Reps. Miller, Stansbury Reintroduce the SAFE Act

WASHINGTON—Congresswomen Carol Miller (R-WV) and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) reintroduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act. The SAFE Act aims to permit occupational and physical therapists to administer falls risks assessments for seniors as part of their Medicare annual wellness benefit. The bill would also require the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress on the number of falls experienced by seniors, as well as the number of seniors that received treatment for pain or injury related to a fall each year.

“Seniors should have sufficient resources available to protect themselves as they age,” Miller said. “With this additional data, there will be more accountability and transparency on how we can protect those who are at risk of falling. It’s no secret the U.S. population is aging, and it’s important to have enough information as seniors receive treatment for injuries related to a fall so the health care system can best care for them.”

“Our elders deserve the best care, period,” Stansbury said. “It is crucial to help them and their families maintain a good quality of life. That’s why I am proudly co-leading the bipartisan SAFE Act, empowering occupational therapists to assess fall risks for seniors and implement vital interventions to reduce falls—the leading cause of injury and death among our elders. Together, we will care for them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Multiple senior care and therapy industry members applauded the work of Miller and Stansbury, including representatives from the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Marshall Health Network and APTQI.

“Falls are the number one cause of injuries and death for Americans over 65,” said Nikesh Patel, executive director of APTQI. “The SAFE Act is an essential investment in the health and well-being of our aging population. By incorporating physical and occupational therapy services into Medicare wellness visits, we can provide older Americans with the preventative care they need to live safely and independently, while also mitigating opioid use and dependence.”