YNOT – Free Speech Coalition has requested an industry-wide moratorium on shooting sexually explicit scenes after receiving an unconfirmed report about a performer who recently tested positive for HIV.
On Saturday, FSC “was made aware by a reliable industry source” that an active performer tested positive for HIV at a clinic not affiliated with the adult industry trade group’s new Adult Performer Health & Safety Services initiative. APHSS tracks voluntary adherence to the adult entertainment industry’s best practices guidelines for performer health testing.
“FSC would like to make clear that these reports were not involving APHSS.org testing facilities,” spokeswoman Joanne Cachapero said. “This fact has limited the information gathered by FSC and APHSS, and we can neither deny nor confirm specific facts about the incident. Due to legal issues concerning patient privacy, FSC and APHSS, as of yet, are unable to implement exposure protocols and procedures.
“It is the recommendation of FSC and APHSS that an industry-wide moratorium on production be instituted immediately and continued for a time period until the primary reports are confirmed, and possible first- and second-generation exposures have been identified,” she continued. “The quarantine can be extended after that point, if necessary.”
According to the information FSC has been able to gather, the performer in question may have tested positive for HIV at a testing facility that does not appear to have protocols or procedures in place for medical follow-up (including generational testing).
“FSC and APPSS cannot act on behalf of any testing facilities outside the APHSS system until we are requested to do so by the performer or a medical advisor authorized by the performer,” Cachapero said. “We have been in contact with concerned parties and have offered to assist them in any way possible, while still remaining compliant with the performer’s wishes for assistance, in respect to legal constraints that require the performer’s privacy be protected, as well as other compliance issues.”
In addition to the requested production moratorium, FSC and APHSS also recommend active performers who are concerned about possible exposure — or that would like to take extra precautions to confirm their own well-being — consider being tested as soon as possible. FSC and APHSS also recommend industry members avoid spreading unverified information until the involved parties directly involved confirm or deny the current rumors.
“We are committed to assisting any industry members that have concerns involving this incident,” Cachapero said. “If you have questions, please email us, but because this situation has occurred outside of the APHSS database program, we are limited in any available information until we are informed of any details or allowed to assist in implementing industry protocols.”
Email queries may be addressed to FSC Executive Director Diane Duke or Cachapero.
APHSS.org launched Aug. 1, two months after AIM Medical Associates PC, the adult industry’s primary testing facility, closed due to financial hardship and litigation targeting the clinic. APHSS is committed to protecting performer privacy while upholding regulations governing compliance with state and federal standards for medical privacy.
The APHSS database program was developed by legal and medical experts, as well as industry stakeholders, in order to fill the gap created by AIM’s closure. The program not only recommends reliable testing facilities, but also serves as the primary community information system during possible “exposure incidents.”
“We strongly encourage all performers, producers and agents to support this program,” Cachapero said. “Our first priority is to protect performers with reliable health services and assist producers with protocols that minimize liability, while remaining compliant with state and federal regulations regarding medical privacy.”
