Learn how the SAFE Act (H.R. 7618) can elevate healthcare standards by improving falls prevention and screening, providing valuable support to physical therapists and their patients.
As a physical therapist, patient safety and quality care are at the core of our profession. The proposed SAFE Act (H.R. 7618), formally known as the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, is legislation that can potentially elevate healthcare standards across various fields, including physical therapy. Introduced by Representatives Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), this bipartisan bill aims to improve falls prevention and screening practices in Medicare, offering significant benefits to physical therapists and the patients we serve.
Learn more about the SAFE Act (H.R. 7618) in this message from Rep. Carol Mill (R-W.Va)
The SAFE Act is designed to make falls screening, including those conducted by physical therapists, a regular part of Medicare’s Initial Preventive Physical Examination (commonly known as the "Welcome to Medicare" visit) and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This would ensure that older adults who are identified as having experienced a fall in the previous year are referred to a physical therapist for falls screening and prevention services(American Physical Therapy Association)(Congress.gov | Library of Congress).
By integrating physical therapy into routine preventive care for Medicare beneficiaries, the SAFE Act helps solidify our role as essential healthcare providers for older adults. The act's focus on reducing falls is critical for a population at high risk of fall-related injuries, which are a leading cause of emergency room visits and long-term disability. This would improve patient outcomes and also highlight the importance of physical therapy as a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to preventing falls and reducing healthcare costs.
Evidence-Based Prevention and Legal Protections
Falls prevention is one of the most evidence-supported interventions in physical therapy. Research has shown that interventions led by physical therapists can reduce the incidence of falls and their associated costs. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), seeing a PT early for falls-related services can save an estimated $2,100 per episode of care, primarily through avoided emergency department visits and hospital admissions (American Physical Therapy Association).
The SAFE Act encourages falls prevention and promotes legal pathways that hold healthcare providers accountable. By ensuring that older adults at risk of falls receive prompt, evidence-based intervention, the bill would support the standardization of care in physical therapy practices and encourage better adherence to clinical guidelines. Physical therapists who follow these guidelines would benefit from reduced liability risks and enhanced patient and healthcare partners' trust.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations in Physical Therapy
As healthcare providers, we often work with vulnerable populations such as older adults and those recovering from surgery or injury. The SAFE Act aims to protect these groups by 
ensuring that falls prevention is not an afterthought but an integral part of their healthcare journey. Under this legislation, Medicare beneficiaries who have fallen in the previous year would automatically be referred to a physical therapist for a comprehensive falls risk assessment during their annual wellness visit. This proactive approach aligns perfectly with our profession’s commitment to improving mobility and preventing further injury(American Physical Therapy Association).
The act also underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. Physicians and physical therapists would work closely to identify at-risk individuals and implement falls prevention strategies. This supports better patient outcomes and fosters collaboration across healthcare professions.
Advocacy for the SAFE Act: How PTs Can Make a Difference
Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to advocate for the SAFE Act. By supporting this legislation, we champion the value of preventive care and ensure that physical therapy continues to play a critical role in reducing healthcare costs and improving patient safety.
Here are several ways we can support the SAFE Act:
Together, we can advocate for a safer, more transparent healthcare system that prioritizes patient outcomes and recognizes physical therapy's essential role in improving quality of life.
The SAFE Act: A Path to Better, Safer Care
Passing the SAFE Act would be a monumental step in improving healthcare outcomes for older adults, a population that physical therapists frequently serve. By incorporating regular falls screening into Medicare visits and ensuring that those at risk receive timely referrals to physical therapy, the SAFE Act would drastically reduce the incidence of falls and associated healthcare costs. Moreover, the bill recognizes the value of non-invasive, preventive care, positioning physical therapy as a key player in addressing one of the most pressing health issues facing our aging population.
For physical therapists, this is an opportunity to enhance patient safety and promote the long-term sustainability of our profession. Let’s work together to advocate for the SAFE Act and ensure that patient safety and quality care remain central to the future of healthcare.
To learn more about the SAFE Act in this message from Rep. Carole Miller (R-W.Va) or go to APTA.org.
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