MarylandSB 03942026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Health - Expedited Partner Therapy - Bacterial Vaginosis

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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.

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