PSH-19-0014 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On May 15, 2019, an OHA Administrative Judge issued a decision in which she determined that an individual’s DOE access authorization should be restored. To support Guideline H security concerns, the LSO relied upon the fact that the Individual admitted to overdosing on prescription medication in November 2018. To support the Guideline I security concerns, the LSO relied upon the fact that the Individual attempted suicide in November 2018. The Administrative Judge found that the Individual's overdose resulted from the turmoil in his life after his wife asked for a divorce. He sought immediate treatment after his overdose and has been abstinent for six months. As to the Guideline I security concerns, the Administrative Judge found that the Individual has been compliant with his therapist’s treatment recommendations. Further, the Administrative Judge found that the incident leading to the Individual's November 2018 suicide attempt was a unique, temporary event in the Individual's life. With the impending divorce from his spouse, she found that the situation that led to the Individual’s suicide attempt has been resolved. Additionally, the Individual’s reaction to any further instability in his life will be reduced by the tools the therapist has given him and the safety plan created with his therapist.  Consequently, based on all of the above, the Administrative Judge found that the Individual's access authorization should be restored at this time. OHA Case No. PSH-19-0014 (Janet R. H. Fishman).