ETHICS OPINION 527-1965 ADVERTISING AND SOLICITATION

NUMBER 527

QUESTION.

 

I should appreciate an opinion on the following set of circumstances with regard to the Canons of Professional Ethics:

 

“A”, an attorney, has been a close personal friend for many years with “P”, a duly licensed osteopathic physician, Each maintain a private practice in their respective professions and both are successful, reputable practitioners.

 

“P” now contemplates moving his office to larger quarters and has invited “A” to share space; the proposal being that “P” would be Lessee, and “A” would be “P’s” tenant. They contemplate sharing a common waiting room but maintaining separate telephone listings, individual stationery, individual office and, of course, in no way share in fees or office expenses, “A” would merely pay “P” a monthly rental. Each may on occasion if so requested by a patient or client, refer the other. However, the referral would have no remunerative value whatsoever.

 

ANSWER.

 

In the opinion of the Committee, on the facts stated, there is no violation of the Canons of Professional Ethics, However, the Committee wishes to call to the attention of the inquirer Canons 27 and 28 concerning advertising, solicitation and stirring up of litigation, and caution the participants to avoid any breach thereof.

 

May 10, 1965