PSH-24-0017 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On March 6, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization should not be restored under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. In June 2023, the Individual voluntarily entered an in-patient treatment program (ITP) for alcohol use. As a result of her attendance at the ITP, the Local Security Office (LSO) sent the Individual for an evaluation by a DOE-consultant Psychologist (DOE Psychologist). The DOE Psychologist diagnosed the Individual with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), severe, without adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. The DOE Psychologist partially based his opinion on the PEth test results, which indicated that she had consumed alcohol at a higher amount that she stated to the DOE Psychologist. The Individual testified, and her mother confirmed, that she attended a 12-week Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP) and reenrolled for another 12-week session. She also testified, and her mother confirmed, that she consumed alcohol at Thanksgiving 2023 and Christmas 2023. At the hearing, the DOE Psychologist concluded that the Individual was not reformed or rehabilitated from her alcohol diagnosis . The Individual did not mitigate the concerns under any of the conditions listed in the Guidelines. Accordingly, the Individual was not able to demonstrate that he had resolved the security concerns arising under Guideline G. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0017, Fishman)