Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A+' long-term rating to Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority's $150 million series 2010 revenue bonds, issued for The Johns Hopkins Health System Obligated Group (JHHS). We also affirmed our 'A+' long-term and 'A+' underlying ratings (SPURs) on JHHS's other parity obligations. In addition, we raised the rating on Suburban Hospital's series 2004 revenue bonds to 'A+' from 'A' based on its expected inclusion in the JHHS obligated group concurrent with the closing on the series 2010 JHHS bonds. At that time, the Suburban bonds will be on parity with other JHHS debt. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A' rating on JHHS's series 2003A lease revenue bonds, 'A+' rating on
