Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
EPT — A Strategy to Treat Sex Partners for Chlamydia
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for chlamydia trachomatis was signed into law in New York State in January 2009; regulations to accompany the law were adopted in October 2010. EPT allows health care providers to provide patients being treated for chlamydia with medication or a prescription to deliver to his or her sex partner(s) without a prior medical evaluation of those partners.
Electronic Prescribing Mandate Waived for Expedited Partner Therapy
The New York State Department of Health lists expedited partner therapy as an exception to the electronic prescribing mandate. As such, providers can continue to use paper prescriptions for the treatment of sex partner(s) of patients diagnosed with chlamydia trachomatis. Providers can order paper prescriptions from the New York State Department of Health.
EPT Law and Regulations
- New York State Department of Health Position Statement on EPT (PDF)
- NYS EPT Law and Regulations (PDF)
Provider Guidance and Education
- Guidelines for Health Care Providers in NYS: EPT for Chlamydia trachomatis (PDF)
- UPDATE: Exceptions to the Electronic Prescribing Mandate (PDF)
- EPT brochure for Health Care Providers and Pharmacists (PDF)
- CDC Guidelines for Partner Services and EPT
- How to Report a Sexually Transmitted Disease (Universal Reporting Form)
- Region II STD/HIV Prevention Training Center
Pharmacist Guidance
Health Education Materials
For Patients
- A Guide for Patients: Full page handout (PDF)
Other Languages: [Español] - A Guide for Patients: Booklet (PDF)
Other Languages: [Español]
For Partners
- A Guide for Partners: Full page handout (PDF)
Other Languages: [Español] - A Guide for Partners: Booklet (PDF) Other Languages: [Español]
EPT Videos for Patients and Partners
Chlamydia Information
- Chlamydia Fact Sheet (PDF)
Other Languages: [Español]
Key References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expedited partner therapy in the management of sexually transmitted diseases. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, 2006 (PDF)
- Schillinger JA, et al. Patient-delivered partner treatment with azithromycin to prevent repeated chlamydia trachomatis infection among women: A randomized, controlled trial. Sex Trans Dis 2003; 30:49-56 (PDF)
- Golden MR, et al. Effect of expedited treatment of sex partners on recurrent or persistent gonorrhea or chlamydial infection. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:676-85 (PDF)
- Kissinger P, et al. Patient-delivered partner treatment for male urethritis: a randomized, controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 41(5):630-3 (PDF)
- Rogers ME, et al. Patient-delivered partner therapy and other partner management strategies for sexually transmitted diseases used by New York City health care providers. Sex Trans Dis 2007; 34:88-92 (PDF)
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding EPT, email ept@health.nyc.gov.
If you are a patient/partner and would like to report an adverse reaction after taking azithromycin for EPT, call 311.
If you are a provider and would like to report an allergic reaction related to EPT, call 311 or the provider access line at 866-NYC-DOH1 (866-692-3641).