MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
1997 Regular Session
To: Public Health and Welfare
By: Representative Manning
House Bill 154
(As Sent to Governor)
AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE NOTIFIED IF A STUDENT HAS HAD HEAD LICE ON THREE CONSECUTIVE OCCASIONS WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOL; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL INSTRUCT THE CHILD'S PARENTS OR GUARDIANS ON HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF HEAD LICE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CHARGE THE CHILD'S PARENTS A FEE TO RECOVER ITS COSTS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE CHILD MAY NOT ATTEND SCHOOL UNTIL THE LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER CERTIFIES THAT THE CHILD IS FREE OF HEAD LICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. If a student in any public elementary or secondary school has had head lice on three (3) consecutive occasions during one (1) school year while attending school, or if the parent of the student has been notified by school officials that the student has had head lice on three (3) consecutive occasions in one (1) school year, as determined by the school nurse, public health nurse or a physician, the principal or administrator shall notify the county health department of the recurring problem of head lice with that student. The county health department then shall instruct the child's parents or guardians on how to treat head lice, eliminate head lice from household items, and prevent the recurrence of head lice. The county health department shall charge the child's parents or guardians a fee to recover its costs of providing treatment and counseling for the head lice. The school principal or administrator shall not allow the child to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.