Legal Status of EPT in Rhode Island

At a glance

EPT is permissible in Rhode Island as of June 25, 2010.

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
[+] Physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are permitted to prescribe prescription drugs to a patient’s sexual partner or partners for the treatment of the sexually transmitted chlamydia or gonorrhea infection without an examination of the sexual partner or partners. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-11-20 (effective 6/25/2010)
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
[-] Prescription order must bear patient’s name and address. R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-31-2.*

[-] Prescription label must bear patient’s name, R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-31-15.*
VI. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments
EPT is permissible. Statutory authority 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.