(a) The governing board of a hospital licensed under §16B-3-2 of this code may establish a hospital police department and appoint qualified individuals to serve as hospital police officers upon any premises owned or leased by the hospital and under the jurisdiction of the governing board, subject to the conditions and restrictions established in this section.

1. (1) A person who fulfills the certification requirements for law-enforcement officers under §30-29-5 of this code is considered qualified for appointment as a hospital police officer.
2. (2) A retired police officer may qualify for appointment as a hospital police officer if he or she meets the certification requirements under §30-29-5 of this code.

3. (3) Before performing duties as a hospital police officer in any county, a person shall qualify as is required of county police officers by:

   1. (A) Taking and filing an oath of office as required by §6-1-1 et seq. of this code; and
   2. (B) Posting an official bond as required by §6-2-1 et seq. of this code.

(c) It is the duty of a hospital police officer to preserve law and order:

1. (1) On the premises under the jurisdiction of the governing board and its affiliated properties; and

2. (2) On any street, road, or thoroughfare, except controlled access highways, immediately adjacent to or passing through the premises under the jurisdiction of the governing board, to which the officer is assigned by the chief executive officer or his or her designee: Provided, That a hospital police officer may only enforce the provisions of §17C-1-1 et seq. of this code upon request of a local law-enforcement agency.

   1. (A) For the purposes of this subdivision, the hospital police officer is a law-enforcement officer pursuant to the provisions of §30-29-1 et seq. of this code;
   2. (B) The hospital police officer has and may exercise all the powers and authority of a law-enforcement officer as to offenses committed within the area assigned;
   3. (C) The hospital police officer is subject to all the requirements and responsibilities of a law-enforcement officer;
   4. (D) Authority assigned pursuant to this subdivision does not supersede in any way the authority or duty of other law-enforcement officers to preserve law and order on such hospital premises;

   5. (E) Hospital police officers may assist a local law-enforcement agency on public highways. The assistance may be provided to control traffic in and around premises owned by the state or political subdivision when:

      1. (i) Traffic is generated as a result of activities or events conducted or sponsored by the hospital; and
      2. (ii) The assistance has been requested by the local law-enforcement agency;
   6. (F) Hospital police officers may assist a local law-enforcement agency in any location under the agency’s jurisdiction at the specific request of the agency; and
   7. (G) Hospital police officers shall enforce the general policies and procedures of the hospital as established by the chief executive officer or his or her designee.

(g) A hospital police officer shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability unless one of the following applies:

1. (1) His or her acts or omissions were manifestly outside the scope of employment or official responsibilities;
2. (2) His or her acts or omissions were with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner; or
3. (3) Liability is expressly imposed upon the hospital police officer by any other provision of this code.