PSH-21-0012 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On April 7, 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 her to hold a DOE security clearance. In August 2018, the Individual reported to the Local Security Office (LSO) that she had admitted herself into a treatment facility as she was using alcohol to cope with her mental health issues. She later underwent a psychological evaluation by a DOE consultant psychologist ( Psychologist) in March 2019. The Psychologist conducted a second psychological evaluation of the Individual in August 2019, after the Individual self-reported in May 2019, that she had again admitted herself into an inpatient treatment center for anxiety. Following the evaluation, the Psychologist diagnosed the Individual with Alcohol Use Disorder, Moderate, in Early Remission, without adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation, Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Panic Attacks, and Alcohol-Induced Depressive Disorder. During the hearing, the Individual reported that she had last consumed alcohol on May 26, 2019. She further testified to receiving inpatient treatment for both her alcohol use disorder and her anxiety and was actively under the treatment of both a therapist and psychiatrist. The Individual also illustrated how she now copes with her anxiety without the use of alcohol. After reviewing the evidence and observing all the testimony at the hearing, the Psychologist testified that the Individual showed adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation for both her alcohol use disorder and mental health conditions. The Administrative Judge determined that the Individual resolved the security concerns associated with Guideline G and Guideline I. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-21-0012 (Katie Quintana)