At a glance
EPT is permissible in Arizona as of July 6, 2013.
Findings
[+] supports the use of EPT
[-] negatively affects the use of EPT
I. Statutes/regs on health care providers’ authority to prescribe for STDs to a patient’s partner(s) w/out prior evaluation
[+] The Arizona State Board of Nursing authorizes registered nurse practitioners (RNPs) to “prescribe[e] antimicrobials to a person who is believed to be at substantial risk as a contact of a patient who has been examined and diagnosed with a communicable disease by the prescribing RNP, CNM, or CNS even if the contact is not in the population focus of the RNP’s, CNM’s, or CNS’s certification.” AZ ADC R4-19-511(D)(5)(d).
[+] Unprofessional conduct includes “Prescribing, dispensing or furnishing a prescription medication to a person unless the licensee first conducts a physical examination of that person or has previously established a doctor-patient relationship. This subdivision does not apply to: (v) Prescriptions written or antimicrobials dispensed to a contact as defined in § 36-661 who is believed to have had significant exposure risk as defined in § 36-661 with another person who has been diagnosed with a communicable disease as defined in § 36-661 by the prescribing or dispensing physician.” Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-1401. See also: 32-1501, 32-1854 (49), 32-2501
II. Specific judicial decisions concerning EPT (or like practices)
III. Specific administrative opinions by the Attorney General or medical or pharmacy boards concerning EPT (or like practices)
IV. Laws that incorporate via reference guidelines as acceptable practices (including EPT)
V. Prescription requirements
[-] Drugs dispensed by physicians must bear patient’s name. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-1491.*
VI. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments
EPT is permissible. Statutory authority expressly authorizes EPT for treatment of person believed to have had significant exposure risk with another person who has been diagnosed with a communicable disease by the prescribing or dispensing health professional.
*This legal authority predates the effective date of the state’s law that authorizes EPT.