PSH-24­-0121 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On October 23, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that an Individual should not be granted access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. The Local Security Office received derogatory information regarding the Individual's previous hospitalization for a mental health condition. In January 2024, the Individual underwent a psychological evaluation with a DOE consultant psychologist (DOE Psychologist) who diagnosed the Individual with Unspecified Alcohol-Related Disorder and concluded that he engaged in frequent episodes of binge drinking. At the hearing, the Individual brought forth evidence that he had been abstinent from alcohol for six months, had completed a one -hour online course on alcohol education, underwent an additional psychological evaluation, and attended two appointments with his prescribing treatment provider. However, the Individual had not complied with the DOE Psychologist's recommendations for rehabilitation because he had not participated in a six ­week psychoeducational class on alcohol, and he had not attended weekly individual counseling sessions. Moreover, regarding reformation, the DOE Psychologist recommended the Individual achieve twelve months of abstinence, however, the Individual achieved only six months of abstinence . The Administrative Judge concluded that the Individual had not mitigated the concerns under Guideline G, and therefore, his access authorization should not be granted. (OHA Case No. PSH-24­0121, Balzon)