A rating of 'AA/A-1+' rating is assigned to Indiana Health Facility Financing Authority's $505 million series 2001-A revenue bonds issued on behalf of Ascension Health, and all ratings on Ascension Health's outstanding debt are affirmed. The rating assignment and affirmation incorporate the expected issuance of $340 million of new-money bonds next month to fund the acquisition of all of the assets of the Baptist Health System, in Nashville, Tenn. The rating also incorporates numerous changes in the senior-management team, which took place in 2001. The stable outlook reflects Ascension Health's solid financial and operational profile, and management's demonstrated ability to adjust overall operations as needed to maintain performance.
