PSH-19-0029 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On August 8, 2019, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should be restored. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a DOE security clearance. In late March of 2018, the Individual self-reported to the local security office (LSO) that he had been court ordered to attend an outpatient alcohol treatment program. Following this report, the LSO conducted a Personnel Security Interview (PSI) with the Individual in July 2018. In response to information gathered during the PSI, a DOE consulting psychologist (Psychologist) evaluated the Individual in September 2018. The Psychologist concluded that the Individual met the diagnostic criteria for Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder, in Early Remission under the DSM-5. The Psychologist opined that the Individual had not demonstrated adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. During the hearing, the Individual testified that he had been abstinent from alcohol for approximately fifteen months. He further showed that he had successfully completed an alcohol rehabilitation program, and had been consistently attending Alcoholics Anonymous and aftercare. After reviewing the evidence and observing all of the testimony at the hearing, the Psychologist determined that the Individual had exceeded her recommendations in establishing adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. In light of the Psychologist's testimony, along with her own findings, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual resolved the security concerns associated with Guideline G. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-19-0029 (Katie Quintana).