MarylandHB 04222026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Public Health - Expedited Partner Therapy - Bacterial Vaginosis and Licensed Certified Midwives

Sponsored By: Heather Bagnall (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster partner treatment for BV and STIs

Beginning October 1, 2026, partners of patients with chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis can get antibiotics without an exam. Certified midwives and some local health department registered nurses (who follow the state drug list and nursing rules) can provide this partner treatment, along with other authorized clinicians. Pharmacists can fill these expedited partner therapy prescriptions. The Secretary of Health sets rules so these steps work the same in public and private care settings.

No new powers for NPs or PAs

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law does not expand prescribing or dispensing authority for nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Their broader scope of practice stays the same outside the partner therapy rules. This keeps current limits in place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Heather Bagnall
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Tiffany T. Alston
Democratic • House
Bonnie Cullison
Democratic • House
Guy Guzzone
Democratic • Senate
Terri L. Hill
Democratic • House
Aaron M. Kaufman
Democratic • House
Lesley J. Lopez
Democratic • House
Ashanti Martinez
House
Samuel I. Rosenberg
Democratic • House
Kim Ross
Democratic • House
Steve Johnson
Democratic • House
Deni Taveras
Democratic • House
Jennifer White Holland
Democratic • House
Teresa Woorman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/26/2026