Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BBB+' rating on the Missouri Health and Educational Facility Authority's $4.715 million series 1996 bonds and $27.040 million series 2003 bonds, issued for Lake Regional Health System (LRHS), formerly known as Lake of the Ozarks General Hospital. Additionally, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'BBB+' underlying rating (SPUR) on the authority's $32.67 million series 1998 bonds, also issued for LRHS. The rating reflects: A solid market position, with little direct competition; Good profitability; Adequate liquidity, with moderate growth; and A growing population. Offsetting credit factors include: An above-average debt burden and only adequate debt service coverage, which may be negatively impacted with additional guarantees and loans expected over the next year or two; Non-obligated
