COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three nationwide credit reporting agencies have agreed to fix disputed information on credit reports more quickly, wait longer before adding potentially damaging information on medical debt and scrutinize certain data furnished by outside entities, according to a multistate settlement announced Wednesday.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced the pact that Equifax, Experian and TransUnion struck with attorneys general in 31 states, including Maine. It calls for the agencies to pay a combined $6 million to participating states and to adjust a host of business practices over the next three years.

“It’s a good day for all consumers in the United States,” said DeWine, a Republican. He spearheaded the investigation that led to the deal after reading a 2012 investigation by The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch about consumers denied car loans, house loans and jobs because of mistakes by reporting agencies.

The agreement requires agencies to:

• Maintain information about problems with entities that furnish them data – such as collection agencies, department stores or banks – and make that information available to states so patterns can be spotted;

• Use a better, more detailed system to share data with those so-called furnishers;

• Set up a more intensive process for complicated disputes, such as those involving identity theft, fraud or mixed credit files;

• Educate consumers about how they can further dispute the outcome of an investigation.