class head checks

[momnurse23]

First, do you do class head checks when a student is found to have lice? Second, if you do, what is your procedure...do you wash hands between each child? I've had a few cases this year where the parents are causing a stir and it just seems easier to check the class and say "nope didn't get them from here." I just don't think I'm doing this in a safe, effective, and efficient way. Your help is appreciated. Thanks !

[Artistyc1]

Thanks for sharing. What state passed that law?

I was wondering about that, as well. I only know it to be a district by district policy/procedure issue.

[LACA, BSN, LPN, RN]

I was wondering about that, as well. I only know it to be a district by district policy/procedure issue.

It was made a state law in TN. I have a copy of the "Notice of Rulemaking Hearing" by the Department of State and all the details of when they changed it. It basically removes lice from being listed in the section that lists diseases that require exclusion and then goes on to say that school authorities shall follow the CDC guidelines for any child who is suspected to have or has lice.

[SchoolNurseBSN]

According to our state law that recently changed, it is against the law for us to single a child out for head lice. They can no longer be sent home, and they can no longer be sent to the nurse's office to be checked. If a child is suspected to have head lice,the entire class is checked and a call is made to the parents to inform them. If they wish to come get the child, that is entirely their decision. If not, the child remains in class as usual until the end of the day. We were informed of this policy change earlier in the year and I really thought there would be a big stink about it, but the reaction has actually been pretty good. I still deal with some staff who are completely freaked out about it and/or like to complain about the policy, but overall, I've gotten good compliance .

Wow, that is awesome! I have had students present to me walked down by a classmate and the classmate says "nurse, she got bugs." Most likely, the entire class now knows and this child is humiliated. That just burns me up and I politely ask that teacher to keep the issue private and not to single anyone out.

I am really passionate about this topic. Children have missed so much of their education for something that is not even a medical problem - but just a nuisance. I educate, educate, educate as much as possible and stand pretty firm against mass screenings. I know several nurses who do mass screeings to appease staff and guess what? that is pretty much the only thing they do now!