Ethical and legal issues in professional practice transitions

Transitions such as opening, growing, closing, or relocating a professional practice raise a host of challenging legal and ethical questions. Practitioners must consider a range of issues related to client welfare, records management, professional liability, and relationships with colleagues. Some of the issues include obligations and options when closing or selling a practice, opening a practice in a new community, and altering the nature of an existing practice by adding or shedding participating practitioners. A checklist of issues to consider is provided.