Questions

A signed attestation confirming ≥51% ownership and control by practicing clinicians, plus one supporting document: a Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) or a CPA letter confirming ownership percentage.

Please redact all income and distribution figures (Part III of the K-1). We only review partner names and ownership percentages (Part II).

The clinician sees patients or clients within the organization on a regular basis — not occasionally, not in an advisory capacity. They do not need to practice at every location, provided they maintain majority ownership and clinical oversight of the group.

Annually. Renewal requires a signed re-attestation confirming ownership has not changed. Practices receive a reminder 30 days before expiration.

Verification ends. The practice's registry status updates, and badges must be removed within 48 hours (digital) or 14 days (physical).

Founding Cohort (first 50 practices): free, permanently. Early Verification (practices 51–500): free until the registry reaches 500 verified practices, then $150/year at next renewal. Standard (after 500): $150/year upon enrollment. There are no tiers, premium placements, or upsells.

If a management agreement transfers operational control or the majority of profits to an outside party, the practice does not meet the standard — regardless of who holds the equity. This includes Management Service Organizations (MSOs) and similar arrangements where a clinician is the legal owner but a third party controls operations.

No. Locally Owned Care verifies a fact — who owns the practice. We take no position on whether corporate or independent ownership is better for patients. Practices of all ownership types serve patients well. This badge gives patients information that is not currently available anywhere.

No state requires practices to disclose ownership changes to patients. This registry fills that gap. The seal gives providers a way to show it directly.

Yes. Verification is entity-based, not location-based. If the legal entity that operates multiple locations is ≥51% owned by clinicians who actively practice within the organization, the entire group qualifies. The owner does not need to see patients at every location.

The clinician must hold ≥51% of the equity. In a co-ownership arrangement with a non-clinician — including a spouse or family member — the clinician's equity share must meet this threshold. For most practices, this is a straightforward adjustment to the operating agreement.

Not currently. The verification standard is built around U.S. entity structures and tax documents (Schedule K-1, Form 1065). Practices outside the United States cannot be verified at this time.

Complete the attestation form, then email it with your supporting document to verify@locallyownedcare.org. Applications are reviewed within 10 business days.