JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker who is an orthopedic surgeon says 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, says other medical professions do not have such limits and that taking the exam multiple times would not reflect a physician’s skill.

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

The measure now goes to the Senate.