'Donda West Law' in force in California'Donda West Law' in force in California

Sacramento, Calif. — As of Jan. 1, the much publicized “Donda West Law” is in effect in California, United Press International (UPI) reports.

The law, named after rap artist Kanye West’s mother, who died a day after cosmetic surgery in 2007, prohibits doctors from performing elective cosmetic surgery without a physical examination and clearance from a medical professional.

The law requires an “appropriate” physical exam within 30 days before a procedure and “written clearance” from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant before cosmetic surgery is performed.

The law will change little, since reputable cosmetic surgeons have always obtained a patient’s medical history and made sure the patient has had a physical exam before a procedure, says Terry Zimmerman, M.D., F.A.C.S., head of the Greater Sacramento Plastic Surgical Society.

According to UPI, autopsy results showed Donda West died of pre-existing coronary artery disease and “multiple post-operative factors” a day after she had undergone an abdominal tuck, breast surgery and liposuction. The surgeon who operated on West surrendered his medical license in April.