PSH-17-0089 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On April 2, 2018, an OHA Administrative Judge issued a decision in which he determined that an individual's security clearance should be restored. The individual tested above the allowable breath alcohol limit (0.20g/210l) while on duty at a DOE facility. Additionally, the individual was evaluated by a DOE contractor psychologist (DOE Psychologist) who determined that the individual suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder and had not demonstrated adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. The individual submitted evidence regarding his participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP) along with testimony as to the individual's abstinence from alcohol. Additionally, the individual presented testimony from his counselor (Counselor) whom had worked with him in the IOP as well as on an individual counseling basis. The Counselor determined that the individual's risk for relapse into problematic alcohol consumption was low. The DOE Psychologist, after to listening to all of the hearing testimony, found that the individual's treatment program was sufficient by which he could conclude that the individual was reformed from his alcohol problem. Based upon the evidence adduced at the hearing, the Administrative Judge found that the individual had mitigated the Criteria G derogatory information described in the Notification Letter. Consequently, the Administrative Judge found that the individual's security clearance should be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-17-0089 (Richard A. Cronin, Jr.)