Based on CDC's Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021
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Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is:
- The practice of providing antibiotic therapy to the sex partners of persons diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without an intervening medical evaluation
- Intended to reduce the likelihood of repeat infection in the index patient, and prevent the further spread of infection
- A valuable option for treating partners who are unlikely or unable to seek medical care
- Not a mandatory practice
- Not intended to replace traditional partner notification and management
- Legally permissible in most states
In Maryland, EPT for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis may be prescribed or dispensed by the following health care providers in accordance with their current scopes of practice:
- Physicians
- Authorized physician assistants
- Advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority
- Registered nurses employed by Local Health Departments
- Pharmacists
EPT STATUTE
Page last updated 7/1/2024
