PSH-20-0044 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On January 26, 2021, 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.  On  April 29, 2019, the Individual tested positive on a random breath alcohol test (BAT) at  work.  In  October 2019, the Individual  met  with  a  DOE  consulting  psychologist  (DOE  Psychologist)  for an evaluation. Following the evaluation, the DOE Psychologist issued a psychological evaluation report (Report), in which she concluded that  the  Individual  met  the  diagnostic  criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Mild, in early remission. During the hearing, the Individual reported that he last consumed alcohol on  April  28,  2019,  the  day  before  the  positive BAT. He further showed that he had successfully completed an intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP) and  was  actively  attending  and  engaged  in  the  aftercare  program.  He additionally submitted evidence of monthly alcohol tests, all of which were negative. After reviewing the evidence and observing all of  the  testimony  at  the  hearing,  the  DOE  Psychologist determined that the Individual had  met  all  her  treatment  recommendations  and  that his AUD was now in sustained remission. 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-20-0044 (Katie Quintana).