PSH-23-0059 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On June 21, 2023, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should not be granted. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a security clearance. In April 2022, as part of the security clearance application process, the Individual completed a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). In the section entitled "Use of Alcohol," the Individual affirmatively answered a question regarding whether his use of alcohol has negatively impacted his work performance, relationships, finances, or resulted in intervention by law enforcement. Following his disclosures on the QNSP, the Individual underwent a psychological evaluation with a DOE consultant psychiatrist (DOE Psychiatrist). After evaluating the Individual, the DOE Psychiatrist diagnosed the Individual with Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe, and he determined that the Individual had not shown adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. DOE Psychiatrist recommended a list of steps the Individual should take in order to demonstrate rehabilitation and reformation from the Alcohol Use Disorder. At the hearing, the Individual testified that he had not yet undertaken any of the steps recommended by the DOE Psychiatrist, but he intended to seek help for the Alcohol Use Disorder soon after the hearing. As such, the Administrative Judge found that the Individual had not yet mitigated the Guideline G security concerns. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should not be granted. (OHA Case No. PSH-23-0059, Quintana)