Update on Performers Confirmed Positive for Syphilis

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) has received confirmation that now two performers have tested positive for syphilis. This information was received only after both performers came forward voluntarily to share information with APHSS.org, in order to cooperate with industry protocols for STI exposure incidents. The second positive result was on the gay side of the industry; not tested or residing in the state of California; and is completely unrelated to the first case. It is also interesting to note that the performer in the second case exclusively works on condom-only sets.

“Partner identification is underway and APHSS will ensure that all partners are tested and treated,” said Diane Duke, FSC Executive Director. “We encourage anyone else who may have tested positive for syphilis to contact us.”

HIPAA regulations prevent any identifying information to be released regarding these individuals.

It should be noted that while APHSS.org has only two confirmed cases, the Los Angeles Public County Health (LACPH) Department Director Dr. Jonathan Fielding has been quoted in the media, stating that there may be up to nine confirmed cases reported to county health officials, which are being investigated.

In fact, LACPH and Talent Testing Services (TTS), where these individuals presumably tested, are not obligated to share information or patient data with APHSS.org. Though APHSS.org has reached out to TTS and Dr. Fielding, they have not responded. Without the affected individuals coming forward on their own – or at the request of TTS or LACPH – APHSS.org does not have any information regarding these alleged positive cases.

It should also be noted that the “window period” for a standard RPR (syphilis) test is 90 days. Without identifying information, APHSS.org is unable to determine when these unidentified individuals may have been infected or if they may have been working while infected.

That said, APHSS.org made the decision to err of the side of caution. After consulting with doctors, including Cutting Edge Testing and infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Miao, prophylactic treatment, follow-up testing, as well as adding syphilis to the traditional performer’s monthly test panel was chosen as the best alternative for reassuring the performers of safety, in case of possible exposure.

If you have questions or require more information about the current situation, APHSS.org or treatment/testing option, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Graphic: Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration)

Important Update on Performer Testing, Treatment: Where to Go and What to Do

This is an important update on syphilis treatment and testing for adult industry performers.

Testing and treatment is available at Cutting Edge Testing in Van Nuys after 1pm today. Treatment also is now being offered at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida location. VegasSTDTesting.com also is offering treatments starting Friday, August 24. Please, contact these facilities to make sure they are able to provide you with treatment prior to your visit.

For production businesses or groups of performers, we also have concierge doctor’s service, which can be arranged through Dr. Darcy. Dr. Darcy will be available in San Francisco on August 23-24. And he is available to administer shots in San Diego as well.  His contact information is (310) 351-8814; please, call for an appointment.

If you are located outside of the areas of Los Angeles, San Francisco or Fort Lauderdale and you need assistance, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

This recommended treatment is VOLUNTARY; APHSS advises every performer to check with producers they are working with for company policies, and also consult with a physician if they have concerns or reservations. Healthcare professionals will be available at Cutting Edge Testing and Vegas STD Testing to discuss treatment/testing options.

Performer options for work availability are:

1) Get the shot/preventative treatment* from an APHSS clinic
2) Get the shot/preventative treatment from another doctor and have them fill out the APHSS treatment form
3) Wait 90 days (if you choose not to be treated) and get a negative syphilis test after November 15

*For those allergic to penicillin and taking shots, reimbursements a available by sending a receipt for the medication and contact information.

The treatments that are being offered are as follows (to get details of each medication, click on the name):

• Bicillin LA, which is available as an one-time injection

For those allergic to penicillin:

• Doxycycline, 100 mg BID #28 (1 pill twice a day for 14 days)
• Azithromycin, 500mg (4 tablets all at one time)

To clarify, the course of treatment offered by APHSS-recommended facilities was chosen due to several factors.

First, while APHSS is aware of only two confirmed cases of performers that have tested positive for syphilis, various media have reported that Los Angeles County Public Health has identified as many as 9 cases.

Neither Talent Testing Services (TTS) nor Los Angeles County Public Health (LACPH) is obligated (and indeed is prevented by HIPAA patient privacy regulations) to share confidential patient information with APHSS.  But with patient permission, APHSS’ doctors’ network can initiate and implement a comprehensive partner notification process.  FSC has reached out to both TTS and LACPH.   TTS has declined our offer and, as of yet, LACPH has failed to respond.   Therefore, APHSS is unable to contact these allegedly positive performers in order to initiate industry protocols. The performers that APHSS has confirmed came forward on their own, in order to cooperate with industry protocols and for help with treatment.

Also, the regular test for syphilis, an RPR test, has a very large window period of 90 days, meaning that it may take 90 days for a new infection to be detected by the test. At that point, another confirmatory test must be administered in order to determine if the infection is active and levels of viral load. With no baseline of information for the identities of these cases reported by LACPH, it is impossible to determine when they may have been infected or if they may have been working during the time they were infected.

For the safety of all performers, we would rather err on the side of caution and recommend testing and treatment for everyone, thus alleviating concerns about possible exposure.

Each performer must decide which course of treatment is appropriate for themselves.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

Contact info for the participating facilities is as follows:

Cutting Edge Testing – Van Nuys, CA Location
Dr. Peter Miao MD
(818) 386-2132
5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Hours: 10:00am to 5pm Mon–Fri
www.cuttingedgetesting.com

Cutting Edge Testing – Ft. Lauderdale, FL Location
2312 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manners, FL 33305
(954) 745-6888

Vegas STD Testing (Two Locations)
Southeast Location
500 E. Windmill Lane Suite 115, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 870-1911
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Northwest Location
2051 N. Rainbow Blvd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(702) 870-1911
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
www.VegasSTDTesting.com

APHSS Update on Performer Testing, Treatment and Locations

APHSS.org testing facilities expect to have supplies for the prophylactic syphilis treatment at their facilities as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, August 22.

Cutting Edge Testing in Fort Lauderdale is expecting to be ready by Wednesday morning, while the Van Nuys location should be supplied by Wednesday afternoon. Please , contact the facilities before arriving, to make sure they are ready to start administering testing and treatment.

VegasSTDTesting.com also will be able to provide treatment in the Las Vegas area.

For agents and producers in the Los Angeles area that have a number of performers and would like to provide treatments on site, APHSS has a concierge doctor who can come to your location. Contact Dr. Darcy at (310) 351-8814 to schedule a time for the doctor to provide this service. Dr Darcy can also service San Francisco and San Diego – if you are located in those areas, please contact Dr. Darcy to set up treatment.

If you are  a performer and unable to access treatment because of your location or other issues, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or contact (818) 348-9373.

Contact information for locations where performers can go for treatment is listed below:

Cutting Edge Testing – Van Nuys, CA Location
Dr. Peter Miao MD
(818) 386-2132
5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Hours: 10:00am to 5pm Mon–Fri
www.cuttingedgetesting.com

Cutting Edge Testing – Ft. Lauderdale, CA Location
2312 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manners, FL 33305
(954) 745-6888

 

Vegas STD Testing (Two Locations)
Southeast Las Vegas Location
500 E. Windmill Lane Suite 115, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 870-1911
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Northwest Las Vegas Location
2051 N. Rainbow Blvd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89108
(702) 870-1911
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
www.VegasSTDTesting.com

Update on Production Moratorium, Performer Testing

As a result of a performer testing positive for syphilis, APHSS.org providers are administering the standard RPR syphilis test that is approved by the FDA for preliminary diagnosis. A negative test does NOT mean the performer is approved to work. It is important to note that this test has a large window period — as much as 90 days — and therefore cannot be relied upon to diagnose an acute (recent) syphilis infection. More importantly, a person with an acute infection can be contagious and still test negative. We cannot rely on these tests alone to determine a performer’s availability to work. This test only provides our doctors a baseline from which to base further testing or treatment options.

FSC has called a temporary moratorium on production and asks that all producers honor this moratorium.

Syphilis is easily treatable—it requires treatment with antibiotics. APHSS’ doctors network has determined that prophylactic treatment for syphilis for all performers is warranted. The shots have been ordered from the pharmacy and within the next couple of days, APHSS.org will have set up a network of medical professionals to administer the shots. Locations for performers to get the shots will be announced by tomorrow, August 21. Once the performer receives antibiotics, he or she will be available to work within 10 days.

Finally, our doctor’s network is speaking with expert microbiologists to determine if there is a test that can be utilized to identify the presence of an acute infection of syphilis. If such a test exists, this test will be administered when the performer comes in for prophylactic treatment, in order to provide additional information.

Manwin has agreed to cover cost of the shots for performers. Other producers contributing to cover the cost of treatment include, Evil Angel, Girlfriend Films, Kink.com, Vivid Pictures, and Gamma Entertainment. Still more producers are offering to contribute – this is an industry-wide effort by producers to ensure the safety of the performers. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and contributions of involved parties at this time.

“I always appreciate how our industry comes together in a time of need,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “Clearly our industry’s priority is the health and well-being of our performers. Thank you to all of the producers who have and will contribute and thanks to all of you for honoring the moratorium.”

The APHSS.org (Adult Production Health & Safety Services) program is operated by FSC. For more information on APHSS.org, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Graphic: Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration)

 

FSC Calls for a Temporary Moratorium on Production Nationwide

A performer who tested positive for syphilis has been in touch with FSC and is meeting with FSC’s medical professionals to begin partner identification, evaluation and treatment. FSC has called a temporary moratorium on production until the risk to performers in the industry has been properly assessed and all performers have been tested.

APHSS’ doctors have met and discussed the best avenue to protect the performers and have determined that testing the entire population is the most prudent strategy. A determination will be made by the doctors on the appropriate time to lift the moratorium as more information is revealed.

FSC encourages any performer who may have tested positive for syphilis to contact FSC’s Executive Director, Diane Duke at diane@freespeechcoalition.com or 818-348-9373 and FSC will make sure the performer receives immediate medical support including confidential partner identification and treatment.

FSC will provide daily updates on the situation to the industry through press releases and our APHSS blog.

(Graphic: Some rights reserved by AzaToth)

The Los Angeles Condom Mandate: A Radio Debate with FSC’s Diane Duke and AHF’s Michael Weinstein

Controversy over the Los Angeles Safer Sex in Adult Films “condom” ordinance is heating up. The mandate, which is already in effect as an ordinance in the City of Los Angeles, is also up for a countywide vote in November. If passed, the County of Los Angeles will create a new agency to enforce mandatory use of barrier protection (condoms, eye protection, dental dams, gloves, et al) on adult production sets. A report outlining possible enforcement plans for the ordinance was submitted to the City Administrator on August 15th. These are the latest developments in the campaign for condom legislation, waged by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) since 2009.

FSC Executive Director Diane Duke debated AHF President Michael Weinstein this week, live on KPCC. Listen here. Also interviewed in this piece on Airtalk; City Administrator Miguel Santana.

Free Speech Coalition has led the opposition against this ordinance, which is overly broad, impossible to enforce and faces constitutional challenges. The legislation is the brainchild of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest HIV nonprofit – as well as a deep-pocketed, outside entity that has relentlessly attacked adult industry businesses on behalf of “protecting the performers.” AHF’s legal actions were a direct factor in the closure of the AIM clinicin 2010, the adult industry’s nonprofit resource for STI testing. In fact, AHF’s misguided campaign has endangered the performers.

There have been more than 6,000 new cases of HIV in Los Angeles since 2008; there have been two documented cases of adult performers contracting HIV since 2008 and neither was reported to be in relation to work on an adult production set. The industry has implemented health & safety protocols and complied with self-regulation successfully since 1998.

FSC has worked with industry stakeholders, compliance experts, attorneys, representatives of Cal-OSHA to try and develop industry appropriate standards. FSC also operates the Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) program, to offer reliable monthly STI testing for performers and uphold industry self-regulation standards based on the work of the AIM clinic. Our system is a secure information database that safeguards user privacy, working with a network of established healthcare providers nationwide.

At a time when the state of California and the county of Los Angeles face serious budgetary reductions, we believe it is irresponsible to support or approve of a legislative mandate that will only result in a poorly written law and more funds spent in litigation when the ordinance is challenged.

Lastly, when an activity is outlawed, it is not eliminated but driven underground, where regulation and cooperation become near impossible. The twisted efforts of Weinstein and AHF to eliminate the adult production industry – under the guise of working for the greater good – is dangerous grandstanding based on stereotypes and scare tactics. AHF vilifies adult industry producers as exploitive, the same way that people once stigmatized HIV+ individuals as vectors of disease. Which group will they attack next, in their zeal to “protect” by mandating sexual behavior?

Please, support our efforts to say NO to this ballot initiative; its ballot identification number is to be announced.

If you would like to learn more about the Los Angeles condom ordinance, contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Photo: Courtesy of Nickpo)

Los Angeles “Safer Sex in Adult Films” Working Group Submits Enforcement Plan to City Administrator, Media

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today received a copy of the 47-page report outlining recommendations for enforcement of the mandatory condom ordinance for adult productions.

“In a time when multiple California cities are going bankrupt, LA itself has a significant budgetary problem and city services are being cut drastically, I find it unconscionable that the City would create a new bureaucracy to monitor condoms on adult film performers,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “What’s even more ridiculous is that there hasn’t been a transmission of HIV on an adult set—nationwide—in over eight years.”

The report, which is extensive, was developed from information supplied by the “Safer Sex in Adult Films” Working Group, which was made up of representatives from various local governmental agencies, including film permitting bureau Film LA, the Los Angeles Fire Department, LAPD, L.A. County Public Health (LACPH) Department, City Attorney’s office, County attorneys, and Cal-OSHA, among others.

• Compliance with current state regulations for blood-borne pathogens exposure, which includes use of condoms and other barrier protection (eye protection, gloves and dental dams).
• Requiring either a Fire Marshal or licensed healthcare professional to be present on adult production sets to confirm and verify compliance with a signed affidavit.
• For the City of Los Angeles to initiate an RFP process, to accept bids from outside agencies that would provide inspection personnel.
• Additional fees for film permitting (anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 each), to cover the cost of inspectors.
• Producer must provide company staff with health & safety training and education specific to blood-borne pathogen regulations.

While the report has been sent to the City Administrator’s office in time for yesterday’s deadline for submission, it could be it will be sent for further revision once the City Council has reviewed it.

Currently, an initiative requiring condoms to be used in adult productions will appear on the November Los Angeles County ballot. If passed, it would require a revision of City enforcement protocols to accommodate enforcement throughout all of Los Angeles County.

FSC, the adult industry business alliance, has led the opposition to the adult film condom mandate and will continue to represent the best interests of its members and adult industry businesses.

To view the report, click here: 20120815_CAO_IMPLEMENTATION_OF_SAFER_SEX_IN_ADULT_FILM_INDUSTRY_ORDINANCE

(Original photo: Courtesy of Public Domain)

Response to Statement by Talent Testing Services

The following is a statement issued by Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) in regards to a Talent Testing Services press release sent to industry media outlets earlier today:

This is the first word we have received from Talent Testing Services that they have chosen to stop sending data to the APHSS database. We regret this decision by TTS since it will have a negative effect on performers and producers. Further, it obviously endangers adult production industry self-regulation protocols, especially at a time when the industry is under fire from outside interests that support mandatory condom legislation.

We have done everything possible  to compromise with TTS – despite their objections to participation in APHSS – because we had requests from several producers and agents to include TTS data in the APHSS database. We agreed with producers and agents that including TTS data was the best possible situation for the industry (despite their unwillingness to comply with APHSS policy & protocols), in order to have a complete source of information for active performers.

If TTS is currently in dispute with Manwin over alleged demands placed on them for further cooperation, APHSS cannot comment on these developments as they do not directly involve any negotiations that we have had with TTS. APHSS responded to TTS’ initial demands by providing them with an automated interface to load data into the APHSS system. At that time, TTS agreed to follow APHSS protocols in the event of an STI exposure incident.

However, because of other objections from TTS to APHSS policy, they declined to be included in the APHSS program and so were not able to become an APHSS-recommended facility. It seems that now they have decided to drop out of the program completely, based on their own business  interests.

We assume that Manwin has based their company policy on what is most prudent for them, and we commend them for giving serious consideration to establishing health & safety protocols for their company.

The APHSS database was developed by industry stakeholders, attorneys and compliance experts to be a comprehensive source of information,  to safeguard self-regulation protocols – as well as providing performers with reliable health services that include doctors and healthcare professionals. The database design was also developed to safeguard user privacy and security.

APHSS-recommended facilities have been chosen from established healthcare providers that have agreed to abide by industry self-regulation protocols, including the presence of on-staff physicians and adherence to STI exposure protocols. Many of those protocols are based on those developed by the AIM clinic. These components are essential to any industry self-regulation – without them, the industry has little defense against mandated regulation by governmental entities. The essence of those protocols have been effective since they were established in 1998.

In addition, the recently-initiated Performer Subsidy Fund is to be administered through the APHSS system, which will subsidize testing for all performers whose testing data is updated through the APHSS system. Without voluntary TTS updates for performers that choose to use their services, we cannot hope to know which performers have tested there, so subsidizing their test fees will be nearly impossible. Most critically, it will also be impossible for APHSS to gather data on performers that test at TTS, in the event of an exposure incident.

Again, we have had little communication from TTS concerning these latest developments and we hope that their representatives will reconsider the potential repercussions that their decisions will have on the entire adult production community.

We encourage producers and performers to consider carefully their own policies toward industry testing and STI protocols, but acknowledge that all are free to choose the services they wish to use. Producers and performers wanted – and have a right to – a system that offers them choice, reliability and, most importantly, cooperation in the event of any STI exposure incident. APHSS will continue to provide those services and more, now and in the future.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by Goldmund100)

AAPHSS Proudly Announces New Performer Testing Service

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) is glad to announce a new addition to its network of performer testing facilities. STDStatus.com is currently offering performer-testing services at draw stations located nationwide.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer more options to performers for testing, especially performers that are located outside of the Los Angeles area,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke (FSC operates APHSS.org). “To comply with APHSS policy, STDStatus.com works with a national network of doctors and service providers, and they offer the Aptima HIV-1RNA Qualitative Assay test. It’s exciting to welcome them to the program.”

A unique feature of the STDStatus.com website is a “live chat” option where clients may ask general questions about testing and test locations via chat. STDStatus.com can also be reached by phone at 1-866-554-4296, 24 hours a day.

Performers and producers can expect STDStatus.com to return test results within 3-4 business days, with a cost of $149.00 for the performer’s panel of tests. In addition to the industry standard panel of tests, STDStatus.com also will include syphilis testing – free of charge – for performers.

“We are very excited to have partnered with APHSS in helping to maintain reliable health services for performers,” STDStatus.com President Michelle Leone said. “We look forward to extending our professional and convenient testing services to the adult entertainment industry.”

For more information on the APHSS.org program, please contact (818) 348-9373 or Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.

So, What Is the Los Angeles County Condom Initiative, and What Happens if It’s Passed?

Earlier this year, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) spent an estimated $2 million on paid signature gatherers to get a mandatory condom initiative for adult productions on the ballot. Their efforts were successful, and on LA County’s 2012 November ballot voters will have the option of voting on this misguided ballot measure. The ballot measure goes FAR beyond just requiring condoms for adult productions.

If this ballot measure passes, producers (defined as any entity that produces, finances or directs adult films) will be required to:

• Obtain a public health permit from LA County Department of Public Health (LADPH).
• Pay a permit fee set by the LADPH sufficient to cover the cost of enforcement – LADPH has estimated permit costs for producers of $12,000-$60,000/permit annually. (Note: This figure only includes the cost of permitting and does not include enforcement personnel and related costs so the actual fees will be much higher).
• Have a company Exposure Control Plan that complies with Title 8 California Code of Regulations section 3203 and 5193 – the same plan medical clinics have to follow for blood-borne pathogens – with goggles, gloves, lab coats and other barrier protection.
• County health officers may inspect any location without notice, as often as they would like. Permits can be revoked for failing to comply with LA County code or any of the CalOSHA’s bloodborne pathogen requirements. Failure to comply is punishable by a fine of $1,000 or six months in the County jail, or both.

The “Safer Sex” Ballot Measure is a Bad Idea

It won’t work – history has shown us that regulating sexual behavior between consenting adults does not work.  The best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs is by providing quality information and sexual health services.

Government cannot compel an industry to create a product for which there is little to no demand.Demand for non-condom movies drives the market, which is distributed worldwide. An industry based in LA County will not be able to survive when competition from other states and countries can provide the product the consumer wants, while LA producers are prohibited from supplying what is in demand.

It will take jobs and revenue out of California – the adult industry in California employs many thousands of individuals, as well as ancillary businesses and services. It creates a “made in the USA” product that can only be “outsourced” if producers are driven out of state. Large and small adult industry businesses also pay millions in taxes, which benefit local communities.

It will hurt performers – If condoms were mandatory existing testing protocols would likely disappear. The protocols that are in place are here to protect the performers and successfully do so. The California adult production industry is one of the most regulated; if producers are forced into other areas or to go “underground,” it will make it difficult – if not impossible – to impose existing industry standards for performer testing and health & safety protocols, which have been proven to be effective in preventing the incidence of STIs.

It will hurt the Los Angeles economy – If the ballot measure passes many producers will likely leave the area and take their taxes and jobs with them. The industry has been approached by leaders in other states offering tax incentives for us to move there.

It will waste valuable resources – HIV funding in LA has already been significantly reduced.  Diverting valuable dollars from existing programs to this program will only hurt those already infected with HIV and will reduce the resources to prevent others from contracting the disease.

The County can’t afford this regulation – fees charged will in no way cover the extensive bureaucracy that will have to be created to implement this regulation. With massive cutbacks in county resources, tax dollars going for “condom police” when there have been no transmissions of HIV onset nationwide in eight years is a serious waste of valuable resources.

Despite outrageous claims, flawed data and misinformation generated by AHF, forcing a condom mandate on the adult production industry is dangerous grandstanding on AHF’s part. This campaign by AHF also is not in line with their supposed mission to help low income HIV patients with access to services and medication. In communities where HIV rates are increasing, studies show that this may be due to lack of outreach and education, which can be directly tied to lack of state and county funding for HIV programs.

Now, AHF – with its $187 million dollar annual budget – wants taxpayers to spend their scarce funds to force government agencies to regulate an industry that has successfully (and voluntarily) implemented health & safety protocols that have been effective for more than a decade.

Free Speech Coalition asks its members, other industry members, the local business community and the citizens of Los Angeles County to oppose the condom initiative on the ballot in November. For more information on the condom issue, or to help us say “NO” to this misguided, unwarranted proposed legislation, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Photo: Courtesy of NASA)