Representative Cynthia Roe

R

District 42

Hi, I'm Cynthia Roe and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 42nd District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 14, 2026
Recent Posts

Roe Praises Signing of Uniform Health Care Decisions Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation modernizing Oklahoma’s laws surrounding advance health care directives and medical decision-making to give patients more control over their care has been signed into law. House Bill 1687 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, creates the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025. "House Bill 1687 is the first major update to Oklahoma’s advance directive laws since the 1990s, and this legislation has been the result of a long and thoughtful process," Roe said. “We began this work during the 2025 legislative session and continued working closely with Oklahoma for Life and many other stakeholders to make sure the language was compassionate, clear and carefully crafted for families facing very difficult medical decisions. I am proud to see this legislation now signed into law." The measure updates state law related to health care decision-making, advance directives and surrogate decision-making for individuals who may lose the ability to communicate or make medical decisions for themselves. It will allows individuals to create advance health care directives, including directives specifically addressing mental health care, and outlines processes for appointing health care agents and default surrogates. The law establishes a presumption that individuals have the capacity to make or revoke health care decisions unless a court determines otherwise or the presumption is properly rebutted by qualified medical professionals. HB1687 includes safeguards to protect patients’ rights while providing clearer guidance for families, health care providers and courts. The law clarifies that food and liquids necessary to sustain life may not be withheld unless specifically directed by the patient in their advance directive. It will also provide legal protections for health care professionals and institutions acting in good faith under the provisions of the measure. Roe says HB1687 will give patients greater control over their care and will help provide certainty for loved ones and providers during emotionally challenging situations. "This law is about protecting the dignity, wishes and rights of patients while also giving families and medical professionals clearer direction during some of life’s most difficult moments," Roe said. "As a nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to have their voices respected in health care decisions, and this legislation helps ensure those protections are in place." The measure takes effect July 1, 2027

May 7, 2026
Recent Posts

Roe, Stark Recognize National Nurses Week

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives this week adopted House Resolution 1057 , recognizing May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week. Authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, the resolution honors the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to Oklahomans. Roe, a nurse of more than 40 years and chair of the House Public Health Committee, and Stark, a former nurse of 35 years and vice chair of the committee, said their firsthand experience makes the recognition especially meaningful. "Nurses deserve this recognition and more," Roe and Stark said in a joint statement. "They are there in life’s most critical moments, offering skilled care, steady hands and compassion when it is needed most. They carry the weight of long hours, difficult conversations and life-changing decisions, often all in a single shift. "Nurses are more than caregivers. They are the backbone of our health care system, serving everyone from all across our state. "With more than 52,000 registered nurses, 16,000 licensed practical nurses and more than 6,500 advanced practice registered nurses in Oklahoma, their impact reaches every corner of our lives. On any given day, they could welcome new life into the world, care for the sick and injured or have the difficult job of standing beside families during their hardest moments. "To every nurse across Oklahoma, thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your strength and thank you for your unwavering commitment to others. Our state is stronger because of you." HR1057 encourages Oklahomans to join in recognizing National Nurses Week and the life-saving contributions of nurses in every community.

May 1, 2026
Recent Posts

Bill Adding Alpha-gal Syndrome to State Reporting Heads to Governor’s Desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that would add the condition commonly known as the red meat allergy to the state’s list of reportable diseases and conditions is now headed to the governor’s desk for final consideration. Senate Bill 1644 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, would require health care providers and laboratories to report suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome and add the condition to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s list of reportable diseases and conditions. "Because symptoms can vary widely and there is no single definitive test, it is important we capture suspected cases across the state to improve awareness and prevention," Roe said. "By tracking alpha-gal syndrome in Oklahoma, we can better inform the public and help reduce future cases through early detection." Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne allergic condition caused by the bite of the lone star tick ( amblyomma americanum ). The condition can trigger a delayed allergic reaction, typically three to six hours after consuming red meat or other mammalian products, due to the body’s immune response to the alpha-gal sugar molecule. Those most at risk include individuals who spend extended time outdoors and those exposed to tick habitats. Roe said the legislation intends to provide data as cases increase across the country and for the state to tap into federal funds to help with research once the number of cases is known. "We have many hunters, farmers and outdoor workers who could experience alpha-gal in our state, and with its growing prevalence across the country, it is important we get an accurate picture of the numbers," Roe said. "We also need to identify where cases are occurring in Oklahoma and position ourselves to access any available federal resources to help address it." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 0.15% of Americans have been diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, though the actual number is believed to be higher due to underreporting and the condition not being nationally notifiable. By requiring suspected cases to be reported at the state level, SB1644 aims to bridge the gap and improve understanding of the condition’s impact in Oklahoma. If signed into law, the SB1644 will take effect Nov. 1.