Who has discretion to determine whether head lice treatment may take place in a facility?

• A. Clients
• B. State regulatory board
• C. Practitioners or facility owners
• D. Public health department

Answer: (C)

The authority to decide whether head lice treatment may take place in a facility rests with the licensed practitioners who perform the service or the facility owners who operate the establishment. These individuals are responsible for the services offered, ensuring they stay within their licensed scope of practice and comply with infection-control and other regulatory rules. The state regulatory board sets the overarching rules and standards, and public health departments may issue directives in certain situations, but the day-to-day discretion to allow or deny a treatment in a facility is held by the professional and the administrator running the facility. The client doesn’t have the authority to decide—that power lies with the licensee or practitioner who must determine whether the service is appropriate and permissible under the applicable regulations.