Kentucky DPC Guide¶

Quick Summary: Kentucky has explicit DPC legislation (KRS 304.17A-527) and permits physician medication dispensing. Strong legislative support and a growing DPC community make Kentucky a welcoming state for DPC practice.

[!CAUTION] Verify Current Law: Always confirm current regulations with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and review Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 304 for the most current statutory language.

At a Glance¶

DPC Law Status¶

Legislation¶

Statute: Kentucky Revised Statutes § 304.17A-527

Effective Date: 2015

Kentucky was an early adopter of DPC-enabling legislation, providing clear legal standing for the DPC model.

Key provisions: - DPC agreements explicitly exempted from insurance regulation - Clear definition of direct primary care arrangements - Monthly fee limitations for exemption - Consumer protection requirements

What This Means¶

• DPC practices operate outside insurance regulatory framework
• Your membership agreements are service contracts, not insurance
• Standard business regulations apply
• Clear legal protection for the DPC model

Medication Dispensing¶

Regulatory Status¶

Kentucky permits physician dispensing with registration.

Requirements¶

• DEA Registration: Required for controlled substances
• State Registration: Register with Kentucky Board of Pharmacy as a physician dispensing practice
• Controlled Substances: Permitted with DEA registration and state compliance
• Labeling: Must meet Kentucky labeling requirements
• Record Keeping: Maintain dispensing records per Board of Pharmacy requirements

Registration Process¶

1. Register with Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
2. Complete required application forms
3. Pay applicable fees
4. Maintain compliance with dispensing regulations

Practical Implications¶

• One-time registration process, then straightforward operation
• Can dispense most medications with proper registration
• Build cost savings into your DPC value proposition

Licensing and Registration¶

Medical License¶

Board: Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure

Website: kbml.ky.gov

Requirements: - MD or DO degree from accredited school - Completion of accredited residency - Passing examination scores - Good standing in all jurisdictions

Business Registration¶

Entity Registration: Kentucky Secretary of State

Website: sos.ky.gov

Notes: - Register LLC, PLLC, or corporation - Obtain registered agent - File annual reports

DEA Registration¶

Required for: Prescribing and dispensing controlled substances

Website: deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Medicare Considerations¶

Opt-Out Process¶

Kentucky follows the standard federal Medicare opt-out process.

MAC for Kentucky: CGS Administrators (J15 jurisdiction)

See Medicare Opt-Out Guide for detailed process.

Key Resources¶

State Agencies¶

Professional Organizations¶

DPC Resources¶

• DPC Frontier Kentucky

State-Specific Considerations¶

Rural Opportunities¶

• Significant rural and underserved areas
• Primary care shortage in many counties
• DPC can fill access gaps

Cost of Living¶

• Lower cost of living than national average
• Can support lower membership fees
• Overhead costs generally reasonable

Growing DPC Community¶

• Increasing DPC presence in Kentucky
• Networking opportunities developing
• Louisville and Lexington have established practices

Checklist for Starting DPC in Kentucky¶

• Obtain or verify Kentucky medical license
• Register business entity with Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from IRS
• Register with DEA (if prescribing controlled substances)
• Register with Board of Pharmacy (if dispensing medications)
• Secure malpractice insurance
• Develop membership agreement with required disclosures
• File Medicare opt-out affidavit (if applicable)

Related Guides¶

• Medicare Opt-Out Guide
• Dispensing Medications
• State DPC Laws Overview

[!NOTE] This guide provides general information. Laws and regulations change. Verify current requirements with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and Board of Pharmacy.

Kentucky's early DPC legislation and reasonable regulatory environment make it a solid choice for DPC practice.