Section 4723.4810. [Effective 3/23/2016] Authority to prescribe or furnish drugs to sexual partner of a patient diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

(A)

(1) Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of this chapter or rule adopted by the board of nursing, a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who holds a certificate to prescribe issued under section 4723.48 of the Revised Code may issue a prescription for or personally furnish a complete or partial supply of a drug to treat chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, without having examined the individual for whom the drug is intended, if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The individual is a sexual partner of the nurse's patient.

(b) The patient has been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.

(c) The patient reports to the nurse that the individual is unable or unlikely to be evaluated or treated by a health professional.

(2) A prescription issued under this section shall include the individual's name and address, if known. If the nurse is unable to obtain the individual's name and address, the prescription shall include the patient's name and address and the words "expedited partner therapy" or the letters "EPT."

(3) A nurse may prescribe or personally furnish a drug under this section for not more than a total of two individuals who are sexual partners of the nurse's patient.

(B) For each drug prescribed or personally furnished under this section, the nurse shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide the patient with information concerning the drug for the purpose of sharing the information with the individual, including directions for use of the drug and any side effects, adverse reactions, or known contraindications associated with the drug;

(2) Recommend to the patient that the individual seek treatment from a health professional;

(3) Document all of the following in the patient's record:

(a) The name of the drug prescribed or furnished and its dosage;

(b) That information concerning the drug was provided to the patient for the purpose of sharing the information with the individual;

(c) If known, any adverse reactions the individual experiences from treatment with the drug.

(C) A nurse who prescribes or personally furnishes a drug under this section may contact the individual for whom the drug is intended.

(1) If the nurse contacts the individual, the nurse shall do all of the following:

(a) Inform the individual that the individual may have been exposed to chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis;

(b) Encourage the individual to seek treatment from a health professional;

(c) Explain the treatment options available to the individual, including treatment with a prescription drug, directions for use of the drug, and any side effects, adverse reactions, or known contraindications associated with the drug;

(d) Document in the patient's record that the nurse contacted the individual.

(2) If the nurse does not contact the individual, the nurse shall document that fact in the patient's record.

(D) A nurse who in good faith prescribes or personally furnishes a drug under this section is not liable for or subject to any of the following:

(1) Damages in any civil action;

(2) Prosecution in any criminal proceeding;

(3) Professional disciplinary action.

Added by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 124, §1, eff. 3/23/2016.