APTQI Supports Legislation Aimed at Fall Prevention Among Aging Veterans 

APTQI supports recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would mandate various measures to help reduce falls among aging veterans by connecting them with physical therapy care. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act (H.R. 3183/S. 668) would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs.

Introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) and in the U.S. House by Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-2), Jack Bergman (R-MI-1), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), the bill would enable veterans to access physical therapist-provided falls prevention services to reduce falls-related emergency room visits, injuries, and deaths.

Physical and occupational therapists play a crucial role in assessing fall risks and creating personalized care plans to help veterans maintain their independence and reduce dependence on addictive opioid pain medication. Improving access to fall prevention practices is also shown to decrease healthcare spending and improve patient quality of life.

“APTQI is proud to support this legislation, particularly among our veterans who are more prone to complex and chronic medical conditions,” said APTQI Executive Director Nikesh Patel, PT. “Enacting measures to reduce falls, including risk assessments and education programs as part of the VHA, can help improve the health and safety for older veterans.”

To learn more about H.R. 3183, CLICK HERE, and S. 668, CLICK HERE.