(a) The governing board of a hospital licensed under 16-5B-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) 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.