Senate Bill 2286

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 41-79-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE NOTIFIED IF A STUDENT HAS HAD HEAD LICE OR NITS 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 OR NITS; 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 OR 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 student is clean of head lice or nits.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.