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 specific 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 is required to submit a request detailing the date, time, and reason for the visit. If approved, the parole officer must notify the appropriate law enforcement agency or hospital chief of the visit.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the Department of State Health Services will maintain an electronic database containing contact information for law enforcement officials at general hospitals. It also outlines liability protections for both the department and hospitals, stating that they are not liable for damages resulting from visits by releasees, provided that the parole officer has made an effort to notify the relevant authorities. 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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