At a glance
EPT is permissible in Ohio as of March 23, 2016.
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
[+] Certain health care providers are authorized to prescribe or furnish treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis “without having examined the individual for whom the drug is intended” if they are the sexual partner of the provider’s patient who was diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, and other conditions are also met. Ohio Rev Code Ann. § 4731.93 (physicians), Ohio Rev Code Ann. § 4723.4810 (nurses), Ohio Rev Code Ann. § 4730.432 (physician assistants). (effective 3/23/2016)
II. Specific judicial decisions concerning EPT (or like practices)
[-] Physician failed to use reasonable care when she prescribed excessive and extra doses of antibiotic to patient who insisted on giving extra dosage to husband. Reed v. State Med. Bd. Ohio, 833 N.E.2d 814 (Ohio Ct. App. 2005).*
[-] Physician misconduct for failing to evaluate new patients before prescription given, instead delegating to physician assistant. Royder v. State Med. Bd. of Ohio, 789 N.E.2d 1119 (Ohio 2003).*
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
[+] Prescription label does not have to bear the name of the individual for whom the drug is intended if the prescription contains the words “expedited partner therapy” or the letters “EPT.” Ohio Rev Code Ann. § 4729.282.
VI. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments
EPT is permissible. Statutory authority expressly authorizes certain providers to provide EPT for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
* This legal authority predates the effective date of the state’s law that authorizes EPT.