Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
What is EPT?
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the practice of treating sex partners of persons with STDs in the absence of medical evaluation or prevention counseling. EPT is implemented through the delivery of or prescription for therapy by the case patient to their partners.
In May, 2008, Minnesota pharmacy statutes were amended removing the only known legal barrier to implementing EPT in Minnesota. EPT has been documented by the CDC to be an effective strategy for providing timely treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea partners and a useful measure to prevent re-infection of treated cases and, particularly in women, reduce the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Results of an Evaluation Survey: The Use of EPT in Minnesota
MDH conducted an evaluation survey in 2010 to determine the extent to which EPT is currently being used in Minnesota, as well as to identify challenges and successes that have been experienced and technical assistance needs related to implementing EPT. You may download the full report or a specific section.
Partner notification tools:
- Patient referral card (PDF: 95KB/2 pages)
- MDH Partner Services
- inSPOT Minnesota - internet partner self-referral Attention: Non-MDH link
Other resources:
- Risk assessment tool
- STD surveillance statistics
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Expedited Partner Therapy in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Review and Guidance
- www.NoMasSTDs.com
- ww.NoMasHIV.com
- American Medical Association: Report 7 of the Council on Science and Public Health
| Employing Expedited Partner Therapy In Your Medical Practice: A New Strategy to Reduce STDs in Minnesota
Matthew Golden, MD, MPH
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