After Donda West Death, California Senate Approves New Rule for Elective Surgery

The Los Angeles Times reports that as a result of rapper Kanye West's mother, who died of complications related to cosmetic surgery, a new measure has been passed in California that will require patients to be given physical exams before elective surgery.  Patrick McGreevy writes,

After the death of rapper Kanye West's mother after plastic surgery, the state Senate today approved a requirement that patients be given a physical exam before elective surgery.

Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) said the measure was in response to the 2007 death of Donda West, mother of the rap musician, of complications related to cosmetic surgery. The family believes that a physical exam would have uncovered coronary artery disease.

"Many of us are concerned about the quality of care extended to those who receive elective surgery," Ridley-Thomas said.

The vote on AB 2968 was 37 to 1.