Alcohol Use Disorder and the Human Reliability Program

Certain federal agencies, such as those that grant access to nuclear information, use an additional security and safety vetting measure known as the Human Reliability Program (HRP). The HRP is designed to ensure that individuals occupying certain positions meet the highest standards of reliability and physical and mental suitability. To be certified for an HRP position, an individual must hold a Department of Energy (DOE) “Q” level security clearance and is subject to continuous evaluation of their judgment and reliability.

A recent Department of Energy Office of Hearings and Appeals security clearance case involved a contractor whose clearance was revoked due to concerns regarding alcohol use. In 2022, the individual reported to work after consuming a significant amount of alcohol the night before and was selected for a random drug and alcohol test. The test resulted in a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 percent, which was below the threshold for being considered intoxicated on duty. However, because he was preparing to move into a position requiring HRP certification, he was referred for a psychological evaluation. He was diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and was recommended to complete a six-week alcohol education and awareness program.

In 2025, the contractor was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after consuming a large amount of alcohol at a casino bar. He was again evaluated by a psychologist, diagnosed with AUD, and required to enroll in a 12-week Fitness for Duty program. Despite completing the required treatment and passing multiple phosphatidylethanol (PEth) tests since that time, the presiding judge determined that, based on the contractor’s psychological evaluations and history, he remained at risk for future alcohol-related incidents and lacked full insight into the problematic nature of his alcohol use. As a result, his eligibility for security clearance reinstatement and placement into an HRP position was denied.