I. Statutes/regs on health care providers’ authority
to prescribe for STDs to a patient’s partner(s) w/out prior evaluation (Explanation) |
Generally, providing
a prescription to patient without examination is considered misconduct.
EPT is not listed among exceptions. Ala.
Admin. Code r. 540-X-9-.11.
Nurses and physician
assistants may not prescribe for non-patients of supervising physician. Ala.
Admin. Code rr. 610-X-5-.11, .22. |
II. Specific judicial decisions concerning EPT (or like practices) (Explanation) |
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III. Specific administrative opinions by the Attorney General
or medical or pharmacy boards concerning EPT (or like practices) (Explanation) |
A registered nurse in the employment of the State
Health Department or a county health department may, in the provision of
health care services, dispense legend drugs as provided in this section
under the standing orders or direct supervision of a physician licensed
to practice medicine in this state and pursuant to procedures established
by the Board of Pharmacy and implemented by a pharmacist licensed to practice
pharmacy in this state. The nurse may dispense the legend drugs for the
treatment of . . . sexually transmitted diseases, . . . if approved by
the State Board of Pharmacy. |
IV. Legislative bills or prospective regulations concerning EPT
(or like practices) (Explanation) |
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V. Laws that incorporate via reference guidelines as acceptable
practices (including EPT) (Explanation) |
“The State Committee of Public Health designates
that the treatment of STDs shall be those accepted by the State Health
Officer and consistent with recognized medical and epidemiologic information.” Ala.
Code § 420-4-1-.05. |
VI. Prescription requirements (Explanation) |
Patient identifying information is not required
on prescription labels. Ala.
Admin. Code r. 680-X-2-.13. |
VII. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments (Explanation) |
EPT
is potentially allowable.
Under general circumstances, a physician must conduct a physical exam
prior to prescribing a medication. The administrative opinion provides
that under some circumstances, a physician may delegate the authority
to dispense drugs to a nurse (and perhaps others as well, such as the
patient). When coupled with authority of the State Comm. of Public Health
to recommend EPT as consistent with recognized medical and epidemiological
evidence, EPT
is potentially allowable. |
Status as of August 16, 2006 |