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One approach to controlling sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is expedited partner therapy (EPT): giving a patient with an identified STI a prescription or medication for his or her sexual partner or partners. The CDC recommends this approach as an option in some situations. In implementing EPT, clinicians might be providing prescription medications for people whom they have never seen. Is this practice legally risky?
In an examination of existing and prospective legislation and regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative opinions by attorneys general, the authors assessed the legality of EPT in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They found EPT to be “legally permissible” in 12 jurisdictions that have stat…