“Really astonishing…. So contrary to what I know about Mayo,” says Governor Mark Dayton about Mayo C-E-O John Noseworthy’s comment to employees that when patients with equivalent conditions are referred, the health system should “prioritize” those with private health insurance. Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith says, “It is unacceptable that an organization that is benefiting so greatly from the strength of Minnesota — they need to also accept their responsibilities for treating everybody in Minnesota.” But Smith adds Mayo Clinic already treats a large number of people on public health programs. State Human Services officials say they are examining Mayo’s policy for possible violations of law, but had not received a response from Noseworthy.