PSH-24-0004 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On January 16, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that an Individual's access authorization should not be restored under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. In March 2023, the Individual disclosed that he was attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in an effort to stop consuming alcohol. The Individual met with a DOE-contracted psychologist (DOE Psychologist) for a psychological evaluation, following which the DOE Psychologist issued a report in which she opined that the Individual habitually or binge consumed alcohol to the point of impaired judgment and met sufficient diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe. The DOE Psychologist recommended that the Individual undergo alcohol-related treatment and abstain from alcohol for twelve months. At the hearing, the Individual testified that he had received some of the treatment recommended by the DOE Psychologist and had abstained from alcohol for about five months. He did not provide any evidence to corroborate his claims. As the Individual had not fully complied with the DOE Psychologist's recommendations, and had not provided evidence to substantiate the treatment and abstinence from alcohol that he claimed, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual had not resolved the security concerns asserted by the local security office under Guideline G. Therefore, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization should not be restored. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0004, Harmonick)