SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE Oregon State Legislature State Capitol Salem, OR

News Release

May 29, 2009

CONTACT:    Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

molly.woon@state.or.us

Legislation will help curb spread of sexually transmitted diseases

HB 3022 allows physicians to prescribe antibiotics to partners

SALEM – Legislation that makes it easier to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases passed off the Senate floor this morning. HB 3022 allows physicians who diagnose patients with gonorrhea or Chlamydia to prescribe antibiotic treatment for the patient and the patient’s partners without an examination of said partners.   

“Expedited partner therapy is proven to be an effective measure to help people treat STDs,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “The easier we make it for people with these diseases to get treatment and prevent future cases, the better.”

Participating physicians will be required to provide informational materials about sexually transmitted diseases provided by the Department of Human Services as well as specific dosage information for the patient and each partner for whom medication is prescribed.

“Evidence shows that providing prescriptions for partners increases partner notification and treatment, thereby reducing re-infection rates,” said Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “If these infections are left untreated they can lead to severe health consequences – even infertility.”

Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common communicable diseases reported in Oregon, representing as much as two-thirds of all reported conditions. Studies sponsored by the Center for Disease Control found that expedited partner therapy programs such as the one established in HB 3022 can significantly reduce the rate of infection and re-infection and increases the likelihood of partner notification and completed partner treatment.

HB 3022 was an agenda item of the Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance. The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for approval.

###

For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit oregonsenatedemocrats.com

For more information on the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance, visit owhwa.org