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ASCs in the news: California seeks tighter outpatient cosmetic surgery oversight

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, June 3, 2008

Six months after Donda West, mother of performing artist Kanye West, died following cosmetic surgery, a Los Angeles (LA) Times article reports that two California lawmakers are seeking to tighten cosmetic surgery regulation.

Over ten years ago, California began regulating outpatient care and ASCs, the article says, but notes that State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas does not think the law has been effective.

The article quotes Ridley-Thomas as saying, "these [non-traditional clinics] are not hospitals. You have to raise the standards." Ridley-Thomas has sponsored legislation requiring inspection of outpatient facilities once every three years, according to the article. It also reports that Assemblyperson Wilmer Amina Carter has introduced a bill requiring that anyone choosing to have cosmetic surgery undergo a health screening before the procedure.

California is not the first state seeking more control over doctors performing cosmetic surgery. Two years ago, Florida legislation sought to educate patients about their plastic surgeon’s credentials, according the newspaper.

To read the article, click here.

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