consumers to “opt-out” of having their personal information sold to or shared with third parties.
A statement affirming compliance with the “right to fair treatment”—as California law holds that consumers cannot face unfair treatment for restricting access to their personal data.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Our California Business Lawyer Today

Lynnette Ariathurai provides solutions-focused guidance and support to business owners and entrepreneurs. If you have any questions about the new California Privacy Rights Act or CPRA compliance, we are here to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We serve businesses throughout the Bay Area, including in Fremont, Newark, Hayward, East Bay, Milpitas, Union City, San Leandro, San Jose, and Santa Clara.

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