(a) The purpose of expedited partner therapy is to provide antibiotic therapy to any partner of a patient diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection identified in subsection (b) of this section in order to: (1) Contain and stop the further spread of the infection; and (2) Reduce the likelihood of reinfection in the diagnosed patient. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following health care providers may prescribe, dispense, or otherwise provide antibiotic therapy to any sexual partner of a patient diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis without making a personal physical assessment of the patient's partner: (1) A physician licensed under Title 14 of the Health Occupations Article; (2) An advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority licensed under Title 8 of the Health Occupations Article acting in accordance with § 8-508 of the Health Occupations Article; (3) An authorized physician assistant licensed under Title 15 of the Health Occupations Article acting in accordance with § 15-302.2 of the Health Occupations Article; and (4) A registered nurse employed by a local health department who complies with: (i) The formulary developed and approved under § 3-403(b) of this article; and (ii) The requirements established under § 8-512 of the Health Occupations Article. (c) This section may not be construed to otherwise expand the prescribing or dispensing authority of an advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority or a physician assistant. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a pharmacist licensed under Title 12 of the Health Occupations Article may dispense antibiotic therapy prescribed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. (e) The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section in public and private health care settings in the State.
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