California Department of Public Health - Primary Health

California Department of Public Health COVID-19 rapid antigen testing program

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has partnered with Primary.Health to launch a comprehensive antigen testing program. This program was established to help ensure the necessary COVID-19 testing is available to all California residents. Through this work, an interested testing site must enroll in the CDPH program, sign an agreement, complete virtual CLIA-waiver certification training, receive free antigen test kits, and complete Primary.Health registration and platform training. Updated August 24, 2023

Hundreds of California school districts served

  • 8M+

    Tests under CDPH

  • 4K+

    Testing sites under CDPH

  • 700+

    School districts under CDPH

Already enrolled and need assistance?

Contact us or call 1-855-970-3223.

CDPH logo
Key Features

Designed with your needs in mind

Automated reporting

Eliminate paperwork and reduce errors by automating state reporting and participant notifications. We provide digital proof of test result/vaccination.

On-site workflow management

We help you test participants quickly and efficiently to minimize organizational disruptions.

Data analytics & dashboards

Monitor program metrics to identify outbreaks quickly and track cases over time at a district level.

Digital participant/parental consent

Easily capture digital signatures and consent of all participants.

Automated result notifications & communication

Communication via the Primary.Health platform is easy, fast, and able to send automated result notifications to participants.

Fully HIPAA-compliant system

Millions of users have registered. Available in 24+ languages. HIPAA-compliant.

Mobile app

The easiest way to record at-home tests! Download it on the Apple Store or on Google Play. For more information on the app, click here.

Additional services

  • Registration, consent, resulting, and reporting software

  • Real-time data and dashboards customized for your organization

  • Account management

  • CLIA-waiver certificate

  • The knowledge you are helping to keep your community safe by providing these testing services!

  • Access to a call center to support participants

Eligibility

Who is eligible to enroll in this program?

K-12 schools and districts

K-12 schools and districts, public, private, charter

Residential care facilities

Residential care facilities for the elderly (adult day care centers, retirement homes, skilled nursing, etc.)

Community sites

Including but not limited to community sites, daycare/preschool centers, employers, colleges, faith-based organizations, local health departments, sports clubs, non-profits

Organizations with their own CLIA

Organizations that have their own CLIA and do not need the CLIA certification from CDPH

Timeline

Enrollment timeline and steps

Follow these simple steps to enroll:

Step 1

Apply for the Rapid Antigen Program here. Expect a response within 5-7 days from CDPH Testing Task Force Team.

Step 2

Sign MOU with CDPH & order test kits.

Step 3

Get access to the Primary.Health platform via the welcome email.

Step 4

Complete required CDPH & Primary.Health software training.

Step 5

Begin testing! Communicate to testing participants & get support from the Primary.Health team at any time.

Testimonials

What they say about us

Public Programs

Our findings helped us communicate with community residents how widespread COVID-19 infection rates were in the early days of this pandemic aiding in crushing the curve and saving lives.
Primary Health
  • Rachel J. Keith, Ph.D., APRN, ANP-C
  • Assistant Professor of Medicine
  • University of Louisville

Public Programs

It has helped parents trust that we are paying attention, it has taken the pressure off families to find tests, it has helped us keep kids in school.
  • Cory Powers
  • Grade School Administration Coordinator
  • San Francisco Waldorf School

Public Programs

…and from the start has supported communities in scaling testing programs to those who otherwise may not have had access.
naomi
  • Naomi Bardach
  • MD lead
  • Safe Schools for All

Public Programs

I’ve always been about seats at the table and the importance of representation where brainstorming sessions and decisions happen. And it’s not only about physical diversity for decisions, but it’s also about inclusion with neurodiversity and realizing our strength in democratizing knowledge. It’s rare to be part of a company culture where there’s so much inherent trust with each other to do the right thing and make the best decisions that help everyone.
Primary Health
  • Jacky So
  • Sr. Director of Technical Platforms and Innovation

Public Programs

Working for a mission oriented company like Primary makes going to work very rewarding, day in and day out. Being able to make a difference in the health equity and health tech space is incredibly motivating. Everyone at Primary is committed to collaboration! In addition, Primary’s benefits are very focused on self and professional development, and offers its employees opportunities to learn and explore new areas in the tech space.
Primary Health
  • Tyler Martins
  • Product Manager

Click below to apply for the CDPH Antigen Testing Program

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should we direct to CDPH?

CDPH is responsible for final approval of organizations, test kit distribution, training records, and the courier network. For more information, visit CDPH.

What does Primary.Health support?

The Primary.Health software platform supports the general testing program. We help you set up accounts, register participants, report results, and other software tasks.

What test types does this program cover?

Currently, this program only supports rapid antigen tests.

Must my entire staff attend training?

Yes! All staff with access to the Primary.Health platform MUST attend a CDPH hands-on training and complete the quiz. The system is reconciled weekly and administrators who do not meet training requirements will be disabled.

Do I need to import my participant list?

No, this is optional. Most organizations email the registration link to their distribution list and have participants register that way. If you prefer to have your roster imported, submit the Primary.Health Support Request Form and select Data.

Is using Primary.Health required?

Testing is no longer required by CDPH. However, if you do enroll in this optional program, you will use Primary.Health.

My account says it is “In development.” How do I activate it?

Email CDPH for account information: CommunityRapidTesting@cdph.ca.gov

Helpful Links

Free HIPAA training

Learn the basics of the HIPAA Privacy rule, which outlines who gets to use PHI and how they can use it.

Resources for CA parents

California Schools COVID-19 Resource Guide For Parents

Resources for CA schools

California Schools COVID-19 Resource Guide For Schools, School Administrators & Teachers

mobile app
Teacher wearing mask in the classroom
Primary App

Did you know we have an app?

Download the Primary Health Pass mobile app here to make reporting at-home test results even easier!

What’s your story?

Tell us. We can help.