Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating on Indiana Health and Educational Facility Financing Authority, Ind.'s $120.630 million series 2006B-1, 2006B-7, and 2007B-8 indexed put bonds and on Alabama Special Care Facilities Financing Authority of Birmingham, Ala.'s $35.0 million series 2006C-1 indexed put bonds, issued for Ascension Health, Mo., reflecting a conversion to serial mode, following the amending and restating of the bond documents. The 'AA' long-term rating reflects Ascension Health's: Excellent geographic and financial dispersion as the largest nongovernmental not-for-profit health system in the country; Robust financial performance in fiscal 2008 (ended June 30, 2008), highlighted by continued solid operating income, which produced very strong coverage of total debt service of about 6.5x; Strong management practices,
