At a glance
EPT is permissible in Colorado as of July 19, 2007.
Findings
[+] supports the use of EPT
[-] negatively affects the use of EPT
I. Statutes/regs on health care providers’ authority to prescribe for STDs to a patient’s partner(s) w/out prior evaluation
II. Specific judicial decisions concerning EPT (or like practices)
III. Specific administrative opinions by the Attorney General or medical or pharmacy boards concerning EPT (or like practices)
[+] It is the position of the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners that the public risk of untreated sexually transmitted infection is greater than the risk of complications from prescribing in this less than ideal setting. Colo. Med. Bd. of Exam’rs Policy No. 40-10 “Appropriateness of Treating Partners of Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infection” states, “There is compelling need for the partner to receive treatment in the form of prescription medications. Treating partners of patients with sexually transmitted infections is generally considered acceptable and desirable if the partner will not seek treatment from his or her primary healthcare provider.”
IV. Laws that incorporate via reference guidelines as acceptable practices (including EPT)
V. Prescription requirements
[-] Prescription label must include the name of the patient. C.R.S.A. § 12-280-124
[+] It is the position of the Colorado Pharmacy Board that the public risk of untreated sexually transmitted infection is greater than the risk of complications from dispensing in this less than ideal setting. Colo. State Bd. of Pharm. Policy No. 40-4 “Appropriateness of Labeling Prescriptions to Partners of Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections”
VI. Assessment of EPT’s legal status with brief comments
EPT is permissible. Unlike other jurisdictions, the issuance of a prescription does not require an advance physical examination of each patient. The Medical Board has expressly supported EPT and deems it an acceptable practice.