HCS HB 1375 -- TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

SPONSOR:  Cooper

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Health Care Policy by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute allows physicians to use expedited partner
therapy under certain conditions by dispensing and prescribing
medications for partners of persons diagnosed with certain
sexually transmitted diseases even when there is no existing
physician/patient relationship only if the partner returns a
medical history form to the physician.  The physician must
provide guidance on the preventative measures that can be taken
to stop the spread of the disease.  Immunity from civil liability
is given to any licensed physician using expedited partner
therapy unless the action is negligent, reckless, in bad faith,
or malicious.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the diagnosis for chlamydia and
gonorrhea is becoming prevalent and the most effective treatment
is to provide care to both sexual partners.  Expedited partner
therapy has been clinically proven to be an effective way to
treat the spread of these diseases.  A physician needs to be able
to write a single dose, pill-form prescription to the
individual's sexual partner.  There is an immunity clause to
protect the prescribing physician.  By eradicating these
infections, it will drastically reduce the treatments women need
for reproductive ailments as a result of these infections.  This
type of therapy has been enacted by 23 other states and endorsed
by the Center for Disease Control and other national health
organizations.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Cooper; Department of
Health and Senior Services; Missouri Family Health Council; and
Missouri State Medical Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:10 pm