13-072 Code Vt. R. 13-140-072-X - TREATMENT STANDARDS FOR EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Section 1.0 Authority

This rule is adopted pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 1095.

Section 2.0 Purpose

This rule provides health care professionals the authority to prescribe medication to the sexual partner or partners of a patient diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease designated by the Commissioner of Health without examining the sexual partner or partners.

Section 3.0 Definitions

3.1. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health.

3.2. "Expedited partner therapy" (EPT) means the practice of treating the sexual partner or partners of a patient diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease for the sexually transmitted disease by providing a prescription or medication to the patient for the sexual partner or partners without the prescribing or dispensing health care professional examining the sexual partner or partners.

3.3. "Health care professional" means a physician licensed pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 23 or 33, a physician assistant certified to prescribe and dispense prescription drugs pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 31, or a nurse authorized to prescribe and dispense prescription drugs pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 28.

Section 4.0 Treatment Standards

4.1. A health care professional may prescribe medication to a patient's sexual partner or partners for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases designated in Section 5 of this rule in accordance with guidance published by the Commissioner of Health and consistent with the treatment standards and best practice recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/ept/

4.2. A health care professional who prescribes or dispenses prescription drugs for a designated sexually transmitted disease without an examination shall include with each prescription a letter that:

4.2.1. Cautions the sexual partner not to take the medication if he or she is allergic to the medication prescribed or dispensed; and

4.2.2. Recommends that the sexual partner visit a health care professional for evaluation.

Section 5.0 Designated Sexually Transmitted Diseases

5.1. Gonorrhea

5.2. Chlamydia

Notes

13-072 Code Vt. R. 13-140-072-X

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 18 V.S.A. § 1095
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 3, 2014 Secretary of State Rule Log #14-024