NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 1, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said it assigned its 'A' rating to $273 million of the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority's hospital revenue bonds, series 2004, issued for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). The series 2004 bonds are being offered in a negotiated sale by RBC Dain Rauscher. The bonds are expected to be sold with various credit enhancements, including bond insurance, in which case, upon issuance of the bond insurance, the 'A' rating will convert to a Standard&Poor's Underlying Rating (SPUR). In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A' rating on the outstanding debt issued for UMMS. The outlook is positive. "The rating reflects UMMS' role
