SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025

Improved Safety Through Standards: The establishment of the Office of Falls Prevention allows for the development and implementation of standards of care to decrease the incidence of falls (Section 2(a)(b)(2)).

Increased Awareness: The Chief Officer will oversee a national education campaign directed at veterans at risk for falls, their families, and healthcare providers to increase awareness of available benefits and services (Section 2(a)(c)(1)).

Targeted Research: The bill directs research into evidence-based prevention programs, including medication management/polypharmacy and safe patient handling/mobility (Section 2(a)(d)(2)).

Enhanced Medical Facilities: The bill requires medical facilities to have access to safe patient handling and mobility technology, including immediate access in emergency settings (Section 2(c)(2)).

Mandatory Risk Assessments in Nursing Homes: For individuals determined to have fallen or be at risk of falling, the Secretary must ensure a licensed physical or occupational therapist conducts a falls risk assessment and provides prevention services (Section 3(a)).

Extended Care Benefits: The bill adds a requirement for annual falls risk assessments and prevention services by licensed therapists for those receiving extended care services (Section 3(b)).

Potential Organizational Changes: The Under Secretary for Health has the authority to reorganize existing offices within the Veterans Health Administration to avoid duplication with the new Office (Section 2(a)(5)).

Uncertainty of Pilot Program: While a pilot program for home improvements and structural alterations is proposed, the Secretary must first determine if it is even feasible or advisable to carry it out (Section 2(d)(1)).