Health & Professional RegulationLawyer referralSetting up, selling or closing a health practice

Buying or selling a medical or dental practice

Legal work for the purchase or sale of a health practice, including patient records and staff transfers.

Timing depends on the transaction and any lender, landlord or college approvals; the lawyer confirms it in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews or drafts purchase, associate and practice agreements
  • Explains college rules on ownership, advertising and records
  • Plans the transfer or storage of patient records
  • Advises on virtual care rules and privacy
  • Coordinates the closing with your accountant and lender

What is not included

  • Independent reports and other disbursements
  • Appeals or judicial review unless added to the retainer
  • Clinical, billing or management consulting

Who this service is for

  • Physicians, dentists and other health professionals buying or selling a practice
  • Professionals joining or leaving a group practice
  • Clinics starting or growing virtual care

Information to have ready

  1. 1Draft agreements or letters of intent
  2. 2Financial statements and lease details
  3. 3Your college registration and any professional corporation documents
  4. 4How patient records are kept now

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $4,000–$12,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

What happens to patient records when a practice closes?

Records usually must be kept securely for set periods, and patients need to know how to get them. The Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 and your college's rules both apply.

Can anyone buy a medical or dental practice?

College rules and corporate law often limit who can own a health practice or professional corporation. The lawyer will check this early in the deal.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed
  • Regulators' deadlines must be met even while a lawyer is being chosen
  • The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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