SAN FRANCISCO (Standard&Poor's) March 21, 2008--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating to 'A-' from 'BBB+' on South Dakota Health and Educational Facilities Authority's $3.5 million series 1994 bonds and $4.4 million series 2005 bonds, issued for Huron Regional Medical Center Inc. Although it is unusual to have a critical-care-access hospital included in the 'A' category, Huron's consistent operating performance, sizable investment income, and overwhelmingly strong balance sheet support the 'A-' rating. The outlook is stable. "The rating is based on Huron's continued operating income strength, which generated excellent debt service coverage," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Keith Dickinson. "Huron also reports above-average days' cash on hand of 551 days and cash to debt of
