EXPEDITED SEXUAL PARTNER THERAPY

This act provides that any licensed physician may, but shall not be required to, utilize expedited partner therapy for the management of the sexual partners of persons with chlamydia or gonorrhea if such partners do not have an established physician-patient relationship with such physician. A licensed physician using such therapy may prescribe and dispense medications for the treatment of chlamydia or gonorrhea for such sexual partners and must provide explanation and guidance on the preventative measures that can be taken by the patient to stop the spread of the disease. Any licensed physician utilizing expedited partner therapy for the management of such partners shall have immunity from any civil liability by reason of such actions, unless such physician acts negligently, recklessly, in bad faith or with malicious purpose. The Department of Health and Senior Services and the Division of Professional Registration shall develop rules for the implementation of the act.

This provision is similar to SB 955 (2010).

HPV IMMUNIZATION BROCHURE

This act requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to develop an informational brochure relating to the connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer and the availability of an immunization for HPV. The department shall make the brochure available on its website and notify each school district of the availability of the brochure to be printed and included in any other materials as the school district deems appropriate. Materials made available under this act may only be distributed to parents directly and not distributed to students as material to be given to parents. Such information in the brochure shall include the risk factors for developing cervical cancer, the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, how it is transmitted and how transmission can be prevented, the latest scientific information about the immunization's effectiveness, information about the importance of pap smears, and a statement explaining that questions from parents or guardians may be answered by the family health care provider.

This provision is similar to SB 627 (2010).

ADRIANE CROUSE