BOSTON — Homecare workers will be required to undergo criminal background screenings and regular training under a bill approved by the state House of Representatives Wednesday as part of an overhaul of rules for the largely unregulated industry.

The legislation, which passed by a vote of 153-0, will require the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services to set up a new licensing process for homecare workers. It also gives the state agency the authority to approve licenses and investigate allegations of neglect or abuse of elders under the care of licensed homecare agencies.

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