Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law legislation authored by District 62 Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter that would require a health check and a written clearance before being allowed to undergo plastic surgery.

Assembly Bill 1116, named the Donda West Law, was inspired by the death of Kanye West’s mother.

The niece of Kanye West’s late mother, Yolanda Anderson, then of Colton, now of Menifee, joined with Carter (D-Rialto) to pass this state measure. The bill came as a result of the 62nd Districtwide contest, “It Ought to Be a Law.”

“This law will potentially save lives,” Carter said. “There is a growing trend of people opting to have elective cosmetic surgery, and they are not aware of the risks involved.”

Specifically, the law requires physicians and surgeons, including people licensed by the state holding permits to perform elective facial cosmetic surgery, to complete a physical examination, including a complete medical history, on their patients prior to performing elective cosmetic surgery.

“It potentially will protect both from harm,” Carter said. “The patient from unnecessary bodily trauma, and the surgeon from having to deal with the injury or loss of a patient if he/she is not physically fit at the initial scheduled time of the elective cosmetic surgery.”

Additionally, certified nurse practitioners and licensed physician assistants, according to their scope of practice, unless limited by their protocols or delegation agreements, will be able to perform a physical prior to the performance of elective cosmetic surgery. This bill does not say who can or cannot perform elective cosmetic surgery, but simply states that a physical clearance must take place prior to surgery.