FSC Director Michelle LeBlanc posted an update concerning TTS and them being done with the PASS system
TTS has chosen to withdraw from PASS in order to pursue business decisions and performer testing requirements that are not in accordance with PASS testing requirements.
We’ve asked TTS to remain a part of PASS and to resume sending results to PASS and they have refused.
All performers who are cleared to work need to be tested for COVID. However, given the unique nature and added expense of COVID, we want to allow performers multiple options for getting the test. All of our labs have added or are in the process of adding COVID tests. But many performers and crew would prefer to get their COVID test done separately because it is needed more frequently than the PASS panel of STI tests. They may want to use a more convenient lab, or they might be able to get it free from the state or through their insurance. Others are requesting a fully FDA-approved test, which TTS doesn’t offer.
TTS has demanded that STI and COVID tests be indistinguishable in PASS. This may work well for their business model, but does not work well for performers. PASS’s 14-day clearance does not make sense for COVID — COVID results need to be broken out separately, so that performers and producers can see how recent each test is. TTS refuses to send the results separately, and refuses to send any results unless all tests are done together.
She continued
COST
TTS is able to offer their proprietary COVID test at $35/$75 because it has not yet received full FDA approval, and is being administered under FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). If it receives full FDA approval, it will cost ~$100 because that is the price mandated by the FDA to prevent both price gauging and undercutting competitors.
AVAILABILITY
In Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego, you can get a COVID test from AIT, which is PASS-Certified. In Los Angeles, you can also get a COVID test from CET, which is PASS-Certified. In LA County, the free testing sites have much faster turnaround times now, with recents reports of results in 24-36 hours. There are other free and private testing options throughout the country, which is why we tried to make PASS as flexible as we could when it comes to COVID testing.
Additionally, we are in talks with a couple of national networks that would make it easier for talent and crew in any region to get tested for COVID with quick turnaround times on test results, and will bring back the PASS panel of STI tests to those regions that were previously only served by TTS.
