LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear signed three healthcare-focused bills into law this week, advancing state initiatives to support Alzheimer's disease patients, strengthen organ donation safeguards and expand prosthetics coverage for Kentuckians.

The governor signed House Bills 393 and 510 and Senate Bill 97 as part of his broader healthcare agenda. "Health care is a basic human right, and there are so many areas we can invest and improve to better support Kentuckians throughout their lifetime," Beshear said in a statement.

House Bill 393 requires the Office of Dementia and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Council to produce annual progress reports on efforts to meet goals outlined in Kentucky's Alzheimer's and Related Dementias state plan. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer, R-Morgantown, advanced unanimously through the Senate.

House Bill 510 establishes new safeguards for the organ donation process. Sponsored by House Majority Whip Jason Nemes of Middletown, the bill creates a standardized "pause in procedure" requirement that must be followed when concerns arise during organ procurement that could affect a patient's medical status or eligibility. The measure was motivated by a 2021 incident in which a Kentucky man nearly had his organs harvested while he remained alive and responsive. The legislation preserves existing end-of-life protections and does not interfere with federally designated organ procurement organizations.

Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, requires health benefit plans to cover prosthetics and orthotics designed for physical activity, including devices for running, swimming and biking. The bill passed the House unanimously before reaching the governor's desk.

The organ donation bill has drawn support from patient advocates and procurement organizations. Network for Hope, the organ procurement organization serving Kentucky, announced support for the measure, citing its role in rebuilding public trust in the donation process.

"From ensuring progress is being made for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers to delivering coverage for prosthetics and more, this legislation will provide support and processes that help move our commonwealth forward," Beshear said.