INDIANAPOLIS (AP)— The Indiana House has approved a bill requiring criminal background checks for anyone seeking a new license to be a doctor, dentist or several other health care jobs.

The House voted 95-0 Tuesday in favor of the bill, which would permit state boards to deny licenses to those with criminal offenses affecting the person's ability to perform his or her duties. The Senate has approved a similar version of the bill, which would allow state boards to randomly select some seeking license renewals for criminal checks.

State officials say current law relies on workers to accurately self-report convictions. An Indianapolis Star investigation last year found several instances in which nurses didn't report arrests or convictions.

Nearly 200,000 people are licensed or certified among the 20 professions specified in the bill.

Posted 4/20/2011