Changes to security clearance question on mental health
A look at the changes in the application for troops and civilian defense employees to gain government security clearances that address whether the applicant has a history of mental health treatment. Defense Secretary Robert Gates referred to it as "the infamous Question 21."
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The old version:
-- In the last 7 years, have you consulted with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc.) or have you consulted with another health care provider about a mental health related condition? Yes No
-- If you answered "Yes," provide the dates of treatment and the name and address of the therapist or doctor below, unless the consultation(s) involved only marital, family, or grief counseling, not related to violence by you.
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The revised version:
Mental health counseling in and of itself is not a reason to revoke or deny a clearance.
-- In the last 7 years, have you consulted with a health care professional regarding an emotional or mental health condition or were you hospitalized for such a condition?
-- Answer "No" if the counseling was for any of the following reasons and was not court-ordered:
strictly marital, family, grief not related to violence by you; or
strictly related to adjustments from service in a military combat environment.
-- If you answered "Yes," indicate who conducted the treatment and/or counseling, provide the following information, and sign the Authorization for Release of Medical Information Pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
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On the Net: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf--fill/sf86.pdf
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2008/revisedquestion21.pdf
