PSH-21-0022 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On May 5, 2021, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should be granted. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a DOE security clearance. In May 2019, the Individual completed an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e- QIP). In response to one of the questions regarding psychological and emotional health, the Individual responded that he had previously been involuntarily admitted for hospitalization for a mental health condition. He additionally revealed that he had been diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder. The Individual later underwent a psychological evaluation by a DOE consultant psychiatrist (Psychiatrist) in February 2020. The Psychiatrist concluded that the Individual met the DSM-5 criteria for Bipolar I Disorder in full remission. During the hearing, the Individual testified that he is under treatment by a personal psychiatrist and is loyally dedicated to his treatment plan. Furthermore, the Psychiatrist noted that the Individual is " doing the things that he needs to do to be stable and be productive" and has had ongoing and consistent compliance with his treatment plan. The Administrative Judge determined that the Individual had resolved the security concerns associated with Guideline I. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should be granted. OHA Case No. 21- 0022 (Katie Quintana).