Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA+' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) and its 'AA+/A-1+' dual rating (various issuers and various modes) on all senior revenue bonds issued for Ascension Health Alliance, Mo. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating on Ascension's series 2005A subordinated revenue bonds. The outlook on all ratings, where applicable, is stable. Ascension is the parent organization of a national health system (operating in 23 states and Washington, D.C.) consisting of 100 general acute care hospitals and more than $30 billion in total assets. As the largest private not-for-profit health system in the U.S., Ascension has unrivaled size and scale in the industry. Ascension is a true national practice, with central
