APA Section 37 — Duty to give reasons

A written order, and a written confirmation of an order, must include reasons, which at least state the material facts, the legal provisions relied on, and the considerations and support for the exercise of discretion. Under paragraph 3 the duty is subject to exceptions: a decision matching the request without affecting others' rights and duties, reasons already known to the parties, confidential matters under Section 32, and oral or urgent orders, for which reasons are given in writing in due time if the person subject to the order asks. The duty to give reasons is in Section 37, not Section 36, which deals with the date, the official's name and position, and signature. Under Section 35, where an order was oral and the recipient asks for it in writing, with good reason, within seven days of the order, the official must confirm it in writing; the seven days is the recipient's window to make the request.