Missouri Revised Statutes Title XII. Public Health and Welfare § 191.648. Expedited partner therapy permitted, requirements for physicians utilizing--rulemaking authority

1. As used in this section, “expedited partner therapy” means the practice of treating the sex partners of persons with chlamydia or gonorrhea without an intervening medical evaluation or professional prevention counseling.

2. Any licensed physician may, but shall not be required to, utilize expedited partner therapy for the management of the partners of persons with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Notwithstanding the requirements of 20 CSR 2150-5.020(5) or any other law to the contrary, a licensed physician utilizing expedited partner therapy may prescribe and dispense medications for the treatment of chlamydia or gonorrhea for an individual who is the partner of a person with chlamydia or gonorrhea and who does not have an established physician/patient relationship with such physician. Any antibiotic medications prescribed and dispensed for the treatment of chlamydia or gonorrhea under this section shall be in pill form.

3. Any licensed physician utilizing expedited partner therapy for the management of the partners with chlamydia or gonorrhea shall provide explanation and guidance to a patient diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea of the preventative measures that can be taken by the patient to stop the spread of such diagnosis.

4. Any licensed physician utilizing expedited partner therapy for the management of partners of persons with chlamydia or gonorrhea under this section shall have immunity from any civil liability that may otherwise result by reason of such actions, unless such physician acts negligently, recklessly, in bad faith, or with malicious purpose.

5. The department of health and senior services and the division of professional registration within the department of commerce and insurance shall by rule develop guidelines for the implementation of subsection 2 of this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028. This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2010, shall be invalid and void.