Protecting patients means respecting APPs.
CEO David Herman has made it clear that at Essentia Health, control matters more than collaboration. By refusing to bargain with physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and midwives—the APPs—Herman is choosing power over patient care. But safe staffing, respectful workplaces, and patient-centered care depend on providers having a voice. Until Essentia listens, patients will pay the price.
Who are APPs?
You already know them as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives. They are the providers you see when your child spikes a fever at night, when a parent needs urgent care, or when every second counts in the ER. They deliver babies, diagnose illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and lead in emergencies.
Together, these trusted professionals are called Advanced Practice Providers, or APPs. At Essentia Health, they care for 44% of all patients—and 88% of emergency patients. They are highly trained, deeply trusted, and essential to keeping northern Minnesota healthy.
Why it matters to you
When David Herman and Essentia Health refuse to recognize APPs’ decision to form a union, it’s not just turning its back on the professionals who deliver nearly half of all patient care—it’s putting patients at risk. Safe staffing, respectful workplaces, and quality care depend on providers having a voice.
Northern Minnesota deserves providers who are supported, respected, and heard. That means listening to the nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives who keep our communities healthy. It’s time for Essentia—and CEO David Herman—to do what’s right.
Patients deserve more than empty promises
Essentia tells the public that it is “committed to doing what’s right” and that the “highest priority is the people we serve.” Essentia highlights values like Quality, Respect, Justice, and Teamwork.
But Herman’s refusal to recognize APPs directly contradicts those claims:
- You cannot champion quality while sidelining the caregivers who provide nearly half of all care.
- You cannot claim respect while disregarding APPs’ decision to unionize.
- You cannot uphold justice while blocking fair negotiations.
APPs are the backbone of care at Essentia: diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients every day. Ignoring their voices erodes trust, undermines teamwork, and ultimately harms patients.
Patients deserve more than empty promises. They deserve a health system that respects providers and prioritizes care. It’s time for David Herman and Essentia Health to live up to their values.
Take Action: Tell Essentia to respect its providers and prioritize patient care.