SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025
SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would create a new Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration to help prevent falls among veterans—a significant health concern for aging veterans. The office would develop and run educational campaigns for veterans and their families about fall prevention, improve VA services related to falls, and conduct research and evaluation on these programs. The bill would also bring the VA into a federal committee focused on healthy aging, ensuring veterans' needs are considered in broader aging-related policy discussions. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects veterans, especially older veterans who are at higher risk of falls and related injuries.
It also impacts VA healthcare providers and staff, as well as veterans' families who could benefit from fall prevention education. The VA would need to implement new programs and dedicate resources to this office. **Current Status:** The bill (S 668) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Angus King (I-ME) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It has not been passed into law.
CRS Official Summary
Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025 or the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025This bill addresses certain mobility and aging care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).First, the bill requires the establishment and operation of the Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for purposes of providing, evaluating, and improving VA health care services related to falls prevention.Among other duties, the office must oversee and support a national education campaign for veterans, their families, and health care providers that focuses on reducing falls and increases awareness of available benefits or services provided by the VA to reduce falls.The bill also expands membership of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities by including the VA.The VA must issue or update directives of the VHA for facilities and providers relating to safe patient handling and mobility policies.Additionally, the VA must determine the feasibility and advisability of implementing a pilot program to provide home improvements and structural alterations to prevent falls for veterans who are eligible for such services under VA laws.Finally, the bill requires the VA to ensure certain veterans receive a falls risk assessment from a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist.
Latest Action
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.