(1) The board has the power to cause to be released on parole any person the department has declared eligible for parole consideration.
(2) No person convicted of a sex crime shall be released on parole unless a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist designated as a health service provider has evaluated the inmate and determined to a reasonable medical or psychological certainty that the inmate does not pose the likelihood of committing sexual assaults upon release from confinement. The evaluations shall be provided by psychiatrists or licensed psychologists designated as health service providers whose services are contracted for and funded by the board.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter relating to parole eligibility, and when acting pursuant to the Tennessee Contract Sentencing Act of 1979, compiled in chapter 34 of this title, the board is authorized to release a prisoner on parole on the date specified in a sentencing agreement entered into by the prisoner and the board. In granting parole, the board may impose any conditions and limitations that the board deems necessary.