SAFE Act Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act
Impact
If enacted, HB7618 will require amendments to the Social Security Act, particularly Section 1861, thus expanding the scope of Medicare to include more comprehensive fall prevention measures. The bill mandates that if a physician determines that an elderly patient has experienced falls in the previous calendar year, such patients should receive falls risk assessments and related preventive services during their annual wellness visit. As a result, this change aims not only to improve individual patient care but also to potentially reduce overall healthcare costs associated with fall-related injuries among the elderly.
Summary
House Bill 7618, known as the 'Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act' or 'SAFE Act', aims to enhance Medicare services by incorporating physical and occupational therapists as recognized health professionals eligible to provide wellness assessments during annual visits. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that physical and occupational therapists play in preventive health care, particularly for older adults who are at increased risk of falls. The bill proposes specific provisions for assessing fall risks and providing preventive services directly related to falls during these wellness visits.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the bill may encounter debates surrounding funding and resource allocation to ensure adequate training and availability of physical and occupational therapy services in various regions. Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the adequacy of therapist availability in rural or underserved areas, which could affect the overall efficacy of the act. As Medicare continues to face budgetary constraints, the implementation of such enhancements may raise questions about priorities in health policy and the integration of additional services within a constrained budget.
SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2024 Supporting Access to Falls Education and prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety initiatives for Veterans Act of 2024
SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2024 Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2024
SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 Supporting Access to Falls Education and prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025
A bill for an act relating to property taxation for commercial child care centers and facilities and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 224.)
A bill for an act relating to property taxation for commercial child care centers and facilities and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 668.)
A bill for an act placing assessment limitations for property tax purposes on commercial child care facilities, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 316.)
A bill for an act placing assessment limitations for property tax purposes on commercial child care facilities, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 991.)