Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AAA/A-1' rating on Maryland Health&Higher Educational Facilities Authority's (Johns Hopkins Health System Obligated Group) hospital variable-rate demand obligation bonds series 2008A due to the bank facility being extended to April 23, 2013. The long-term component of the rating is based jointly (assuming low correlation) on the rating on the obligor, Johns Hopkins Health System Obligated Group, and the letter of credit provider, PNC Bank N.A., Pittsburgh, Pa. The short-term component of the rating is based solely on the rating on PNC Bank N.A., Pittsburgh, Pa. Criteria: Methodology And Assumptions: Approach To Evaluating Letter Of Credit-Supported Debt, July 6, 2009 Criteria: Joint Support Criteria Update, April 22, 2009 USPF Criteria: Municipal Applications
