Representative Cynthia Roe

R

District 42

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


representative

News & Announcements

Apr 1, 2025
Recent Posts

House Adopts Resolution Recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the House of Representatives officially recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oklahoma by adopting House Resolution 1011 , sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. This resolution acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about child abuse prevention and taking collective action to protect Oklahoma’s children and strengthen families. In Oklahoma, there were 13,546 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, with 10,525 of those involving first-time victims. The statistics highlight the critical need for heightened vigilance and support for vulnerable families across the state. “It is easier to build healthy and strong children than to repair broken adults," said Roe. "Every child deserves to be safe, nurtured and supported in caring relationships. Every family deserves to be supported in a community that encourages safety and well-being, that’s why it’s vital we raise awareness of how we can all contribute to preventing child abuse.” HR1011 encourages all citizens, businesses and social institutions in Oklahoma to dedicate themselves to supporting parents and families in raising safe, healthy children. The resolution shows the significance of community involvement in providing the resources and assistance needed to ensure the safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children. "Child abuse can be prevented, and everyone has a role to play,” said Roe. "By working together—neighbors, teachers, faith leaders, businesses and policymakers—we can create a culture where prevention is the priority, and no child has to suffer the devastating effects of abuse or neglect.” April also serves as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Mar 27, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aiming to clarify and strengthen guidelines surrounding an individual’s capacity to make health care decisions passed the House floor with a 87-6 vote. House Bill 1687 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, establishes the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025, which would ensure that health care determinations are made fairly and with appropriate oversight. “This legislation strikes an important balance between personal autonomy and necessary protections,” Roe said. “It streamlines the health care decision-making process, empowering individuals to plan their future care while preventing abuse and ensuring that those making medical decisions on their behalf are qualified and trustworthy." The bill would prevent family members, cohabitants or surrogates from solely making such determinations to safeguard against potential conflicts of interest. Under HB1687, individuals are presumed to have the capacity to make or revoke health care decisions unless a court determines otherwise. The presumption can be rebutted only by a responsible health care professional’s examination, documented in a signed record. “This is about protecting Oklahomans’ rights to make their own health care choices while establishing a clear process for determining capacity when necessary,” Roe said. “It ensures decisions about a person’s health are made with transparency, accountability and proper medical evaluation—not by individuals who may have a conflict of interest.” HB1687 allows people to document their medical preferences and choose someone to make health care decisions for them through a power of attorney. If no agent is appointed, the bill sets up a clear process for selecting a default decision-maker while ensuring they act in the person’s best interests. The bill also ensures that out-of-state advance health care directives are valid if they meet Oklahoma’s standards. HB1687 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Mar 12, 2025
Recent Posts

Sepsis Treatment Protocol Bill Advances to the Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1686 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, passed the House floor with a vote of 86-7 and has moved to the Senate for further consideration. The legislation aims to improve early detection and treatment of sepsis by requiring Oklahoma hospitals to establish and implement sepsis protocols. The bill would also allow Medicare and Medicaid to be billed for early prevention efforts, addressing gaps in coverage for patients diagnosed with sepsis before it reaches a severe stage. “Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and timely intervention is key to saving lives,” Roe said. “This bill ensures that hospitals have the necessary protocols in place to detect and treat sepsis early, improving patient outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.” Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection triggers systemic inflammation, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. In 2016, changes to Medicare and Medicaid billing limited coverage to severe cases involving organ failure, making it more difficult for some patients with early-stage sepsis to afford care. “This change has made it more difficult for some patients with early-stage sepsis to afford care, despite the serious risks associated with delayed treatment,” Rep. Cynthia Roe said. According to the Oklahoma Hospital Association , up to 80% of sepsis-related deaths may be preventable with early detection and treatment. Supporters of HB1686 argue that expanding access to early intervention could help reduce mortality rates and ease the financial burden on patients and hospitals. HB1686 now awaits further consideration in the Senate. If passed and signed into law, the bill would take effect Nov. 1.