119-S-668 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Create a dedicated Office of Falls Prevention inside the VA and require regular fall‑risk assessments so veterans are less likely to be hurt by preventable falls. [3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.668 — Bill Text (Introduced in Senate)

What It Does

The bill sets up a VA Office of Falls Prevention to coordinate standards of care, staff training, and resources across VA facilities; runs a national education campaign; coordinates with the National Institute on Aging on research; updates safe‑patient‑handling policies; explores a pilot to fund home modifications to prevent falls; and requires fall‑risk assessments and prevention services (e.g., in VA nursing homes and as an annual extended‑care service) by licensed physical or occupational therapists. [3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.668 — Bill Text (Introduced in Senate)

Who’s For It

• Lead sponsors: Sen. Angus King (I‑ME) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R‑SD) in the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (bipartisan). [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.668 - SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 202…
• AARP endorses the bill, arguing it would help older veterans prevent dangerous, costly falls and age safely at home. [4]AARP — AARP backs SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act (endorsement article, updated Apr…
• Occupational therapy advocates (AOTA) highlight the bill’s role for OTs in home safety assessments and prevention. [5]American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) — New Bills Highlight OTs’ Rol…
• Companion effort in the House (H.R. 3183) indicates cross‑chamber interest. [6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — H.R. 3183 — SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of…

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition statements were evident in major public trackers as of December 12, 2025; a formal CBO cost estimate has not yet been posted. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.668 - SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 202…
• Common concerns that could arise in debate: creating a new office may add bureaucracy or duplicate existing VA programs; implementation will depend on funding, staffing, and clear standards.

What’s Next

• Status: In the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee; a hearing was held on December 10, 2025. Next step would be a committee markup and vote before any full‑Senate action. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.668 - SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 202…
• A House companion (H.R. 3183) has been introduced. If both chambers pass versions, differences would be reconciled before sending a final bill to the President. [6]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — H.R. 3183 — SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of…