Push for Tougher Plastic Surgery Laws in California

California lawmakers are pondering a reform of plastic surgery laws which will ensure that patients are informed of the risks they are facing. Also, outpatient clinics may have to be up to higher standards than before.

"These [clinics] are not hospitals. You have to raise the standards," said state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), chairman of the senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, quoted by LA Times.

The changes in current law were partly prompted by the scandal surrounding the death, six months ago, of Kanye West's mother following liposuction and breast implant surgery. Donda West, 58, died in November after she underwent cosmetic surgery without receiving a physical examination.

As such, Yolanda Anderson, Donda's niece and the cousin of Kanye West, along with Calif. Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, introduced a bill that would require patients to receive a physical exam before plastic surgery. AB 2968 will add to existing legislation which requires that cosmetic surgery clinics must be accredited by an agency recognized by California State. This means the clinic is required, among other things, to have resuscitation equipment and procedures to transfer a patient to a hospital.

Donda died due to cardiovascular problems caused by existing heart disease and clogged coronary arteries. Another cosmetic surgeon had previously refused to perform the surgery because he thought Donda West had a high risk of heart attack. She eventually had a complex cosmetic operation which involved significant liposuction, enlargement of both breasts and muscle tightening.

Donda was a scholar, the former chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department.

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