Albertsons Cos. has reached a $774 million settlement framework to resolve substantially all opioid-related claims brought against the company by state, local and tribal government entities nationwide, if all conditions are satisfied.
The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability, according to the company. The framework marks one of the final major resolutions in years of litigation against pharmacy operators over their alleged role in the nation’s opioid crisis.
“This settlement framework marks a significant step toward resolving opioid-related litigation, and Albertsons Cos. believes the settlement framework is in the best interest of all parties,” the company stated in its announcement.
Defending pharmacy practices
In announcing the framework, Albertsons defended the role of its pharmacists and the systems it has put in place to monitor prescription medications:
“For years, Albertsons Cos. has invested in strong pharmacy practices designed to promote the safe and appropriate use of prescription medications. The company is proud of its pharmacists and their long-standing role in promoting responsible medication use.”
The retailer emphasized the community-facing role its pharmacy teams play each day.
“As trusted healthcare professionals in the communities they serve, Albertsons Cos. pharmacists work directly with patients every day to provide guidance, education, and care focused on safe and appropriate medication use,” the company said.
Albertsons said it would continue building on those practices going forward. “The company is continuing its ongoing commitment to patient safety, responsible pharmacy operations, robust training and tools for pharmacy teams, and being a constructive partner in addressing the opioid crisis.
Company footprint
As of Feb. 28, Albertsons operated 2,244 retail food and drug stores with 1,713 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities.
The company has stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 banners, including Albertsons, ACME, Balducci’s Food Lovers Market, Carrs, Haggen, Jewel-Osco, Kings Food Markets, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets and Vons.
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