FRANKFORT, KY - Governor Steve Beshear today ceremonially signed legislation that has wide-ranging implications for improving child and family health in Kentucky.

"This legislation contains several elements to help some of the most vulnerable Kentuckians, from infants born prematurely to domestic violence victims to those dealing with life-threatening consequences of the scourge of drug addiction," Gov. Beshear said. "Throughout our administration we have worked diligently to improve the lives of all Kentuckians, especially children. I appreciate the work of all the sponsors, because this bipartisan effort shows that we're committed to making lives better for children and families."

Among the directives of House Bill 366 are:

Establishment of the Perinatal Advisory Committee;

Standards for keeping domestic violence victims' mailing addresses confidential;

Inclusion of underinsured individuals and the Kentucky Free Health Clinic Association with the Kentucky Physicians Care Program;

Speeds approval of medical providers who have completed enrollment processes for managed care organizations (MCOs);

Allows physicians to prescribe and pharmacists to distribute naloxone so that third parties may administer the potentially lifesaving drug to opiate overdose victims;

Requires insurance coverage for milk fortifiers for premature infants or infants born with extremely low birthweights; and

Enhances accountability for ongoing state investments for the Health Access Nurturing Development Services [HANDS] programs.