Can a practitioner write an EPT prescription for any antibiotic or sexually transmitted disease?

The correct response is that a practitioner must adhere to established protocols when writing an Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) prescription. This practice is designed specifically for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to encourage partner treatment without the need for an immediate clinical evaluation of the partner.

In Oregon, and in many other jurisdictions, EPT is governed by clear guidelines to ensure that practitioners prescribe only specific antibiotics approved for the treatment of particular STIs. This protocol protects patient safety and ensures that practitioners follow best practices based on current evidence and risk assessments.

Therefore, while EPT allows practitioners to prescribe treatment for the partners of patients diagnosed with certain STIs without those partners having to undergo prior examination, the medications that can be prescribed are not as broad as all antibiotics or for any sexually transmitted disease. They must be in alignment with established protocols that specify which conditions and treatments are permissible. This structured approach is essential for patient safety and public health considerations, ensuring that only effective and appropriate medications are used in these scenarios.