PSH-24-0036 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On May 9, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that an Individual should be granted access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. In December 2022, the Individual submitted a Questionnaire for National Security Positions, disclosing his untreated Bipolar II Disorder diagnosis. The Individual was subsequently evaluated by a DOE-contracted psychologist (DOE Psychologist) in October 2023 who determined that the Individual met sufficient diagnostic criteria for Bipolar II Disorder, most recent episode depressed, with rapid cycling, under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and that this condition can impair his judgment, stability, reliability, or trustworthiness. Since November or December 2023, the Individual began regularly seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapist and strictly complied with their treatment recommendations, including medication management and attendance of scheduled sessions. The Individual testified at the hearing that his episodes have stabilized and that he planned to continue taking medication and working with his clinicians. Given the Individual's participation in treatment, the stabilization of his condition, and his intention to continue with treatment, the DOE Psychologist concluded that the Individual's prognosis for managing his condition is good. Accordingly, the Administrative Judge concluded that the Individual had resolved the Guideline I concerns and therefore determined that the Individual should be granted access authorization. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0036, Harmonick)