Pinkin Bill to Allow Expedited Partner Therapy for STD Patients Clears Assembly Panel

(TRENTON) – A measure (A-4493) sponsored by Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex) to allow a health care professional to provide expedited partner therapy to sexual partners of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases was approved Monday by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

Pinkin released the following statement:

“Despite significant medical advancement in the reproductive health field, cases of sexually transmitted diseases remain on the rise. There were 1.59 million reported cases of chlamydia in 2016, the highest number of annual cases ever reported to the Center for Disease Control.

            “We have to do more to reduce the spread of STDs, starting with expedited partner therapy. This form of treatment allows health care providers to prescribe medication for people diagnosed with STDs to give to their partners, ensuring both parties receive medication without the other getting a clinical examination.

            “It’s incredibly important for people with STDs to be treated as soon as possible for their own health and to prevent the disease from spreading, if possible. With this bill, sexual partners will have greater access to critical medication to help them manage the disease.”