California passes "Donda West" bill

The La Times and USA Today had a blurb a couple of days ago about Arnold Schwarzenegger signing the "Donda West" bill. No one really reported on it but it is identical to the bill that he vetoed at the end of September 2008, citing that it was less urgent than many other issues.

The key section of the bill says: "Prohibits a cosmetic surgery procedure from being performed by a physician and surgeon unless, prior to surgery, the patient has received a physical examination by, and written clearance for, the procedure from either the physician and surgeon who will be performing the surgery or another licensed physician and surgeon...


The author states that this measure is not directed at the many good plastic surgeons who require their patients to have a medical clearance before elective cosmetic surgery. The author believes that explicitly requiring in law a physical examination prior to surgery will reduce the risk of complications, including death, during or after cosmetic surgical procedures."

This probably won't change how board-certified plastic surgeons like myself really do things: my nurse and I always do a full history and physical, trying to flush out any medical problems that may need be to looked into further before surgery.  It's probably more intended for non-plastic cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists who perform liposuction, and dentists.

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Andrew Smith
Irvine & Corona, California