The California Senate yesterday (August 13) approved a new rule for elective surgery in response to the controversial death of Kanye West's mother.

As reported earlier, the rapper's mother, Donda West, died at a Los Angeles hospital in 2007, a day after going under the knife for breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction.

Her autopsy revealed she likely died of pre-existing heart disease coupled with multiple postoperative factors.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the California Senate approved a rule that will require patients to be given a physical exam before elective surgery.

The Senate and West’s family believe that a physical exam could have revealed Donda's heart disease.

“Many of us are concerned about the quality of care extended to those who receive elective surgery,” said Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Donda West was 58 years old at the time of her death.  She was a former chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department and served as her son's manager.