Authorization of partner STD treatment approved

Lawmakers passed a bill April 18 that expressly allows expedited partner therapy (EPT) for the treatment of certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Under LB528, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Sara Howard, certain health practitioners who diagnose gonorrhea or Chlamydia in a patient are allowed to prescribe, provide or dispense oral antibiotics within their scope of practice to the patient’s sexual partner or partners without an examination.

The bill also requires that prescriptions for a patient’s sexual partner or partners include the partner’s name and that practitioners provide written information about Chlamydia and gonorrhea to the patient and any partners.

LB528 passed on a 37-9 vote.