H.B. No. 2854, also known as the Pokuaa-Flowers Act, introduces new regulations regarding hospital visits for individuals released on parole or mandatory supervision for certain offenses. The bill mandates that a parole panel must prohibit these releasees from visiting general hospitals for non-medical purposes unless they receive prior approval from their supervising parole officer. The releasee must specify the date, time, and reason for the visit in their request. If approved, the parole officer is required to notify the chief law enforcement officer of the hospital or the local law enforcement agency about the visit.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the Department of State Health Services will maintain an electronic database containing contact information for law enforcement officers at general hospitals. It also provides liability protections for both the department and general hospitals, stating they are not liable for damages resulting from visits by releasees, provided that the parole officer has made an effort to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. The provisions of this act will apply only to individuals released on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

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