Practice letterheads

Question

I am a doctor working at a practice under the flexible career scheme.  Our practice manager insists that for 'legal reasons' my name must be removed from the practice letterhead. Is this true?                                                  

Answer

Your practice manager probably believes that you could be considered to be 'held out' as a partner if your name is included. This would make you liable in the same way as the partners.

There has been considerable debate on this issue. The GPC has advised us that under The Business Names Act 1985 a business is required to include all the names of its partners on the letter heading if they are not included in the Business Name. All pf those partners carry joint liability in relation to their business.

The GPC advises that practices may include the names of other members of staff including salaried doctors salaried on their letter head. However, it is important that they put a very clear qualifier by their name (e.g. assistant, staff GP) so as to distinguish them clearly from the partners. Failure to do this so could leave these doctors/staff members open to carrying joint liability with the partners.   

CED  2001