Research findings have been contradictory regarding risk factors for falls in the acute-care setting. Identification of factors that place individuals at risk of falling in this setting are a priority because falls result in high morbidity and mortality and thus increased health care costs. The purpose of this study was to extend knowledge beyond the known risk factors of age and medical diagnosis by comparing the characteristics of 301 adults who fell while hospitalized with a matched sample of adults who did not fall while hospitalized.