Sexually transmitted infections; authorizing provision of expedited partner therapy under certain conditions; providing certain protections. Effective date.

This bill authorizes health care providers in Oklahoma to prescribe medication to a sexual partner without examining them, a practice known as expedited partner therapy, specifically when the partner is unlikely or unable to visit a clinic. The law requires that this treatment be accompanied by counseling and written materials containing safety warnings, dosage instructions, and information about preventing future infections. To encourage use of the new option, the bill shields doctors and pharmacists from civil lawsuits or disciplinary action if they act in good faith, except in cases of gross negligence. Additionally, the legislation updates existing legal definitions regarding sexually transmitted infections and removes a previous prohibition on non-physicians treating these conditions.