PSH-24-0086 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On June 28, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization should be granted under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. The Local Security Office  received potentially derogatory information regarding the Individual's history of mental health symptoms and treatment . Subsequently, the Individual was evaluated by a DOE-contracted psychologist (DOE Psychologist) who diagnosed the Individual with Alcohol Use Disorder, Moderate. The DOE Psychologist recommended that the Individual demonstrate rehabilitation by attending weekly group and individual alcohol treatment for twelve weeks, undergo testing to document her abstinence from alcohol during treatment, or provide negative alcohol test results for six consecutive months to demonstrate reformation. At the hearing, the Individual provided evidence that she was participating in counseling, had abstained from alcohol for 140 days, and was participating in regular medication management appointments while taking prescribed medication that successfully assisted her with abstinence and anxiety. She also demonstrated that she enacted behavioral changes including frequent engagement with an unofficial sponsor, that would help her avoid relapsing into problematic alcohol consumption in the future. The DOE Psychologist opined that although the Individual had not completed all the items in her recommendations, she had shown adequate evidence of rehabilitation and reformation through her combined efforts of counseling, medication, abstinence, and positive lifestyle and behavioral changes. She also opined that the Individual had a good prognosis. The Administrative Judge concluded that the Individual had mitigated the concerns under Guideline G, and therefore her clearance should be granted. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0086, Balzon)