Days before he's expected to plead guilty to government corruption charges, former agriculture commissioner Richie Farmer has asked permission to take a trip out of state.

According to court documents, Farmer says his father is in a Kentucky hospital, but could be transferred to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. If that happens, Farmer wants permission to take his mother to and from the hospital.

A judge will allow that, on a schedule pre-approved by the U.S. probation office.

He also has to make all court appearances, including a re-arraignment Friday, where he's expected to plead guilty.