The Commissioner of Correction, at the commissioner’s discretion, may extend the limits of the place of confinement of an inmate as to whom there is reasonable belief he or she will honor his or her trust, by authorizing the inmate under prescribed conditions to visit a specifically designated place or places, within or without the state, for periods not exceeding forty-five days and return to the same or another institution or facility. Such periods may be renewed at the discretion of the commissioner. Such furlough may be granted only to permit a visit to a dying relative, attendance at the funeral of a relative, the obtaining of medical services not otherwise available, the contacting of prospective employers or for any compelling reason consistent with rehabilitation. Any inmate who fails to return from furlough as provided in the furlough agreement shall be guilty of the crime of escape in the first degree.