Representative Cynthia Roe

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District 42

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


representative

News & Announcements

Aug 12, 2026
Recent Posts

Ceremonial Signing Recognizes New Protections for Healthcare Decision-Making

OKLAHOMA CITY — A ceremonial signing was held for House Bill 1687, which updates Oklahoma law governing advance healthcare directives and medical decision-making. 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 2026. The law gives Oklahomans clearer options for documenting their healthcare preferences, appointing an agent and designating who may make decisions if they lose the ability to do so themselves. "I know how difficult healthcare decisions can be for patients and their loved ones," Roe said. "This signing represents years of careful work to give Oklahomans a stronger voice in their healthcare, protects patients’ wishes while giving families and medical professionals clear guidance when it matters most." HB1687 presumes individuals have the capacity to make or revoke healthcare decisions unless a court determines otherwise or qualified medical professionals properly rebut that presumption. "We began this work during the 2025 legislative session and continued working closely with Oklahoma for Life and many others to make sure the language was compassionate and carefully crafted for families facing very difficult medical decisions," Roe said. "I am proud to see this legislation now signed into law." The law also establishes safeguards for patient rights, permits directives addressing mental health care and provides legal protections for healthcare professionals and institutions acting in good faith. HB1687 takes effect July 1, 2027.

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.