Health Advisory
EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY LEGISLATION SIGNED IN DELAWARE AUGUST 29, 2018

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is issuing this health advisory to inform medical providers that as of Aug. 29, 2018, Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is allowed in Delaware.

Summary

EPT is the clinical practice of treating the sexual partners of patients clinically diagnosed with an STD by providing a prescription, or dispensing medications to the patient to take to his/her partner without the healthcare provider first examining the partner. The purpose of EPT is to decrease the rate of reinfection and transmission to other partners and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

EPT is not a mandate; but is available to health care providers who provide expedited partner therapy in good faith without fee or compensation. Healthcare professionals are not subject to civil or professional liability in connection with the provision of the therapy, counseling and materials, except in the case of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

A healthcare professional is not subject to civil or professional liability for choosing not to provide EPT.

A healthcare professional who provides EPT shall provide counseling for the patient, including advice that all women and symptomatic persons, and in particular women with symptoms suggestive of pelvic inflammatory disease, are encouraged to seek medical attention. The healthcare professional shall also provide in written or electronic format, materials provided by the Department of Health and Social Services to be given by the patient to his or her sexual partner and advise to notify the partner of medication contraindications including allergies or medications that could interact with the recommended treatment.

Additional Information

• You may find additional material regarding EPT on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/std/ept/default.htm.
• Information on treatment guidelines for STDs is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
• For questions regarding EPT in Delaware, please visit the EPT website at: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/ept.html
• For the final version of SB 157 visit: https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=26358

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