Who is eligible to be a shareholder in a physical therapy corporation?

The eligibility of shareholders in a physical therapy corporation is limited by California law, which stipulates that only licensed physical therapists can own shares in such corporations. This requirement is designed to ensure that the management and ownership of physical therapy services are maintained by individuals who have completed the necessary education, training, and licensure in the field, thereby ensuring high standards of care and professional accountability.

Choosing only licensed physical therapists as shareholders helps maintain the integrity of the profession and protects the public by ensuring that those running the practice are well-versed in physical therapy principles and practices. This restriction also promotes ethical standards in the delivery of physical therapy services, aligning with regulatory expectations that prioritize patient welfare.

Physicians, physical therapy assistants, and other healthcare professionals do not meet the specific criteria set forth for ownership in a physical therapy corporation, as they lack the requisite licensing specific to physical therapy practice. Thus, the correct answer highlights the emphasis the law places on professional qualifications in determining ownership rights in physical therapy businesses.