Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' on North Carolina Medical Care Commission's health care facilities revenue bonds (McDowell Nursing Center), series 2002A. The bonds are secured by Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities (MBS). The outlook is stable. The rating reflects our analysis of available updated financial information based on our current stressed reinvestment rate assumptions for all scenarios as set forth in the related criteria articles. We believe the bonds are able to meet all bond costs from transaction revenues until maturity, assuming reinvestment earnings. In addition, our projected debt service coverage ratio of the transaction exceeds 1.01x throughout the life of the bonds, which is commensurate with the rating. Also, the rating reflects
