CA SB306

Establishes "expedited partner therapy" (EPT) allowing health care providers to prescribe antibiotics to sexual partners of STD patients without examining the partners, with pharmacists authorized to dispense EPT prescriptions without naming the individual recipient.

Requires health care service plans and health insurers to cover home STD test kits (including laboratory processing costs) when ordered by a health care provider or furnished through standing orders based on clinical guidelines.

Expands HIV counselor authority to perform waived STD tests (in addition to existing HIV and hepatitis C tests) with proper training and proficiency demonstration, and allows counselors to receive training through Office of AIDS-certified courses.

Modifies prenatal syphilis screening requirements to follow State Department of Public Health guidelines instead of requiring a blood specimen at first visit, and includes home STD test kit coverage in Medi-Cal and Family PACT programs.

Provides liability protections for health care providers and pharmacists using EPT in compliance with the law, except in cases of intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless activity.