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Free Speech Coalition (FSC) denounces actions taken by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) as another misguided attempt to monopolize public health policy by demonizing adult industry businesses

At a press conference today, AHF announced that it has filed a complaint against adult production company Immoral Productions. In response to the latest developments involving AHF’s relentless attacks on the adult industry, FSC CEO Diane Duke has issued the following statement:

“There hasn’t been an on set transmission of HIV since 2004 – nationwide. Adult film industry protocols are highly effective, which is why it is so preposterous that AHF has spent millions on a problem that doesn’t exist. Moreover, AHF has yet to bring forth performers who are not on their payroll and now, an “anonymous” letter? Countless adult film performers have come out against AHF’s crusade as detrimental to their health and their livelihood,” Duke said.

“The bottom line is that AHF’s efforts will only diminish performer safety, drive jobs out of LA and California and spend valuable tax dollars on a non-issue,” Duke added.

As the adult industry trade association, FSC has opposed AHF’s special interest campaign for barrier protection use in adult productions since 2007.

In 2010, after a lawsuit brought by AHF delivered a crippling financial blow to the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare (AIM) clinic, which had been the primary source of healthcare services for industry performers. At that time, FSC stepped in to uphold industry-appropriate standards and protocols for production safety and developed the APHSS.org database program, to oversee performer STD testing.

In 2012, after an estimated $6 million dollars in campaign expenditures by AHF, county voters passed the Los Angeles ‘Safer Sex’ Ordinance for Adult Productions (aka Measure B) by a margin of 57% to 43%. Language on the ballot scarcely stated to voters the proposed barrier protection use, which includes condoms, dental dams, goggles and gloves. Soon after the election, Vivid Entertainment and two performer co-plaintiffs filed suit against the County of Los Angeles, in an effort to strike down the regulation. The case is ongoing.

AHF’s anti-adult industry attempts continue with Assembly Bill 332, which was to be introduced in committee today in Sacramento. The bill has been tabled by the Arts & Entertainment committee, but was handed over to the Labor Committee for further consideration.

FSC will continue to oppose AB 332 and the Los Angeles ordinance as unconstitutional and a burden on both adult industry and California taxpayers. If you would like to find out more about the Los Angeles ordinance, AB 332, or how YOU can help fight AHF’s big money, special interest campaign, contact info@freespeechcoalition.com and follow us @FSCArmy.

Continue reading »]]> APHSS Medical Advisory Board Approves Move to RPR Testing on Performers’ Panel

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) and its medical advisory board has announced that, effective March 14, 2013, active performers will no longer be required to include the Trep-Sure® (syphilis) test on the STD testing panel. Instead, the Trep-Sure test will be replaced with the RPR test, a recognized standard for syphilis testing, used by clinics and hospitals.

However, first-time performers will still be required to take ONE Trep-sure test, prior to performing in their first scene. Thereafter, active talent are required to take a regular performer’s panel, which should include a RPR test for syphilis.

The change in protocol is hoped to lessen wait time for test results, as well as unnecessary testing for specific patients.

The decision comes after the first meeting of the APHSS medical advisory board, which is made up of a team of 6 doctors including infectious disease experts, pathologists, and internists that either serve in an advisory capacity, or as doctors involved with APHSS testing facilities.

“Our medical advisory board had a very substantive discussion that concluded with the revised protocol,” FSC CEO Diane Duke said. “An overwhelming majority of our medical professionals concluded that this was the best path.

“This is an impressive group and me are extremely fortunate to be able to rely on their expertise,” Duke added.

APHSS was developed by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) to uphold testing protocols for the adult production industry. One of the responsibilities of APHSS is to mandate minimum standards of performer testing, in order to comply with industry-appropriate self-regulation.

For more information on APHSS, contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

Continue reading »]]> Please, make note of holiday closures and schedule your testing appointments accordingly. Also, please note that lab results will be delayed due to the holidays; if you have concerns about receiving test results from Dec 24 to Jan 2, please contact your testing facility to be advised.

We appreciate your continued support of industry performer testing. If you have questions about the APHSS program, please contact (818) 348-9373.

Wishing you a bright, beautiful holiday season and healthy New Year.

Cutting Edge Testing:

(Los Angeles and Ft. Lauderdale locations)

Dec 24 – Closed

Dec 25 – Closed

(Los Angeles and Ft Lauderdale locations)

Dec 31 – Closed

Jan 1, 2013 – Closed

CET will not be accepting any tests by mail between Dec 20-Jan 2, due ensure integrity of specimens. For more information, contact (818) 386-2132 in Los Angeles, (954) 745-6888 in Ft Lauderdale.

Talent Testing Services:

(Miami and Northridge locations)

Dec 24 – Open half-day

Dec 25 – Closed

(Miami and Northridge locations)

Dec 31 – Open half-day

Jan 1, 2013 – Closed

Test results for testing on Dec 24 will be available Dec 26. Test results for testing on Dec 31 will be available Jan 2. For more information, contact (818) 885-0812 in Los Angeles, (305) 792-2090 in Miami.

Vegas STD Testing:

Dec 24 – Closed

Dec 25 – Closed

Dec 31 – Closed

Jan 1, 2013 – Closed

Testing done Dec 19 – Dec 21 will not be reported until Dec 26, at the earliest. Results for testing done Dec 26 – Dec 28 will not be reported until Jan 2, at the earliest. Normal operating hours resume on January 2nd. For more information, contact (702) 800-2723.

AMTC:

Dec 25 – Closed

Jan 1, 2013 – Closed

For more information, contact (888) 511-0262.

STD Status:

Dec 24– Closed

Dec 25- Closed

Dec 31 – Closed

Jan 1, 2013 – Closed

For more information, contact (866)-554-4296.

Continue reading »]]> APHSS announced the opening of new performer testing facilities in Las Vegas, NV — STD Testing Clinics. There are two locations in Las Vegas – the southeast location is at 500 E. Windmill Ln, #115, and the northwest location is at 2051 N. Rainbow Blvd, #100.

“The facilities and physicians at STD Testing Clinics are top notch,” Duke explained. “They are committed to providing quality service to our performers at a competitive price.  We want to make sure performers have a broad range of choices for testing, and STD Testing Clinics is an excellent option.” For more information about STD Testing Clinics see their website at http://www.stdtestingclinics.com.

Continue reading »]]> APHSS is happy to announce that, beginning immediately, APHSS will no longer require two Trep-sure tests for performers coming into the industry. Moving forward, the Trep-sure syphilis test will just be part of the regular panel for everyone in the APHSS program.

The double Trep-sure was necessary after some performers tested positive for syphilis in August to ensure that syphilis within the industry was contained and to protect performers from contracting syphilis from new performers coming in to the industry. After discussing result trends with APHSS physicians, it was determined that two tests for new performers is no longer necessary. Feel free to email diane@freespeechcoalition.com if you have questions.

Continue reading »]]> Availability status data submission to begin immediately

CANOGA PARK, Calif. – Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org), a division of the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), is pleased to announce that Talent Testing Service (TTS) has signed on as a fully endorsed provider to the APHSS database system.

Speaking for APHSS, FSC Board Vice President Christian Mann noted, “This is in keeping with our vision of industry unity when we launched APHSS as a resource providing availability information to producers and performers in the wake of the closure of AIM. It’s great news for the adult production community here in Los Angeles and anywhere that APHSS providers perform health tests for industry performers.”

“We have always understood the importance of the APHSS program as a consolidating service between the different health alternatives that the adult industry talent has” said Sixto Pacheco, President & CEO of TTS. “I am pleased that we have been able to put our differences aside and come together with a plan that benefits the adult industry as a whole.”

The necessary adjustments required to integrate TTS as a stand-alone diagnostic facility into the APHSS system, which was originally set up as a program for clinics, have been made. TTS conforms to the same protocols of all APHSS providers.

Performers who test at TTS will be able to opt in to APHSS effective immediately.

“We are very pleased to have Talent Testing join APHSS’ other quality providers,” said FSC CEO Diane Duke. This alliance will only help with performer continuity of care.”

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 About Adult Performer Health & Safety Services (APHSS):

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) is a service administered by the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), in order to provide adult industry producers and performers with a reliable protocol and database for STI testing.

About The Free Speech Coalition (FSC):

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is the national trade organization to the adult entertainment industry. Its mission is to lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult entertainment community.

About Talent Testing Service, Inc. (TTS):

Talent Testing Service, Inc. (TTS) provides safe, courteous, affordable, and convenient talent testing through wholly owned subsidiaries or collaborating sites. Since 2006, TTS has provided the most advanced infectious molecular testing for the adult industry. TTS is a privately held company with headquarters in Miami, Florida and a subsidiary office in Los Angeles, CA.

Continue reading »]]> The Performer Subsidy Fund will send its first round of subsidy checks to performers today. Performers that tested during the month of September and had test data entered into the Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) database system can look forward to a subsidy of $101.00 per performer panel test.

“We are so glad to be able to offer this first-ever subsidy to performers,” said Free Speech Coalition CEO Diane Duke. “We want to recognize Manwin for initiating and the program and their ongoing financial support, as well as Evil Angel and Kink.com for their contributions. It is through the generosity of these producers that the Subsidy Fund is possible. It’s a wonderful example of how the industry can work together to provide needed resources and uphold high standards in the workplace.

FSC administers the Performer Subsidy Fund on behalf of contributing producers.

Subsidies for regular performer testing were initially scheduled to be delivered in September but were delayed due to the syphilis exposure incident. However, with the help of the Performer Subsidy Fund, nearly 1,000 performers were treated and/or tested for syphilis. In addition, the TREP-SURE™ EIA syphilis test has been added to the regular performer test panel at APHSS.org facilities, as a result of events.

In order to receive a test subsidy, performers must be registered in the APHSS.org database system and also have supplied a mailing address to Julie@freespeechcoalition.com. Subsidies are then dispersed to those performers, according to test data entered into the APHSS.org database over a month-long period (from the first-to-last day of the month). Subsidy amounts will vary, depending on the amount of contributions to the Fund and the number of performers that test each month.

For more information about APHSS.com, the Performer Subsidy Fund, or FSC, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.

Continue reading »]]> Dear APHSS Performers,

First, thank you all for participating in the APHSS program.  I know that this last month and a half have been very difficult for performers as we work to protect all performers from the recent rise in syphilis. Your patience and understanding are so very appreciated!

Second, our office has received a number of calls about testing and availability on the APHSS database.  Because we have added the new Trep-Sure syphilis test, results are coming back 12 hours later for some of our testing facilities. When you test, please make sure to allow for enough time in advance of your shoot to get your results back. Unless there are complications with your test, results should come in as indicated in the schedules below:

For Cutting Edge Testing:

Van Nuys, CA – 818-386-2132  Ft Lauderdale FL – 954-745-6888

For STDStatus and AMTC:

STDStatus – (866) 554-4296            AMTC – (888) 511-0262

Results back in business 2 days if tested on Tuesday Thursday or Friday

If your test results are not back when expected, or you have not been updated in the APHSS database, call the facility where you tested.  If you continue to have difficulty, feel free to call the FSC office and we will help you (818)348-9373.

Additional hints for making sure APHSS works for you…

• Make sure that you are signed up by filling out an APHSS document at your test facility or sign up online www.APHSS.org
• Make sure that you have given the provider permission to include your information in the APHSS system.
• If you want to get a check from the Performer Subsidy Fund to help subsidize the cost of your tests, make sure that we have your mailing address by emailing Julie at Julie@freespeechcoalition.com.

Performer Subsidy Fund

For August and September, the fund was used to pay for performer treatment and testing for syphilis.  We are getting the final invoices from the providers this week.  It looks as if there will be some money left over and we will use the remaining funds to subsidize performers who have tested for their regular test panel in the month of September. The first checks for the performer subsidy fund should go out Monday October 8^th.  Next month all funds should go to subsidizing performers for regular tests.

Thank you again for your help and cooperation,

Diane Duke

FSC Chief Executive Officer

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AIDS Healthcare Foundation gala at The Abbey in West Hollywood, CA, celebrates a new progr

While guests and celebrities such as Glee’s Dot-Marie Jones and E! Entertainment Television host Charlie David are being feted at a gala party at The Abbey in West Hollywood tonight, the No on Government Waste Committee, opponents to Measure B, the so-called “Safer Sex” initiative on the Nov. 6^th ballot in Los Angeles County, applauded the AIDS Healthcare Foundation for advocating the importance of frequent testing in controlling the spread of HIV.

“We are heartened that AHF has put such an emphasis on frequent testing to help control the spread of HIV. It’s only through the frequent and thorough testing of performers in the adult film industry that we have been able to maintain a zero infection rate on-set since 2004,” said James Lee, communications director for the No on Government Waste Committee. “Organizations from the World Health Organization to the National Centers for Disease Control to AHF have long maintained the importance of frequent testing and counseling in controlling the spread of HIV.”

According to the California Dept. of Public Health, from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2011, there were 6,447 new cases of HIV reported in Los Angeles County, but only two were adult performers, both of whom did not contract the disease on-set. Since 2004, there have been no documented cases of HIV transmission on an adult entertainment set.  In fact, with the industry’s strict testing protocols – requiring testing at least every 14 and 28 days for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – adult performers are the most tested workforce in the nation.

“Even though passage of Measure B significantly raises costs to the county and potentially cripples community health programs, we are hopeful AHF would publicly commit to divert more of its ample government-funded resources to better serve African-American, Latino and economically disadvantaged communities where, according to the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health, sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise,” Lee added. “In fact, maybe they can donate the convertible Fiat 500 being given away by Santa Monica Fiat to a community clinic in Southeast LA that is underfunded.”

Measure B, funded and placed on the ballot by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, would require the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to license and permit adult movie productions in the county and require performers to wear condoms and create an unworkable system of on-set inspections and enforcement by county personnel. The county estimates initial start-up costs for the program to be in excess of $300,000, but acknowledges that regardless of the level of compliance by the adult film industry, there would be significant cost to the Department of Public Health.

No on Government Waste Committee

The Committee is comprised of entertainment companies, local business organizations, community activists, adult entertainment performers and healthcare advocates who oppose Measure B’s plan for creating an underfunded government inspection program diverting badly needed resources from local community clinics and underserved minority communities. For more information, please visit: www.noongovernmentwaste.com.

Continue reading »]]> There has been a great deal of confusion about adult industry protocols for HIV and syphilis. To stem the spread of misinformation, APHSS.org has issued the following comments to clarify the choice of the Trep-Sure ™ syphilis test, with a brief explanation of industry testing for HIV, which recently required the Aptima HIV-1RNA Qualitative Assay test as the standard for performers.

In an effort to provide the best and the latest in sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening for performers, our industry standards often exceed the basic requirements of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A perfect example of this is the CDC’s support of the Rapid Test and even home test kits for HIV. Rather than focus on specific brands of tests, the CDC emphasizes the importance of testing that identifies infections in individuals that are unaware of infection and may have been infected for some length of time. Adult performers are the most tested population for STIs in the country, and so they do not fall into this category.

It is for that reason that the type of test included in industry protocol often differs than that of the standard. For example, the CDC recognizes the Elisa/Western Blot as a standard for HIV and supports the Rapid test. Both tests have a three-month window and, therefore, are not effective for adult performer testing protocols because they will not detect acute (recent) infections. For that reason, our industry has selected the Aptima HIV-1. The Aptima test has a 9-11 day window, as opposed to the ELISA/Western Blot and Rapid test window period of 3 months. While there were other tests that could identify the presence of HIV with a 9-11 day window, the industry selected this particular test because it was FDA-approved for diagnosis of acute (recent) infection.

So it is with the new industry standard for syphilis. While the CDC recognizes the RPR as a standard for testing of the mainstream population, the RPR test has a 3-month window period and does not detect acute (recent) infections. Therefore, as with HIV, our industry sought out a superior testing alternative. While there are other tests that have window periods less than 3 month, APHSS chose the newly released Trep-Sure ™ test because it has a 14-day window, a high level of sensitivity and specificity AND it is FDA approved for diagnostic. This test has been added to all panels for APHSS providers and is now the APHSS industry standard for syphilis testing.

The Trep-Sure ™ test is available through APHSS.org at these testing facilities – SameDayTest.com, STDStatus.com and Cutting Edge Testing locations in Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale. Trep-Sure ™ tests will be added to the monthly testing protocol for all adult performers, effective immediately. If you would like more information about performer testing, the APHSS.org program, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.