Work continues in Washington, D.C., to pass the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act. Originally proposed in the spring of 2024, the SAFE Act would include a fall risk assessment by a physical or occupational therapist as part of a Medicare beneficiary’s annual wellness visit.  

The bill addresses two concerns with our aging population–falls and opioid addiction risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 or older experience falls yearly, amassing nearly 300 million incidents annually. Additionally, 1 in 5 seniors are likely to experience a serious injury because of a fall. For those who suffer critical injury, such as a vertebral or extremity fracture, there becomes an increased risk for opioid use, which is often prescribed to treat pain at the onset of the injury.  

The SAFE Act avoids compounding these two potential issues by integrating a fall risk assessment into annual visits and creating opportunities for seniors to access the care they need. Research indicates that strengthening exercises and balance training provided by a physical therapist can help lower fall risk by as much as 31% and allow seniors to continue to lead healthy and independent lives.   

While the bill has yet to be officially adopted, ATI Physical Therapy is proud to continue working alongside the APTQI and other like-minded organizations as they gather research and garner additional support for the bill. Visit the APTQI website to learn more about fall risks, opioid use prevention, and the SAFE Act.