Promoting Falls Prevention Legislation on Capitol Hill

In response to escalating concerns related to falls and fall-related injuries among the aging population, top health and safety organizations led by the The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), the Archstone Foundation and the Home Safety Council, have collaborated in an initiative entitled Falls Free: Promoting a National Falls Prevention Action Plan. Released March 9, the National Action Plan is a one of its kind monograph that addresses the challenges and barriers related to a national falls prevention initiative and outlines key strategies and action steps to help reduce fall dangers for older adults.

Preventing falls among older adults is an issue that has captured the attention of key Members of Congress and legislation has been introduced in the last several sessions of Congress to address this important injury prevention issue. In the 108th Congress, The Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act of 2004, passed in the Senate thanks to the leadership of the bill’s cosponsors, Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY). The House version did not pass, but the legislation will most likely be reintroduced this Congress.

Both Sen. Mikulski and Sen. Enzi are aware of the tremendous need for increased attention to this important issue. “Falls don’t discriminate,” said Sen. Mikulski, ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Aging. “Everyone has a friend or family member who has fallen. This is a serious public health problem that directly affects our seniors and their family members. That is why I have worked in Congress to try and find ways we can reduce and prevent elder falls, and will continue to fight for this important issue.”

Sen. Enzi, who is Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is also concerned with the issue. “Anyone who has an elderly parent, relative or friend who lives alone knows about the concern that comes with an unanswered phone call,” said Sen. Enzi. “For many of our nation’s elderly, a fall means serious injury. Anything we can do to help prevent falls and ease our minds deserves praise. Education, prevention and early intervention are the best courses of action to keep our elderly safe from falls.”

The Keeping Seniors Safe From Falls Act of 2004 that passed the Senate last year sought to amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and report to Congress on the effects of falls on health care costs, the potential for reducing falls, and the most effective strategies for reducing health care costs associated with falls.

Other key components of the legislation included directing the Secretary to oversee and support a national education campaign focusing on reducing falls among older adults and preventing repeat falls and award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for local education campaigns.