APTQI Awards Reps. Miller and Stansbury 2025 Falls Prevention Leadership Awards for Safeguarding Seniors’ Access to Physical Therapy
The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation recently awarded Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV-01) and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01) with 2025 Falls Prevention Leadership Awards for their continued commitment to protecting older Americans from falls by expanding access to physical and occupational therapy.
Reps. Miller and Stansbury are lead sponsors of the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1171), introduced in both the 118th and 119th Congresses. If passed, this legislation would allow physical and occupational therapists to provide no-cost fall risk assessments to Medicare beneficiaries’ during their annual wellness visit or initial preventative exam. The bill will also require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of falls experienced by seniors and the number that received treatment for pain or injury related to a fall.
The SAFE Act is an important step toward preventing dangerous falls, saving lives, and reducing healthcare spending. Over 14 million older Americans report falling every year, making falls the #1 leading cause of injury and death among adults aged 65 and older. Data suggest the cost of treating falls will increase to $101 billion annually by 2030.
Thanks to Reps. Miller and Stansbury’s leadership, more seniors will be able to access physical and occupational therapy services to help improve their balance, strength, and independence while also creating savings for our healthcare system. APTQI remains grateful to Reps. Miller and Stansbury for their continued partnership and steadfast support of the physical and occupational therapy community.
