Missouri House OKs allowing aspiring doctors to retake exam

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - A Republican lawmaker who is an orthopedic surgeon said a measure moving forward in the Legislature would help alleviate the shortage of physicians in the state.

The Missouri House on Thursday approved a measure by a vote of 110-36 that would remove the prohibition on physicians seeking licensure in the state from taking an exam more than three times.

Rep. Keith Frederick, of Rolla, said other medical professions do not have such limits and taking the exam multiple times would not reflect a physician's skill.

Some opponents said they are concerned quality of care would suffer and patients would be put at risk.

The measure now goes to the Senate.