PSH-24-0093 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On October 7, 2024, an Administrative Judge (AJ) in the DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals determined that an Individual's access authorization should be granted. The Individual had reported participating in therapy in the past regarding, in part, her alcohol consumption. Following a discussion with the therapist, investigators referred the Individual to a DOE Contractor Psychologist (the Psychologist) for an alcohol abuse evaluation. The Psychologist diagnosed her with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), mild severity. 

At the hearing, the Individual provided testimony and the results of blood tests showing that she had abstained from alcohol for over six months, longer than the time recommended by the Psychologist . She also presented testimony and documentary evidence showing that she had attended two group alcohol courses, one of which included an ongoing support group component, and that she was attended alcohol focused individual therapy. The Psychologist opened that the Individual was rehabilitated and reformed from AUD, adding the modifier "in sustained remission" to his original diagnosis. He gave the Individual a good prognosis. Based on the evidence, the AJ determined that the Individual had mitigated the concerns under Guideline G and, therefore, her access authorization should be granted. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0093, Martin)