In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Antibiotic therapy” means the oral antibiotic treatment regimens: Currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea through expedited partner therapy; and For the treatment of trichomoniasis through expedited partner therapy: In accordance with Regulation .05A of this chapter; and As authorized by Health-General Article, §18-214.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health. “Expedited partner therapy (EPT)” means the prescribing or dispensing of antibiotic therapy to any partner of a patient diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis by certain health care providers without making a personal physical assessment of the partner, and without having a previous provider-patient relationship with the partner, in order to contain and stop the further spread of the infection and reduce the likelihood of reinfection in the diagnosed patient. “Health officer” means the health officer in each of the 23 counties and the Commissioner of Health in Baltimore City, or the duly designated representative of the health officer, or both. “Partner” means an individual with whom one has, or has had, oral, anal or vaginal sexual contact.