Pediculosis (Lice) Screening and Documentation

Introduction

Date of Last Review 9/5/08
SME: Infection Control Manager

This topic provides information about screening, treating, and documenting pediculosis infestations.

Screening and documentation

This table describes the process for screening, treating, and documenting for pediculosis.

Stage	Description
1	This table describes what happens: WHEN a patient reports and/or exhibits symptoms of lice infestation... THEN... Upon admission The licensed nurse admitting the patient screens the patient for head and body lice During hospitalization An RN or MD screens the patient for head and body lice
2	This table describes what happens next: WHEN the results are... THEN the nurse, RN, or MD records the results in the patient's record and... Positive The process continues with Stage 3. Negative The process is complete.
3	The nurse, RN, or MD reports the positive results to the following: Attending physician Result: The attending physician orders and follows-up on treatment Infection Control Department
4	The nurse, RN, or MD documents the following: Name of physician notified Time notified Orders given, if any Orders initiated, if applicable

Related standards

The Joint Commission : Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Infection

If you have questions regarding the content of this site please contact the Policy and Procedure Committee. If you experience any technical problems please contact the MIS Department.