Opinion ID: 1707271
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Failure to make findings of fact

Text: In its final order, SHPDA did not make any written findings of fact other than tracking the language of the CON statute, § 22-21-266. Section 41-22-16(b) of the AAPA requires that findings of fact, if set forth in a manner which is no more than mere tracking of the statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts of record which support the findings. The rationale for this requirement is to facilitate judicial review of administrative decisions and to protect against careless or arbitrary decisions. See commentary to § 41-22-16. SHPDA makes two claims in response to this failure to make factual findings. First, it argues that the findings required by § 22-21-266 are the required factual findings. Second, it argues that if the proper findings were not made, the only remedy is a remand to it to make such findings and that a reversal of its order is not an appropriate remedy. The ultimate findings required by § 22-21-266 are not the underlying findings of fact required by § 41-22-16(b). We recognized in Ex parte Nursing Home of Dothan, Inc., 542 So.2d 940 (Ala.1989), that a mere tracking of § 22-21-266 is not strict compliance with § 41-22-16(b). In that case, however, we held that there was minimum compliance with the AAPA because the applicant was constructively apprised of the reasons for SHPDA['s] ... decision in view of the testimony presented at the CON hearing. Id. at 945. We noted that the testimony presented supported SHPDA's findings. In this case, however, there is insufficient evidence in the record to support the § 22-21-266 findings. Because it is not clear from the record what reasons or facts SHPDA relied on in making the § 22-21-266 findings, § 41-22-16(b) is not satisfied. Because SHPDA's decision on the merits must be reversed for insufficiency of the evidence to support it, it is unnecessary to determine whether the case should be remanded or reversed for inadequate factual findings.