Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury have introduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act. The bill aims to permit occupational and physical therapists to administer falls risks assessments for seniors as part of their Medicare Annual Wellness benefit. It will also require Health and Human Services to provide Congress with a report on the number of falls experienced by seniors and the treatment they receive for fall-related injuries each year.

Congresswoman Miller emphasized the importance of the SAFE Act, stating, "Seniors should have ample resources available to protect themselves as they age." She highlighted the accountability and transparency that will come with therapists conducting falls risk assessments for seniors.

Congresswoman Stansbury echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the vulnerability of the elderly population and the need to provide them with the necessary support. She stated, "We must continue to care for them with dignity and respect."

The American Physical Therapy Association expressed support for the legislation, with APTA President Roger Herr stating, "By helping to reduce the risk of falls, this legislation will improve patients’ lives and provide cost-savings."

Nikesh Patel, Executive Director of APTQI, commended Representatives Miller and Stansbury for introducing the SAFE Act, noting the significant financial burden and health implications of falls for seniors. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures to keep seniors independent and reduce hospital visits and opioid usage.

Alyson Stover, President of the American Occupational Therapy Association, highlighted the role of occupational therapy practitioners in assessing factors contributing to falls and providing interventions to reduce fall and injury risk. She emphasized the potential of the SAFE Act to decrease emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to falls.

The National Rural Health Association also expressed appreciation for the SAFE Act, recognizing its potential to expand access to critical providers for at-risk seniors in rural areas and prevent falls, a leading cause of death and injury among older adults.