Key points
EPT is permissible in the District of Columbia as of April 30, 2014.
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
[+] A physician, advance practice registered nurse, or a physician’s assistant “who diagnoses a chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis infection in a patient may prescribe and dispense antimicrobial drugs to the patient’s sexual partner for treatment of that STI without an examination of the sexual partner.” D.C Code § 7-2081.02. (effective 4/30/2014) NOTE: CDC does not recommend EPT for trichomoniasis.
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)
[-] District of Columbia Board of Medicine disciplinary order issued 7/31/2003: fined physician $2000 for prescribing without seeing the patient.*
IV. Laws that incorporate via reference guidelines as acceptable practices (including EPT)
[+] Regulations incorporate by reference the latest edition of APHA’s CCD Manual. Meeting requirements of the CCD manual is prima facie evidence of good medical or public health practice.
D.C. Mun. Reg. Subt. 22-B, § 202.8.
V. Prescription requirements
[-] Pharmacists must keep record of patient name and address for every prescription filled. D.C. Mun. Regs. Subt. 22-B, § 1913
VI. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments
EPT is permissible. The DC Code expressly authorizes EPT for the treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea.
* This legal authority predates the effective date of the state’s law that authorizes EPT.