What is the Safer Sex Smart Card?
The Safe Sex Smart Card (License) is the worlds first and only technology based smart card that exclusively focuses on connecting STD education, prevention, and STD testing with everyday activities, discounts and incentives. This credit card sized tool works in conjunction with and automated voice response system that can provide the user with up to date information on STD’s related information, special discounts, upcoming events, and products/services offered by your organization. Every Safer Sex Smart Card will also have the capabilities for members to confidentially store their last two HIV/AIDS testing dates and results on them.
Does being a Safer Sex Smart Card holder guarantee that the cardholder does not have an STD?
NO. Just as it’s impossible to guarantee that anyone with a drivers’ license won’t get into an accident, the same idea holds true for a SSSC Cardholder. However, as part of their commitment when they purchase a Safer Sex Smart Card, members pledge to not engage in irresponsible practices which could increase their risk for contracting an STD. As a group, Cardholders who fully adhere to the Safer Sex Smart Card Pledge should have a dramatically lower risk for getting an STD than the general population.
Why might there be misconceptions by the public about the Safer Sex Smart Card?
Although details of the Safer Sex Smart Cards STD/HIV I.D. system are simple to understand, sometimes information may be misconstrued. When something is new and attracts a great deal of interest, people begin to talk about it. They form opinions, often not based on facts, but based instead on what they have heard - sometimes second-, third-, and even fourth-hand interpretations. As a result, inaccurate or negative stories can take on lives of their own and are sometimes repeated with no basis in fact.
Does the SSL encourage cardholders to engage in more intimate activities than they would without the card?
In most cases, by the time someone decides to get a Safe Sex License, their social and intimate activity habits have already been well defined through personal choice. Whether or not they have a SSL has little impact on this established pattern of activity
What are benefits of using the Safer Sex Smart Card?
The Safer Sex Smart Card is specifically designed to bring about positive and permanent shifts in the attitudes and actions of those whose sexual behaviors may place them at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV or other STDs. Use of STFree’s Safer Sex Smart Card and verification system enables our members to provide straight forward verification of their STD/HIV testing history to a potential partner. The Safer Sex Smart Card is sexual negotiation tool that is, discreet, totally confidential, data secure, and easy to use.
Does being a STFree Safer Sex Smart Card Member involve medical treatment?
No, it does not involve any medical treatment. Such treatment for HIV and other STDs should be arranged through a physician by any individual having any STD related medical conditions. The Safer Sex Smart Card is strictly limited to verification of a person’s HIV and STD testing history and the ability to communicate that status to others in a secure and confidential manner.
Who would carry a Safe Sex Smart Card?
Anyone over the age of 18 can be a Smart Card user. The Safer Sex Smart Card is an educational tool that has been developed to increase awareness around the subject of HIV/AIDS and to get more individuals involved in the fight against this devastating epidemic. Individuals who have taken the necessary steps to obtain a Safer Sex Smart Card have been known to show a certain level of responsibility, and a level of commitment to following responsible standards of personal behavior and an overall healthier sexual lifestyle.
What if a person loses their Safe Sex Smart Card or it’s stolen?
Cardholders can call STFree customer service and order a replacement card. The account information will be transferred to the members new Safer Sex Smart Card once the person receives it. There is a charge for replacing lost or stolen cards.
Can the Safer Sex Smart Card be used to identify someone just by calling the telephone access number?
No. Safeguards have been built into STFree verification system including but not limited to issuing a personal members number and PIN. The SSSC does not provide ANY of the member’s personal information; this prevents anyone who uses the card from identifying the SSSC member.
Can a person’s identity be stolen from a Safer Sex Smart Card?
No. Again there is no personally identifiable information available through the SSSC IVR database. All personally identifiable information is kept in a totally separate database, and is not accessible by outsiders through the Internet.
Can anyone check your status?
No, the SSL requires two sets of numbers in order to access its stored information.
It's similar to an ATM card that has multiple levels of security.
What's the difference in carrying the card and carrying your regular results around?
Paper test results can easily be altered, opening up the danger of fraud. Another strong disadvantage of paper results is that they disclose all of an individual's personal information (name, address, telephone number etc.). Paper results also do not have photo identification meaning there is no way to know verify that the person presenting it is the same person who took the test.
What if the other person doesn't have a card?
The card becomes the ice breaker, and you can request that they get one. Why would anyone with the right intentions refuse to share their status with a potential partner?
What about people manufacturing false Safe Sex Licenses? It happens all the time with regular licenses/ID.
The actual SSL card is mainly for identification purposes, the actual information can only be accessed via a combination of the member's ID number and pin number (see question number one). If the member is not in our data base then a fake card would be useless. We also have online confirmation for anyone who might be suspicious of a fraudulent card.
What if a cardholder contracts something after their test?
The SSL was not fashioned to guarantee a member's status; it has been created to help its user make better-informed a decision regarding a current or potential sexual partner. We like to call it a sexual credit check.
What about members' privacy?
The only way an individual can check your status is if you provide them with your membership number and your PIN number. So it is as secure as you keep access to your information. Would you give just ANYONE the PIN number to your ATM card?
What about all the other diseases out there?
STFree provides a special SSL that stores other STD results, but those SSL require an extremely frequent amount of testing. It is mostly used in the adult entertainment industry, but can be provided to any user who requests one.
How do I use the STFree Certification card/Safe Sex License?
There are 5 simple steps to using your certification card:
What about the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) law?
Since members are voluntarily providing their results; STFree's service complies with the HIPPA law.
If a member's results are Negative, does this guarantee that they are clean?
NO, the purpose of our system is to promote awareness. The Safe Sex License was created to help our members and others make better informed decisions about potential or current sexual partner.
What happens if the person contracted the HIV virus after they took their HIV examination?
STFree encourages its members to always use condoms in conjunction with our service. We also inform our members that individuals can contract the virus after being tested.
How do I update my membership status?
To update your membership status, go to www.safesexlicense.com and log into your account using the STFree member's number and password we provided you. Members can then select an update package and download their testing form.
I heard that a person can have HIV for up to 9 years without it being detected.
That is not true. HIV examinations have a three month window. This means a negative result in April actually means that they were negative as of January. It can take several years before HIV breaks down a person's immune system, causing AIDS and people may show few symptoms for several years after they are infected. People who appear perfectly healthy may not know they have the virus and can pass it on to others.
What about the "window", what does that mean?
The window period is the time it takes for your body to produce HIV antibodies after you have been infected by the virus. In most people, this period is between 2 and 12 weeks. In a very small number of people, the process takes up to 6 months.
The window period means that you can get negative test results even when you are infected with HIV.
Here's how that can happen. Let's say you have unprotected sex on Saturday night and become infected with HIV. On Monday, you get an HIV test. The test almost certainly will come back negative, because your body has not yet had a chance to make antibodies, which are what the HIV test is looking for.
Even if you go for an HIV test 1 or 2 months later, your results might be negative because your body still has not produced antibodies. It may take 3 months after exposure for the test results to be 99% accurate, and 6 months to be absolutely certain.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, and your test results are negative, be sure to get retested in 3 to 6 months--just to be sure.
If you would like to hear this information with your Safe Sex License, please press 2 from the main menu.
If I lose my card, will someone be able to access my info?
No, your account can not be accessed without your PIN number being entered, just like an ATM card.
What happens if I let someone have my PIN number and I decide that I don't want them to be able to check my status again?
Any member can change their PIN number in less than one minute. All you would have to do is call your card, enter your old PIN, select the "change your PIN" option and you're done.
I don't want everyone knowing my personal information, is this confidential?
Members don't have to show their card or disclose their results to anyone they don't want to. Your card is your personal information. Members should use their discretion as to whom they allow to hear their results.
What type of security do you use?
Our system follows the HIPPA compliancy guideline. We work closely with the testing facilities to insure the validation for the information. As well, we use high end encryption technology and monitored access to ensure the safety of our client's information.
Who is able to see the information?
Access to the registry is only granted to top executives whom have all undergone confidentiality counseling and are legally bound by confidentiality agreements.
How do you know the information is valid?
Upon registration, each new member will receive a verification form with a unique number. This form is also forwarded to our verification dept. Our verification dept then works closely with the testing clinic to properly complete the verification form.
The Safe Sex Smart Card (License) is the worlds first and only technology based smart card that exclusively focuses on connecting STD education, prevention, and STD testing with everyday activities, discounts and incentives. This credit card sized tool works in conjunction with and automated voice response system that can provide the user with up to date information on STD’s related information, special discounts, upcoming events, and products/services offered by your organization. Every Safer Sex Smart Card will also have the capabilities for members to confidentially store their last two HIV/AIDS testing dates and results on them.
Does being a Safer Sex Smart Card holder guarantee that the cardholder does not have an STD?
NO. Just as it’s impossible to guarantee that anyone with a drivers’ license won’t get into an accident, the same idea holds true for a SSSC Cardholder. However, as part of their commitment when they purchase a Safer Sex Smart Card, members pledge to not engage in irresponsible practices which could increase their risk for contracting an STD. As a group, Cardholders who fully adhere to the Safer Sex Smart Card Pledge should have a dramatically lower risk for getting an STD than the general population.
Why might there be misconceptions by the public about the Safer Sex Smart Card?
Although details of the Safer Sex Smart Cards STD/HIV I.D. system are simple to understand, sometimes information may be misconstrued. When something is new and attracts a great deal of interest, people begin to talk about it. They form opinions, often not based on facts, but based instead on what they have heard - sometimes second-, third-, and even fourth-hand interpretations. As a result, inaccurate or negative stories can take on lives of their own and are sometimes repeated with no basis in fact.
Does the SSL encourage cardholders to engage in more intimate activities than they would without the card?
In most cases, by the time someone decides to get a Safe Sex License, their social and intimate activity habits have already been well defined through personal choice. Whether or not they have a SSL has little impact on this established pattern of activity
What are benefits of using the Safer Sex Smart Card?
The Safer Sex Smart Card is specifically designed to bring about positive and permanent shifts in the attitudes and actions of those whose sexual behaviors may place them at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV or other STDs. Use of STFree’s Safer Sex Smart Card and verification system enables our members to provide straight forward verification of their STD/HIV testing history to a potential partner. The Safer Sex Smart Card is sexual negotiation tool that is, discreet, totally confidential, data secure, and easy to use.
Does being a STFree Safer Sex Smart Card Member involve medical treatment?
No, it does not involve any medical treatment. Such treatment for HIV and other STDs should be arranged through a physician by any individual having any STD related medical conditions. The Safer Sex Smart Card is strictly limited to verification of a person’s HIV and STD testing history and the ability to communicate that status to others in a secure and confidential manner.
Who would carry a Safe Sex Smart Card?
Anyone over the age of 18 can be a Smart Card user. The Safer Sex Smart Card is an educational tool that has been developed to increase awareness around the subject of HIV/AIDS and to get more individuals involved in the fight against this devastating epidemic. Individuals who have taken the necessary steps to obtain a Safer Sex Smart Card have been known to show a certain level of responsibility, and a level of commitment to following responsible standards of personal behavior and an overall healthier sexual lifestyle.
What if a person loses their Safe Sex Smart Card or it’s stolen?
Cardholders can call STFree customer service and order a replacement card. The account information will be transferred to the members new Safer Sex Smart Card once the person receives it. There is a charge for replacing lost or stolen cards.
Can the Safer Sex Smart Card be used to identify someone just by calling the telephone access number?
No. Safeguards have been built into STFree verification system including but not limited to issuing a personal members number and PIN. The SSSC does not provide ANY of the member’s personal information; this prevents anyone who uses the card from identifying the SSSC member.
Can a person’s identity be stolen from a Safer Sex Smart Card?
No. Again there is no personally identifiable information available through the SSSC IVR database. All personally identifiable information is kept in a totally separate database, and is not accessible by outsiders through the Internet.
Can anyone check your status?
No, the SSL requires two sets of numbers in order to access its stored information.
It's similar to an ATM card that has multiple levels of security.
What's the difference in carrying the card and carrying your regular results around?
Paper test results can easily be altered, opening up the danger of fraud. Another strong disadvantage of paper results is that they disclose all of an individual's personal information (name, address, telephone number etc.). Paper results also do not have photo identification meaning there is no way to know verify that the person presenting it is the same person who took the test.
What if the other person doesn't have a card?
The card becomes the ice breaker, and you can request that they get one. Why would anyone with the right intentions refuse to share their status with a potential partner?
What about people manufacturing false Safe Sex Licenses? It happens all the time with regular licenses/ID.
The actual SSL card is mainly for identification purposes, the actual information can only be accessed via a combination of the member's ID number and pin number (see question number one). If the member is not in our data base then a fake card would be useless. We also have online confirmation for anyone who might be suspicious of a fraudulent card.
What if a cardholder contracts something after their test?
The SSL was not fashioned to guarantee a member's status; it has been created to help its user make better-informed a decision regarding a current or potential sexual partner. We like to call it a sexual credit check.
What about members' privacy?
The only way an individual can check your status is if you provide them with your membership number and your PIN number. So it is as secure as you keep access to your information. Would you give just ANYONE the PIN number to your ATM card?
What about all the other diseases out there?
STFree provides a special SSL that stores other STD results, but those SSL require an extremely frequent amount of testing. It is mostly used in the adult entertainment industry, but can be provided to any user who requests one.
How do I use the STFree Certification card/Safe Sex License?
There are 5 simple steps to using your certification card:
-
1. Identify the member as the one pictured on the card
2. Call the toll free number on the back of the card
3. Enter the member ID number located on the front of the card
4. Enter the pass code/PIN number
5. Listen carefully to the dates and results
What about the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) law?
Since members are voluntarily providing their results; STFree's service complies with the HIPPA law.
If a member's results are Negative, does this guarantee that they are clean?
NO, the purpose of our system is to promote awareness. The Safe Sex License was created to help our members and others make better informed decisions about potential or current sexual partner.
What happens if the person contracted the HIV virus after they took their HIV examination?
STFree encourages its members to always use condoms in conjunction with our service. We also inform our members that individuals can contract the virus after being tested.
How do I update my membership status?
To update your membership status, go to www.safesexlicense.com and log into your account using the STFree member's number and password we provided you. Members can then select an update package and download their testing form.
I heard that a person can have HIV for up to 9 years without it being detected.
That is not true. HIV examinations have a three month window. This means a negative result in April actually means that they were negative as of January. It can take several years before HIV breaks down a person's immune system, causing AIDS and people may show few symptoms for several years after they are infected. People who appear perfectly healthy may not know they have the virus and can pass it on to others.
What about the "window", what does that mean?
The window period is the time it takes for your body to produce HIV antibodies after you have been infected by the virus. In most people, this period is between 2 and 12 weeks. In a very small number of people, the process takes up to 6 months.
The window period means that you can get negative test results even when you are infected with HIV.
Here's how that can happen. Let's say you have unprotected sex on Saturday night and become infected with HIV. On Monday, you get an HIV test. The test almost certainly will come back negative, because your body has not yet had a chance to make antibodies, which are what the HIV test is looking for.
Even if you go for an HIV test 1 or 2 months later, your results might be negative because your body still has not produced antibodies. It may take 3 months after exposure for the test results to be 99% accurate, and 6 months to be absolutely certain.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, and your test results are negative, be sure to get retested in 3 to 6 months--just to be sure.
If you would like to hear this information with your Safe Sex License, please press 2 from the main menu.
If I lose my card, will someone be able to access my info?
No, your account can not be accessed without your PIN number being entered, just like an ATM card.
What happens if I let someone have my PIN number and I decide that I don't want them to be able to check my status again?
Any member can change their PIN number in less than one minute. All you would have to do is call your card, enter your old PIN, select the "change your PIN" option and you're done.
I don't want everyone knowing my personal information, is this confidential?
Members don't have to show their card or disclose their results to anyone they don't want to. Your card is your personal information. Members should use their discretion as to whom they allow to hear their results.
What type of security do you use?
Our system follows the HIPPA compliancy guideline. We work closely with the testing facilities to insure the validation for the information. As well, we use high end encryption technology and monitored access to ensure the safety of our client's information.
Who is able to see the information?
Access to the registry is only granted to top executives whom have all undergone confidentiality counseling and are legally bound by confidentiality agreements.
How do you know the information is valid?
Upon registration, each new member will receive a verification form with a unique number. This form is also forwarded to our verification dept. Our verification dept then works closely with the testing clinic to properly complete the verification form.
