NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 16, 2002--Standard&Poor's today assigned its single-'A' rating to the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority's $60.56 million hospital revenue bonds, series 2002, issued for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its single-'A' rating on the outstanding debt issued for UMMS. The rating reflect UMMS' role as the premier health system in the state of Maryland (triple-'A' GO); strong relationship through its physician faculty to the University of Maryland System's (double-'A'-plus) medical school; and dedicated management team, backed by a strong board of directors appointed by the governor of Maryland. Also reflected in the rating is UMMS' strong patient utilization, excellent medical staff, and strong
