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 any purpose other than receiving medical treatment unless they obtain prior approval from their supervising parole officer. The releasee's request for a hospital visit must include specific details such as the date, time, and reason for the visit. Additionally, the parole officer is required to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency or hospital chief of the visit once approved.

The bill also establishes that the Department of State Health Services will maintain an electronic database containing contact information for law enforcement officers at general hospitals. Importantly, the legislation provides liability protections for both the department and general hospitals, stating that they will not be liable for damages resulting from visits by releasees, provided that the parole officer has made an effort to notify the relevant authorities. This act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to individuals released on parole or mandatory supervision after this date.

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