NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Sept. 28, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its rating on Maryland Health and Higher Education Facilities Authority's bonds, issued for University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), to 'A' from 'A+'. The lowered rating reflects a sizeable debt issuance, which adds financial stress to many key income statement and balance sheet ratios at the higher rating level, including debt service coverage and liquidity. The outlook is stable. "University of Maryland Medical System has the opportunity to reach a higher rating over time if it can consistently meet its projections and strengthen its balance sheet, while maintaining or improving the overall business position of the organization," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Stephen Infranco. Additionally, Standard
