Montgomery, AL – For generations, children with signs of head lice were sent home by the school nurse. Now schools have become less nitpicky.
With the backing of some major health organizations, a majority of schools across the country are allowing youngsters to stay in class if they have nits - that is, lice eggs - but no crawling lice in their hair.
It's a change recommended in 2002 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses, and it has been welcomed by many educators and parents.
Its unclear whether there have been more infestations in recent years as a result of the new, more relaxed policies.
For school officials, it's an issue they can't win.
Sherry Marbury, the state nurse supervisor for the Alabama Department of Education, says she gets call about lice throughout the school year and doesn't expect the debate to end anytime soon.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)