PASS will host a virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 7, at 12 p.m. PDT, to address concerns regarding rectal Mgen testing within the adult industry. The event, open to all adult industry members, will feature PASS Executive Director Ian O’Brien, board members, and the entire PASS staff.

Office Hours Initiative and Mgen Testing Focus

The upcoming virtual town hall is part of PASS's monthly "Office Hours" initiative, designed to engage with adult industry members. A representative stated that PASS has committed to these monthly sessions to understand industry needs, answer questions, and gather feedback to improve PASS operations. This particular Office Hours meeting will focus on rectal Mgen testing, a topic that has generated significant engagement across multiple social media platforms.

Participants can join the discussion via Zoom. Further information is available on PassCertified.org.

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a common sexually transmitted disease. Quest Diagnostics offers a Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) Test, which is a urine test, for $85.00, plus a $6.00 Physician Service Fee. HSA/FSA are accepted for this test.

Industry Challenges and PASS's Role

The town hall comes in the wake of significant changes within the industry's testing landscape. Cutting Edge Testing (CET) recently withdrew from the PASS system. Ian O'Brien, PASS Executive Director, stated that there was an inherent conflict between for-profit testing centers and a nonprofit oversight organization like PASS. O'Brien acknowledged the shock surrounding CET's withdrawal but noted that PASS had been planning for such an eventuality. He indicated that PASS is collaborating with stakeholders to develop a stronger version of the organization, aiming to be less reliant on third parties.

O'Brien advised performers to continue testing with CET, Talent Testing Service (TTS), AIT, or other testing centers that utilize PASS Certified testing protocols. In the past year, both CET and TTS, which are the two largest testing services for performers, ceased submitting tests to the PASS database. These disputes were related to COVID-19 tests. In June, PASS updated its protocols to permit vaccinated performers to forgo COVID-19 testing under specific circumstances, following new guidance from Cal/OSHA.

O'Brien emphasized that PASS extends beyond being merely a database for work clearances. He highlighted that for over a decade, PASS has established guidelines for safe production and has successfully prevented HIV transmission on PASS sets. He affirmed that the organization's commitment remains focused on performers' safety, not profit.

In the short term, PASS plans to concentrate on certifying additional labs to provide performers with more testing options. O'Brien stressed the importance of a central database for facilitating production and enabling rapid action in the event of a production hold. He noted that private for-profit companies do not have such an obligation, making it imperative for PASS to leverage this situation.

Context of Town Hall Meetings

The concept of "Office Hours" and town hall meetings is also utilized in other sectors. For example, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith is scheduled to host mobile office hours and a town hall in Allen County as part of his ‘92 and You’ series. This initiative aims to increase accessibility for Hoosiers to a statewide elected official. Beckwith's mobile office hours are set for Monday, June 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Citizen Square’s Omni Room, focusing on individual assistance. The town hall will follow on Monday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Allen County Public Library’s Lower Level Theater, addressing community-based issues.

Key Facts

  • PASS will host a virtual Office Hours town hall on Tuesday, July 7, at 12 p.m. PDT.
  • The town hall will focus on concerns regarding rectal Mgen testing.
  • Participants will include PASS Executive Director Ian O’Brien, board members, and staff.
  • The event is open to all adult industry members and will be accessible via Zoom.
  • Cutting Edge Testing (CET) has withdrawn from the PASS system, and both CET and Talent Testing Service (TTS) stopped submitting tests to the PASS database in the past year.
  • PASS revised its COVID-19 testing protocols in June, allowing vaccinated performers to forgo testing in certain situations.