The Foreign Service Journal, January 2008

does not involve sharing medical treatment records with DS. Background for Spokesman: DS grants (and revokes) security clearances in accordance with Executive Orders 10450 and 12968, which require the department to make a determination of an employee’s ability to safeguard classified information. Under the provisions of E.O. 12968, no negative inference concerning someone’s eli- gibility for a security clearance may be drawn solely on the basis of mental health counseling. E.O. 12968 fur- ther notes that “[s]uch counseling can be a positive fac- tor in eligibility determinations.” To the extent that employee conduct may cause DS to refer an employee to the Office of Medical Services for an evaluation, as noted above, the role of MED is to make a “whole person” assessment as to whether there is a con- dition present that may affect an employee’s judgment, reliability or stability. your judgment and reliability regarding your public and professional behavior. Thus, we would like you to speak to your regional psychiatrist, who will help us determine whether your security clearance can be renewed. The questions will be about your ability to carry out your job and its responsibilities, and whether you might in any way become a problem for the U.S., the State Department, your colleagues or yourself. DS will not learn the details of this conversation but will only receive the RMO’s recommendation. If you are able to speak to your RMO within the next 10 days, we would appreciate it. If this time peri- od does not work, please let us know when you might be able to have the conversation. It’s in all our inter- ests for your security clearance to be renewed as soon as possible. Thank you for looking after your mental health. Sincerely, Your DS Agent F O C U S J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 49 Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives