BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A new law states those going under the knife for elective plastic surgery in the state will now need written medical clearance first.

It is called the Donda West law, named after rap superstar Kanye West's mom who died of complications of plastic surgery in 2007.

West did not get medical clearance and it is believed an undetected heart condition led to her death after undergoing several procedures.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Darshan Shah of Beutolgie Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center said he has always required his patients get a clean bill of health before operating on them.

It's a policy Brenda Shumate said made her feel more comfortable before she had her surgery.

"I was surprised when he asked me about a medical evaluation. If he was going to be that thorough on a relatively minor procedure I was having, makes me feel that much more confident about a complex procedure that myself or somebody I know might go through," she said.

Shah says plastic surgeons everywhere had been hoping this legislation would pass.

"It brings legitimacy to what we are doing, for so many years now people have thought plastic surgery is just as easy as going to get a haircut, and it's not. Plastic surgery is real surgery and has real complications as we saw with Donda West," Shah said.

Linda Whitney, chief of legislation for the Medical Board of California, said what this law does is reiterate what is already required by doctors.

"Yes, a physical examination is important because their health is No. 1 and when you are talking about elective procedures, if their health is not priority then we are not doing justice in taking care of the patients in California," Whitney said.

When it comes to plastic surgery, Shah said cutting corners is not the way to go.

And when it comes to finding a doctor, don't be afraid to ask questions, such as where is the surgery going to be performed? Is it an accredited surgery center, and what kind of training does the doctor have?