MarylandSB 03942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Health - Expedited Partner Therapy - Bacterial Vaginosis

Sponsored By: Dawn Gile (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthHealth OccupationsDrugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Health -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Medical Conditions -see also- AIDS; COVID-19; rabiesMedical TreatmentsMidwivesSexual Matters

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Midwives and pharmacists can provide partner antibiotics

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensed certified midwives can prescribe and give partner therapy antibiotics without a physical exam. Pharmacists can fill these partner therapy prescriptions. This gives partners more places to get treatment quickly.

Partner antibiotics without exam, including bacterial vaginosis

Beginning October 1, 2026, partners of patients with chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis can get antibiotics without an exam. This is called expedited partner therapy. You must be the sexual partner of a diagnosed patient to receive the medicine.

State issues rules to run partner therapy

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health adopts rules to carry out partner therapy. The rules apply in public and private health care settings statewide. They guide safe, consistent treatment for partners.

No extra authority for nurse practitioners or physician assistants

Beginning October 1, 2026, the partner therapy law does not give nurse practitioners or physician assistants new prescribing power. They must follow their existing scope under Maryland law.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

House vote 4/2/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 193

    4/28/2026
  2. Returned Passed

    4/3/2026Senate
  3. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/2/2026House
  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/1/2026House
  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/1/2026House
  6. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2026House
  7. Referred Health

    2/27/2026House
  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    2/26/2026Senate
  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/24/2026Senate
  10. Favorable with Amendments {773728/1 Adopted

    2/24/2026Senate
  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    2/23/2026Senate
  12. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/2/2026Senate
  13. First Reading Finance

    1/28/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

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