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Seeing some questions about contracts Utah companies have with the state as it relates to http://TestUtah.com . We’ve addressed most of these on our live, public @SiliconSlopes town halls & in blog posts, but I’d also like to address it on this godforsaken website. 1/
While TestUtah started as a 100% volunteer effort, it quickly became clear that it was turning into something bigger and the state approached certain companies involved to formalize the partnership. We outlined this in exhaustive detail here:
https://medium.com/@siliconslopes/the-partnership-behind-testutah-com-c6079451943c 2/
https://medium.com/@siliconslopes/the-partnership-behind-testutah-com-c6079451943c 2/
To be clear, the @SiliconSlopes nonprofit has dedicated immense resources and staff to this cause and has not and will not receive any reimbursement from the state or federal government for anything related to TestUtah. 3/
TestUtah hasn’t been quiet about the need for a formal relationship with the state. As @sltrib reported on 4/18, “Three Utah companies — Nomi Health, Domo and Qualtrics — have contracts with the state to operate the website and testing.” 4/ https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/04/18/silicon-slopes-has-tested/
Why did these companies need to have contracts with the state and how much money is attached to each contract? We published the numbers and what the contracts are for here: https://medium.com/@siliconslopes/the-partnership-behind-testutah-com-c6079451943c 5/
I’ve seen some additional questions or concerns that folks have (in particular from @editoremilye, @inkedtater, and @VoteSuz - who was on @TheBeehiveHQ Live today: https://twitter.com/TheBeehiveHQ/status/1253020225731100672) and I want to answer those too: 6/
Q: Why doesn’t http://TestUtah.com accept insurance and what is the cost to taxpayers? 7/
Q: Who built the algorithm to determine who is selected for a test? Who is auditing the algorithm? 8/
Q: Why were the first two testing sites on the Wasatch Front, where we have the greatest access to healthcare and testing? 9/
Q: If public money is being spent, how are we ensuring its spent equitably and are they following guidelines from the health department about cultural competency? 10/
Q: How are the http://TestUtah.com tests being screened or assessed for accuracy? 11/
Q: How many http://TestUtah.com tests are returning positive? 12/
Q: Do the people administering the tests actually have relevant medical experience?
A: Yes. Only professionals with clinical experience administer tests, with oversight by our healthcare provider partners. 13/
A: Yes. Only professionals with clinical experience administer tests, with oversight by our healthcare provider partners. 13/
Q: Do the people actually running the samples have molecular lab experience?
A: All tests are processed and reported by the CLIA-certified hospital lab at Timpanogos Regional Medical Center (HCA) in Orem. 14/
A: All tests are processed and reported by the CLIA-certified hospital lab at Timpanogos Regional Medical Center (HCA) in Orem. 14/
Q: Why is the tool not on the state's coronavirus website / are they listening to concerns from minority communities that 2 websites are confusing?
A: http://Coronavirus.utah.gov does link to http://TestUtah.com . We welcome engagement with any groups regarding confusion 15/
A: http://Coronavirus.utah.gov does link to http://TestUtah.com . We welcome engagement with any groups regarding confusion 15/
Q: How are @SiliconSlopes leaders getting unfettered access to people in the Governor's office and on the task force without oversight? 16/
I’m happy to answer or find answers to any questions related to TestUtah on this thread. You can also reach out to me directly at [email protected] and I will respond as quickly as possible. 17/
