(a) The director of a state jail felony facility may grant a furlough to a defendant so that the defendant may:
(1) obtain a medical diagnosis or medical treatment;
(2) obtain treatment and supervision at a facility operated by the Health and Human Services Commission;
(3) attend a funeral or visit a critically ill relative; or
(4) participate in a programmatic activity sanctioned by the department.
(b) The department shall adopt policies for the administration of the furlough program.
(c) A defendant furloughed under this section is considered to be in the custody of the department, even if the defendant is not under physical guard while furloughed.