Pa.R.Civ.P. 2102. — Style of Action.

(a)(1) An action by the Commonwealth shall be brought in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

(2) An action against a Commonwealth agency or party shall be styled in the following manner: Plaintiff v. '' (Name of Agency or Party) of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.''

Official Note: ''Commonwealth'' is defined by Pa. R.C.P. No. 76. An action may be brought against the Commonwealth only when a cause of action against it exists and when a right of action has been authorized by statute. Constitution of 1968, Article I, Section 11; 1 Pa.C.S. § 2310. Section 8522 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8522, provides exceptions to sovereign immunity as to Commonwealth parties. See Section 8501 of the Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8501, for the definition of Commonwealth party. The Commonwealth is an entity distinct from a Commonwealth party. See Garcia v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania et al, 131 Cmwlth. 327, 570 A.2d 137 (1990) and cases cited therein.

(b) An action shall be brought by or against a political subdivision in its name.

Official Note: ''Political subdivision'' is defined by Pa. R.C.P. No. 76. For exceptions to governmental immunity, see Section 8542 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8542.