Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

A Strategy to Treat Sex Partners for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for chlamydia was signed into law in New York State in January 2009; regulations to accompany the law were adopted in October 2010. EPT allows health care providers to provide patients being treated for chlamydia with medication or a prescription to deliver to their sex partner(s) without a prior medical evaluation of those partners.

As of January 1, 2020, EPT in New York State was expanded to be permissible for “STIs for which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of expedited therapy.” The CDC notes EPT as a partner management option for gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, and therefore, New York State Department of Health has determined EPT to be permissible for these infections. Regulations and provider guidelines are forthcoming.

Electronic Prescribing Mandate Waived for Expedited Partner Therapy

The New York State Department of Health lists expedited partner therapy as an exception to the electronic prescribing mandate. As such, providers can continue to use paper prescriptions for the treatment of sex partner(s) of patients diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Providers can order paper prescriptions from the New York State Department of Health.

Provider and Pharmacist Guidance and Education

Health Education Materials

EPT: Guidance For Patients

EPT: Guidance For Partners

EPT Publications from New York State

STI Information

Key References

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding EPT, email ept@health.nyc.gov.

If you are a patient/partner and would like to report an adverse reaction after taking EPT, call 311.

If you are a provider and would like to report an allergic reaction related to EPT, call 311 or the provider access line at 866-NYC-DOH1 (866-692-3641).