A bill before a Missouri Senate committee would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APNs) to operate independently after completing 2,000 hours in a collaborative agreement with a physician, a change supporters argue would address a health care shortage across the state. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Nick Schroer and Democratic Sen. Patty Lewis, is currently being considered by the Missouri Senate Emerging Issues committee. A study from the Cicero Institute shows 111 of Missouri's 114 counties are in a health professional shortage. If the bill passes, Missouri would become the 40th state to expand APRNs' ability to practice without a supervising physician.