House Bill 737

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-79-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NOTIFICATION AND TREATMENT PROVISIONS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE HEAD LICE TO ALSO INCLUDE STUDENTS WHO HAVE LICE NITS; 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 or nits 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 or nits 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 or nits with that student. The county health department then shall instruct the child's parents or guardians on how to treat head lice or nits, eliminate head lice or nits from household items, and prevent the recurrence of head lice or nits. 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 or nits. The school principal or administrator shall not allow the child to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained and the child is clear of lice or nits.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.