House Bill No. 779, introduced by Representative Freeman, amends existing law regarding expedited partner therapy (EPT) to expand the list of sexually associated infections eligible for treatment. The bill allows healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants, to prescribe medications for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and other sexually associated infections as determined by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) without requiring a doctor-patient relationship or clinical assessment. This change aims to facilitate the treatment of sexual partners of infected individuals more efficiently.

Additionally, the bill provides legal protections for healthcare professionals and pharmacists who administer or dispense expedited partner therapy in good faith, ensuring they are not subject to civil or criminal liability for their actions. The LDH is tasked with creating a list of sexually associated infections that qualify for expedited partner therapy, thereby formalizing the scope of conditions that can be treated under this provision. The amendments aim to enhance public health responses to sexually transmitted infections by streamlining treatment processes and reducing barriers to care.

Statutes affected:
HB779 Original: 40:6(A)
HB779 Engrossed: 40:6(A)