Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 720 - RULES GOVERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPEDITED PARTNER THERAPY

SUMMARY:Pursuant to the authority granted by Title 22 MRSA ch. 251§ 1242, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is required to adopt rules to implement Expedited Partner Therapy. Expedited Partner Therapy facilitates the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections by prescribing, dispensing, furnishing, or otherwise providing prescription antibiotic drugs to the sexual partner(s) of persons clinically diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections without physical examination of the partner(s). Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention herein limits Expedited Partner Therapy to be used for the treatment and prevention of infection with chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) and/or gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae).

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Pursuant to 22 MRSA §42(1) and 22-A MRSA §205(2) , the Department has general authority to adopt rules considered to be necessary and proper for the protection of life, health and welfare, and the successful operation of the health and welfare statues. Furthermore, 22 MRSA §1242(2010) requires the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) to implement statutory provisions governing the practice of expedited partner counseling for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections.