Sexually Transmitted Disease Information For Healthcare Professionals

What you should do

Report cases

Licensed medical providers are required to report every case of PID, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis (all stages), LGV, chancroid and granuloma inguinale within 4 days of diagnosis. Complete and return a Sexually Transmitted Disease Case Report Form to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program.

Offer partner services

When a case of infectious syphilis or gonorrhea is reported, partner services (which include eliciting names of partners, notification of partners, risk counseling, and referral for clinical services) will be provided by public health professionals.

In addition, expedited partner therapy (EPT) is now available under Rhode Island law as an option for providing partner treatment (primarily recommended for chlamydia) without the requirement of an examination. The Sexually Transmitted Disease Program has developed EPT guidelines to empower clinical practitioners to implement this law.

Refer patients to specialty services

There are several places in Rhode Island where you may refer patients for STD services such as testing, treatment, and vaccination. Healthcare providers at these sites may charge a co-pay, sliding scale fee, or full fee for services rendered. Lab services may be an additional charge.

Follow treatment guidelines

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines address the treatment of persons who have or are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Get training

• Nationally, the CDC offers courses in STD prevention, continuing clinical management, behavioral intervention training, including easily accessible continuing education courses online.
• Regionally, the STD/HIV Prevention Training Center of New England offers core training programs in STD clinical training, behavioral intervention, and partner services.