MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Representative Manning

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-79-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE THREE OCCASIONS OF A STUDENT HAVING HEAD LICE NEED TO BE CONSECUTIVE OCCASIONS BEFORE THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAY PROVIDE ASSISTANCE ABOUT TREATING LICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 41-79-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

41-79-21. If a student in any public elementary or secondary school has had head lice on three (3) * * * 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) * * * 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 July 1, 1999.