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The legal status of patient-delivered partner therapy for sexually
transmitted infections in the United States: A national survey of state medical
and pharmacy boards.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2005; 32(2):112-114.
Golden MR. Anukam U, Williams DH, Handsfield HH.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to define the legal status of patient-delivered
partner therapy (PDPT) in the United States. STUDY: A survey of directors
of state boards of pharmacy and medicine in the 50 United States and the
District of Columbia was performed. RESULTS: Completed surveys were returned
by 37 (72%) pharmacy boards and 37 (72%) medical boards representing 47 states.
PDPT was clearly defined as legal in four states. PDPT was regarded as illegal
by 16 (43%) medical boards and 19 (51%) pharmacy boards and as of uncertain
legality by 16 (43%) medical boards and 14 (38%) pharmacy boards. Most boards
(88%) that regarded PDPT as illegal or of uncertain legality indicated that
the issue had never been addressed. CONCLUSIONS: The legal status of PDPT
is uncertain in much of the U.S., and the practice is often considered illegal.
New laws or legal rulings will be needed if PDPT is to be widely promoted.