Section 844IAC5-4-2. Expedited partner therapy

   Section 1 of this rule does not apply if the physician is prescribing or dispensing medications for the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae to sex partner(s) of the physician's diagnosed patient without requiring examination of the sex partner(s). Medications must be in accordance with current professional theory or practice for the treatment of these infections. The current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines shall be considered an authoritative source of such current professional theory or practice. Partner management of patients with gonorrhea or chlamydia shall include providing the following items:

(1) Notification to the infected patient that all partners should be evaluated and treated;

(2) Written materials for the infected patient to give partners that state that a clinical evaluation is desirable; lists common medication side effects and the appropriate response to them; fact sheets regarding sexually transmitted diseases; and emergency contact information;

(3) Prescriptions or dispensed medications and accompanying written materials shall be given to the physician's patient for distribution to named partners; and

(4) The physician shall maintain appropriate documentation of partner management. Documentation shall include the names of partners, if available, and a record of treatment provided. If the partner's name is not available, documentation shall be kept within patient's file.

(Medical Licensing Board of Indiana; 844 IAC 5-4-2; filed Sep 28, 2011, 11:06 a.m.: 20111026-IR-844110044FRA)