S. 668: Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025, aims to enhance the prevention of falls among veterans, an important issue given the health risks and high costs associated with falls. Here are the main components of the bill:

Establishment of Falls Prevention Office

The bill establishes the Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This office will:

• Monitor and improve healthcare services related to falls prevention for veterans.
• Develop and implement standards of care for falls prevention.
• Provide technical assistance to VA medical facilities and programs that help veterans at home.
• Oversee the distribution of resources and information for falls prevention.
• Promote clinical, research, and educational activities in falls prevention.
• Coordinate home modification programs to help prevent falls.

Public Education Campaign

The Chief Officer of Falls Prevention will oversee a national education campaign aimed at:

• Veterans at risk of falls, their families, and healthcare providers.
• Reducing falls and increasing awareness of available resources and services for preventing falls.

The office will also have the authority to award grants to support local educational initiatives.

Research Initiatives

The bill mandates the Chief Officer to collaborate with the Office of Research and Development and the National Institute on Aging to create research projects focused on:

• Evidence-based falls prevention programs tailored for veterans.
• Home modifications for veterans and addressing medication management that could pose fall risks.
• Safe patient handling and mobility practices to improve safety in various healthcare settings.

Subject Matter Expert Panel

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the National Institute on Aging are required to establish a joint committee of experts to provide recommendations for effective falls prevention interventions.

Safe Handling Transfer Techniques

The bill requires the VA to update its guidelines for healthcare providers regarding safe patient handling and movement. Key requirements include:

• Training for all providers on safe handling techniques.
• Access to necessary technology and equipment for safe patient transfer in all medical settings.

Pilot Program for Home Improvements

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is instructed to evaluate the feasibility of a pilot program that offers home improvements to prevent falls for veterans. A report must be submitted to Congress detailing plans or reasons for not proceeding with the program.

Reporting Requirements

By certain deadlines, the Chief Officer must submit reports evaluating falls prevention initiatives within the VA, including:

• Assessment procedures and interventions related to falls.
• Data on home modification grants and their effectiveness in preventing falls.

Falls Assessment in Nursing Homes

The bill introduces required falls risk assessments for veterans in nursing homes who have fallen or are at risk. Licensed physical or occupational therapists must conduct these assessments and provide appropriate fall prevention services.

Extended Care Services

Annual falls risk assessments and prevention services will also be mandated for extended care services provided by the VA.

Time Frame and Amendments

Some provisions, such as nursing home care requirements, will be time-limited until September 30, 2028. The bill also amends sections of the Older Americans Act to incorporate veterans' affairs, ensuring veterans' perspectives are considered in broader aging initiatives.

Relevant Companies

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