Kristine Blackwood

During the COVID-19 crisis, Ms. Blackwood's ability to solve problems under pressure was invaluable in securing urgently needed federal assistance for her clients. Her insider's understanding of the federal government's emergency preparedness capabilities, public health programs and critical infrastructure, and her insight into rapidly evolving science, policy, and politics proved singularly helpful for clients navigating unprecedented challenges of a public health emergency.

Ms. Blackwood is uniquely positioned to help health care clients achieve the policy objectives crucial to their business, with a blend of expertise and record of success in the private sector and over two decades of federal government service including as legislative adviser on health care for two cabinet departments, health care oversight counsel in the House and Senate, National Health Care Fraud Coordinator for all US Attorneys' offices, and Assistant US Attorney prosecuting complex health care fraud cases in Los Angeles.

Ms. Blackwood joined Arnold & Porter after serving as Deputy Director for Congressional Oversight and Investigations in the Office of the Secretary for Health and Human Services, where she was responsible for strategic response to Congressional oversight and investigations on Affordable Care Act implementation; preparedness for disease outbreaks and biological threats; the FDA's food, drug and device approval programs; procurement policy; unaccompanied children’s’ shelters; long-term services and supports and other health and social services programs. Prior to that, she served as Chief Counsel for the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Investigative Counsel at the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, focusing on health care policy issues. Ms. Blackwood also spent over twelve years as a career professional with the DOJ, serving as Attorney-Advisor in DOJ's Office of Legislative Affairs; National Healthcare Fraud Coordinator for the nation's 94 US Attorneys' Offices; and before that, as an Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California investigating and prosecuting complex health care fraud cases. Ms. Blackwood established the first task force on nursing home fraud and abuse in a US Attorney’s Office and has extensive experience advancing federal policies to improve the lives of older adults.

• Played key role in securing House and Senate leadership participation as amicus curiae in connection with Supreme Court case involving the civil rights of nursing home residents.
• Assisted neuroscience research institute in doubling appropriations to expand the VA's budget for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research and contracting.
• Prepared emerging biotech investing in cancer research to testify at Congressional hearing.
• Helped block a nearly 70% payment reduction for certain in-home health services.
• Secured legislative language in the 21st Century Cures Act preserving Medicare Part B coverage of home infusion pumps for a device distributor.