Committee advances bill allowing ITINs for non‑employment educational background checks, with hospitals seeking fingerprint clarifications

Representatives Ricks and Joseph asked the committee to approve House Bill 11‑43 to remove Social Security‑number barriers for non‑employment educational background checks — such as required clinical placements, internships and volunteer roles tied to graduation or licensure — by requiring entities that request a Social Security number to also accept an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

The sponsors framed the bill as an equity and workforce measure that preserves safety: name‑based and fingerprint‑based criminal history checks already allow vetting without a Social Security number, they said. Representative Ricks said the measure is intended to ensure "safety not immigration status determines access to educational and training opportunities."

Hospital, school and legal stakeholders generally supported the bill’s goals but asked for clarified language and a workable path to ensure patient safety. Jason Hoffert, deputized to speak for the Colorado Hospital Association, said hospitals support access but argued that fingerprint‑based checks are the gold standard and requested amendments to make clear that hospitals may use fingerprint checks or the recognized vendor processes rather than rely solely on Social Security or ITIN matching.

Numerous health educators, students and immigrant‑advocacy groups testified in support, arguing that requiring a Social Security number blocks qualified candidates from completing degree or licensure requirements. Nursing and education program witnesses described cases in which students were prevented from finishing required clinical hours because they lacked a Social Security number; witnesses said ITINs or fingerprint‑based checks can be used to preserve safety while removing arbitrary documentation barriers.

Sponsors said they were working with hospital and school stakeholders on amendments to clarify fingerprint procedures and other technical details; the committee voted to refer HB 11‑43 to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee’s final tally on the bill was 8–3 in favor of referral.