Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) introduced the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act, a bipartisan bill designed to help older Veterans avoid dangerous and costly falls. The legislation would require the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to maintain an Office of Falls Prevention and establish a dedicated falls prevention coordinator. It also launches a pilot program to integrate falls prevention services into VA home modification efforts and mandates risk assessments to identify Veterans most vulnerable to falling.

“Falls are the number one cause of injury for Americans over 65, and for our aging Veterans—many of whom face additional health challenges—they can be especially dangerous and costly,” said Rep. Frankel. “This bipartisan bill will help the VA take smart, proactive steps to prevent falls before they happen. For the thousands of senior Veterans in South Florida and across the country, it means a better chance to live safely, independently, and with dignity. We owe our Veterans nothing less.”

Veterans tend to experience more chronic health conditions than non-Veterans, putting them at greater risk for falls that often result in serious injury, hospitalization, or long-term disability. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among adults over age 65, with approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations annually. They cost the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $80 billion per year—a steep increase from $50 billion just a few years ago.

Common causes of falls include lower body weakness, balance and vision issues, vitamin D deficiency, use of certain medications, hearing loss, and home hazards. Preventing falls requires a comprehensive approach—including routine screenings, coordinated care, community-based prevention programs, and safe home environments.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would:

• Maintain an Office of Falls Prevention and establish a falls prevention coordinator within the Veterans Health Administration;
• Direct the falls prevention coordinator to collaborate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop evidence-based, Veteran-specific research on falls prevention;
• Require a comprehensive report on the Department’s Falls Prevention Initiatives;
• Improve Safe Patient Handling Transfer Techniques to ensure safe movement for injured or paralyzed Veterans;
• Create a pilot program to integrate falls prevention into VA home modification grant programs; and
• Establish a Falls Assessment and Fall Prevention Service to identify at-risk Veterans and ensure care plans are tailored to their needs.

The legislation is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and AARP.

The full text of the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act can be found here.

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